6 recovered ‘rent-a-car-scam’ vehicles turned over to NBI

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) formally turned over to the custody of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) six vehicles allegedly involved in a “rent/sangla car modus operandi” that were recovered inside an import-export yard here.

The turnover held Thursday (March 9) was led by SBMA Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs Atty. Randy Escolango and NBI-Olongapo Special Investigator Norman Revita in the presence of PO3 Allan Ednave of Olongapo City Police, SPO2 Angelito Gapay of PNP Highway Patrol Group, Maj. Vicente Tolentino of SBMA Law Enforcement Department and Ichiban manager Bienvenido Perez.

The vehicles consisting of a white Toyota Fortuner (AOA 9361), white Toyota Hi-Ace (PZI 851), black Toyota HiAce (AKA 8187), silver Toyota Hi-Ace (UEO 559), black Mitsubishi Montero (conduction sticker: NI 2417) and maroon Mitsubishi Montero (CS: NE 3182) were discovered inside Ichiban building.

Ichiban Import-Export Corporation is an import and recondition facility of used trucks and construction machineries from Japan for sale to local market or for re-export to the international market, located in Argonaut Highway, Lower Mau Camp, inside the Freeport.

In a report by SBMA police, owners Roy Galang, Jerry Galang, Joseph dela Cruz and Mac Lawrence Pilamor claimed that their vehicles were rented by certain Earl Meredith and Roldan Bernaldo, in April 2016 and December 2016. However, the vehicles were never returned since until they received information that the vehicles were being kept inside Ichiban building.

At 6:50 a.m. of March 8, policemen from SBMA, Olongapo City and HPG (R3), and victim-owners Roy Galang, Jerry Galang, Charina Ticsay and Angil Dave Zafra trooped to Ichiban and found their missing vehicles, a Toyota Commuter Van (PZI 851), Toyota Grandia (AKA 8187), Toyota Grandia (UEO 559) and Toyota Fortuner (AOA 9361).

Hours later, one Leslie de Vera, appeared at SBMA Law Enforcement Department to claim two Mitsubishi Montero (NE 3182 and NI 2417) which were also found at Ichiban. (Ruben Veloria, Journal.com.ph)

http://www.journal.com.ph/news/provincial/6-recovered-rent-a-car-scam-vehicles-turned-over-to-nbi

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Subic Freeport gears up for summer-long activities

With the successful holding of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) Beach Volleyball Tournament and the Tribal Games here, this premier Freeport once again showed that it is now prepped for summer-long activities.

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) administrator, Atty. Wilma Eisma, the agency’s Tourism Department has planned numerous summer-fun activities that will maintain this Freeport as the top tourist destination of Luzon.

The Summer Siren Festival rises in Subic Bay on May 12-14

“Aside from the usual crowd drawers like the Ocean Adventure Marine Theme Park and Zoobic Safari, Subic Freeport has much to offer. One of the highest number of tourist activities is the occupancy of hotels that have swimming pools and beaches,” she said.

And with the addition of the new Moonbay Marina Wave Pool, expect the influx of tourists to increase, she said. She also pointed out that the area is home to some of the pristine beaches in Luzon, including the Camayan Beach Resort, Adventure Beach, All Hands Beach and the Anvaya Beach Resort.

“There is really never a dull moment when you’re here in Subic Freeport. If you plan to have a more adventurous summer vacation, you could stop by at the Networx Jetsports Subic Bay that has a hoverboard, parasailing, and jetski rentals,” she said.

                                            The new Moonbay Marina Waterpark and Resort

Other fun activities that tourists can do during their stay in the Subic Freeport are to go to Tree Top Adventure and try the rides high above the ground. Zipline rides such as the Canopy Ride, the Superman Ride, the Silver Surfer, and Interactive Freefall are just some of the activities tourists can enjoy.

Meanwhile, for the tourist who is more into nature, Subic Freeport offers a glimpse of how to live like an Aeta tribesman of the old where they can cook food and rice using bamboos, go trekking at the Pamulaklakin Trail that is full of trees, or just simply go bird watching at the Apaliin Trail.

“With these much activities, we will surely be hailed as the top tourist destination in Central Luzon, and probably be among the top tourist destination in Luzon,” Eisma said. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

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Hanjin Philippines gets order to make 4 VLCCs at Subic

Subic Bay Freeport - The Philippines is set to become the country that will produce four of the biggest crude oil carriers in the world as Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines (HHIC-Phil) got an order yesterday for the production of four Very Large Crude-oil Carriers (VLCCs).

These VLCCs are the biggest in the world with a capacity of 320,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT) and is the first deal inked by Hanjin for this year.

HHIC-Phil shipbuilding facility inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone

According to the company, the ships will be built inside Hanjin’s Redondo Peninsula Shipyard and have a deadline of until the second half of next year. With a measurement of 330 meters in length, 60 meters in width and 30.5 meters in breadth, these VLCCs will be equipped with an eco-design component.

“This contract carries very positive news for all stakeholders considering the stagnant shipping industry nowadays. We look forward to a more productive cooperation among our partners in producing highly cost efficient and technologically advanced commercial ships that shape the future of the shipbuilding industry today and beyond,” HHIC-Phil President Gwang Suk Chung said.

He added that each of the VLCC “can load more than 65.14 million barrels of crude oil or roughly the equivalent of 13-day crude oil supply requirement of the entire Philippines in 2015. This is the first-time that such type of vessel will be built on the Philippine shore, underscoring the potential of the country to be a landmark for maritime industry worldwide.”

The start of the year has been fruitful for the company as they delivered the 300,000 DWT VLCC to Navig8 Tankers while fabricating three more of the same vessel at the Subic shipyard. He said that two of those vessels will be delivered this year and the last will be delivered next year.

HHIC-Phil has begun its shipbuilding operations in the later part of 2007 following the completion of the construction of its Subic shipyard in the same year. It has started off with delivering a 4300 TEU containership in 2008. To date, HHIC-Phil has already delivered a total of 100 commercial ships including 57 container ships, 27 bulk carriers, 7 VLCCs, 4 LPG ships and five Marine Engineering Plants.

A Very Large Crude-Oil Carrier (VLCC) made by Hanjin seen during the sea trial

HHIC-Phil is scheduled to deliver this March three 11,000 TEU containerships and one 38K chemical carrier. HHIC-Phil is expected to deliver 14 more ships of various types before the current year-ends.

Hanjin Subic Shipyard occupies more than 300 hectares of land, with a 4km Quay Wall and two of the world’s largest docks with the size of 370m x 100m and 550m x 135m which is about seven times larger than a football stadium. It is home to more than 32,000 Filipino workers gainfully employed and is being recognized as a world-class shipyard with competitive edge. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

http://business.mb.com.ph/2017/03/08/hanjin-philippines-gets-order-to-make-4-vlccs-at-subic/

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SBMA UPDATE #2: STOLEN RENTED VEHICLES RECOVERED AS A RESULT OF COOPERATION BETWEEN PNP, NBI and SBMA

Through hard work and cooperation of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), six stolen vehicles inside the Subic Bay Freeport were recovered.

The PNP, NBI and the SBMA Law Enforcement Department (LED) are working together to crack the case and will continue to do so until everyone involved had been brought to justice.

Authorities recovered last night (March 8) six commuter vehicles at the Ichiban yard inside the Freeport that were allegedly rented and never returned to its owners since December last year by suspect Roldan Bernardo.

We assure the public that the SBMA will not let up until the perpetrators are dealt with accordingly. The SBMA will not allow the Freeport to become a haven of any form of criminality.

ATTY. WILMA AMY EISMA
SBMA Administrator

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STATEMENT OF THE SBMA ON THE REPORTED THEFT AND RECOVERY OF SIX RENT-A-CAR VEHICLES (UPDATED)

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will not tolerate any form of criminality inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (Freeport). Anyone caught committing any criminal offense within the Freeport will be dealt with the full extent of the law.

The SBMA Law Enforcement Department (LED) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Olongapo City are working together to investigate the reported theft of six rental vehicles recovered tonight (March 8) at the Ichiban yard inside the Freeport.

Authorities have now identified the suspect as a certain Roldan Bernardo who allegedly rented in December 2016 two commuter vehicles and a Grandia van from complainants Roy and Gerry Galang of  Olongapo City, owners of the said vehicles for rent.

Also spotted at the yard by authorities were two more vehicles believed to have also been rented by the suspect- a Toyota Fortuner reportedly owned by a Mr. Zafra and two units of Mitsubishi Montero.

The SBMA shall actively monitor the case and will assist in any way to ensure that proper charges will be filed against the suspect.

Again, we issue this warning: The SBMA will be tough on anyone who will be caught violating law and order inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

ATTY. WILMA AMY EISMA
SBMA Administrator

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SBMA urges LGUs to start developing industrial parks as extension of the Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has urged local government units (LGUs) surrounding the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) to start developing industrial parks due to increasing demand for bigger land areas from new investors.

In a meeting with municipal mayors and other officials and members of the SBMA Board of Directors, SBMA Administrator Wilma Amy Eisma suggested that each contiguous LGU should start developing industrial parks to accommodate local and foreign investors.

 Eisma said there is practically no more land space available for new investors who are looking for large areas for their new facilities inside the fenced areas, compelling the SBMA to endorse them to other areas in Clark or Bataan and lose supposedly additional revenue for Subic. Fenced areas refer to vicinities formerly occupied by the US Naval Base.

The proposal to extend the fenced area to contiguous LGUs is contained in Executive Order 675 which took effect as early as November 2007, amending EO97-A allowing local government unit officials, through the approval of the Sangguniang Panglungsod or Pambayan, to declare any parts of their jurisdiction as additional secured areas or additional areas of the Subic Bay Special Economic and Freeport Zone (SSEFPZ) which shall be organized, administered, managed and operated directly by the SBMA.

“Unless the LGUs start planning for the extension of the fenced areas now, LGU shares from SBMA may be affected. If we could not accept new investors, the LGU shares from SBMA would not improve and may even diminish,” she noted.

She stated that the extension of the fenced areas may not be implemented during her term, but it would be beneficial if the LGUs start drafting their respective master plans.

The SBMA Administrator urged the local officials not to wait for SBMA to act on it. “Please do not wait for us to act. The initiatives must start from the LGUs and we, in SBMA, are here to help and assist in planning,” she said.

Eisma lauded San Antonio Mayor Estela Antipolo who already started planning for the development of some 10,000 hectares of land and water areas which are to be converted into the San Antonio Economic Development Area that will form part of the extension of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Through the San Antonio Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 13-080 which was passed in November 2013, parts of Sitio Silangin, Nagsasa and Talisayin, all located at the Redondo Peninsula will be granted tax and duty free privileges being an extension of the Subic Freeport.

SBMA is also expecting the same initiatives from the city of Olongapo, and the municipalities of Subic, Castillejos and San Marcelino in Zambales, and Morong, Dinalupihan and Hermosa in Bataan.

Earlier, SBMA distributed among the eight contiguous LGUs a total of P150. 47 Million in revenue shares for the second semester of 2016 which is 6.414% higher than the P141.397 million of first semester of 2015.

The LGU shares were derived from the five per cent (5%) of gross revenue paid to SBMA by locators and investors operating inside Subic Freeport. From the five percent GRT, three per cent goes to the national treasury, while the two per cent (2%) are distributed by SBMA among the eight LGUs for their community development projects including health, education, peace and order, and livelihood programs to enable these communities keep pace with developments in the special economic zone.

For the said semester, Olongapo City remains the highest recipient of the revenue share with P35.1 million, followed by the municipality of Subic with P22.96 million and Dinalupihan with P18.73 million.

Other municipalities were San Marcelino, P18.05M; Hermosa, P15.65M; Castillejos, P14M; Morong, P13.07M, and San Antonio, P12.92M. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA releases P150.5-M revenue shares to neighboring LGUs

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has released a total of P150.5 million in revenue shares for the second semester of 2016 to eight local government units adjacent to the Freeport.

SBMA Administrator Atty. Wilma Eisma said the total revenue shares for the second semester of 2016 distributed among eight LGUs is 6.4% higher than the P141.4 million of first semester of 2015; and 30.6% higher than the P115.23 million for the second semester of 2015.

“We are proud to turnover to you the result of the hard work of our SBMA workers who made everything possible for the agency they serve as we continue to attract more investors and create more jobs,” Eisma told the local officials.

Municipal and city executives who attended the LGU share turnover ceremony held at the SBMA Boardroom include Vice Mayor Jong Cortez (Olongapo City), Mayor Joseph Inton (Hermosa, Bataan); and from Zambales were Mayors Jefferson Khonghun (Subic), Dr. Estela Antipolo (San Antonio), Jose Angelo Dominguez (Castillejos) and Elvis Soria (San Marcelino).

Dinalupihan and Morong in Bataan were represented by each of its respective treasurers.

The shares handed over to LGUs were derived from the five per cent (5%) of gross revenue taxes paid to SBMA by locators and investors operating inside Subic Freeport.

From the five percent GRT, three per cent goes to the national treasury, while the two per cent (2%) were distributed by SBMA among the eight LGUs.

The share each LGU receives is based on the following criteria: population (50%), land area (25%), and equal sharing (25%).

Based on SBMA records, this semester, Olongapo City remains the highest recipient of the revenue share with P35.1 million, followed by the municipality of Subic with P22.96 million and Dinalupihan with P18.73 million.

Other municipalities were San Marcelino, P18.05M; Hermosa, P15.65M; Castillejos, P14M; Morong, P13.07M, and San Antonio, P12.92M.

The revenue shares are to be used to finance community development projects including those for health, education, peace and order, as well as livelihood programs to enable communities near the Subic Bay Freeport to keep pace with the developments in the special economic zone.

In response, Hermosa Mayor Inton thanked the SBMA for its continuous effort in improving the investment climate in the Freeport which generates employment opportunities for the residents.

“These revenue shares will be used for improving the basic services the local government units are providing for their constituents, since these services were already devolved in the discretion of the LGUs such as health, education and peace and order,” he said.

Meanwhile, Eisma urged LGU officials to start looking for possible areas to be developed as industrial parks as the SBMA eyes to extend the fenced areas of the Freeport to its neighboring communities to meet the land area requirements of new investors.

“We need more lands to be developed as industrial parks for our new investors. We should start making our master plan now. Currently, Subic Freeport has not enough land it could offer to new investors,” she said, adding that the SBMA is willing to help on the technical side of the planning.

She noted that the soonest these industrial parks are created, the SBMA would be able to accept big investment proposals, and would mean more jobs and bigger LGU shares. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Administrator Wilma Eisma (7th from left) meets with officials of the neighboring local government units (LGUs) of the Subic Bay Freeport during the turnover ceremony of their revenue shares. Also present during the said event were members of the SBMA Board of Directors. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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‘Superbods’ in Ironman 70.3 returns to Subic Bay

The Century Tuna Superbods: The Underpants Run returns to SUBIC BAY for its THIRD year on March 11, 2017.

Inspired by the tradition at Kona, home of the renowned Ironman World Championship, Century Tuna continues with its own local tradition with the Superbods Underpants Run that it started in 2015 as a pre-race activity for the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3

This year, Century Tuna opens its extra fun pre-race tradition to EVERYONE and registration is for FREE. Individual runners can get the chance to win up to Php 15,000, while teams of four can win up to Php 20,000. Come in inspired costumes and you could bring home up to Php 15,000 or Php 20,000 if you’re a group.

Interested to join Century Tuna Superbods: The Underpants Run can register for free at the Century Tuna Booth at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on March 10 or right before the race at the Subic Bay Yacht Club.

Kick off starts at 9:30 AM on March 11 at the Subic Bay Yacht Club and will take participants through a scenic route along the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Meanwhile, some of the world’s top-ranked and rising Ironmen brace for the CT Ironman 70.3 on March 12, also in Subic, with defending male champion Craig Alexander eyeing a second straight championship in the 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run event organized and produced by Sunrise Events, Inc.

But Alexander faces a formidable set of rivals, headed by former 2015 champion Tim Reed, along with Tin Van Berkel, Dan Brown, David Mainwaring and Sam Betten of Australia.

https://www.facebook.com/IM703Subic/

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Perpetual outlasts Lyceum for first NCAA beach volleyball title in Subic

Brothers Relan and Rey Taneo, Jr. of Perpetual Help went to the 92nd NCAA beach volleyball in Subic Bay seeking to make up from their heartbreaking defeat to St. Benilde in the finals of indoor volleyball early in the month.

They went home redeemed.

Showing nerves of steel, the Taneos needed an extra finals game and a nail-biting 21-16, 20-22, 17-15 win over Lyceum of the Philippines University's Jhonel Badua and Joeward Presnede to clinch their very first men's beach volley title at the Moon Bay Marina Area in SBMA over the weekend.

Nevermind that they blew a twice-to-beat advantage they gained for sweeping the elimination round in nine games or taking the opening set to start their championship series and then dropping the next two to allow LPU to steal the match, 15-21, 21-16, 15-13, and force a do-or-die game.

All the Taneos want is the title, nothing more, nothing less.

"We just want to get the championship whether or its a sweep or not," said Rey, Jr. in Filipino.

When it was over, the Taneos were relieved to finally erase the ghost of last year when they lost to last season's champion Mapua in a showdown the former were heavily favored to win.

It also came a soothing balm for Perpetual Help's failure to claim the indoor volley crown.

"The team and the school are redeemed in so many ways after what happened last year in this event and in indoor volleyball this year," said Relan. "Somehow, the pain of those losses are gone now."
(Philippine Star)

PHOTO:
Taneo brothers of the University of Perpetual Help bagged their first NCAA beach volley crown after defeating Lyceum of the Philippines University's Jhonel Badua and Joeward Presnede 21-16, 20-22, 17-15 at the Moon Bay Marina Area in SBMA over the weekend.

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2017/02/27/1676262/perpetual-outlasts-lyceum-first-ncaa-beach-volleyball-title

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Aeta "warriors" show marksmanship in sports fest

Subic Bay Freeport -- More than 100 “warriors” from six Aeta tribes trooped to a “battleground” in Hermosa, Bataan, to join this year’s "Haribol Katutubo," a sports festival using indigenous weapons.

Wearing only G-strings, locally known as bahag, the all-male participants arrived in batches from the Aeta tribal community in Iram, Old Cabalan, New Cabalan and Mampueng in Olongapo City; Tribong Ayta in Angeles City, and Pastolan in Hermosa, Bataan, the host tribe.

Col. Jeff Tamayo, president of the National College Athletic Association (NCAA), said the event is similar to the World Indigenous Games, the indigenous peoples’ sports festival held in Brazil last year.

Tamayo said aside from Pastolan, there will also be other Haribol Katutubo, Protecting the Natural Heritage games to be held in other areas.

Tamayo explained that the primary purpose of holding the event is to gather all the tribal groups in an event like this, the Haribol Katutubo, so that the young generations could blend with the adults for them to see their natural traditions.

“They, the young and the adults in the tribes, could have a common area to transfer the heritage from the adults, such as the protection of the forests,” he said.

Tamayo cited the need for the young generations to see what their ancestors did to protect the traditional heritage.

Included in the sportsfest are bow and arrow competitions that require the participant to hit the target in different distances while, standing, sitting, squatting; while standing bull’s eye. on the branch of a tree, and while running. There are also competitions on blowgun, spear throwing.

Winners from the competition will also join in UP Diliman in Quezon City with participants from indigenous communities from the North Luzon and other parts of the country. This is in preparation for the WIG to be held this year in Colombia.

When people saw a man carrying a bow and arrow, the impression is aggressiveness. However, for me, bow and arrow is part of a culture.

When you enable an Ayta boy to participate this kind of sports, he is not only joining the game but also learning what his ancestors did to hunt for food. Then we, also taking care of those heritage,” Tamayo explained. (Ruben Veloria, Peoples Tonight)

PHOTO:
Aeta tribesmen show their skill in using the bow and arrow as they compete in the tribal games held at the Pastolan Aeta village in Hermosa, Bataan Saturday (Feb. 25). Aeta tribes from Zambales, Bataan and Olongapo took part in the games which aim to promote camaraderie and the preservation of their culture. The project is sponsored by the National College Athletics Association, the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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NCAA kicks off beach volleyball tourney in Subic

The NCAA Season 92 Beach Volleyball Tournament kicked off on Wednesday inside this premier Freeport making it one of the most sought after beach sports venue in the country.

According to the organizers of the event, this is the second time that they are holding the beach volleyball tournament here just to give “due diligence” to the sport, stating that where else would they hold a beach volleyball tourney aside from Subic Freeport which is known for its lush beaches.

“The tournament is geared towards the promotion of the sport in the country, but it also promotes the area where the tournament is held. We want people to know that the tournament and the tourism aspect of the sport go hand in hand,” Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Manager Jem Camba said.

Aside from making the area a staple for the beach volleyball tournament in the country, organizers have also introduced a new system that would reduce the weather factor that will affect the sport here. According to them, they have introduced a modular bleacher system that is easily built and stored, adding that it also blocks the wind that has been a bane of the game.

“These bleachers will hamper the gusts of wind that obstruct a great game of volleyball. These bleachers will also be able to seat the spectators so they can see the game,” they said.

The tournament also showcases star athletes such as San Sebastian’s Grethcel Soltones and Alyssa Eroa, San Beda’s Viray twins Maria Jeziela and Maria Nieza, Mapua’s Shaira Mhae Hermano, Kimberly Joy Luzon and Danielle Marie Ramiro.

San Sebastian won the tournament last year, besting San Beda with a 14-21, 21-9, 15-6 score in the finals match. Other star athletes from indoor volleyball like Arellano University’s Joviely Prado, Regine Arocha and Jenicalynne Tan will also showcase their talents.

The men’s category also features last year’s winners Rey Arth Andaya, Sam Damian and Alfredo Pagulong of Mapua. They will be up against JRU's Ronaldo Dampitan, Jr., Jethro Ferwelo and John Michael Flor, Letran's Christopher Cistina, Bobby Gatdula and Zecharia Sison and San Sebastian's Christian Calonia, Jahir Ebrahim and James Christian Eugenio.

With summer approaching the horizon, this premier Freeport is geared to tackle any summer sports activities. Officials of the SBMA are positive that the influx of tourists will double in the coming summer months. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
MARIA Jeziela and Maria Nieza Viray of San Beda came up with twin wins on Thursday in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament in Subic. The Viray twins bested St. Benilde's Ma. Angela Enginco and Ma. Kaila Selena Mendoza, 21-11, 25-23 then scored a 21-6, 21-15 victory over Mapua's Shaira Mahe Hermano and Kimberly Joy Luzon. (Spin.Ph)

http://www.spin.ph/volleyball/news/jeziela-viray-nieza-viray-san-beda-ncaa-volleyball-relan-rey-taneo-perpetual-help-emilio-aguinaldo-college

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SBMA STATEMENT RE: PEACE AND ORDER SITUATION IN THE SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is advising its locators, stakeholders, workers and the public at large that the Subic Bay Freeport Zone continues to be peaceful and there is no threat of any kind that will endanger law and order in the Freeport.

The SBMA regrets the fact that reports about the February 13 incident at the Ocean Adventure facility were not reflective of the true state of matters thereat, causing unnecessary worry and concern.

In truth, what happened at the facility was a result of an intra-corporate dispute which is in the process of being resolved by the ownership and management of the Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium, Inc. (SBMEI) which runs Ocean Adventure.

In fact, the Department of Labor and Employment conducted its own impartial inspection of the facility yesterday, and confirmed that all operations at Ocean Adventure continue to run normally and peacefully, taking due note of the large number of young students enjoying their trip to the facility.

Again, we are informing the public that everything is normal, and that the security and safety that is expected within the Freeport Zone is and will always be there.

The SBMA continues and will always strictly enforce the rule of law in the Freeport and we assure our stakeholders and the community that the SBFZ is safe from any security threat.

We enjoin the public to put this issue to rest and move forward as we continue to make Subic Bay Freeport the best investment and tourist destination in the Philippines.

ATTY. WILMA AMY T. EISMA
Administrator

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Official statement of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority: clarification re: Takeover of Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium (SBMEI-Ocean Adventure)

Official statement of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority: clarification re: Takeover of Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium (SBMEI-Ocean Adventure)

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Increase in Subic Freeport investments push workforce to 112,653

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) revealed that an increase in the number of investments inside this premier Freeport has led to the increase of job opportunities for Filipinos as the current number of the workforce here rose to 112,653.

SBMA Administrator Atty. Wilma Amy T. Eisma said that the 112,653 total active workers inside the Freeport shows a significant increase of 11 percent from 2015 due to a 12.76 percent increase in the number of locators.

A welder works at the Hanjin Shipyard, one of the top employers in Subic Bay Freeport (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Currently, the Subic Bay Freeport has 1,536 companies investing compared to 1,340 companies that were recorded in 2015. Eisma said there are 1,093 new accounts that are now being processed by the SBMA.

Eisma commended the top five employers of the SBMA, namely: Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines with 33,296 employees; Nidec Subic Phils Corp. with 5,240 employees; Sanyo Denki Phils. Inc. with 4,011; Tong Lung Phils Metal Industry Co. Inc. with 2,900; and Nicera Phils Inc. with 2,294.

The administrator said one of the main reasons why companies chose to invest in Subic Bay Freeport Zone is that the area is accessible by land, air and sea, pointing out that it is conducive to both tourists and the movement of goods. Eisma added that the Freeport has a high quality of air and ambience since it is gifted with natural resources, mountains, and water and nature parks.

“We also pride ourselves with the safety and security provided by our law enforcers here. The Freeport has gated entry and exit points,” she said, adding that there are zoning guidelines and restrictions that are strictly enforced.

The Freeport is also an area that has tax incentives and duty-free importation of raw materials and capital equipment. Along with these is the unrestricted entry of foreign investments,” Eisma said.

But aside from being chosen as an area to invest, Eisma also pointed out that there are many reasons why investors have focused their businesses here. She pointed out that the area is profitable for business, share values were increased, there is low business risk, capital expenditure is in place, the quality of life inside the Freeport is high and there is ease of doing business here.

“These factors are what we should maintain to provide investors the much needed help they deserve while providing employment to our fellow countrymen,” Eisma said. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

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‘Centennial III’ reigns in Subic to Boracay race

Boracay — For the first time, TP 52 Davidson Centennial III of Judes Echauz trounced top contender and veteran campaigner Jelik, skippered by Hong Kong’s steel magnate Frank Pong to win the 8th Standard Insurance Subic Bay to Boracay Race (SBBR) started at the Freeport last Saturday noon.

Jun Avecilla, chairman of the organizing committee, announced that Centennial III, with all Filipino-crew arrived in this pristine white beach resort with 11:33:14 nosing out Jelik with 11:50: 02 or difference of 16: 48.

TP 52 Centennial III (center) bags the 8th Standard Insurance Subic to Boracay Race

“This is the first that Centennial III beats Jelik on the line in the SBBR since the competition started seven years ago,” according to Avecilla adding that Centennial III placing second to Jelik for the past five years.

Geoff Hill’s Smith 72 Customs Atipodes placed third with12: 02: 46 in annual regatta grand prix sanctioned by the Philippine Sailing Association the Asian Yachting Grand Prix and fully backed by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Watercraft Venture Corp., the Lighthouse Marina Resort and Subic Sailing Club.

Other local contenders in the Racing Class I (RCI) are Excel 53 Karakoa helmed by businessman Ray Ordoveza and regular campaigner Black Baza captained by Anthony Root and Steve Manning, wherein the organizers are computer their time of arrival as of press time.

From Subic, the race will pass through the Bataan Peninsula, Batangas beaches, Mindoro, Tablas and Carabao Island in Romblon before reaching the tip of Boracay Island.

However, Scallywag, the highly fancied 100-footer of Malaysian-born Seng Huang Leng, failed to erase their previous time record arriving 9:26:31, according to Avecilla.

Scallywag is the former Ragamuffin 100, the same boat that holds the record in the Subic Bay to Boracay Race in 14 hours, 23 minutes, 17 seconds set in 2015.

The four-day regatta, a combination of point-to-point and windward/leeward courses, is part of the Asian Yachting Grand Prix season. Captain Tom Sheppard is the main judge.

The Boracay Regatta Cup also offers precious points for the coveted Asian Yachting Skipper and Yacht of the Year awards.

Overall winners in each three class of the combined Subic Bay to Boracay Race and the Boracay Cup Regatta series will bring home the impressive hand crafted solid brass trophy replicas by Fernando Cacnio, a multiawarded Filipino visual artist.

The Philippine Coast Guard will provide escorts for the participants during the race for safety and security. (BusinessMirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/centennial-iii-reigns-in-subic-to-boracay-race/

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