Hospital ship to bring more smiles to residents of Subic community (UPDATED)

The floating hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) is set to arrive in Subic Bay Freeport on August 4 to undertake a cleft-lip and palate surgical mission as part of Pacific Partnership 2015 (PP15), the largest annual multi-lateral humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

According to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the surgical mission will be done aboard the USNS Mercy and will be sponsored by Operation Smile and the Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDF) in cooperation with Rotary International District 3790.

The Pacific Partnership 2015 also provides real-world medical care to thousands of patients, veterinary services, and critical infrastructure development to host nations through multiple engineering projects.

In line with this, the SBMA Office of the Deputy Administrator for Public Health will be facilitating the screening of potential patients who require cleft-lip and palate surgery.

The screening will be held at the Subic Gym on August 5, from 7:00 a.m. onwards.

Potential patients should weigh at least 10 kilograms, not undernourished, and free from colds, cough, or fever at the time of the screening, the SBMA ODA for Public Health said.

Interested parties may call or text Mr. Raul Peralta at 0917-888-4545, or the Office of the Deputy Administrator for Public Health and Safety at (047)252-4924/4307.

The USNS Mercy will arrive in Subic Bay from Roxas City on August 5 to continue is humanitarian mission in the Philippines. It will dock at the Alava Wharf here.

The ship’s crew will also conduct Fundamentals of Disaster Management Course on August 5 at the James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital and Basic Life Support Training with personnel from the Philippine Heart Center on August 6 at the Harbor Terminal, Subic Bay.

The USNS Mercy crew will be in Subic Bay until August 12 for the continuing Pacific Partnership expert-exchange events and community relations projects while the ship undergoes routine maintenance at the Subic port.

Now in its tenth year, the Pacific Partnership missions have provided medical care to approximately 270,000 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,000 animals.

Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure developments to host nations through the completion of more than 180 engineering projects. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

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Bureau of Immigration caravan in Subic Bay Freeport

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (left) confers with Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Seigfred B. Mison during last Friday’s BI Caravan dubbed “Service Beyond the Metro” at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. The BI caravan aimed to make available immigration services and transactions for foreigners in the areas of Zambales and the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (4th from left) joins Commissioner Seigfred B. Mison (4th from right) and other officials of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) after receiving recognition during last Friday’s BI caravan “Service Beyond the Metro” at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. The BI caravan aimed to make available immigration services and transactions for foreigners in the areas of Zambales and the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Bay observes disaster consciousness month

Students and faculty members of College of Subic Montessori conduct a mock evacuation during a simulated earthquake drill which is part of a series of activities initiated by the Subic Bay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (SBDRRMC) in observance of Disaster Consciousness Month in Subic Bay Freeport zone.

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P10B expansion for Subic Port

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is readying the P10-billion expansion of the minimally used container terminal at Subic Bay Freeport in anticipation of increased trade.

The ambitious expansion plan will double the present capacity of 600,000 TEUs to 1.2 million TEUs.

At present the Subic port cargo volume averages at 75,000 TEUs or 15 percent of port capacity.

SBMA is now finalizing the terms of reference for the bidding of consultants which will undertake a detailed engineering to expand the container termina.

SBMA said it plans to award the consultancy before the end of the year.

The National Economic and Development Authority is now consolidating comments from various government agencies on the plan.

The new container terminals 1 and 2 in Subic, each with capacity of 300,000 TEUs, are currently operated by International Container Terminal Services Inc. through unit Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC), which operates four quay cranes.

SBMA anticipates increased volume of trade in Subic where some of the goods are now being handled to help ease the port congestion felt in Manila.

In two to three years, trade volume in Manila is expected to double to 6 million TEUs from 3 million TEUs at present, the SBMA said.

Of the 3 million TEUs, 15 percent comes from the northern and central Luzon areas, which could otherwise be handled by Subic port.

The ports of Subic and Batangas have been designated by the government as alternative Manila ports due to the port congestion experienced in Manila last year.

SBMA has so far identified another 15-hectare lot for the new port.

In keeping with its strategy of future-proofing its ports, SBITC has recognized the need to expand the port in coordination with SBMA. (Irma Isip, Malaya Business Insight)

PHOTO:
The ports in Subic are currently operating at 15 percent of capacity but SBMA aims to double capacity of the terminals to 1.2 million TEUs.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/p10b-expansion-subic-port

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USNS Mercy in Subic Bay on Aug. 5 for Pacific Partnership 2015

The hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) will be in Subic Bay Freeport on August 5-14 for the second leg of its mission stop in the Philippines for Pacific Partnership 2015 (PP15).

The Mercy crew is now in Roxas City for the first half of its visit to the country, performing surgical procedures and hosting community health engagements.

Mercy will depart Roxas City on Aug. 4, and transit to Subic Bay to continue its mission in exchanging events and community relations projects. While in Subic Bay, the ship will also undergo routine maintenance.

Capt. Melanie Merrick, commanding officer of the medical treatment facility on board Mercy said, PP15 is such a wonderful opportunity for their medical teams because they get the chance to work side-by-side with the Philippine medical community. "We learn so much from each other and this collaboration strengthens our international partnership and better prepares us to respond to natural disasters throughout the region,” Merrick said.

In addition, the Mercy crew will host partnership events such as a multilateral leadership forum on gender and development, partnered training with Barangay health workers, biomedical repair exchanges, and a disaster risk reduction forum intended to enhance international response to natural disasters.

PP15 participants on the ship and on the ground include personnel from the United States, Australia, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, and New Zealand. The hospital ship arrived with more than 900 personnel, including volunteers from non-governmental organizations. In addition, several PP15 events will be led by the United States Coast Guard. All PP15 personnel will work together with the Philippine government and local community on various medical, dental, veterinary and civic action projects.

Now in its tenth iteration, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions have provided medical care to approximately 270,000 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,000 animals. Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure developments to host nations through the completion of more than 180 engineering projects.

“We value the knowledge and best practices we will exchange in the coming weeks and also the friendships we will undoubtedly make,” said Capt. Christopher Engdahl, Pacific Partnership 2015 mission commander. “Preparing for natural disasters before they happen is vital to the stability of the Pacific region. PP15 allows our nations to better prepare now so that we are able to respond and seamlessly integrate during future relief efforts.”

Additional information on the Pacific Partnership mission is available on the U.S. Pacific Fleet Pacific Partnership website at www.cpf.navy.mil/pacific-partnership/2015/.

PHOTO:
USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) is the lead ship of her class of hospital ships in the United States Navy. (wikipedia.org)

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/170326/usns-mercy-arrives-roxas-city-philippines-pacific-partnership#.Va8N5KSqqko

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Filipino, not US, bases to be established in Subic, says SBMA

The proposed air and naval military installations to be established here will not be permanent foreign bases but merely training and forward launching facilities to be operated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

This was clarified by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia in a briefing here amidst concerns raised by militant groups that Subic Bay will again be utilized by United States military forces.

“There is no truth that Subic Bay will again be occupied by US as its military base,” said Garcia.

He said that a 13-hectare space located at the end of the Subic Bay International Airport is all that has been allocated for the Philippine Air Force for the 12 fighter-trainer FA-50 jets to be acquired from South Korea.

In addition, the Alava Pier and Riviera Wharf here will be used by the Philippine Navy, which is transferring its major operation from Sangley Point in Cavite due to depth issues.

Garcia also added that because the proposed base will be established under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), US planes and ships are expected to call on Subic on a rotational basis.

Under EDCA, the Philippine government will allow US to build structures, store and position weapons, defense supplies and materiel, station troops, civilian personnel and defense contractors, transit and station vehicles, vessels, and aircraft for a period of 10 years.

The SBMA chairman believes that Subic Bay is the most strategic port in the country facing the West Philippine Sea that could be used to deploy navy and air forces in case of emergencies.

He said that two more countries — Australia and Japan — have expressed interest in entering into an agreement with the Philippine government for a similar Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) for the conduct of military training and exercises with the Philippine counterparts.

Garcia said that while the constitutionality of EDCA has been questioned before the Supreme Court, “It is coming to a point when you take a stand.”

He added that in the situation when a local fishing ground like the Panatag Shoal, which gives food and earnings to many Filipinos, is being intruded upon by foreign fishermen, “We have to take a stand.”

He stressed that SBMA will always cooperate with the national government in the interest of national security.

When asked if the locators might be hampered by the proposed military installations here, Garcia responded that nothing had been changed except that the locators are happy to hear of the proposal.

“Makikinabang din po kasi sila, especially those in the aircraft-related service providers, such as aircraft maintenance, fuel, catering, and others,” he said.

He also announced that among the preconditions of the agreement was that military installations should not prejudice the interest of the locators and that the priority that will be given to the military for the use of the facilities inside the Freeport would only be in time of national emergencies. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

-An FA-50 light combat aircraft from South Korea (left). The Philippines has purchased 12 of these estimated to be worth US$422 million and will be stationed in Subic Bay. (photo by globalaviationreport.com)

-Philippine frigates BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (middle) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (right)
(c/o navaltoday.com & wikipedia,org)

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11 Filipino fishermen rescued by US Navy safe - SBMA

Eleven fishermen were rescued by the US Navy after their fishing vessel capsized 90 miles off the coast of this Freeport.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto V. Garcia said the fishermen were rescued early Monday morning (July 20) by the crew of the USNS Impeccable while in transit to Subic Bay.

Capt. Robert Wiechert of the USNS Impeccable said in a report that while en route to the port of Subic, they spotted lights and people waving from a floundering small vessel at around 6:00 pm on Sunday.

Despite the prevailing rough waters, the American ship was able to maneuver closer to the capsized vessel four hours after and launched a rescue boat that took in the distressed fishermen. All 11 were brought to the Impeccable and given medical attention, food and clean clothing.

Garcia said that once in the Subic Freeport, the rescued fishermen were attended to by SBMA medical officers who determined that they only sustained minor injuries from the incident.

Garcia thanked the crew of USNS Impeccable and said that the rescued fishermen are safe and had gone back to their families.

The rescued fishers were identified as Fernando R. Rebata; Jay-R A. Encarguez; Daniel B. Canaway; Wilson E. Etak; Jerry T. Oliviero; Armando D. Polo; Rueben M. Lebios; Vergel A. Ecarges; Charlie R. Dumaz; Eddie V. Benveniga; all from Barangay Cato, Infanta, Pangasinan, and Ariel P. Balaquit of Barangay Naulo, Santa Cruz, Zambales.

The USNS Impeccable, an ocean surveillance ship of the U.S. Navy assigned to Military Sealift Command's Special Missions Program, is now docked at the Boton Wharf of the Subic Bay Freeport. (RBB/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
[1] Local fishermen disembark from the USNS Impeccable at the Boton Wharf after they were rescued by the crew of the USNS Impeccable 90 miles from the coast of Subic, Zambales. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] The SBMA medical and rescue team, along with SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Randy Escolango (4th from left), attend to the rescued fishermen upon arrival at the Subic Bay Freeport. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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PHL to station warplanes, frigates at Subic, facing disputed South China Sea

The Philippines will station new fighter jets and two frigates at the former U.S. naval facility in Subic Bay from early next year, officials said, the first time the massive installation has functioned as a military base in 23 years.

Using Subic Bay would allow the Philippine air force and navy to respond more effectively to Chinese moves in the disputed South China Sea, security experts said. Subic Bay's deep-water harbor lies on the western side of the main Philippine island of Luzon, opposite the South China Sea.

"The value of Subic as a military base was proven by the Americans. Chinese defense planners know that," said Rommel Banlaoi, a Philippine security expert.

Once one of the biggest U.S. naval facilities in the world, Subic Bay was shut in 1992 after the Philippine Senate terminated a bases agreement with Washington at the end of the Cold War.

Manila converted the facility, which was never home to the Philippine military, into an economic zone.

Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino told Reuters the Philippine military signed an agreement in May with the zone's operator, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, to use parts of the installation under a renewable 15-year lease.

U.S. warships have called regularly at Subic Bay since 2000, but only to dock during exercises with the Philippine military or to use its commercial facilities for repairs and resupply.

Officials said once Subic Bay was a military base again, the U.S. Navy could have much greater access to it under a year-old agreement that gives U.S. troops broad use of local military facilities, although that deal is on ice after it was challenged in the Philippine Supreme Court.

Using Subic would be the latest Philippine military move to combat China's maritime ambitions.

Besides beefing up security cooperation with the United States, Japan and Vietnam, the military plans to spend $20 billion over the next 13 years to modernize its armed forces, among the weakest in Southeast Asia.

China, which claims nearly all of the South China Sea, said it was aware of reports of the arms buildup.

"We hope that the Philippines does more to benefit regional peace and stability," the defence ministry said in a statement faxed to Reuters.

AIR WING RELOCATING

Two FA-50 light attack fighters made by Korea Aerospace Industries, the first among a dozen ordered last year, would be based at the former Cubi Naval Station in Subic Bay from early 2016, two Philippine generals told Reuters. The two planes arrive in December.

The full squadron of FA-50s would be based at Subic, as well as the 5th Fighter Wing, which would relocate from a rundown base in northern Luzon, said the generals, who declined to be identified.

Two naval frigates would be stationed at Subic Bay's Alava Port.

The generals cited proximity to the South China Sea and the ease in making the base operational as reasons for the move.

"There are existing facilities in Subic Bay. We need only to refurbish them," one officer said.

Since Subic Bay hasn't functioned as a military base for more than two decades, it was not among eight locations the Philippine armed forces has said the U.S. military could use under the stalled 2014 defence deal.

The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement would allow the U.S. military to deploy at Philippine bases for longer periods than under existing accords as well as build barracks and facilities for logistics purposes.

The agreement has been frozen since left-wing politicians challenged its constitutionality last year. The Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling in the coming months.

"(Subic) could be one of the locations ... under the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement," Batino said.

The Pentagon has said there were informal talks about Philippine base locations but that no plans would be implemented until the Supreme Court issues a ruling.

STRATEGIC SHOAL

Security experts noted that Subic Bay is only 145 nautical miles (270 km) from Scarborough Shoal, which China seized from Manila in 2012 after a three-month standoff with the Philippine navy.

The disputed Spratly islands, where China is building seven man-made islands, some with military facilities, lie further to the southwest of the shoal.

China might one day also turn Scarborough Shoal into an artificial island, which could make it harder for the Philippines to protect its 200-nautical mile (370 km) exclusive economic zone off Luzon, said Patrick Cronin, a regional expert at the Center for a New American Security in Washington.

"New Korean-built light fighter aircraft could reach Scarborough Shoal in just minutes, and maritime patrol aircraft or drones could eventually provide persistent coverage of Chinese movements in the area," Cronin said.

"A return to Subic Bay, this time led by the Philippine air force, would seem to be a prudent defensive response." (Manuel Mogato, Reuters)

PHOTO:
The guided missile cruiser ship USS Shiloh (CG-67) recently docked at the Alava pier of Subic Bay Freeport zone. 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)

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/522950/news/nation/phl-to-station-warplanes-frigates-at-subic-facing-disputed-south-china-sea

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San Diego Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce visits Subic Bay

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia (center) joins members of the delegation of the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of San Diego County headed by Philippine Honorary Consul of San Diego Audie J. de Castro, during a visit in Subic Bay Freeport Zone last week. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia (left) receives a memento from Audie J. de Castro, Philippine Honorary Consul of San Diego and also head of mission of the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of San Diego County that visited the Subic Bay Freeport Zone last week. (AMD-MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA starts bi-annual one-stop shop Business Registration

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia (center) signs a Certificate of Registration and Tax Exemption (CRTE) during the launching of the One-Stop Shop Registration Project for business locators in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

A joint effort among the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, and different line agencies, the bi-annual project aims to provide locators the convenience of having multiple needs met at a single location. Also in photo are Stefani Saño, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment, and Kenneth Rementilla, manager of Business and Investment Department for Leisure.  (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA partners with private firms for mangrove reforestation

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has successfully harnessed the support of the private sector in implementing a project to restore mangrove forests here and increase public awareness on the importance of mangrove ecosystems.

According to SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, five business locators here and two schools from as far as Manila and La Union, have already participated in the agency’s mangrove restoration program since it was launched by the SBMA Ecology Center early this year.

The program has resulted in the planting of about 300 mangrove propagules, as well as a total of 130 nipa seedlings, with survival rates averaging at 70 percent in most planting areas in the Subic Bay Freeport.

Garcia said the program has gained much support from local stakeholders and visitors because the reforestation project is complemented by an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign to help increase public appreciation of mangroves and their role in biodiversity.

“Once people learn that mangroves are not just putrid swampy areas, but in fact serve as home and breeding places for a large variety of fish, crab, shrimp and shells, they volunteer their help in planting and cleaning the mangrove areas here,” Garcia said.

“And because of the importance of mangroves not only in food production, but also in coastal protection and tourism, we hope to engage more and more companies and private groups in keeping the mangroves in Subic healthy and well,” the SBMA official added.

“Since February this year, the SBMA Ecology Center has undertaken several mangrove planting, cleanups, IEC tours, and species identification projects in partnership with companies and schools,” said Rhea Jane Mallari, a senior forest management specialist of the SBMA Ecology Center.

These include the International School of Manila, which planted “busain” and “piapi” species of mangrove; Subic Golf, which planted nipa seedlings for erosion control; Aikon Subic and Orica, which both undertook planting and IEC activities; Petron Corporation and Hitachi Mechatronics, both for planting and cleanup; and Don Mariano Marcos State University in La Union, which planted mangrove and helped in species identification and phenology.

The participants also donated tools and equipment, and some seed bags used in the planting activities.

Mallari said that most of the trees planted by the program participants had survived, although the Ecology Center and its partners “are still in the process of learning the best practices in mangrove restoration.”

“There is so much to be done, and in this regard we are seeking more partners and supporters to help us establish and operate a mangrove nursery,” Mallari said.

Lilia Alcazar, chief of the SBMA Ecology Center’s Protected Area Division, said the nursery project is important because nursery-raised mangrove seedlings have better-established root systems, and hence,higher survival rates.

The Center is also hoping for assistance in patrolling the mangrove areas here to discourage encroachment and indiscriminate harvesting of mangrove forest products.

Alcazar added that aside from raising public awareness on the importance of mangrove ecosystems, the Center’s Mangrove IEC and Restoration Program seeks to encourage stakeholders in joining the conduct of mangrove management strategies, the protection and maintenance of the integrity of mangrove forests, and the conduct of research and ecologically-sound activities in mangrove areas at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)


PHOTOS:
[1] Members of the SBMA Ecology Center’s mangrove restoration team harvest mangrove wildlings for transplanting at the Binictican-Malawaan mangrove forest in the Subic Bay Freeport.(AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] SBMA senior forest management specialist Rhea Jane Mallari (left) leads the Ecology Center mangrove restoration team in harvesting wildlings for transplanting at the Binictican-Malawaan mangrove forest in the Subic Bay Freeport. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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New PRC facility validates Subic’s importance as logistics hub

The establishment by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) of its logistics and training center in the Subic Bay Freeport has once again validated the importance of this free port as a domestic and international logistics hub.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia pointed this out after the PRC formally inaugurated on Monday its logistics and training center at a 1.6-hectare property along the Corregidor Highway in the former Naval Magazine area here.

“Accessibility is the main factor here, and of course there is also the security aspect to it. It is just a few hours away from Manila; it is accessible by land, sea and air, and the place is as secure as it can get. That’s why the Red Cross is here,” Garcia said.

Garcia said the SBMA has allowed the PRC rent-free use of the property for 50 years.

“It’s our humble contribution to the noble mission that the Philippine Red Cross has been doing remarkably well,” he added.

PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon, who led the inauguration ceremony on Monday, said the PRC’s Subic facility will serve as a hub for logistics support in local and international disaster response, as well as a training facility and operations center.

“We will preposition relief supplies here, both food and non-food items; also our equipment and our vehicles to facilitate prompt and efficient deployment in case of disasters, emergencies or mass casualty incidents,” Gordon said.

“We also conduct different trainings here (because) in a country with a buffet of disasters like the Philippines, we should always be prepared,” he added.

“(The facility) is also part of our tenet: Volunteers + Logistics + Information Technology = a Red Cross that is Always First, Always Ready, Always There,” Gordon also said.

The PRC facility has two warehouses, a function room that also serves as convention center, two dormitory buildings, two classrooms, and a mess hall. It will soon have a hotel and trade school.

The facility, which had its soft opening last March, has already produced its first batch of graduates for the Emergency Medical Technician and Emergency Filed Hospital courses.

During the inaugural rites, Gordon also presented Garcia a citation for the support that SBMA has extended to the PRC.

He also presented a similar award to the seven-man contingent of fire and rescue volunteers led by SBMA Fire Chief Ranny Magno, which participated in a recent rescue and relief mission in earthquake-devastated Nepal. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (center) joins PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon and members of the PRC Board of Governors inaugurating the Philippine Red Cross Logistics and Training Center in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The facility, which sits on a 1.6-hectare property at Subic’s Ilanin Forest, will serve as a hub of logistics support in local and international disaster response. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia receives a citation from PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon and members of the PRC Board of Governors, in recognition of SBMA support of the establishment of the Philippine Red Cross Logistics and Training Center in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The facility, which will serve as a hub of logistics support in local and international disaster response, is located at a 1.6-hectare property that the SBMA has given for a fifty-year rent-free lease. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[3] SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (center) joins awardees after receiving a citation from the PRC Board of Governors for SBMA support in the establishment of the Philippine Red Cross Logistics and Training Center in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Among the other awardees are members of the SBMA Fire and Rescue Team, which participated in a recent rescue and relief mission in earthquake-devastated Nepal. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Bay Asian ParaTriathlon set

IN line with its mandate to develop high-caliber and more competitive national triathlon teams, the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) will be organizing the ASTC Asian ParaTriathlon Championships (APC) 2015 on August 16 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone as well as the Philippine National Triathlon Trials (NTT) in Iloilo City on August 22.

For the APC, a record field of around thirty participants from Japan, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Korea and the Philippines will engage in the competition for the much needed qualifying points for the 2016 Rio Paralympics. At the same time there will be a regular triathlon sprint distance races for elite (mixed relay) and age-groupers at Dungaree Beach in Subic Bay.

More notably the August 16 event sponsored by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) ASTC, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Gatorade, SPEEDO, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Standard Insurance, DZSR Sports Radio 918, Channel 4’s TeleDyaryo Program, RaceDay, SBR.ph, Kikay Runner and PinoyFitness.com was officially recognized by the Asian Paralympic Committee.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Triathlon Trials hosted by Iloilo City headed by Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog will give triathletes from the Visayas region a chance to test their skills and try to qualify for the developmental pool as TRAP continues its search for new talents to represent the country. The event supports the local campaign on strengthening awareness and encouraging the public to support the ongoing Iloilo River Clean-Up Project.

The approved race courses for both Standard (1.5Km swim-40Km bike-10Km run) and Sprint (750M swim-20Km bike-6Km run) distances will start at the beach at Joe II Garden for the swim followed by cycling along the city’s thoroughfares and running using Benigno Aquino Avenue going to Esplanade.

At stake for Standard Distance Top 3 men and Top 3 women finishers are cash prizes of P10,000, P6,000 and P4,000. Medals and product prizes will be given to all Top 3 winners in other categories including the Relay category. Inquiries are accepted by the TRAP at 710-8259, 399-6598, 0915-6394233, 0916-5046513 and at email rreyes_upm@yahoo.com. (People's Tonight)

http://www.journal.com.ph/sports/other-sports/subic-bay-asian-paratriathlon-set

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RP Energy turns over ‘Unang Hakbang’ Learning Center

Redondo Peninsula Energy, Incorporated (RP Energy) has turned over a unit of its pre-school Unang Hakbang Learning Center project in Castillejos, Zambales as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) program in neighboring communities.

RP Energy CSR head Victor Persius Chan formally turned over the facility to the Balaybay Day Care Center V last Friday in the presence of Mayor Jose Angelo Dominguez, social welfare officer Josefina Fabulayan, Barangay Balaybay chairman Arturo Manzano, and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) public relations manager Armie Llamas.

RP Energy, a consortium composed of Manila Electric Co., Aboitiz Power, and Taiwan Cogeneration Corp., is set to build a 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant at the Redondo Peninsula in Barangay Cawag, Subic, Zambales, which is a part of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The new center is equipped with children’s books, toys and other playing materials, ventilators, television set and sound system, new tables and chairs, and an outdoor play pen. RP Energy promised a supply of toys and other learning materials for one year.

Chan explained that the former day care center in Balaybay was already dilapidated, and many of its teaching materials and electric fans missing.

“Early years in school are critical in establishing a good foundation for higher learning,” said Chan. “That is why we have to make sure that the five-year old kids and younger would have an enjoyable time studying in day care centers,” he added.

Mayor Dominguez lauded RP Energy for the project. “Tama ang ating motto na ‘Kayang-Kaya, Basta Sama-Sama.’ Sa tulong ng RP Energy at mga magulang na nagboluntaryong magkarpintero ay naitayo ang center na ito,” he said.

Dominguez added that the “play while you learn” concept of Unang Hakbang Learning Center can be more effective because children will be encouraged more to come to school.

“There are lots of toys and learning activities that will make their stay in the school enjoyable,” he said.

Chan said the Unang Hakbang Learning Centers are part of RP Energy’s CSR project, which aims to provide a more conducive learning environment to pre-elementary students.

RPE CSR team officer Jason Gavina also said that more Unang Hakbang Learning Centers might be established in the town if the center in Balaybay proves to be successful.

Six more Unang Hakbang Learning Centers are also scheduled for turnover in Olongapo City and in Subic, Zambales. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
[1] Day care students listen intently to an RP Energy volunteer, as she tells a story during the ceremonial turnover of the Unang Hakbang Learning Center in Barangay Balaybay, Castillejos, Zambales. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] RP Energy officials led by CSR Manager Victor Persius Chan (center) join Casillejos Mayor Jose Angelo Dominguez and village officials and students during the ceremonial turnover of an Unang Hakbang Learning Center in Barangay Balaybay, Castillejos, Zambales. Also in photo is SBMA PR Manager Armina Llamas (2nd from right). (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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USS Lassen drops anchor in Subic Bay

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) arrived Wednesday (July 1) in Subic Bay for a port visit.

Prior to its arrival here, Lassen's crew of 320 Sailors, including members of the 'Warlords' of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51, conducted presence patrols in the South China Sea and in waters around the Philippine Islands.

During the port visit, Lassen's crew will have the opportunity to interact with local citizens, experience Philippine culture, give back to the local community through several community relation projects and enjoy the natural splendor of the surrounding land and seascapes.

With all the natural beauty the Philippines has to offer, I am honored and excited to bring Lassen back to Subic Bay,” said Cmdr. Robert Francis, Lassen's commanding officer. “For many of our Sailors, this is a real treat to be coming back to such a beautiful country. I could not ask for a more exciting and culture-rich port to visit.”

U.S. Navy port visits not only improve the quality of life for Sailors, but also play an important role in promoting peace and stability by strengthening relationships between the U.S. and the Philippines.

Lassen, one of seven destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, is currently on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (USS Lassen Public Affairs)

PHOTO:
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen. 

http://right.is/military/2015/07/uss-lassen-to-experience-philippine-culture-2526.html

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