Subic Bay to be the Philippines' earth station for "Diwata"

Subic Bay Freeport shall be the earth station for the Philippines' very own satellites, one of which shall be launched to space in April of this year, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said.

A government project dubbed the Philippine Scientific Earth Observation Micro-Satellite (PHL-Microsat) Program aims to send two micro-satellites into space to assist in disaster management programs, weather forecasting, agriculture, fisheries, forest protection, mining, and even the protection of cultural and historical sites.

The first micro-satellite, PHL-Microsat-1, nicknamed Diwata, will be launched into space in April this year from the International Space Station (ISS), a large, habitable satellite orbiting the Earth. The second one, PHL-Microsat-2, will be launched in 2017.

The data will be obtained on a daily basis and will be sent to a ground receiving station in Subic Bay Freeport. The station, to be called the Philippine Earth Data Resources and Observation Center (PEDRO), will provide crops and climate experts with information on a particular area’s vegetation conditions.

It will also receive, process and distribute spatial data to provide government officials with intelligent decision-making tool on various areas of concern such as the occurrence of pests, annual yield of rice to prevent shortages in production and other issues.

DOST Secretary Mario Montejo said the launch schedule was set after the DOST firmed up the arrangements with an American provider of space shuttle services on which the “micro satellite” would be launched.

Select scientists from the DOST are now in Japan, collaborating with space scientists from Hokkaido University, in the assembly of the micro satellite.

Though the assembly is now getting much assistance from Japanese scientists, Montejo said the Filipino scientists are doing the actual design and fabrication activities.

DOST Assistant Secretary Raymund Liboro said the micro satellite will be a key component of the cutting edge remote sensing technology capability being developed by the DOST, which will use satellite imagery and ground data processing to generate data and information on agricultural and also marine and mountain conditions.

Liboro said the remote sensing technology research and development effort of the DOST was greatly benefited by the DOST’s recent hosting of the 2015 Asian Conference on Remote Sensing during which it gathered the world’s foremost experts and resource persons last October.

He said the DOST and scientists and researchers of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration were able to confer with these experts.

Enrico Paringit, head of the DOST’s Project DREAM (Disaster Risk Exposure Assessment for Mitigation), explained that through the said technology, experts can make an inventory of the agricultural resources and immediately discover any irregularities in the crops before these spread.

“The El Niño phenomenon was detected using remote sensing technologies,” Paringit said.

He said remote sensing technology has benefits in the areas of agriculture, forestry and disaster mitigation.

Remote sensing is the technology used in getting information on an object or phenomenon without making any physical contact. It is done through aerial scanning of a location or through satellite images.

“We can say that remote sensing is more like feeling without touching,” Paringit said.

Under the DREAM program which Paringit heads, DOST will be sending two micro satellites in two years starting 2016 to enable the remote transmission of data. These images will be verified using data coming from other sources. (SNL)

PHOTO:

Diwata, the Philippines' first microsatellite, may look like this, the 1U CubeSat ESTCube-1 which was developed by Estonia.  Image from Wikipedia

Sources:

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/01/02/1538494/april-launch-seen-philippine-satellite

http://www.rappler.com/nation/86327-philippine-microsatellite-diwata

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2-in-1 triathlon event in Subic Bay on Feb. 21

THE Subic Bay Freeport Zone is all set to welcome hundreds of triathletes who will converge at the ACEA Subic Bay (formerly Sands of Triboa) at 6 a.m. on February 21 for the 2016 National Age-Group Triathlon (NAGT) and the Philippine National Games Triathlon Finals.

The two-in-one event organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) in cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will see the participation of 87 PNG finalists (45 men and 42 women) competing side-by-side with members of the National Team in a standard distance 1.5 Km swim 40 Km bike and 10 Km run contest which will determine the National Champions for 2016.

Age-groupers in the event sponsored by the PSC, ACEA Subic Bay, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Century Tuna, Harbor Point Ayala Mall, Ocean Adventure, Camayan Resort and Lighthouse Marina Resort will try their luck to top their respective age-group categories in the Standard Distance, Sprint Distance (750 M swim,20 Km bike, 5 Km run) and Mini-Sprint (500 M swim, 16 Km bike, 2.5 Km run) contests.At stake for event winners are specially designed medals as well as gift items.

Meanwhile, PNG champions in the men and women categories will get a chance to become members of the National Team if they are not members yet.

In other developments, the Philippines made it to the list of Developed National Federations for Technical Officials and Coaches based on the year-end report of the Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC) that got published recently.

The national athletes are classified as developing with the recent 2 gold medal haul in the June 2015 Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Singapore plus a couple of 1st place finishes in Pariaman Duathlon in Indonesia and Singapore International Triathlon. (Peoples Tonight)

http://www.milesandpages.com/2015/12/national-age-group-triathlon-2016-and.html

http://www.journal.com.ph/sports/other-sports/2-in-1-triathlon-event-in-subic-bay-on-feb-21

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Subic Freeport to welcome 2016 with Grand Pyro-Musical Show

In view of the growing number of residents and visitors joining the annual New Year’s Eve Countdown at the Boardwalk Park here, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will present a Grand Pyro-Musical Show to welcome the New Year in this free port​.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said that as more and more people spend the New Year’s Eve and have media noche at Subic’s outdoor activity venue, the SBMA over the years has been putting up fireworks display and free musical concerts as entertainment.

“But this year, we expect that spectators will be more delighted with our spectacular Grand Pyro-Musical Show, which is similar to the local entry of Dragon Fireworks and Perpetual Wave to the international competition held last year at the Mall of Asia,” Garcia said.

A pyro-musical show is actually a fireworks display where each explosion rhymes with the beat of music.

In the planned New Year’s Countdown here, the spectacular fireworks will be synchronized with the music to be played over the SBMA’s radio station Subic Bay 89.5 FM for a grand display of musical artistry and superb pyrotechnical design.

Garcia said that aside from the pyro-musical show, spectators will also be getting the usual Christmas treat of free live-band concert featuring the Buganda Tribe, homegrown musicians, ​and special guest performers from different parts of the region.

Accordingly, spectators may enjoy the spectacular fireworks display free of charge at the Boardwalk Park, the Moonbay Marina Beachfront, or from any of the hotels and restaurants along Waterfront Drive.

The Lighthouse Beach area, meanwhile, will be open with tickets starting at P1,990 inclusive of dinner buffet. The program starts at 7:00 in the evening.

“The SBMA New Year’s Countdown is all about uniting the whole Subic Bay Freeport Zone in a hallmark event,” Chairman Garcia also noted. “So we are inviting the public to be inspired and spend time with their loved ones while sharing a backdrop of colorful lights and a colorfully-lit sky that symbolizes a bright future ahead.”

The event, which will be presented by the SBMA with the Subic Bay Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC), in cooperation with the Subic Bay Hotels, Attractions and Stakeholders Visitors Board (SBHATSVB) will have the official hashtag of #For the love of #1SubicBay. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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Five gov't satellite offices open inside Subic Bay Freeport Zone

Mall goers in Subic Bay can now do business while shopping as five national government agencies recently opened their satellite offices inside the Harbor Point Mall.

This was made possible after the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Social Security System (SSS) and PhilHealth signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Ayala-owned mall for the maintenance of their offices.

Said move primarily aims to provide clients with easier and more comfortable access to various services of the government.

During the MOA Signing and ribbon-cutting, DTI Regional Director Judith Angeles expressed her gratitude to Harbor Point for enabling DTI and other government agencies to prove their commitment in bringing their services closer to people.

"I hope that by next year, the DTI office here can also expand and be enrolled as a Negosyo Center,” she added.

Aside from Angeles, DILG Regional Director Florita Dijan, SSS Assistant Vice President Vilma Agapito, and Harbor Point Deputy Operations Manager Derrick Manuel also led the ribbon cutting.

Serving as witnesses to the MOA Signing were Subic Freeport Chamber of Commerce Chairman Emeritus Danny Piano and Director Cynthia Paulino. (CLJD/MJLS-PIA 3)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2661450245318/five-gov-t-satellite-offices-open-inside-subic-bay-freeport-zone

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SBMA confers awards to 15 top Subic Freeport investors

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has conferred its first Mabuhay Business Awards to 15 business locators here who have strengthened the local economy and contributed significantly to the growth of the country’s gross domestic product.

Organized by the Office of the Chairman and Administrator and the SBMA Business Group, the Mabuhay Business Awards were given to the top 15 locators whose combined investments have reached a total of US$3 billion and together have employed over 40,000 workers.

“These locators have breathed life into the local economy,” said SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia. “They have transformed vacant parcels of land into busy commercial establishments and factories; a target range into a leading shipbuilding facility in the world; and a marsh land into a hi-tech manufacturing facility producing high value electronic components used by global brands.”

“The awards we’re giving them are just a small measure of our appreciation in helping build the Subic Bay Freeport into what it is now,” Garcia added.

According to SBMA Deputy Administrator for Business Ronnie Yambao, the 15 investor-awardees were chosen from the 1,536 Freeport-registered companies based on their actual investments, jobs generated, and multiplier effect caused by the locators’ business operations.

For the general business sector, the awardees were: Honeywell Ceasa (Subic Bay) Co., Inc., a P435-million firm providing repair and overhaul of aircraft wheels, brakes and other aircraft equipment; Petron Freeport Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Petron Corp., with P422-million investment in Subic; and Anglo Asia Commodities Corp., a P350-million investment engaged in export/import, warehousing, and transshipment of general cargoes and merchandise.

For the information and communication technology sector, the awardees were: PLDT Subic Telecom Inc., a P550-million project that provides telecommunications services in the Freeport; S-Corp Philippines, Inc., a P166-million company with 1,800 workers in the field of technology services; and Moon Kkang Talk, Inc., a P97-million investment with 173 workers that provides online direct response marketing, live order taking services, on-line learning center, among others.


For the leisure sector, those cited were: Subic Bay Town Center, Inc., with investment of P1.6-billion for the operation of the Harbor Point Mall; Royal Duty Shops Inc., also a P1.6-billion investment that engages in retail business; and Fertuna Holdings Corp, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cosco Capital Inc., with P554M million committed investment in the field of retail, real estate, liquor distribution and other specialty business.

For the logistics sector: Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corp., with P3.4-billion worth of investment in fuel terminal and storage tank farm that can hold 4.6 million barrels of petroleum and petroleum-related products; Subic Bay International Terminal Corp., a P906-million company that manages and operates the New Container Terminal 1 and is committed to further develop the facilities; and Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal Services, Inc., with investment of P683 million for bulk grain handling for Central and Northern Luzon grain importers.

Then for the manufacturing and maritime sector, the awardees were: Hanjin Heavy Industries Inc., Phil., Subic’s biggest investor with over US$2 billion investment and a total of 33,863 workers; Sanyo Denki Phils., Inc., a P3.2-billion company with 3,500 workers engaged in the manufacture of electric machineries, appliances and computer and electronic wares; and Tong Lung Phils. Metal Industry Co., Inc., which has over P2.1 billion in investments and over 2,100 workers for the manufacture of residential and commercial locksets and door closer.

The Subic Bay Freeport and the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga remain to be major contributors to the country’s economic development, as their combined export values last year provided about 11 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

The SBMA said that Subic and Clark’s combined export value last year amounted to around US$6 billion and was very significant to the gross regional domestic product (GRDP), which contributed 11 percent to the Philippine GDP. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia, along with other SBMA officials, joins locator-awardees during the first SBMA Mabuhay Business Awards ceremony held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on December 11, 2015. Fifteen of the biggest business locators here were recognized for their significant contribution in strengthening the local economy and to the growth of the country’s gross domestic product. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Central Luzon workers get pay hike

Workers in Central Luzon will soon get higher pay after the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) approved on Wednesday (Dec. 9) the newest wage order for the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said in a statement that Wage Order No. RB III-19, which raises by P15 per day the minimum wage for workers in the six provinces and P20 per day in Aurora has been unanimously approved.

“We have unanimously affirmed the wage order for workers in retail and services establishments with less than 16 workers,” Baldoz said, adding that the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) was able to meet its target that all of the country’s 30 minimum wage rates will be above the poverty threshold level before President Aquino’s term ends.

“This is a victory not only for Filipino workers but for all Filipinos,” Baldoz said.

The increase of P15 per day in Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales will be given in two tranches: the first P8 upon implementation of the wage order and the next P7 on May 1 next year.

Similarly, for Aurora province, the increase of P20 per day shall also be given in two tranches. The first tranche of P10 will be given upon the implementation of the order and the additional P10 on May 1, 2016.

Dole Regional Director Ana Dione said that with the pay hike, the minimum wage in Central Luzon now stands at P364 per day.

“With the increase, the highest minimum wage in the region is now P364, which is above the poverty threshold of P248 for a family of five as of December 2012,” she said.

The latest Dole-NWPC wage order applies to all minimum wage earners in the private sector in Central Luzon regardless of position, designation, status of employment, and methods by which the wages are paid.

Those who are not covered by the wage order are “kasambahays” and persons employed in personal service of another, including family drivers and workers of barangay micro business enterprises.

In issuing the wage order, the Regional Wage Board encourages establishments to adopt productivity improvement schemes such as time and motion studies, good housekeeping, quality circles, and labor management cooperation, as well as to implement gain sharing programs.

“Complaints for non-compliance with Wage Order RB III-19 shall be filed with Dole Regional Office III and shall be subject of enforcement proceedings under Article 128 of the Labor Code,” Dione said.

Any person, corporation, trust, or firm, partnership, association, or entity which refuses or fails to pay the prescribed wage rates shall be subject to penal provisions under Republic Act 6727, or the Minimum Wage Fixing Law. (JTD/Sun.Star Pampanga)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2015/12/11/central-luzon-workers-get-pay-hike-446459

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Philippine bird festival highlights Subic Bay's endangered parrot

The Green Racquet-tail (Prionitirus luconensis), an endangered parrot species making its last stand in Subic Bay, takes the spotlight in the 10th Philippine Bird Festival in Balanga City, Bataan.

With the theme “Ibon at Kalikasan, Kayamanan ng Bayan (Birds and Nature, Our Nation’s Treasure),” the Philippine Bird Festival aims to raise awareness and appreciation of Philippine birds. The vulnerable Green Racquet-tail is featured as the logo of this year's bird festival.

The last remaining population of Green Racquet-tails is found within the protected Subic Bay Forest Reserve.

This species is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), meaning that any international trade in the Green Racquet-Tail should be carefully monitored.

Despite these measures, this bird remains vulnerable to extinction and further measures, such as the protection of other key populations and improved efforts to prevent illegal logging, have been recommended.

The 10th Phiippine Bird Festival is spearheaded by the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP), a non-government organization promoting recreational birdwatching and the responsible enjoyment of nature.

“The main purpose of the bird fair is to showcase what birds are for, their ecological effect and contribution,” said WBCP President Gina Mapua, who pointed out that birds are good indicators of how healthy the environment is.

Speaking at the recent launching of the event, Mapua said: “Without birds, there will be no forests – they are main planters of our forests. They are our ecological friends.”

“What we’re trying to push is the protection of birds because they protect us,” she added.

Every year, the festival, in partnership with local government units (LGUs), academic institutions and environment conservation groups, goes to various places in the country to highlight bird species unique in every island.  (SNL)

Click here more information on the Green-Racquet Tail

PHOTO:
A Green Racquet-Tail seen at the Nabasan area in Subic Bay. Named to be so because of its racquet-like tail extensions. This species has been uplisted to Endangered on the basis that its population is estimated to be very small, and thus less numerous than previously thought. (photo courtesy of manilaoldtimer.net)

Related story:
http://www.mb.com.ph/10th-philippine-bird-festival-draws-thousands/

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Phl defense modernization: 1st batch of APCs from US arrives in Subic Bay

77 units of M113A2 Armed Personnel Carriers (APC) arrived in Subic Bay yesterday (Wednesday) evening. This was the first shipment of 114 such vehicles to arrive.

The second shipment of 37 units is scheduled to arrive on 14 Dec, and the remainder will be delivered later this month.

The APCs will be transferred from the U.S. government to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) via the Excess Defense Article (EDA) Program.

The EDA Program grants excess U.S. military equipment from the U.S., without cost, to qualified allied countries.

The transfer is a result of a formal request made by the AFP to assist in their defense modernization efforts.

The M113 was developed to provide a survivable and reliable light tracked vehicle that allows for troops to be brought forward under armor for dismounted operations.

A number of the vehicles are scheduled to participate in the annual AFP Day Parade, Dec. 21.

The AFP is scheduled to receive the remaining vehicles later this month.

PHOTO:
Philippine Defense and Armed Forces officials say the newly procured M113A2 armored vehicles with remote controlled weapons systems will be used mostly in Mindanao. (CNNPH)

http://manila.usembassy.gov/press-photo-releases-2015/usg-transfers-armored-personnel-carriers-afp.html

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Stealth submarine USS Tucson visits Subic Bay

The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770) arrived at Subic Bay last week for a visit as part of its Indo-Asia-Pacific deployment.

In a statement Wednesday, the US embassy said the USS Tucson is one of the stealthiest and most advanced submarines in the world.

Measuring more than 360 feet long, this submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

With a crew of approximately 150, the Tucson will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet.

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

“I look forward to learning about the customs and traditions of the Philippines,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Evan Lusk. “I intend to view local sites and look forward to some well-earned rest and relaxation.”

However, some of the Tucson’s Filipino-American sailors had an opportunity to connect with their heritage.

“I am excited to visit my family’s home country and share our native heritage with my fellow shipmates,” said Seaman Christian Bello.

The men have worked and trained hard to prepare the ship for deployment and their performance over the past 11 months has been nothing less than exceptional,” said Senior Chief Electronics Technician Billy Daly Jr., USS Tucson’s chief of the boat. “I am proud to serve with each and every one of these sailors and to be part of USS Tucson.” (SNL)

PHOTO:
US fast-attack submarine USS Tucson is one of the stealthiest and most advanced submarines in the world. (US Navy/1st Class David J. Weideman)

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Best Western unveils new midscale hotel in Subic Bay

BANGKOK - Best Western Hotels & Resorts has unveiled a new midscale hotel in the Philippines.

Located at Subic Bay, on the west coast of Luzon Island, approximately 100km north of Manila, the new Best Western Plus Hotel Subic becomes the first internationally-branded midscale hotel in the area.

Set in a brand new building that exudes contemporary style, Best Western Plus Hotel Subic offers 77 midscale rooms, all including flat-screen TVs, mini-bars and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel also features a range of facilities for both business and leisure travelers.

“The Philippines is an incredibly important market for Best Western, and I am delighted to be able to welcome guests to our first ever hotel in Subic Bay - another exciting destination for our company,” said Olivier Berrivin, Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ Managing Director of International Operations - Asia.

“The Subic Bay Freeport Zone is a vitally important industrial area for the Philippines, and the broader Asia Pacific region. And the area’s impressive beaches and marine attractions are making Subic Bay an increasingly popular tourism destination. I am confident that Best Western Plus Hotel Subic will become a key addition to the area’s travel and hospitality landscape.” Mr. Berrivin added.

Best Western Plus Hotel Subic becomes the seventh Best Western in the Philippines, joining existing properties in Manila, Makati City, Cebu City and the resort island of Boracay.

It also becomes the country’s third upscale Best Western Plus hotel following the Best Western Plus Antel Hotel in Makati City and Best Western Plus Lex Cebu. (Theodore Koumelis, Travel Daily News)

PHOTOS:

Located at Subic Bay, on the west coast of Luzon Island, approximately 100km north of Manila, the new Best Western Plus Hotel Subic becomes the first internationally-branded midscale hotel in the area.

http://www.traveldailynews.asia/news/article/60299/best-western-unviels-new-midscale

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Toyota Vios cup revs up on Subic track

With the mountains and the sea as an enchanting backdrop, 47 amateur racers battled it out for podium honors in the fourth and final leg of the 2015 Toyota Vios Cup at the tarmac of the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) here on Sunday.

The much-awaited showdown brought the racers and winners in the previous three legs for deciding matches in the promotional, sporting and celebrity classes.

Thousands of racing fans crowded the makeshift galleries set up in front of the SBIA terminal, as the drivers gunned for official practice and qualifiers on Saturday, and for the official races the next day.

The action on the tarmac revved up on Sunday when Race 7 of the sporting class fired off at half past noon. It was immediately followed by Race 7 of the promotional/celebrity class at 1:50 p.m., with fans rooting for celebrity drivers like actors Derek Ramsay and Jasmine Smith-Curtis, DJ and TV personality Sam YG and model-actress-news caster Phoemela Baranda.

In the final race for the sporting class, actor-racer Dominic Ochoa (No. 25) took the lead in the first few laps until a detached rear bumper snagged a wheel, sending him weaving crazily at the track during a crucial turn. That cost Ochoa precious seconds, and Toyota Avenue teammate Allan Uy (No. 26), who was waiting on the wings, immediately capitalized to take the first spot.

The finals for the promotional/celebrity class saw Sam YG (No. 6) taking off at a fast clip and not looking back until the last lap.

The awarding rites began at nightfall after the celebrity drivers gave some time for fans—signing autographs and posing for group selfies. The provisional results had Sam YG on top of the celebrity class by taking both Race 7 and Race 8. He was also named the Best Male Celebrity Driver.

Baranda and sports-show host Jinno Rufino, meanwhile, took turns at the second and third places: Rufino placing second and Baranda third in Race 7 and exchanging positions in Race 8.

Baranda also snagged the Best Female Celebrity Driver title, while Ramsay received the Most Improved Celebrity Driver award.

In the sporting class, Allay Uy was declared champion and won P75,000. He was named Driver of the Day.

Toyota Motors Philippines head Michinobo Sugata, who also joined the races, was on hand to award the prizes, along with representatives of sponsors Bridgestone and Rota and supporters Motul, TRD, Brembo, Denso, AVT, OMP and Tuason Racing. (Henry Empeño, BusinessMirror)

PHOTOS:

[1] Racers burn rubber at the SBIA tarmac.

[2]After the exciting action at the tarmac of the Subic Bay International Airport, the participants whoop it up during the awards ceremony.

Image Credits: Henry Empeño

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/toyota-vios-cup-revs-up-on-subic-track/

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Subic Bay students shine in world robotics tilt

The Philippine robotics team bagged the Best in Mechanism Award in the World Adolescent Robot Contest (WARC) 2015 recently held in Beijing, China.

The team’s flagship robot is called P3DRO or EVE3 Pearl Diving Robot created by students led by The Manila Times College of Subic (TMTCS) standout Keshia Ianthe Gutierrez, an 11-year-old fifth grader.

Also in the team were 11-year-old Nina Alrica Viacrusis, and nine-year-old Takumi Bryan Sab-it.

P3DRO is 25×25 inches in size and has light and color sensors with power motors. It’s main task is to find and count pearls inside the treasure chest and accurately dispense pingpong balls at the shore.

Within the given time period of 30 seconds, the team has to complete all the three segments or else the robot will get drown.

“The team did not expect having an award. During the elimination rounds, they were ranked 10th. The Best in Mechanism Award came by surprise when the trophy was handed,” Maria Aileen Viacrusis, who handles the robotic class of The Manila Times College of Subic basic education department under the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum in Subic, Zambales.

The Best in Mechanism Award was given based on robot design, how it runs and the physical tasks made by the object.

“Honestly, I am really confident they will be on the top. They may not have the 1st, 2nd or 3rd place but they really did a good job back there. Among the countries that competed, the team deserves to be recognized and I am very grateful having this experienced with them,” said Philippine robotics team coach Krista Camille Esguerra.

Twenty-four countries participated in this year’s edition. The theme was “Friendship First” as it aimed to build friendship and camaraderie among participants during the three-day meet.

Gifted children

For the record, Gutierrez is a consistent honor student and is labeled a gifted child. She is the recipient of the Outstanding Olongapeños and San Marcelino Zambales Achiever awards for giving honors to the country.

She has won numerous national and division contests in essay writing, declamation, Quiz Bees, chess, poster making, football and singing contests. She is the first Tang Philippines Tang-Galing Kid awardee.

Gutierrez, a treasurer in the TMTCS student council, also plays piano and violin. Playing Minecraft is her favorite past time.

Viacrusis, on the other hand, was the team leader in the group.

Often called a silent worker, she was the champion in the 2014 National Robotics Science Fair Competition.

This future scientist also has a passion for writing. Recently, she competed in the editorial writing category of the annual Press Conference Journalism Contest Division Level.

Arts and music are among her other interests.

For his part, Sab-it is a big fan of Lego since he was four.

He likes to watch science videos online and loves to play Minecraft and other computer games like Gutierrez.

He actually dreams of becoming a doctor but after discovering robotics, his interest shifted toward dealing with complicated numbers and creating designs as he hopes to become an engineer some day. He also represented his school in a Math competition last month.

In September, his group bagged the silver medal in the 14th Philippine Robotics Olympiad under the elementary regular category.

Early this month, his team was ranked 16th out of 74 teams after the second round eliminations in the World Robot Olympiad held in Qatar. (Jean Russel V. David)

PHOTO:
Nina Alrica Viacrusis (left), Keshia Ianthe Gutierrez (middle), and Takumi Bryan Sab-it (right) assemble their robot called as P3DRO or EVE3 Pearl Diving Robot. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

http://www.manilatimes.net/tmtcs-students-shine-in-world-robotics-tilt/232186/

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US Marine found guilty of killing transgender Filipino

OLONGAPO, Philippines (AP) — A Philippine court on Tuesday convicted a U.S. Marine of killing a Filipino last year after he discovered she was a transgender woman in a hotel in the Philippines while he was on a break after participating in joint military exercises in the country.

Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton was convicted of homicide by first strangling Jennifer Laude and then dunking her head into a toilet bowl in the hotel they had checked into after meeting in a disco bar in Olongapo city, northwest of Manila. He was sentenced to 6-12 years in jail, with time already spent in detention credited, said court clerk Gerry Gruspe.

Laude's mother, Julita, said that while she was happy the verdict detailed everything that had transpired, she was not pleased with the jail term because she had hoped Penderton would be found guilty of murder, a more serious crime than homicide.

"But the important thing is he will be jailed," she said, crying. "My son's life is not wasted."

Outside the courthouse, a small number of left-wing activists rejoiced but warned that they would closely watch to ensure Pemberton is detained in a Philippine jail, as the judge ordered.

The Oct. 11, 2014, killing sparked anger in the Philippines and reignited calls by left-wing groups and nationalists for an end to America's military presence in the country at a time when the U.S. is reasserting its dominance in Asia and Manila has turned to Washington for support amid an escalating territorial dispute with China.

Pemberton, an anti-tank missile operator from New Bedford, Massachusetts, was one of thousands of American and Philippine military personnel who participated in a joint exercise last year. He and a group of other Marines were on leave after the exercise and met Laude and her friends at a bar in Olongapo, a city known for its nightlife located outside Subic Bay, a former U.S. Naval base. At least two witnesses testified that Laude was a sex worker.

Pemberton and Laude left the bar and checked in together at a nearby hotel. About 30 minutes later, Pemberton walked out, leaving the room's door ajar, according to hotel staff.

Pemberton testified in August that he had choked Laude during a fight that erupted when he discovered she was a transgender woman, but said she was still alive when he left her in a shower, according to his lawyer, Rowena Garcia Flores.

Lawyers of the Laude family, however, said Laude was dead when Pemberton left her. Police have said that Laude had apparently been drowned in a toilet.

In the decision, Regional Trial Court Judge Roline Ginez-Jabalde ordered Pemberton jailed at the New Bilibid Prison, a national penitentiary in suburban Muntinlupa City.

The case also revived a debate over which government should have custody of U.S. military personnel who run afoul of local laws under a Visiting Forces Agreement the two allies signed in 1998.

The agreement, which allows U.S. forces to conduct military exercises in the Philippines, says that the Philippines can prosecute American service members, but that the U.S. has custody over them "from the commission of the offense until completion of all judicial proceedings."

However, the Philippine Supreme Court ruled in 2009 that convicted U.S. personnel must serve their sentences in the Philippines.

In a compromise last year, the U.S. agreed to have Pemberton detained in a compound at Philippine military headquarters in Quezon City guarded by U.S. Marines with an outer ring of Filipino forces.

Left-wing activists and nationalist Filipinos have cited the custody provision as proof that the accord was lopsided in favor of the U.S. and undermines the sovereignty of the Philippines, which was an American colony until 1946. (Jim Gomez And Teresa Cerojano The Associated Press)

PHOTO:
U.S. Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton, center, the suspect in the killing of Filipino transgender Jennifer Laude, is escorted inside the courts at Olongapo city, Zambales province, northwest of Manila, Philippines on Tuesday Dec. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

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3 US military warcraft in PH

A maritime surveillance aircraft, a Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine, and a joint high-speed vessel of the United States Navy (USN) are currently in the country.

At Clark Air Base in Pampanga is a P8-A Poseidon, while now in Subic are the USS Cheyenne (SSN 773) and the Military Sealift Command joint high speed vessel USNS Millinocket (JHSV 3).

The P8-A is the most advanced long-range anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft in the world. A true multi-mission aircraft, it also provides superior maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capability.

A senior military official admitted that the P8-A regularly deploys to the country to conduct joint training and maritime patrol with the Philippine military.

“The P8-A is here on a regular deployment for purposes of continuing bilateral Maritime Security (MarSec) training and for joint Maritime Patrol (MarPat) over important sea lanes,” said the official who requested anonymity.

He stressed that the deployment of the US surveillance aircraft is “under the purview of the 1951 PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and activities managed by the PH-US Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB).”

“They are here usually for two to three weeks,” he said.

According to the official, the activities conducted with the P8 benefit the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other countries in terms of skill sets gained from the MarSec training “as well as the added patrols that are put up to watch over our vast coastlines.”

“Nagmamatyag habang nagti-training (Monitoring while training),” the source said.

“The region benefits from it as well since these patrols render sea lanes safer for ships by reducing reaction time in the event of potential emergencies,” he added.

A US military officer earlier said that the P8-A operates out of Clark on a rotational basis. “But they swap units every couple of months. I think it is actually as frequent as every 45 days,” he said.

The US Marine officer emphasized that “the patrolling squadrons abide by the “no activity” periods stipulated by the Philippine government.”

It was learned that the “regular deployment” in Clark of the P8-A started around last quarter of 2014. (Elena L. Aben, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
The USS Cheyenne in one of its port calls in Subic Bay

http://www.mb.com.ph/3-us-military-warcraft-in-ph/

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Philippines gets fighter jets from Korea

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines yesterday took delivery of two Korean-made fighter jets – the country’s first supersonic combat aircraft in a decade – as it strengthens its underfunded military amid an escalating territorial feud with China.

Amid applause from Philippine defense officials, the FA-50 jets touched down at Clark Freeport, a former US Air Force base in Pampanga, where fire trucks sprayed water as a traditional welcome salute for the still-unarmed aircraft. Bad weather delayed the delivery of the jet last Friday.

The Philippines bought 12 FA-50s, which are primarily trainer jets that the military converted to also serve as multi-role combat aircraft, from Korea Aerospace Industries at a cost of P18.9 billion ($402 million). The other jets would be delivered in batches until 2017.

Weapons that include bombs and rockets for the FA-50s will be purchased later.

“We’re glad we’re finally back to the supersonic age,“ Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said.

The Philippine military decommissioned its last fleet of supersonic combat aircraft, the F-5, in 2005.

Defense public affairs chief Arsenio Andolog said the jets would be stationed at the Subic freeport facing the West Philippine Sea where China has ramped up its presence by deploying more vessels and building artificial islands.

A military modernization program that included plans for the purchase of at least a squadron of fighter jets and naval frigates didn’t happen for several years largely because of a lack of funds.

Over the years, the military has deteriorated to become one of Asia’s weakest.

Under President Aquino, however, territorial spats with China over islands in the South China Sea escalated and resulted in the Chinese seizure of Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in 2012, prompting the military to scramble to acquire new navy ships and air force planes with the help of its long-time defense treaty ally, the United States.

Lt. Col. Rolando Condrad Peña III, one of three Filipino air force pilots who received training in South Korea to fly the FA-50s, said that the jets could carry enough munitions payload and could be used in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat.

“Now that we have a supersonic aircraft our reaction time will be faster,” Pena told reporters.

“The arrival of the aircraft is very significant because it adds up to the capability,” Peña said.

“We have to contend with the subsonic aircraft, now that we have a supersonic aircraft our reaction time will be faster and we are more capable with this type of aircraft,” he added. (Ding Cervantes and Cecille Suerte Felipe, Philippine Star)

PHOTO:

SUPERSONIC AGE: Two Philippine Air Force FA-50PH fighter jets taxi on the runway upon landing at Clark Air Base in Pampanga yesterday. The first two of the 12 brand new fighter jets from South Korea arrived as part of the country’s modernization program. Inset shows Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces chief Gen. Hernando Iriberri during the welcome ceremony. (Kriz John Rosales)

Read More: http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/11/29/1527087/philippines-gets-fighter-jets-korea

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