DENR commissions two survey ships in Subic Bay

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) formally commissioned two newly-acquired hydrography ships in a simple ceremony held on Monday (June 1) at the Bravo Wharf in this free port.

The ships, BRP Hydrographer Hizon and BRP Hydrographer Palma, are new modern catamaran-type hydrographic survey vessels for the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), an attached agency of the DENR.

Leading the ceremony were DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje, NAMRIA Administrator Peter Tiangco, Hydrography Branch director Comm. Jacinto Cablayan, and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia.

Paje said that the commissioning of the two survey ships will boost the capability of NAMRIA to perform the almost impossible task of gathering the latest and most accurate hydrographic and oceanographic data within Philippine waters from 10 to 3,000 meters deep, especially in ports, harbors and domestic sea lanes.

The data collected, according to Paje, will be used in producing and updating nautical charts, electronic navigational charts and other nautical publications to ensure safety of navigation and aid in natural hazard mitigation and marine scientific research.

“We believe that despite limitation of equipment and resources,
NAMRIA is performing its tasks so well,” he said, adding that the vessels will be significantly helpful in defining the economic sea boundaries of the Philippines.

Named after former directors of the Bureau of Coast and Geodetic Survey, Capt. Andres Hizon and Commodore Cayetano Palma, BRP Hydrographer Hizon and BRP Hydrographer Palma are 23-meter aluminum catamarans​ built by Colorado Shipyard in Cebu in 2013. These were brought to Subic in July 2014.

The ships, classed by the International Registry of Shipping, are complete with updated navigational system, security and safety system, survey systems and instrument and hardware, and hydrographic survey workstations, and have fully-furnished cabins.

“With the two additional mapping vessels, we must start now to map and protect our coastline and waters,” Paje said, noting that some European countries have already claimed parts of the mineral fields in the Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Garcia expressed full support to the leadership of DENR, saying that Subic “will always be ready to support the programs of NAMRIA in every possible way it can.”

Garcia noted that the Port of Subic is now home to the Philippine Navy’s two newly-acquired warships, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz and BRP Gregorio del Pilar, both Hamilton-class cutters that were acquired from the United States. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)​

PHOTOS:
[1] NAMRIA Hydrography Branch director Comm. Jacinto Cablayan (center) shows DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje (right) and SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia around the control room of BRP Hydrographer Palma during the commissioning ceremony.

[2] The BRP Hydrographer Palma while docked at the Bravo Wharf in the Subic Bay Freeport.

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Rescued dolphin alive, well at Ocean Adventure

SUBIC FREEPORT - A stranded dolphin that was rescued by members of the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network (PMMSN) last April and brought to the Dolphin Rescue and Rehabilitation Center at Ocean Adventure, a marine theme park here, is on his way to a full recovery.

Gail Laule, chief operating officer of Ocean Adventure, said that the dolphin was named "Kagitingan" because he was rescued in the town of Subic, Zambales on April 9, or the Day of Valor.

Laule said that “through the timely efforts of PMMSN members and the Ocean Adventure Dolphin Rescue team, Kagitingan is alive and well today. He has been in rehabilitation just over a month and has completely recovered his buoyancy and can swim, dive, and do low breaches."

She added that his vigor and appetite "are now fully restored, and there are no signs of complications that might give rise to a concern. Having said that, there is still the possibility that he is suffering from some degree of hearing loss. "

She added that if Kagitingan's hearing loss is significant “he would not be able to find fish, communicate with other dolphins, and survive in the wild."

In the meantime, Laule said that Kagitingan has developed a close tie with April, a dolphin who was also rescued and transported to the Dolphin Rescue Center, some time ago. "They rest, eat, and swim together," she added.

Dr. Leo Suarez, staff veterinarian at Ocean Adventure, said that after Kagitingan was brought to Ocean Adventure, the animal was provided with 24/7 care by staff and trained volunteers to keep him safely afloat and to closely monitor his condition.

But now, Kagitingan has “a great appetite and eats four times a day. He has just been recently taken off antibiotics but still receives three different supplements everyday," he added.

Suarez said that Kagitingan might be suffering from “acoustic trauma,” which is highly likely caused by dynamite fishing.

Laule said that Dr. Aude Pacini, an expert on acoustic trauma, will be brought into the country to look at Kagitingan's condition.

"We will spare no expense in guaranteeing that Kagitingan gets the best care possible. His rescue and treatment is symbolic of our commitment to the welfare of marine mammals, and to the success of PMMSN," she said.

Laule noted that six dolphins have been brought to Ocean Adventure in the last year due to injuries caused by dynamite fishing. Two died, including a Frasers Dolphin named Julius from Pangasinan.

The other three survived but suffered permanent hearing loss.

Fondly referred to as the Dynamite Girls," they are living in the open water lagoons at the Park.

Laule said that the PMMSN network “is unrivalled in its effectiveness and excellence. We are doing great work, and saving lives of marine mammals all throughout the country. There is nothing quite like it in the world.”

Laule added that anyone interested in becoming a trained volunteer and member of the PMMSN “should contact Ocean Adventure through our FB page or our website PMMSN.ORG, or call 047-252-9000. (PR, SunStar Pampanga)

PHOTO:
Kagitingan – The Rough Toothed Dolphin. Named by the first responders from Subic Town.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2015/06/03/rescued-dolphin-alive-well-ocean-adventure-411216

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SBMA names environment officers

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has established environment officers in its various departments and operational units to bring together employees and workers in the Subic Bay Freeport in a collaborative effort to make this economic zone more environment-friendly.

The environment advocates banded together to form the SBMA Environmental Officers’ Organization (SEOO), which is envisioned to be the leading advocate for a sustainable environment in Subic Bay Freeport.

The officers of SEOO recently took their oath of office before SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, who expressed his appreciation to the members of the organization for “going out of their official functions for the sake of environmental protection.”

“We need to be more aware of our environment, and our task goes down from the simplest of things as keeping the environment clean to preserving it and improving it, too,” Garcia reminded the group.

“For this very important task, you would be in the forefront as prime movers,” he added.

Those who were inducted as SEOO officers are: Loreto Abella of the Public Health & Safety Department, who was elected president; Jun Sarmiento, of the Office of the Deputy Administrator for Finance, vice president; Arlene Pangilinan, of Public Relations Department, secretary; Angie Nafarrete, of Airport Department, treasurer; Jay Sanggalang, of the Financial Control Department, auditor; and Ruben Veloria, of the Media Production Department, public relations officer. Forester Patrick Escusa of the Ecology Center was chosen as head of the Secretariat.

Among the stated goals of the SEOO is the promotion of positive environmental awareness in the conservation and preservation of nature within the Freeport and its environs.

The group also endeavors to encourage the wise use of resources through reducing, reusing, and recycling (3R’s); launch environment-related activities and projects that will increase awareness of​ the importance of a healthy environment in the work place, home​,​ and community; and engage in environmental projects such as reforestation, as well as environmental and safety compliance audits​.

Aside from aiming to be the leading advocate for sustainable environment in Subic Bay Freeport, the SEOO also seeks to serve as role model for similar organizations around the country.

For its initial projects, the SEOO is planning to lead the first Arbor Day celebration in the free port this year, launch an environmental songwriting competition, and organize a counterpart group in the private sector. (ADP/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Officers of the SBMA Environmental Officers’ Organization take their oath of office before SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia on May 27. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Floating bookstore, library docks in Subic Bay

Logos Hope, the largest floating bookstore and library in the world, docked on Monday at the Riviera Pier in Subic Bay for a month-long stay.

MV Logos Hope, which is operated by a Good Books for All, a German Christian charitable organization, brings with her an expanded selection of over 5,000 books covering subjects ranging from science, sports, hobbies and family life, dictionaries, atlases and more.

The volunteer crew and staff numbering 400 people, representing more than 45 different countries, joined the organization and live on board for two years as volunteers.

The ship’s crew will be doing onshore and on-board activities featuring a“big” variety of cultures found across the world.

Special events such the Fun Night Cafe is scheduled on June 21 on-board the ship while the Board Game is on June 28, that will make the visitors enjoy the fellowship of crew members who will demonstrate games popular in the country where the crews came from.

Meanwhile, to celebrate Logos Hope return to Subic Bay, local artists were earlier invited to participate in the drawing contest featuring “what hope is” or Logos Hope and the Philippines. The winners will be announced at the International Night on June 12.

In addition, the Visitor Experience Deck will be available to the public, especially to the newcomers, giving them an opportunity to explore.

From the Welcome Area, the ship will be introduced to the visitors through a short movie and interactive displays which is said to have something for everyone.

The book ship will be opened to public starting June 9 until July 5 from Tuesdays to Saturdays (10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.) and from 1:30 to 9:30 p.m. during Sundays.

There is an entrance fee of P20 per person, but children under 13 years old and senior citizens 60 years old and above are free. (Philippine News Agency)

PHOTO:
Logos Hope/Photo by Arne List from Kiel, Germany (Logos Hope DSC_6743 Uploaded by Trycatch) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

http://www.mb.com.ph/floating-bookstore-library-docks-in-subic-bay/

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GrainPro launches innovative solar dryer to help small farmers

A Subic-based company, recognized as world leader in post-harvest storage and drying solutions, launched another innovation of solar-powered grain dryers that aim to improve the productivity of small farmers.

GrainPro Inc., with a manufacturing and marketing facility in Subic Bay, announced the commercial launching of its Solar Bubble Dryer 25 (SBD25), which promises significantly improved grain drying capability all-year round.

The company also produces the SBD25-Electric, which has the same specifications but uses electricity to operate.

SBD25 is a collapsible modular dryer measuring 15 meters long and with a drying area of 25 square meters that can accommodate up to 500 kilograms of grains. Because of its compact feature, the SBD25 can be easily transported, assembled, and stored.

Branded as a perfect innovation for small farmers who produce 300-500 kilos per harvest, the SBD25 dries the grains while protecting them against rain and rewetting at day time and moisture-filled air at night.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia lauded GrainPro for creating the SBD25, which is expected to significantly help small farmers, especially those who live in communities without proper drying facilities or space.

“Our farmers will be happy to own this portable but very useful equipment,” said Garcia.

He noted that the SBD25-Solar uses solar power and can be used even in the remotest part of the country that lack the necessary dry space and facility for harvested grains, such as corn, coffee beans, cacao, spices, peanuts, and other grain seeds.

“Smallholder farmers now have the perfect drying partner with the SBD25,” says Philippe Villers, president of GrainPro, Inc., which has its main office in Concord, Massachussetts, USA.

“Almost all of the grain commodities can benefit from the superior drying ability of SBD25, which will help improve farm production and the income potential of farmers in developing nations,” Villers said.

Last year, GrainPro rolled out at its production facility in Subic Bay the SBD25’s predecessor, the Solar Bubble Dryer 50 (SBD50) and Collapsible Dryer Case II (CDC II) which are designed to dry up to one metric ton using the same principles employed by the SBD25.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of US-based GrainPro, GrainPro Philippines has sales offices in India, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Brazil and Mexico. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO: 
The Solar Bubble Dryer 25 (SBD25) is touted to be a perfect drying partner for smallholder farmers. 

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Japanese dominate Subic tablenet

Yuya Oshima and Kasumi Ishikawa dominated the tables to lead the all-Japan winner’s circle in the singles tournaments at the conclusion of of the GAC Group International Table Tennis Federation World Tour Philippine Open on Sunday at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Oshima – ranked 57th in the world and second in the bracket – blanked tournament top-rank and world no. 24 Jung Youngsik of South Korea in straight sets, 11-5, 11-7, 12-10, 11-9, to cop his first senior men’s singles title in the World Tour circuit.

In the semifinals of Sunday’s late morning session, Oshima made quick work of Chinese Taipei’s Wu Chih-Chi, 11-4, 11-8, 11-6, 11-7, also in straight sets to complete his dominant outing on the tournament’s final day.

The two met each other in the qualifying rounds of the German Open last March, with the world ranked no. 24 South Korean booting out Oshima in a hotly contested match. With this weighing heavily in his head, the Japanese bet did not take this chance lightly and dominated the match from the get-go to claim the top prize.

“I played against him in Germany last March, so I made up my plan against Jung carefully in advance. So it’s a measure of revenge for me,” said Oshima. “I haven’t had good results for the past few months, so it is a great thing for me to achieve and win the title here. It will give me much more confidence.”

“I played very cool in my mind, and it helped me so much in winning the title,” he added.

In the women’s singles, Ishikawa – the tournament’s top seed – nabbed her third World Tour singles title at the expense of Ai Fukuhara in six sets, 7-11, 11-8, 11-8, 9-11, 11-5, 11-8, in a battle pitting two of Japan’s most-skilled offensive players.

Ishikawa – coming off a tough seven-set semi-final encounter against Yuka Ishigaki earlier in the day – mustered enough firepower to control her matchup against compatriot Fukuhara, who is currently regaining her form following a foot injury that washed away her 2014 campaign. (MST Sports, Manila Standard)

PHOTO:
Women's champion Kasumi Ishikawa (JPN) and men's champion Yuya Oshima (JPN)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/06/01/japanese-dominate-subic-tablenet/

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US lifts shore leave ban for sailors in PH

The United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) has eased liberty restrictions on American troops in the Philippines.

With the lifting of the liberty ban effective May 29, sailors of USS Shiloh now in Subic Bay are allowed to go on pass or shore leave to briefly experience Filipino culture.

USS Shiloh, a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser with approximately 360-person crew of which 31 are Filipino-American, dropped anchor in Subic Bay Friday for a port visit as part of an ongoing patrol in the region.

“The routinely scheduled port visit will permit the ship to replenish supplies, strengthen people-to-people ties through community outreach,” said a statement from the US embassy.

It added that the port visit will afford Shiloh’s crew “the opportunity to briefly experience Filipino culture, which is reflective of strong historic, community, and military connections.”

A USPACOM message dated May 27 announced the plan to reopen liberty in the Philippines commencing May 29.

It added that US service members will adhere to the USPACOM liberty/pass policy which states that a curfew of 2400-500 (12mn-5:00 a.m.) be strictly enforced in all areas of the Philippines.

All U.S. military personnel are required to observe the buddy system, wherein one has to be accompanied by another service member, DoD civilian, contractor, spouse or adult family member when on liberty pass.

“All service members who are on temporary duty or on a port call to the Philippines shall strictly comply with liberty zones posted on the Foreign Clearance Guide”

Liberty policy has been tight in the Philippines since the killing of Filipino transgender, Jeffrey Laude alias “Jennifer” allegedly at the hands of a US serviceman in October last year.

In April when more than 6,000 U.S. forces arrived in the country for the annual Balikatan exercise, PACOM spokesman Maj. David Eastburn said in an email to the Manila Bulletin that “liberty is not authorized in the Philippines.”

Olongapo Mayor Rolen C. Paulino said the “no liberty policy” resulted to lost income opportunities, not only for the city, but the country as a whole. (Elena L. Aben, Manila Bulletin)


http://www.mb.com.ph/us-lifts-shore-leave-ban-for-sailors-in-ph/

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DFA holds multi-sectoral forum in SBFZ on the West Philippine Sea

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) held a nationwide information, education and communication (IEC) campaign on the West Philippine Sea.

In partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), a Multi-Sectoral Forum in Subic, Olongapo in Region 3 was held Friday (May 29).

DFA Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Charles C. Jose spoke about the West Philippine Sea issue to an audience of 180, who came from different sectors of society across the region.

In attendance were representatives of the regional offices of various national government agencies including the DFA, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science and Technology (DoST), and from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), among others. Officials from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), representatives of the local government units of Olongapo City and Subic, Zambales, uniformed personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), as well as various other local organizations were also present.

The event also drew a broad and varied participation from private sector groups, including representatives of several business locators in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ), members of the local press, academe, and university students.

Most importantly, leaders of the fisherfolk community in the Zambales area, whose traditional fishing grounds include Bajo de Masinloc and surrounding waters within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), attended the event.

They had the opportunity to engage Assistant Secretary Jose and BFAR Region 3 Director Wilfredo Cruz in a dialogue to share their personal experiences in fishing in the area of Bajo de Masinloc and also to express their concerns about their livelihood and general welfare.

The Multi-Sectoral Forum was held in the ballroom of Mansion Garden Hotel, located within the SBFZ.

The Multi-Sectoral Forum is an expanded version of the Special Kapihan ng Mamamayan on the West Philippine Sea. The first two rounds were held in Cebu City and Cagayan de Oro City earlier this year. The next round will be held in Laoag City in Region 1 this June. (Cristina Lee-Pisco, Journal)

http://www.journal.com.ph/news/top-stories/china-slams-us-ph-over-status-quo-call

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USS Shiloh arrives in Subic Bay

USS Shiloh (CG-67) arrived in Subic Bay over the weekend for a port visit as part of an ongoing patrol in the Pacific theater.

The USS Shiloh is part of the forward-deployed Naval Forces of the U.S. 7th Fleet — the U.S. Department of Defense unified combatant command responsible for the overall stability of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

The routinely scheduled port visit will permit the ship to replenish supplies, strengthen people-to-people ties through community outreach and will afford the approximately 360-person crew of which 31 are Filipino-American, the opportunity to briefly experience Filipino culture, which is reflective of strong historic, community, and military connections.

The USS Shiloh, commissioned July 18, 1992, is a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser and serves as a multi-role warship capable of facing and defeating threats in the air, on sea, or ashore.

The warship is also capable of employing two SH-60 Seahawk multi-purpose helicopters, used primarily for anti-submarine warfare.

The USS Shiloh, named in remembrance of the American Civil War battle operates out of its homeport in Yokosuka, Japan and is commanded by Captain Kurush F Morris.

PHOTO:
The guided missile cruiser ship USS Shiloh (CG-67) is seen docked for supply replenishment at the Alava pier of Subic Bay Freeport zone Friday afternoon (May 29). The US ship is equipped with guided missiles and rapid-fire cannons and also carries two multi-purpose helicopters for anti-submarine warfare. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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GAC Group 2015 ITTF World Tour, Philippines Open in Subic starts

Subic first before Singapore for paddle wielders/

The five men and women of the national table tennis team bound for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games will showcase their wares against rivals from Asia and Europe in the 2015 GAC Group International Table Tennis Federation  World Tour Philippines Open that starts Wednesday (May 27) at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Organized by the Table Tennis Association of the Philippines (TATAP) and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, the second edition of the five-day annual meet attracted 93 athletes, who will battle for the prize pool of $50,000.

In comparison to last year's edition, the tournament expanded its format to crown champions on the men's and women's open, men's and women's Under-21, and men's and women's doubles.

Matches will begin at 10 a.m. for the morning session, followed by the afternoon session beginning 2:30 p.m. for all days. Admission is free.

The Philippines' top 3 men's players - Richard Gonzales, Ryan Rodney Jacolo, and Rodel Valle, will do battle the world's top 100, including Jung Young-sik (24) of South Korea, Yuya Oshima (57) of Japan, and Jiang Tianyi (61) of China.

Gonzales will team up with Valle in the men's doubles, where they face stiff opposition from Belgium's Robin Devos and Cedric Nuytinck, India's Harmeet Desai and Soumyajit Ghosh, and Hong Kong's Lam Siu Hang and Li Hong Ming. (Business Mirror)

https://www.facebook.com/tabletennisassociationofthephilippines?fref=ts

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Hanjin gets DOLE certification on labor and safety standards

Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp.-Philippines (HHIC-Phil), the biggest shipbuilding company in the country, has passed the stringent standards of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), following an assessment early this month.

HHIC-Phil President Jeong Sup Shim said in a statement on Monday that DOLE officials have issued the South Korean shipbuilder certificates of compliance on General Labor Standards (GLS) and Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) for its shipbuilding facility at the Redondo Peninsula in this free port.

Shim said that aside from Hanjin, the 20 firms doing subcontracting works at the Redondo shipyard were also given compliance certificates after 30 DOLE officials, led by Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz toured HHIC-Phil workplaces on May 20.

Shim said Hanjin, along with its contractors and subcontractors, underwent joint assessment by Labor Laws Compliance Officers of DOLE-Central Luzon office, who also extended technical assistance to these companies to correct deficiencies and make them compliant with labor laws.

During the visit, Baldoz awarded the certificates of compliance to HHIC-Phil and its contractors and subcontractors “so the public, investors and workers may know that [we] adhere to the country’s labor laws,” Shim said.

Following this, Hanjin and its subcontractors signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the DOLE to affirm their commitment in adhering to labor laws while ensuring that the compliance status is sustained and monitored by the labor agency.

The MOA was immediately made effective as specialized DOLE programs and services will be implemented in the form of “Productivity Tool Box” programs and services among the companies.

Baldoz also reminded HHIC-Phil that all new contractors it will engage shall be similarly subjected to joint assessment within six months of their operations and must secure certificates of compliance issued by DOLE for both GLS and OSHS.

Shim said the company welcomes the strict enforcement by the DOLE of labor laws, adding that HHIC-Phil “is very keen in continuously improving the safety and health situation” in its shipyard.

He said HHIC-Phil has been actively participating in the promotion of enhanced OSH condition and has even hosted in February a risk-assessment exercise attended by over 40 representatives from the International Labor Organization, Asean Occupational Safety and Health Network (OSHNET), as well as the DOLE to showcase the best practices at the Redondo shipyard.

Shim said that because of its best practices, HHIC-Phil has been topping the Philippines’s overall vessel order with 86.6 percent of the total orders booked. The rest, or a total of 13.4 percent, is taken up by Japanese shipbuilder Tsuneishi, which is based in Cebu.

Shim said in a survey in April by Clarkson, the world’s largest shipbroker, the Philippines claimed its spot as the No. 1 shipbuilding country with the highest contracts won equivalent to 590,000 Compensated Gross Tonnage (CGT), thereby surpassing the biggest shipbuilding countries, including Korea, China and Japan, with 530,000 CGT, 290,000 CGT and 150,000 CGT, respectively.

“The Philippines is now making its mark internationally in terms of shipbuilding, and HHIC-Phil is proud to be a major contributor in the country’s economy,” Shim also said. (Henry Empeño, BusinessMirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/hanjin-gets-dole-certification-on-labor-and-safety-standards/

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Olympic slots up in Subic meet

Paratriathletes Sixto Ducay, Andy Avellana and Godfrey Taberna hope to secure Olympic berths when ASTC Asian ParaTriathlon Championships (APC) 2015 is held on Aug. 16 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Ducay (arm disability category), Avellana (above-knee amputee) and Taberna (below-knee disability) will be competing in their new PT (ParaTriathlon) classifications with other bets from around Asia.

Organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) under the supervision of the technical officials of the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC), the event will have competitions for paratriathlon (750 meter swim – 18 Km bike – 5 Km run), Mixed Relay (350 M swim – 9 Km bike – 2.5 Km run) and Sprint (750 M swim – 18 Km bike – 5 Km run).

The race course starts at the Sands of Triboa and end at San Bernardino Street. This is the 3rd APC being held at Subic. The Olympic Games is set in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil next year.

At stake in the event, supported by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department, ASTC, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Gatorade, Subic Travelers Hotel, SPEEDO, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Standard Insurance, DZSR Sports Radio 918, Channel 4’s TeleDyaryo Program, RaceDay, and SBR.ph.com, are medals for the top three finishers. (Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/olympic-slots-up-in-subic-meet/

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SBMA, 4As ink accord for 2016 Ad Summit in Subic

Ad Summit Pilipinas, the biggest advertising and marketing convention in the country, will be making a comeback in Subic Bay Freeport next year.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia and officials of the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines (4As) signed a memorandum of agreement recently to hold the group’s next convention again at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC).

Garcia signed the agreement with Ad Summit Chairman Alex Syfu, along with Hermie de Leon, Co-chairman for Ways and Means; Angel Guerrero, Co-chairman for Programs; Maddona Tarrayo, Co-chairman for Administration; Norman Agatep, Chairman for PR; and Vanne Tomada, Ad Summit chief of staff.

Thanking the 4As officials for “bestowing honor to the Subic Freeport” by choosing it as the congress venue for the second time, Garcia said that the return of Ad Summit proves just how Subic has cemented its reputation as a world-class MICE venue.

“I said in 2014 that that would be the first of many Ad Summits to be held in Subic—and this proves me right,” Garcia said.

“The fact is, we would be more than willing to host the Ad Summit each time you want to come back and have it here,” he added.

Subic hosted the successful staging of the first Ad Summit here in May 2014, with more than 2,000 advertising and marketing practitioners arriving to attend the four-day convention.

With the theme “Age of Enlightenment,” the 2014 event tackled ways on how advertising and marketing professional could play a more valuable role in the society.

Officials of 4As said the Ad Summit was borne out of the group’s desire to be the prime mover in the advertising industry and to make the ad industry a prime contributor to national development.

As a venue for learning, the Ad Summit 2014 also drew “rock star” speakers who are icons in the advertising world, and who shared insights on the global creative scene.

Garcia said that the second staging of the Ad Summit in Subic promises to be more exciting to the participants, as the SBMA and the Subic business community had been developing more facilities and attractions for visitors and tourists. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (center) and Ad Summit Overall Chairman Alex Syfu (3rd from left) sign a memorandum of agreement for the hosting of the Ad Summit Pilipinas 2016 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. Witnessing the signing are (left to right): Hermie de Leon, Co-chair for Ways and Means; Angel Guerrero, Co-chair for Programs; Maddona Tarrayo, Co-chair for Administration; Norman Agatep, Chairman for PR; and Vanne Tomada, Chief of Staff. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Aboitiz bets, Barnachea dominate Tour of Subic

ABOITIZPOWER cyclists Kristian Reyes and Jason Comandante scored a 1-2 finish in the premier Category 2 while Michelle Barnachea topped the female open class in yesterday’s AboitizPower Tour of Subic held at the Maritan Highway of the Freeport Zone.

Reyes, 17, although a rookie in a road race event, competed like a tested veteran, showing patience and determination in negotiating the challenging three-kilometer uphill climb starting at the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant before showing nerves of steel in the downhill stage to edge Comandante and Resty Aragon of Team Excellent Noodles in an electrifying sprint finish.

The three negotiated the 90-kilometer race organized by Bike King and presented by AboitizPower in two hours, 34 minutes and 29 seconds but Reyes emerged the clear winner with almost a bike-length advantage at the finish.

“Last year lang ako nag-cycling at first race ko ito at kinailangan talagang magpakita ng pagtitiis sa ahunan dahil alam kong kapag nalampasan ko ito ay maganda ang chance ko na manalo,” said Reyes, an incoming first year management student at
FEU.

Joey Delos Reyes, last year’s champion, failed to break free from the watchful eyes of his rivals and settled for 14th place overall in 2:37:24 time.

Barnachea, 27, of Team Philippine Navy-Standard Insurance, also needed a strong finish to edge Mari Maligaya of Sante Barley in their spirited battle for the female crown in the race also supported by SN Aboitiz Power Group, Sante Barley,
WeatherPhilippines, Subic Holiday Villas, Gatorade, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and GU.

Barnachea and Maligaya both clocked 3:04:34 while Irish Mae Wong of Corratec Philippines taking the bronze in 3:17:15.

“Sinuwerte lang. Ang hirap ng karera dahil sa ahon at hindi ko forte ito dahil spinter ako,” said Barnachea, who last competed in this event in 2011.

Last year’s women’s winner, Marella Vania Salamat, decided to test her skills against male riders, opting to see action in the Category 3 Intermediate class where she finished fourth with a respectable time of 2:34:12.

Ricky Pedrina of Tropang Boy Kanin clocked 2:34:10 to rule the race. In the Category 4 Novice division, Jhay-R Sotto of City Heights Hotel won in 2:45:14 while Rey Ramos of Tropang Boy Kanin (2:48:36) and Edson James Rosales of Franzia (2:48:38) finished second and third, respectively. (Malaya Business Insight)

PHOTO:
Kristian Reyes (middle) after crossing the finish line in a down-the-wire finish of the AboitizPower Tour of Subic. (Dante Peralta, Spin.ph)

www.spin.ph/fitness-health/active-lifestyle/kristian-reyes-17-year-old-cycling-greenhorn-fastest-rider-in-2015-aboitizpower-tour-of-subic#zP9qzHSiqSEjph0S.99

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/sports/aboitiz-bets-barnachea-dominate-tour-subic

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Regent 5150 triathlon fires off June 7

Regent Foods Corporation will host the 5150 Triathlon at the Subic Bay on June 7, Sunrise Events, the organizer of the race, announced on Wednesday at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City.

Started in 2011 by the World Triathlon Corporation, The 5150 is a triathlon that consists of a 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike ride, and 10 kilometer run that sums up to a distance of 51.50 kilometers, hence the name. The first 5150 in the Philippines was held on June 2013 at the same venue and this year’s edition of the event is expected to attract 1,000 participants.

Professional triathletes from around the world have signed up for the foreign entries category including top Australian triathletes Casey Munro, Justin Granger and Clayton Fettell.

“Our aim with this event is to encourage even more people to adopt a healthy lifestyle and embrace multisport training and racing. While we recognize that people may have an Ironman or Ironman 70.3 event as a ‘bucket list’ item, we also realize that you need to start somewhere and this event does exactly that,” said Sunrise Events President Wilfred Uytengsu.

The swimming segment—a rectangular clockwise swim would take place at the Subic Bay Boardwalk. The competitors would then engage in a 40-kilometer bike race from Subic International Airport going to IDESS, then up to Tarlac Road then back to Remington Field. The final part of the event would be the 10-kilometer run that would start and end at Remy Field, going through Rizal Highway, Dewey Avenue, and the Argonaut Highway.

Uytengsu also assured participants that they would see to it that the Subic Bay Boardwalk is safe for swimmers. The safety of the area became questionable the past years because of power plants located nearby.

“We have suspended swim, the last time I think was in 2008, because of the condition of the water coming from Olongapo. Since then it has been addressed by the new administration of the city of Olongapo,” said Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Director Raul Marcelo,

“We tested it last April. The test results show that the water is swimmable, but we want to make sure come race time so we’re testing it again this May,” said Marcelo, adding that the test results would arrive by next Thursday. (Czar Nicholas Elcano, Manila Times)

http://www.manilatimes.net/regent-5150-triathlon-fires-off-june-7/183223/

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