Subic Freeport workforce to breach 100,000-mark this year

The number of workers in this premier free port is expected to reach the 100,000 mark this year, as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) continues to attract investors in the tourism and manufacturing industries here.

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia, the Subic Bay Freeport is now home to a total of 99,463 employees working in various companies here, with shipbuilding giant Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines (HHIC-Phil) having almost 30,000 workers.

Garcia said that with the current investment and employment generation outlook, as well as the need to allocate some area for the planned Philippine military bases inside Subic, the SBMA is looking around for more suitable spaces for new investors since most of the available land in the Freeport have already been taken.

As of now, Garcia said that the service industry in Subic Freeport hires the most number of workers at a total of 45,661, which is equivalent to 45.91% of the total number of employees here. The workers in this sector include waiters, busboys, bellhops, kitchen staff, and others employed by tourism-related companies.

The manufacturing industry comes in next with 14.79% of the total Subic workforce. Workers in this field are mostly employed at the two industrial parks here, the Japanese-owned Subic Techno Park (STEP) and the Taiwanese-controlled Subic Bay Gateway Park.

He added that with new economic developments in the Asia-Pacific region, more Japanese companies are now looking into the possibility of investing in Subic Bay Freeport.

Meanwhile, the recent construction boom in the Freeport zone has brought more workers to Subic. Garcia said that as more hotels and restaurants are put up inside the Freeport, construction workers has swelled to 2.81% of the workforce here.

Another growing area in the employment scene here is the category for domestic helpers and caretakers. Garcia pointed out that aside from tourists, retirees are also moving into the Subic Freeport for its tranquil atmosphere and access to health and wellness facilities.

Among the companies registered in the Subic Bay Freeport, Hanjin is the single biggest employer with workers at its Redondo shipbuilding facility making up 36% of the total Subic workforce.

Garcia said that Hanjin expects its workers to breach the 30,000 mark this year, as the company had signed more shipbuilding contracts for this year.

According to Hanjin President Jeong Sup Shim, the company would require more skilled workers to complete new orders such as the three ultra-large container ships (ULCS) for the French shipping conglomerate CMA CGM.

Shim added that aside from CMA CGM, the company has also bagged contracts for six 11,000-TEU vessels with leading shipping companies across Europe and Asia.

Shim also said that because of the growing business at Hanjin’s Subic shipyard, the Philippines is currently ranked by the authoritative and Europe-based Clarksons Research as the 4th largest shipbuilding nation in the world in terms of order book by builder country.

He added that at the same time, Clarksons has reported that Hanjin Subic shipyard is the 10th largest shipyard in the world in terms of order book and now contributes 1.7-million compensated gross tonnage (CGT), which is equivalent to 74% of the Philippines’ CGT for new vessels. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

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Japan joins US-PH Humanitarian drills amid South China Sea dispute

SUBIC BAY –Japan has joined US-led maritime humanitarian exercises off the Philippines for the first time, as concerns mount among the three allies about China’s growing assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea.

A Japanese navy replenishment ship was in Subic Bay, a former US naval base, to refuel a US Navy floating hospital en route to Vietnam for the seven-nation humanitarian mission.

It was the first time a Japanese navy ship has taken part in the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief drills from Subic Bay. Japan has participated in past Pacific Partnership missions in other areas.

A flotilla of Japanese training vessels, including a submarine, makes annual port calls in Manila.

Rear Admiral Charles Williams, commander of US Seventh Fleet’s Task Force 73, said humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercises were becoming a regular component of military exercises in the Philippines.

“You are seeing in exercises ... a shift from strictly bilateral engagement to multilateral, which is why you see the Japanese here today,” Williams told journalists aboard USNS Mercy, one of two US hospital ships.

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei also have overlapping claims. Japan and China also have conflicting claims in the East China Sea.

Williams said the presence of Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano, head of Japan’s Self-Defence Forces, “speaks volumes about their commitment to the region and their commitment to being part of a multilateral engagement.”

Kawano met last week with his Philippine counterpart, General Hernando Iriberri, and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in Manila, where he expressed interest in holding joint amphibious landing exercises and operations with Philippine marines.

In a meeting with Gazmin, Kawano also expressed interest in sharing information in the South China Sea and capacity building, particularly in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Williams said humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations were “a great avenue towards increasing maritime stability and security in this region,” part of Washington’s rebalance to Asia policy.

China hit back on Monday at US criticism that it restricts navigation and overflights in the South China Sea. US Secretary of State John Kerry also said China’s construction of facilities on man-made islands for “military purposes” was raising tension and risked “militarization” by other claimant states. (Reuters)

PHOTO:
The USNS Mercy is sandwiched by the USS Pecos (right) and the Japanese Navy ship JDS Mashu (far left) all docked at the Alava Pier early August as participants of Pacific Partnership 2015. (RBB/MPD-SBMA)

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/japan-joins-us-ph-humanitarian-drills-amid-south-china-sea-dispute

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Subic Freeport gets ready for big “Ber” months tourist arrivals

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said it allocated P40.6 million to fund various infrastructure projects in anticipation of the influx of tourists in the last quarter of the year.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia revealed that the agency is currently implementing various infrastructure projects that include repair of roads and bridges, improvement of drainage systems, park development, as well as installation of road signs to give the Subic Bay Freeport a fresh and snappy look.

“The projects are very necessary not only to impress tourists, but to communicate the underlying message of the SBMA’s good fiscal performance,” Garcia said.

In March this year, the Central Luzon Regional Development Council commended SBMA for successfully turning around its income generation performance from negative P.2 billion in 2006-2011 to positive P1.3 billion in 2014.

Garcia noted that since SBMA is continuously performing well for the past three years, “It is only well and good that some of the income will be used to upgrade our infrastructure to provide safer roads and parks for our residents and visitors.”

“If you have noticed, not a single road was flooded in the Freeport in the past rainy days. It is because of the improved drainage system we put in strategic locations,” he pointed out.

Garcia also mentioned that the bridge leading to the Freeport’s main gate, which connects the Freeport to Olongapo City’s Magsaysay Drive, will also undergo repair and will soon again be opened to motorists after almost a decade of closure due to weakened foundations.

The bridge was constructed during the early years of the American tenure of the former US Naval Base here.

Garcia also said that the Boardwalk Park, the Freeport’s popular family and cultural venue, will be redeveloped and made ready for the 25th anniversary celebration of the SBMA in November this year. The rehabilitation will include the construction of a bigger stage and the installation of a permanent projection screen there.

The Boardwalk Park in the Freeport is not only a landmark and favorite place for picnics and watching the scenic Subic sunset, but is also the preferred venue for outdoor events and cultural shows, musical concerts, and sports activities.

The annual New Year countdown that attracts thousands of residents from the Subic community, as well as visitors from as far as Metro Manila, also takes place at the Boardwalk Park. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)


PHOTOS:

SUBIC ROAD REPAIR PROJECTS Workers undertake road improvement along the Rizal Highway in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced an infusion of P40 million for road repair and other infrastructure maintenance projects. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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EPI to build multibillion wind, solar projects in Subic

EMERGING Power, Inc. (EPI), a renewable energy company, will be putting up multibillion-peso wind and solar power projects at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in line with its expansion from geothermal to solar and wind power.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has approved the entry of EPI into local company Jobin-SQM Inc. (JSI) via the acquisition of a 90 percent stake in the latter, SBMA acting deputy administrator Ronnie R. Yambao said.

The SBMA is the operating and implementing arm of the government for the development of a 670 square kilometer area of Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) into a self-sustaining tourism, industrial, commercial, financial, and investment center to generate employment opportunities.

In 2014, JSI president Nancy Tan signed a 50-year lease agreement with SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia for the development of a wind and solar project on an 800-hectare property on Mt. Sta. Rita, about 8 kilometers away from Olongapo City.

JSI has energy service contracts for 100 megawatts (MW) of solar power and 50 MW of wind power granted by the Department of Energy (DOE).

The Mt. Sta. Rita solar project, worth $200 million, is expected to be operational by June 2016 and is seen to reduce coal consumption by 44,300 tons per year.

A feasibility report by JSI released in March 2015 showed that the site is a suitable location for a solar energy facility that can produce up to 100 MW of power.

The report cited “convenient traffic, superior geographic position and rich solar energy resources” as factors proving the viability of the project.

It said the project meets the increasing demand for energy of the emerging Freeport Zone, while also speeding up the area’s economic and social development.

EPI chairman Antonio Martin Zamora said the project will pave the way for bringing clean and renewable power to SBMA.

“What better way to spark progress and growth to the people of Subic and investors in the country’s first freeport than by making clean and stable power available to them?” said Zamora.

Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC), one of the country’s biggest mining firms, holds a majority share in EPI.

NAC has said in a recent disclosure that it will guarantee the loan facility of EPI for up to P3 billion over a three-year period to finance EPI’s renewable energy projects.

NAC said it has earmarked $60 million for the purchase of JSI and Phase 1 of the project, which will initially be able to generate up to 25 MW of solar power.

EPI is also putting up a 40-MW geothermal power company in Oriental Mindoro, a 10-MW solar project in Camarines Sur, a 2.5-MW biogas project in Quezon; and a 10-MW solar and bunker hybrid project in Northern Palawan. (Ritchie A. Horario, Manila Times)

http://www.manilatimes.net/epi-to-build-multibillion-wind-solar-projects-in-subic/209576/

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Ducay shines in 2015 Asian Paratriathlon

Sixto Ducay overcame a poor swim to claim second place in the competitive PT4 category in yesterday’s ASTC Asian Paratriathlon Championships 2015 that started and ended at the Sands of Triboa, Subic Bay Freeport.

Competing with a left arm impairment, the 47-year-old Ducay never lost his focus despite placing fifth out of six participants in the swim leg to spearhead the Philippines’ two silver and a bronze medal performance in this race organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines and sanctioned by the Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC), Asian Paralympic Committee and Philspada.

Andy Avellano took the second silver medal over compatriot Arnal Aba in the PT2 in this event sponsored by Subic Bay Metropolitan AuthorityTourism Department, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, ASTC, Asian Centre for Insulation Phil., Gatorade, Speedo, SM Cares, Canon and Standard Insurance.

Japan swept the gold medals in the six categories disputed at the 750m swim, 18K bike, 5K run.

A total of seven countries saw action with Hong Kong bagging a silver, Korea and Malaysia taking home a bronze each while Kyrgyzstan and Singapore did not win a medal.

Leading the Japanese invasion was Yokohama World Paratriathlon Championships fourth placer Keiichi Sato who emerged as the fastest paratriathletes with one hour, seven minutes, 20 seconds in PT4.

Other winners were Junpei Kimuna in PT1 (1:11:25), Kenshiro Nakayama in PT2 (1:24:26), Hikeki Uda in PT3 (1:12:15) and Ryu Nakazawa in PT5 (1:14:24) in the male and Atsuko Yamada in female PT5 (1:23:37).

DZSR Sports Radio 918, TeleDyaryo, RaceDay, SBR.ph, Kikay Runner and PinoyFitness.com are the event’s media partners. (The Philippine Star)

PHOTOS:

[1] Facebook post from the ASTC Paratriathlon congratulating first placer Junpei Kimura of Japan

[2] Sixto Ducay finishes 2nd in PT4 category (photo from TRAP Facebook page)

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2015/08/17/1489043/ducay-shines-2015-asian-paratriathlon

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AFP to reopen Subic as Navy, PAF base DND: Irreversible crisis has reached tipping point

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Air Force and Navy will go ahead with a plan to open camps in Subic Bay Freeport facing the disputed South China Sea and West Philippine Sea even if a proposed American military presence doesn’t happen, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said.

Gazmin unveiled plans two years ago to open air force and navy camps at the Freeport so fighter jets and frigates can respond faster to any contingency in the disputed waters where the Philippines has been facing an assertive China, which claims most of the area.

The Philippines signed an expanded defense cooperation agreement with the US last year to allow allied American forces to temporarily station at camps including Subic, but the pact became uncertain after left-wing groups questioned its constitutionality at the Supreme Court.

While a US military presence in the camps would help, Gazmin said the government would proceed to construct the bases soon even if the court eventually decides against access for US troops.

The Philippines has scrambled to modernize its military, one of Asia’s weakest. It has bought 12 new South Korean fighter jets with the first two to be delivered later this year and stationed at Subic, Gazmin said.

Subic Bay, about 80 kilometers northwest of Manila, used to host Washington’s largest naval base outside the American mainland until it was closed down in 1992, ending nearly a century of US military presence.

Three years after, China seized a strategic reef also claimed by Manila, prompting Philippine senators to ratify the pact that allowed American forces to return for annual combat drills.

Roberto Garcia, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman, said an airport and seaport will have a dual military-civilian use.

Businesses, including hotels and restaurants, would likely back the return of military personnel, he said.

American personnel from the USNS Mercy, a huge hospital ship docked in Subic for an annual humanitarian mission, swarmed shopping malls and restaurants. “There was a guy who brought two Christmas lanterns to his ship,” Garcia said.

Japan joins drill

Also in Subic Bay, Japan has joined US-led maritime humanitarian exercises the first time, as concerns over China’s growing assertiveness grow.

A Japanese navy replenishment ship was in Subic Bay, a former US naval base, to refuel a US Navy floating hospital en route to Vietnam for the seven-nation humanitarian mission.

It was the first time a Japanese navy ship has taken part in the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief drills although a flotilla of Japanese training vessels, including a submarine, makes annual port calls in Manila.

Rear Admiral Charles Williams, commander of US Seventh Fleet’s Task Force 73, said humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercises were becoming a regular component of military exercises in the Philippines.

“You are seeing in exercises ... a shift from strictly bilateral engagement to multilateral, which is why you see the Japanese here today,” Williams told journalists aboard USNS Mercy, one of two US hospital ships.

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei also have overlapping claims. Japan and China also have conflicting claims in the East China Sea.

Williams said the presence of Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano, head of Japan’s Self-Defence Forces, “speaks volumes about their commitment to the region and their commitment to being part of a multilateral engagement.”

Kawano met Wednesday with Armed Forces chief General Hernando Iriberri, and Gazmin at Camp Aguinaldo, where he expressed interest in holding joint amphibious landing exercises and operations with Philippine marines.

In a meeting with Gazmin, Kawano also expressed interest in sharing information in the South China Sea and capacity building, particularly in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Williams said humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations were “a great avenue towards increasing maritime stability and security in this region,” part of Washington’s rebalance to Asia policy.

While welcoming Japan’s military plans, Gazmin stressed a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) is needed before any joint military undertaking can be allowed on Philippine soil.

“The defense secretary has welcomed Admiral Kawano’s interests in more activities with the Philippines, emphasizing that with regard to conducting such activities, a VFA with Japan would be needed,” DND spokesman Peter Paul Galvez said.

In the absence of the VFA, Japan and the Philippines would make do with a Memorandum on Defense Cooperation and Exchanges.

“Aside from defense equipment cooperation, Admiral Kawano also stressed the importance of capacity building cooperation with the Philippines, particularly on matters concerning Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response,” Galvez said.

Tipping point

China is taking the region to the “tipping point” of an “irreversible crisis” with its plan to build what it calls search and rescue facilities on its newly built artificial islands in the West Philippine Sea, Galvez also said yesterday.

“Maybe we should ask: ‘For whom are those search and rescue facilities for?’ Is it for our ships and installations that they are threatening to destroy?” Galvez said in a text message.

“It must be stopped otherwise it will be the tipping point that will plunge the entire region including the peace-loving Chinese communities into a deeper and irreversible crisis,” he said.

Galvez said such facilities are actually elements of China’s “island building militarization that needs to stop and be dismantled.”

“Regardless of what supposedly ‘good’ details the Chinese leadership informs the peace-focused and rules-based international community, they illegally and blatantly continue with their aggression,” he added.

“They are simply trying to cover their tracks. This is the worst stage of all, this is the militarization stage,” the defense official said.

To strengthen its claim in the South China Sea, China built artificial islands on seven reefs also being claimed by the Philippines.

The construction projects are on Panganiban (Mischief), Zamora (Subi), Kagitingan (Fiery Cross), Kennan (Chigua), Mabini (Johnson South), Burgos (Gaven) and Calderon (Cuarteron) Reefs.

The international community – including the United States and the European Union – has expressed alarm over China’s reclamation activities. Beijing is unperturbed.

Philippine officials said China’s reclamation is a violation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which bars claimant states from engaging in activities than can complicate the situation.

On Tuesday, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua announced that China is planning to build facilities on reclaimed reefs to support freedom of navigation, search and rescue efforts and scientific research. (Alexis Romero, Jaime Laude, AP, The Philippine Star)

PHOTO:
Cmdre. Primitivo Gopo is the new chief of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao. (Phil Star file photo)

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/08/15/1488227/afp-reopen-subic-navy-paf-base-dnd-irreversible-crisis-has-reached

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SBMA releases bigger revenue shares to neighboring LGUs

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) releases a total of P124 million in revenue shares for the first semester to the seven municipalities and one city located near this premier free port.

The P124-million shares released for the first semester of 2015 topped last year’s P93.7 million by 32.5 percent.

According to SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, the increase in revenue shares of the local government units (LGUs) was brought about by the higher profits enjoyed by both the Agency and the Freeport locators during the period.

“The first semester saw a much improved business environment in the Freeport, which paved the way for better bottom lines and the start-up operations of many new locators,” the SBMA chairman added.

Garcia who also announced that the funds for the LGUs, available since last Friday, August 7, said the LGU shares are derived from 2 percent of the 5 percent corporate taxes paid by Subic Bay Freeport-registered enterprises from January to June 2015.

For this period, Olongapo City has been allotted a total of P30 million, the biggest share to be released.

In Zambales, the town of Subic will receive P18.5 million, while Castillejos will get P10.6 million, San Antonio P10.9 million, and San Marcelino P8.7 million.

In the province of Bataan, meanwhile, Dinalupihan will have P15.6 million, Hermosa P12.7 million, and Morong will get P10.7 million.

According to Garcia, the LGU revenue shares, which are given to communities that are contiguous to and affected by the operations of Subic Bay Freeport, “are intended to augment local resources and enable stakeholder communities to undertake development projects in health, education, peace and order, and livelihood generation.”

The SBMA funds benefit more than 600,000 residents in the contiguous municipalities, Garcia added.

According to the SBMA Treasury Department, the allocation of the LGU revenue shares is determined according to population, which is accorded a 50 percent weight, land area for 25 percent, and equal sharing for another 25 percent.

A retention share of 10 percent is deducted from the actual allocations, but is refunded to the LGUs after a certain period.

Chairman Garcia also said that the 10 percent retained amount from January to June 2013, amounting to P7.5 million, was included in the fund released this period. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic cargo volume seen to increase by 40%

Shipping volume at the port of Subic will hit around 130,000 TEUs this year, for a 40% increase from last year’s figure which stood at 77,000 TEUs, officials said Monday as they cited the boon from the recently signed Cabotage Law and continuing port congestion in Manila.

“The Subic port continues to do very well this year as we celebrate the anniversary of the New Container Terminal 1 (NCT1), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Roberto J. Garcia said in a press conference.

As of July this year, the port of Subic has already hit its target of 73,000 TEUs, way before the peak months from September to December as far as imports are concerned, according to Garcia.

“Again we are going into the heavy months starting September and if the port congestion in Manila persists, we can expect more containers to come to Subic,” Garcia told reporters.

Garcia also welcomed the passage last month of the Cabotage Law (Republic Act No. 10668) that allows foreign vessels to transport and co-load foreign cargo for domestic transshipment and for other purposes, which he said will increase cargo traffic in Subic.

“Under the current arrangement, international sips are allowed to go to only one port of destination. Under the Cabotage Law, they can go to any port – from Subic to Puerto Princesa, to Iligan, wherever,” Garcia explained.

He said he believes the beneficial effect of the new law is that the local shipping lines will be more competitive, and consequently, shipping cost will decrease

“As you know, the Philippines has one of the highest interisland shipping rates, and reports have it that it is more expensive to ship a container from Manila to Davao than from Manila to Singapore,” Garcia said. “It doesn’t make sense, and that is not good for business,” he added.

The SBMA chair also said he followed up with the newly appointed Customs Collector Emelito Aquino his earlier request to send back to the ports of Manila the 15 containers of trash which came from Canada, and that the latter immediately endorsed this request to the Customs Commissioner.

“We made our position very clear – we don’t want that trash here,” he stressed. (Ansbert Joaquin, InterAksyon.com)

PHOTO:
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Roberto J. Garcia. (Photo by Ansbert Joaquin)

http://www.interaksyon.com/business/115767/subic-cargo-volume-seen-to-increase-by-40

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Winning smiles aboard ‘USNS Mercy’

Inside a gymnasium filled with rubber matting, parents and children line up to await their turn to be screened. Some of the kids screamed their lungs out after their blood samples were drawn, while others were happy just to be around with other children for play.

All of them had one wish, though – for them to qualify for a free cleft lip and palate surgery courtesy of “Operation Smile.”

For years now, volunteer doctors and medical professionals join Operation Smile to offer themselves for the betterment of the lives of children born with the odd condition. They come together from different corners of the Earth with one mission – to allow a child the full freedom and happiness to smile.

These volunteer professionals have one goal in mind, to give children a reason to smile.

This year’s mission is particularly special for Operation Smile as it is being conducted until August 12 aboard the “USNS Mercy,” the 894-foot long US Navy hospital ship.

The multinational team of Operation Smile volunteer cleft care professionals from 13 countries arrived in Subic Bay Freeport last Wednesday and, since then, buckled down to a five-day free cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries for Filipinos aboard the USNS Mercy.

“Subic is our seventh international mission site this year and this shows just how serious we are at harnessing Operation Smile’s global resources to help eradicate the backlog of cleft cases in the Philippines,” said Operation Smile COO Wayne Zinn, a former US Marine who did a tour at the then Subic Naval Base from 1979 to 1980s.

The Philippines has a high prevalence of cleft births. Every year, an estimated one in every 500 live births or 5,000 babies are born with the deformity. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
SMILING IN PAIN — A cleft-lipped child manages to smile in the comfort of his mother’s arms as he receives a shot in the arm during the recent screening of children hoping to get a free cleft-lip palate surgery courtesy of volunteer doctors of ‘Operation Smile’ inside the visiting ‘USNS Mercy,’ currently docked at Subic Bay Freeport. (Jonas Reyes)

http://www.mb.com.ph/winning-smiles-aboard-usns-mercy/

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Subic Asian paratriathlon slated August 16

Sixto Ducay, Godfrey Taberna, Arnel Aba, Andy Avellana, and the visually impaired twins Joshua and Jerome Nelmida of the Philippines are all set to engage with their foreign counterparts in their quest for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games as the ASTC Asian ParaTriathlon Championships (APC) 2015 fires off on Aug. 16 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

In the race sanctioned by Asian Paralympic Committee and Philspada, the Filipinos will challenge crack paratriathletes from Japan, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Hongkong and Korea in designated categories of competitions that will cover 750 meter swim – 18 km bike – 5 km run. Paratriathlon has categories of Tri1, Tri2, Tri3, Tri4, Tri5 and Tri6 for newcomers.

The event supported by the SBMA Tourism Department, Philippine Sports Commission, ASTC, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Gatorade, Speedo, Philippine Olympic Committee, Standard Insurance, DZSR Sports Radio 918, Channel 4’s TeleDyaryo Program, RaceDay, SBR.ph, Kikay Runner and PinoyFitness.com, got a boost as Asian Paralympic Committee CEO and acting secretary general Tarek Souei certified the APC as a Rio 2016 Paralympics qualifier where participants can earn points.

Serving as side event are sprint and mini sprint distances (750M swim-20K bike-5K run and 300m-9km-2.5km) which will be joined by members of the national triathlon and duathlon teams. Each competition will start at the Sands of Triboa and end at San Bernardino Street. Sands of Triboa is also the venue for the awarding ceremony which will take place at 9:30 a.m. Team relays will also be held for most beginners.

Race briefings will be held a day before the race for paratriathlon and sprint and mixed relay participants at the Subic Holiday Villas at 4 p.m. Race packets will be distributed all day at the lobby. A paratriathlon technical course for all officiating staff will be conducted by technical delegate Daniel Sng of Singapore. (The Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2015/08/10/1486414/subic-asian-paratriathlon-slated-august-16

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US fast attack submarine USS Chicago also in Subic Bay

Only a day ahead of the floating hospital USNS Mercy that docked today (August 4), the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Chicago (SSN 721) is also in Subic Bay for a visit as part of its Western Pacific deployment.

The USS Chicago, returning to Subic Bay since it last came here in May last year, arrived Monday (August 3) and is seen docked at the Alava Pier along with the USNS Mercy.

With a crew of approximately 170 Sailors, Chicago has been conducting a multitude of missions to showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet.

“It’s an outstanding feeling to see all the hard work the crew invested in maintaining this forward deployed warship rewarded with an outstanding port of call,” said Cmdr. Lance Thompson, Chicago’s commanding officer. “The crew looks forward to experiencing many of the diverse activities the Philippines has to offer.”

Chicago is the first fast-attack submarine to be built with a vertical launch system. This allows the Navy to maintain a constant forward presence capable of strategic action.

“The months leading up to our departure from Guam the crew worked hard to prepare for this underway and have performed well,” said Master Chief Machinist’s Mate Jamie Manzoeillo, the chief of the boat aboard Chicago. “We now look forward to the opportunity to be ambassadors of our great nation and enjoy some well-deserved liberty in one of the finest ports in the Pacific.

For many crew members, this was their first time visiting the Philippines.

“I can’t wait to breathe some fresh air and enjoy some awesome local food,” said Fire Control Technician 3rd Class Ethan Suttles.

Logistics Specialist 1st Class Allendale Basa, a native of the Philippines, was excited to visit family members.

“I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with my family in Olongapo City,” said Basa.

Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 7,000 tons when submerged, Chicago is one of the most advanced submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, and strike.

Chicago is home ported in Guam, where it remains in a forward deployed state of readiness. The ship has finished extensive and continuous maintenance availability, tactical readiness review and recently completed its second mission vital to national security in 2015. (SNL)

PHOTO:
Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Chicago (SSN 721). (Photo file from the US Embassy)

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USNS Mercy docks today (August 4) in Subic Port [VIDEO]

The long wait for the floating hospital ship is over. The USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) has docked here at the Alava Pier to undertake a series of missions.

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

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 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 0914-888-4545, or the Office of the Deputy Administrator for Public Health and Safety at (047)252-4924/4307.

The surgical mission is 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.

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.

USNS Mercy last docked here in July 2012. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

VIDEO:
The USNS Mercy docks at the Alava Pier in Subic Bay Freeport (DMS/MPD-SBMA)

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Ocean Adventure gains custodial rights over stranded dolphins

Ocean Adventure now has custodial rights over rehabilitated and stranded dolphins that may not be able to survive in the wild.

The open marine water park in Subic Bay, along with the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network (PMMSN), signed a Memorandum of Agreement on July 18 with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Offices 1 & 3 granting such custodial rights to Ocean Adventure.

Covered in the agreement are three dolphins given the nickname "dynamite girls" as they were victims of dynamite fishing that left them with significant hearing impairment. Because of this, they are deemed 'un-releasable' as they may be unable to survive in the wild. The dolphins will now be staying in a safe permanent home at Ocean Adventure.

Ocean Adventure partnered with BFAR ten years ago to form the PMMSN as the national organization to rescue, rehabilitate, and release sick and injured whales, dolphins and seacows (dugong).

The PMMSN now has over 3,000 trained BFAR personnel and stakeholders around the country, over 60 veterinarians trained in their medical treatment, and recorded over 620 stranding events to their credit.

 Ocean Adventure has responded to 58 of those strandings, and operates the only rehabilitation facility in the country - the Dolphin Rescue Center. (RBB/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

'Kagitingan' is the latest victim of dynamite fishing and rescued by the PMMSN. She now stays at the Ocean Adventure Dolphin Rescue Center. http://subicnewslink.blogspot.com/2015/06/rescued-dolphin-alive-well-at-ocean.html

Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement. (Standing from left): Nelson Bien, FRMD OIC Reg 3; Dr. Leo Suarez, Treasurer of PMMSN; Carlo Magno, SBMEI VP for Zoo Operations. (Seated from left): Lemnuel Aragones, PMMSN; Mr. Nestor D. Domenden, BFAR Director Region 1; Ms. Gail Laule E. Laule, PMMSN; Mr. Wilfredo M. Cruz BRAF Director Region 3.

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Subic Bay Freeport ready for the "big one"

Yes, the Subic Bay Freeport is prepared for the “Big One” and any other eventuality.

As Metro Manila and other provinces ramp up preparedness in case a high-magnitude earthquake hits the locality, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) undertakes similar preparations through its disaster-response arms, the Subic Bay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (SBDRRMC) and the SBMA Fire and Rescue Team

In observance of the National Disaster-Consciousness Month, the response teams conducted mock evacuation at the College of Montessori of Subic Bay on July 24. This was followed by a disaster-preparedness orientation and exercise among business locators at the Freeport’s New Container Terminal on July 31.

In the meantime, hundreds of volunteers from different schools, companies, and agencies in the Subic Bay Freeport and neighboring communities joined a coastal clean-up drive along the waterfront on July 25 as part of the campaign to keep the Subic Bay Freeport safe and clean. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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'Unang Hakbang' towards a brighter future (feature)

Responding to the question, “How can we build a better community?” Redondo Peninsula Energy (RP Energy) believes it is always important to start with the community’s youth.

“We live in a country where parents would starve themselves just to get their kids to school. The Filipino dream always involves children getting a college degree and landing a stable job in the city,” said RP Energy Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Head Victor Persius Chan. “But to a family with income below the poverty line, sending two or three children to school is extremely difficult. When parents are unsure that they can provide their children with an education, their hopes for a better future dwindle.”

Believing that the foundation of a good education starts during the first years of school, RP Energy launched its “Unang Hakbang” (First Steps) CSR initiative with the aim of building and rehabilitating learning hubs for daycare and kindergarten students in Zambales.

So far, the company has provided for the rehabilitation and repair of seven learning hubs. This includes five daycare centers, a kindergarten classroom, and a library in Olongapo City, Subic and Castillejos, all in Zambales. The pilot schools were selected based on merit and need, and through consultations with Local Government Units (LGUs), the Municipal Social Welfare Division (MSWD), and local Department of Education officials.

Clean, Safe, and Conducive Learning Environment

Norma Pader, a daycare worker from Brgy. San Agustin, Castillejos, recalls: “Every time it rains, students, their things, and classroom materials get wet due to leaking roofs and damaged ceilings.”

Now, the kids can be safe and stay dry even during the rainy season, thanks to the newly refurbished daycare centers.
“The children can now also use both the toilet and the handwashing station after the installation of a water system. Before, we couldn’t even teach basic hygiene because water was not available,” said Pader.

RP Energy’s CSR team worked hand-in-hand with the teachers, parents, and MSWD officers in maximizing the allotted project budget, choosing storybooks, and designing the classroom layout.

RP Energy made sure that the design of the hubs is inspiring and conducive to learning. Apart from improving the lighting conditions using new LED bulbs, classrooms were also made more colorful and vibrant.

Unang Hakbang hubs were also provided a voluminous set of story books and references. These include books written by award-winning Filipino authors highlighting values education and Philippine culture.

The program also introduced special corners focusing on different subjects, such as Reading, Math, Science, Art, Music, Community, and Personality Corners. Educational materials and even toys were placed in each corner.

Before the initiative, the Asinan Proper-Mapanao daycare center looked more like a rundown and abandoned building than a place of learning. The teacher held classes in a room with unfinished flooring and torn ceilings.

At the end of two weeks of rehabilitation works, Glenda Pascua, the daycare worker, said, “The kids now have a proper play area, and the new slide is a hit. Masayang-masaya sila.”

Responsive

“We do not simply want to donate equipment. We want to give these centers relevant tools that they will actually use for a long time. This includes height charts and digital weighing scales that will be very useful in monitoring the children’s health,” said RP Energy CSR Officer Jason Gavina.

With a growing enrollment of over 300 kindergarten pupils, the Subic Central School has set up a new classroom just to accommodate all enrollees.

“The additional chairs provided by Unang Hakbang really helped us. Our teachers have three shifts per classroom. I am sure that all the materials given to us will be well utilized. We are very grateful to RP Energy,” said Subic Central School Principal Pamela Gatdula.

Subic MSWD Officer Nelly Pagar is optimistic that they will have more five-star daycare centers next year. Daycare centers need to pass a Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) accreditation, and are rated 1 to 5 stars as a means to monitor their effectiveness in child development.

Empowering Teachers

Balaybay Resettlement daycare worker Virgie dela Cruz was already resigned to the bleak situation.

“Napakarami pong kailangang ayusin. Di namin alam kung saan sisimulan. Wala pa kaming budget,” she said.
However, Unang Hakbang’s participatory approach has fomented a change in the attitude of stakeholders.

“They no longer see themselves as mere recipients but also initiators of change. The teachers no longer just complain; they now take charge of the situation whenever and wherever they can,” said Gavina.

As a follow-through activity, and noting that the teachers play a key role in the sustainability of the program, RP Energy, in partnership with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, is organizing a seminar workshop for the teachers on effective storytelling in August.

Women empowerment

Beyond strengthening the foundations of quality education, Unang Hakbang also aims to promote women empowerment.

By establishing quality daycares where children can be left for a few hours each day, mothers are given time to seek economic opportunities, such as doing part-time work or other productive activities.

Fruitful Partnership

Catillejos Mayor Jose Angelo Dominguez hopes the program will benefit more children especially those from impoverished families.

“Tama ang ating motto: ‘Kayang-kaya, basta’t sama-sama sa tulong ng RP Energy at mga magulang na nagboluntaryong tumulong,” he said.

“This is only the start. We know that with the support of the LGUs, our CSR partners, and the parent-volunteers, we can do so much more,” said Chan. “At RP Energy, we believe that there is a need to invest in relevant CSR programs that focus on the Filipino child – our future education champion, a future CEO, the country’s future leader.”


PHOTOS:

[1] Before and after: Brgy Balaybay Day-care Center, Castillejos Municipality

[2] Before and after: Brgy Asinan Proper Day-care Center, Subic Municipality

[3] Before and after: Brgy. Cawag Day-care Center, Subic Municipality

RP Energy is a consortium composed of MERALCO PowerGen Corporation, Aboitiz Power Corporation and Taiwan Cogeneration International Corporation.

It is the developer of an environment-friendly and state-of-the-art 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The plant is expected to augment the power supply in the Luzon grid when it starts commercial operations.

Katuwang Natin sa Buhay is RP Energy’s umbrella Corporate Social Responsibility program that seeks to establish good stakeholder relations and further community development through initiatives that focus on livelihood and skills development, education, health and sports development, environment and disaster risk management and infrastructure support.

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