World’s largest floating book fair visits Subic

The world’s largest floating book fair, M/V Logos Hope, has arrived in this free port on Friday (March 16) for a three-week book bazaar and cultural interaction with the local community.

The ship, which replaced the decommissioned floating bookstore M/V Doulos, features greater space for visitors and a more comfortable browsing experience with its air conditioned book fair and café area.

The book fair has an expanded selection of over 5,000 titles available at affordable prices, said Rahel Von Rotz, project coordinator of the visit.

The ship also has a Visitor Experience Deck, which will be open for the public to explore, and the International Café, which will serve ice cream, drinks and snacks.

M/V Logos Hope will be open to the public from March 17 to April 8. Opening hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday and from 1:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sundays.

Entrance fee is at P20, but children under 12 are free of charge. However, they must be accompanied by an adult.

Aside from the book fair, the ship will also have cultural performances by the ship’s crew, which consists of 400 volunteers from 45 countries.

Von Rotz said that the new ship remains faithful to its predecessor’s mission of bringing knowledge to people.

“We have three purpose statements: to bring knowledge, help and hope,” Von Rotz said. “It’s knowledge not just through books, but also through programs on board the ship.”

Von Rotz explained that they have educational programs designed for primary school children. These they can watch at the ship’s 400-seat theater.

She added that on the ship’s first Sunday in Subic, visitors will have a chance to interact with the crew and visit other areas on the ship.

“That is quite a unique opportunity where we can bring children and expose them to international people,” she added.
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M/V Logos Hope is operated by GBA Ships e.V., an international, charitable organization registered in Germany. The visit of Logos Hope is conducted in partnership with Operation Mobilisation Philippines.

GBA Ships have visited Subic seven times, with the most recent visit in December 2007, seeing 60,000 visitors on board the M/V Doulos. (FMD/MPD-SBMA))

PHOTO:
Members of the international community in the Subic Bay Freeport welcome M/V Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating book fair, as it docks at the Alava Pier on Friday.

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Cargo volume up 7.8% at underused NCT-1

Cargo volume at the New Container Terminal (NCT-1) operated by Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. ( SBITC) rose 7.84 percent to 27,671 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2011 from 25,661 TEUs in 2010.

SBITC, a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), has been promoting Subic to industrial locators and shipping lines to increase containerized cargo handling business in the freeport zone, as the port remains underutilized.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said the port’s average annual throughput from 2007 to 2011 was 24,275.90 TEUs, representing 8 percent of the total capacity.

The estimated handling capacity of NCT-1 is 300,000 TEUs per year.

SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto V. Garcia, in his State of the Freeport address, said NCT-1’s cargo volume in 2010 was 25,661 TEUs, up 17.14 percent from 21,906 TEUs in 2009, and 3.41 percent higher than the 21,184 TEUs recorded in 2008.

NCT-1 is a 14-hectare terminal with a 280-meter berth and a controlling depth of 13 meters.

As of December 31, 2011, SBITC had two post-panamax cranes, three reach stackers, five forklifts, nine prime movers, four manual spreaders and 15 chassis.

SBMA and ICTSI signed the contract for the operation and management of the NCT-2 for a period of 25 years on July 27, 2011.

NCT-2 is a 14-hectare terminal that includes a 280-meter berth with 13-meter depth and two quay cranes. The NCT-2 has an annual throughput capacity of 300,000 TEUs.

NCT-2, together with the adjacent NCT-1, is a primary component of the $215-million Subic port modernization program that was funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). (Genivi Factao, Malaya Business Insight)

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Hanjin to make steel frames for Petron plant

Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction-Philippines (HHIC-Phil) has secured a $38.39 million contract to manufacture steel frames needed by Petron Corp. to modernize its refinery plants in Bataan.

Hanjin signed an agreement on February 28 for the manufacture of the steel frames for the oil company’s refining plant being developed by Korea’s Daelim Industrial Co. Ltd.

The project is part of Petron’s Refined Master Plan Phase 2 (RMP-2) project. The steel frames will be built at HHIC-Phil’s Subic Shipyard.

HHIC-Phil said the steel frames project will take about 15 months to finish.

Daelim Industrial won an order to build for Petron a $2 billion oil refinery plant, the biggest project in Southeast Asia.

"The RMP-2 project, ordered by Petron Corp., is a mammoth project to produce high value-added oil products by extensively modernizing existing refinery plants located in Limay, Bataan, about 150 kilometers southwest of Manila," said Daelim.

HHIC said the severe economic slowdown in the domestic shipbuilding and construction industries and increase in overseas competition has prompted the company to diversify its business structure.

The company has accelerated its overseas plant development business by improving its competitiveness in bidding for construction projects.

Hanjin has also taken advantage of the strength of its Subic shipyard. It plays the role of a steel manufacturing factory with perfect facilities and environment for the manufacture of steel frames, spools and pressure containers.

HHIC is capable of manufacturing high-quality steel frames using state-of-the-art cutting, welding, plating and painting facilities.

It also plans to manufacture various equipment and facilities that will be used in oil refineries, power plants and petrochemical factories that will be constructed in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

The company has two bulk carriers that can transfer goods from Subic to their destination, making the operation very cost effective. HHIC said it is highly competitive in terms of manufacturing costs and transportation costs in the Philippines compared with Korea and China.

"The HHIC-Phil’s Subic Shipyard will be a future growth engine in the shipbuilding sector and strategic base for overseas plant business at the same time," an official from HHIC said.

"We would be able to overcome the current economic slowdown if we keep expanding our overseas business through the Subic shipyard," the official said.

HHIC plans to focus on maximizing synergetic effects in the shipbuilding and construction sectors.

Its Subic Shipyard has maintained competitiveness and productivity with state-of-the-art automation facilities and skilled labor. (Genivi Factao, Malaya)

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Taiwan firms set Luzon expansion

Rep. Raymond L.S. Wang, of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, met last Tuesday with Taiwanese firms in Central Luzon on their expansion plans amid government moves to perk up the economy.

President Jeff Lin, of Subic Bay Development Center, and Freeport locators discussed loans, tax measures and rental issues at the economic zone.

Ambassador Wang said he would take up their concerns with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

Vice president Huang Ming-Meng, of Tong Lung (Phils.) Metal Industry Co., said the firm ranked fifth worldwide among companies producing locks, earning NT$3.17 billion or around 4.6 billion pesos in 2011 with 850 workers at the Freeport alone.

In Zambales, Johnson Huang introduced organic farming at his Green Gardens on an 11-hectare property turning out fresh produce for a high-end clientele.

Robert Leng, TECO economic director, also joined the visit that included the 560-hectare watermelon farm of Victor Peng in Angeles City.

Known in the community as “King of Watermelons”, he employs technology and plant stock from Taiwan on fertile Pampanga soil to grow sweet, juicy and seedless varieties.

Last month, the Department of Labor and Employment said the Republic of China has extended the cumulative stay of migrant workers in the island.

In a statement, Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said Filipinos allowed to work for a period of nine years will now be given up to 12 years stay.

“The extension of stay as approved by Taiwan’s legislative branch provides a reprieve to our OFWs, whose work in Taiwan are ending but are still desired by their employers,” she said in a statement.

About 83,000 Filipinos are employed variously as caretakers, maids, factory workers, nursing aides along with those in the fishing industry.

Labor Attaché to Taipei Reydeluz Conferido said the extension did not mean that more migrant labor would be taken in as a result of relaxing the staying period.

“The policies for employing foreign workers have not been eased,” he said.

Last February, Wang met with Baldoz for policy updates. They discussed future cooperation on alleviating placement fees, online recruitment for direct hiring, and attracting more Taiwanese investors. (Manila Standard Today)

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SBMA mulls redevelopment of Subic airport into world-class tourism facility

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is considering the possibility of turning the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) into a major world-class tourism destination.

According to SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, the operation and maintenance of the Subic airport cost SBMA huge money, leading the SBMA to think of sustainable alternatives like converting it into an integrated family-oriented tourism facility.

Garcia said there are compelling reasons behind the idea to redevelop the SBIA, which he admitted is the most challenging concern the SBMA is facing.

“The Subic airport is superfluous because of Clark, and it is losing. And lastly, it is one of the last remaining prime real estate assets of SBMA,” he reasoned out.

“Huge problems require huge actions for huge solutions. The plan is very bold and very ambitious, but with the support of everyone, this plan will come through,” Garcia added.

The SBMA official also noted that the agency will not spend a single peso on the project because it will be implemented through a joint venture where SBMA will use the value of the land, currently occupied by the airport, as capital.

Since the project requires a big amount of money, the SBMA is hoping to bid the project internationally to attain international standards for the plan and design, he said.

Garcia explained that the basic idea is to turn the airport into something like Sentosa, a popular family-oriented resort in Singapore. The redeveloped SBIA will still be accessible because Subic is now just 45 minutes away from the international airport at the Clark Freeport because of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

The planned leisure complex will house at least two or three international theme parks, a new golf course, duty free shops, hotels and casino, an entertainment complex, a promenade, and a new marina and yacht club, among others.

“The opportunities that exist today are very tremendous, believe me,” Garcia said. “And with the help of every hand, our ambition of turning our airport into a major international tourism destination will come true.” (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA seeds more ‘taklobo’ in Subic Bay

More giant clams or “taklobo” have found their way into Subic Bay through a marine resources conservation program of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the active participation of various stakeholders in this free port.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the agency recently seeded the Ilanin Bay here with 200 taklobo seedlings for this year’s clam-seeding project, as part of the agency’s vision to make the Freeport an eco-urban center which merges industrial development with eco-tourism.

The SBMA purchased the giant clams from the UP Marine Science Institute in Bolinao, Pangasinan with proceeds from this year’s “Takbo para sa Taklobo” fundraising project initiated by the SBMA Ecology Center.

“This is already some sort of a social responsibility project supported by the whole Subic Bay Freeport community,” Garcia explained.

“Everybody pitches in here — from students to workers at locator-companies, to SBMA employees and Freeport Zone residents. We’re very much happy to be involved because we know we’re helping make a better world,” he added.

Giant clams (tridacna gigas), which can live up to a hundred years, are considered an endangered species and serve an integral part of the coral reef system.

SBMA marine biologist Dorothy Joyce Ardiente said their decline could have an adverse effect on the biodiversity of the marine ecosystem, which is why the SBMA has decided on clam seeding as its cornerstone marine conservation program.

The clams, which measure an average of 15 centimeters in diameter when they are seeded, can grow up to 1.5 meters in diameter and weigh up to 258 kilos.

The “Takbo para Taklobo” conservation run has caught on the Subic Bay Freeport community ever since SBMA environment specialist Rhea Jane Pescador conceptualized it in 2010 as a environmental awareness project of the SBMA Ecology Center

The event has been attended by some 1,500 runners in the inaugural run, and by more than 2,000 participants last year. The project raised P54,000 in 2010 and P84,340 last year. (MPD/SBMA)

PHOTO:
A volunteer diver holds up a crate containing giant clams bound for seeding at Ilanin Bay in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The project is part of the SBMA’s marine resources conservation program.

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SBMA bares bold strategy to make Subic top trade & tourism destination

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has bared a five-year strategic plan designed to generate more employment and investment opportunities in this free port.

In his first State of the Freeport Address (SOFA), SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto V. Garcia said that for the next five years, the agency will implement an audacious development program to take advantage of existing opportunities and to maximize Subic’s potentials.

“Until the end of our term in SBMA, in the next five years, we will be working on this very exciting plan, a very ambitious plan that we believe will turn Subic into a place that we will be proud of,” Garcia said.

Among the strategies the SBMA will be implementing under this plan is the development of tourism niche markets, which is envisioned to turn the Subic Freeport into a major tourism destination in the Philippines.

Garcia said the SBMA will also exert all efforts to make Subic the Theme Park Capital of the Philippines, a top sports tourism destination, an eco-tourism attraction, and a cruise ship playground.

Garcia also cited as a good start the arrival in Subic last week of the London-based MV Spirit of Adventure, the first cruise ship to arrive here this year with 378 passengers on board, mostly Europeans.

“Tourism Sec. Robert Jimenez specifically told me that Subic will become a cruise ship destination. And that is true because all of the passengers expressed their happiness in coming here, especially after seeing our rich eco-tourism facilities,” Garcia said.

The SBMA official also said the SBMA will enhance the promotion of maritime businesses here by getting the support of the Department of Transportation and Communications to attract maritime logistics players to come to Subic, maximizing the Vale ore transshipment project, and developing Subic as home base for super yachts.

Garcia’s five-year plan also calls for the development of various residential types for specific markets, such as high-end residences, middle-class housing and workers’ dormitories.

The SBMA will also shift from merely being a landlord to being a developer, Garcia said, saying the agency will develop unutilized and idle properties, and will improve the ease and competitive cost of doing businesses in Subic.

Garcia said the most challenging strategy is the conversion of the Subic Bay International Airport into an integrated family-oriented tourist destination like the Sentosa, a family-oriented resort in Singapore.

“Basically, the idea is to turn the airport into world-class tourism destination with international theme parks, new golf course, duty free shops, hotels and casino entertainment complex among others,” Garcia explained.

“The opportunities that exist today are very tremendous, believe me. And our plan is very bold and very ambitious but with the support of everyone, this plan will come true,” he added.

The SOFA, an annual activity here sponsored by the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC), was attended by Olongapo City Mayor James Gordon, Jr. and city councilors, Zambales Vice-Gov. Ramon Lacbain III, SBFCC officials and members, members of the SBMA Board of Directors, SBMA employees, and officials and workers from various Freeport companies. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia stresses a point during his State of the Freeport Address recently, wherein he unveiled a bold Five-Year Strategic Plan to transform Subic into a thriving maritime, ecotourism and high-tech industrial center.

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Hi-Fi tops Boracay Regatta

THE CHALLENGING and excitement-filled Subic to Boracay and the grueling Boracay Regatta Cup finished off in the late afternoon of March 2, 2012 in the pristine and alluring beach front of the Boracay Island.

Any avid sailor or sailing teams that have the knack and yen for sailing in strong wind conditions should not miss the opportunity to enlist for these annual sailboat races. The organizer expects more participants in the annual sailboat races in the years to come with the increase of foreign and local entries in the past two regattas.

Subic and Boracay were recognized and marked in the international sailing community as "must venues" for sailing in Asia.

Neil Pride and his professional crew on the sailboat Hi-Fi with four wins in a row won the much-coveted Boracay Regatta Cup and with Jun Avecilla’s (Phl) Beneteau First 36.7 Selma Star C! Calibre ROX won in the Cruiser/Racer Class. Ray Ordoveza’s (Phl) Excel 53 Karakoa clinched the Racing Class award with the Capri Carib 31 Freewheeler, skippered by David Wheeler, grabbing the PY Cruising Class award.

The event was organized by the Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen’s Sailing (SAGS) Club of Subic Bay under the auspices of the Philippine Sailing Association, Subic Bay Yacht Club, Philippine Tourism Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Watercraft Ventures, Inc., Lighthouse Marina Resort, the Government of Aklan, SBMA and the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce and with the sponsorship of San Miguel Corporation, PLDT, Cebu Pacific Air, Tieza, Tanduay, Nigi-Nigi Resort and BusinessWorld as media partner. (BusinessWorld)

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Belmonte, Wang discuss investments in Subic

MANILA - Representative Raymond Wang, of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, met recently with House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. over Taiwan’s growing investment in Subic, Bataan and other localities.

They were joined by Reps. Victor Ortega, George Arnaiz, Rachel Del Mar and Mylene Garcia-Albano.

Wang briefed Belmonte on the $2.5 billion infused by Taiwanese locators in Subic and the inauguration of the new China Airlines charter flight between Taipei and Cebu on March 31.

He cited business projects in Carmona, Cavite and in neighboring Laguna province, underscoring his country’s pragmatic diplomacy and the major achievements in Cross Strait relations in recent years to push for the Economic Cooperation Agreement and Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement between Taiwan and the Philippines.

Wang, Belmonte and other House members exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries through cooperation projects and exchange visits by legislators. (Manila Standard Today)

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SOFA 2012 set for Feb. 28

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia is all set to deliver his first State of the Freeport Address (SOFA) today (Feb 28) at 2:00 pm at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

The SOFA, as the yearly report is now commonly referred to in the Subic Bay Freeport, is a traditional review of the Agency’s performance in the previous year, and a look into its present situation, as well as its future direction.

“This is will be a different report, as I intend to discuss the problems we are facing, which we are determined to address with the support of our locators,” Garcia noted.

As the highlight of the annual Freeport Community Forum conducted by the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC), the event also includes the induction of new SBFCC officers by the SBMA chairman and administrator.

Expected to attend the afternoon affair are chamber officers and members, SBMA officials and employees, media members, and other Freeport locators and residents.

“While this Community Forum is open to all those interested, including the SBMA workforce, it will be a regular SBFCC meeting with the only Order of Business from the Chamber agenda to include the Induction of new SBFCC Officers”, Chamber President danny J. Piano said. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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'Probe SBMA appointee mess'

MANILA - Malacañang has ordered an investigation into the alleged misrepresentation of a certain Mike Macapagal who claimed to have been named Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) administrator.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said President Aquino did not appoint Macapagal to the post being held by Roberto Garcia, who took his oath of office at Malacañang last Monday. Garcia was appointed on Nov. 21, 2011.

“Due to the confusion caused in SBMA by the statements of Mr. Macapagal and his representatives, I have directed the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct an investigation into the matter and prepare the filing of appropriate charges,” Ochoa said.

Based on reports, Ochoa said Macapagal supposedly presented to the media his appointment papers and a press release announcing his appointment as SBMA administrator. (Aurea Calica, Ric Sapnu, Philippine Star)

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SpeedFest comes to Subic; top of the line race cars to roar on runway

At least 70 top of the line, maximum performance, exotic cars will roar here for two days in the first ever SpeedFest to be held at the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) on February 25-26.

The high-adrenaline action is organized by AutoIndustriya.com, the country's leading automotive industry website and forum.

The SBIA will be temporarily closed during the event, and no aircraft will be admitted to the airport except for emergency situations.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia said that the organizer had completed all necessary requirements for this event, including permits from the Air Transportation Office (ATO).

“We have already coordinated with the ATO and other flying schools here, regarding the temporary closure of the airport to avoid accidents,” assured Garcia.

Event organizer Brent Co said that the race will be held on the SBIA runway to accommodate four-wheeled high-performance machines for the no-speed-limit Mile Run Event on Saturday.

On Sunday, meanwhile, all-out drag machines will tackle the Quarter Mile Drag Strip in the same venue.

“With the long and flat ‘race track’ this event is going to be the best opportunity for the drivers to test their skills and their machines’ driving performance,” Co said.

As a sidelight to the race, a Gymkhana event will also take place on both days for those who get their kicks with screeching tires as they take on the tight, challenging course designed by David Feliciano.

The event is open to public, but with entrance fees. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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PNoy swears in Garcia as SBMA chairman-administrator

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia finally took his oath of office as chairman and administrator of the agency before President Benigno Aquino III, ending speculations that a new Palace appointee would take over the reins of the SBMA.

Garcia was sworn in, along with other new Palace appointees, on Monday in Malacañang.

He said that his appointment as SBMA Chairman and Administrator in effect unified both positions in conformance with the SBMA charter.

Garcia was originally appointed by President Aquino as chairman of the SBMA board of directors in April 2011. In November 2011, he was signed in as SBMA administrator. His term as chairman and administrator will end on June 30, 2016.

Garcia’s oath-taking on Monday was belatedly challenged by some reports saying that Michael Ted ‘Mike’ Macapagal had been appointed as SBMA administrator by President Aquino effective February 27.

A news report also said that Macapagal’s appointment was backed by political and business leaders in Olongapo City, including Aurelio Pineda and Ramon del Rosario, president and vice president, respectively, of the Metro Olongapo Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

However, both had since issued a written statement to disclaim their reported role in the “alleged endorsement of an aspirant to the SBMA.”

Garcia stressed that he works at the pleasure of the President. “I am ready to step down anytime if the President says so because the ultimate decision is the decision of the President,” Garcia said. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

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President Benigo Aquino III congratulates SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto V. Garcia after the latter’s oath-taking at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall in Malacañang last Monday. With Garcia is his wife, the former Maribi Mapa.

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Garcia takes oath as SBMA Chairman & Administrator

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia (4th from right) poses with President Benigno Aquino III after taking oath at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall in Malacañang on Monday, along with other new Palace appointees. Also in photo are members of Garcia’s family.

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US-based Filipino foundation fulfills promise to Subic Aeta kids

“I have returned.” Like that of a great general in World War II, a Filipino-American has fulfilled a promise he made two years ago to Aeta children in this free port.

Edilberto “Bert” Aguilera, a certified public accountant from Ibaan, Batangas, who now lives in New Jersey, USA, met an Aeta while visiting Subic in 2010 and made a promise to return with school supplies.

Aguilera, president of the family foundation Fil Aid USA, a US-based non-profit humanitarian organization, was then in Subic as part of the delegation from the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Texas which organized a trade, tourism, and humanitarian mission to the Philippines on October 11 to 16, 2010.

On their last day at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, which served as the venue, Aguilera met Tata Kasoy, an Aeta tribal elder living in Pastolan Village inside the Freeport.

“I met Tata Kasoy and made a promise that I would return to donate school supplies for the school children in his tribe,” Aguilera recalled.

In a surprise gesture on the second week of February this year, Aguilera, accompanied by his wife and three more family members, visited Subic Bay to fulfill his promise.

In coordination with the Public Relations Department of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), which regularly undertakes livelihood projects in Aeta villages here as part of the agency's corporate social responsibility program, Fil Aid USA visited elementary schools at Sitio Kanawan, Barangay Binaritan, and Pastolan Village in Hermosa, Bataan.

In Kanawan, where a simple turnover of donations was held, the group was met by tribal leaders headed by chieftain Rodelio Tamundong and school principal Jose Labandillo.

In Pastolan, Tata Kasoy was among those who greeted the group and was emotional in meeting Aguilera, who returned to fulfill his promise.

“Hindi ko na halos matandaan ang naging pag-uusap namin noon at hindi ko na inaasahan na matutupad iyon. Pero narito na nga siya at dala na ang ipinangakong mga gamit ng bata sa paaralan,” Tata Kasoy said.

Aguilera said his return is part of a mission to help the needy.

“This trip of ours could be a trailblazer because when I go back to US, we will make some publication about what we have done here for the school children, and probably others will follow suit,” Aguilera said.

“God is giving me energy while I’m doing this mission,” he added. This kind of project, he added, would be ideal for “people coming from abroad go to various places in the Philippines for a vacation. We in this mission are looking for places where we could help the needy,” Aguilera said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic is still the best retirement haven, Fil-Ams told

Subic is still the best place for retirement.

This was the message by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia to visiting Filipino-American delegates during the 22nd Trade Mission to the Philippines, a workshop-conference organized by the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC).

Garcia, who was keynote speaker in the conference dubbed “Global Citizenship: The Filipino American Experience,” updated the delegates on the strategic advantages of doing business or retiring in Subic.

“Aside from scenic views and friendly environment, Subic is a much secured area,” Garcia said, noting that the Subic Bay Freeport is securely bounded by perimeter fences and has a very good law enforcement unit that is well-known for its expertise and alertness.

Garcia added that Subic is also primed to push its advantage in medical tourism, having recently opened two world-class hospitals that cater to retirees and provide excellent medical services at very affordable rates.

“Subic is a very attractive place for tourists and retirees alike, providing both an eco-friendly environment and a cost-effective locality,” Garcia also pointed out.

Citing the experience of a Japanese friend who is paying P150,000 monthly for services in a nursing home where his aged mother stays, Garcia said this same amount “can already buy him a very nice house and lot with 24-hour service nurse here.”

“Now, my Japanese friend is considering retiring in the Philippines,” he added.

The recent trade mission here coincided with the annual outreach project of the American Services Division of the US Embassy in Manila for the large American resident community in the Subic Bay area.

On the same occasion, US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas personally answered some queries and concerns from the American community here.

Also invited to the same occasion were Carlo Ponti Zialcita, officer in charge of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) at its Subic-Clark office, who talked about “The Philippines and Subic/Clark as a Retirement Community Destination”; Darrin Morgan, regional federal benefits officer at the US Embassy; and Dr. Dean Alegado, president of DT Alegado Consulting Group, who discussed issues and concerns related to retiring in the Philippines. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA welcomes UK cruise ship

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Colorful dance performances and a beautiful sunrise greeted foreign tourists here recently as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) welcomed the arrival of the first cruise ship to dock here this year.

The United Kingdom-based M/V Spirit of Adventure docked at the Alava pier last Friday and disembarked 378 passengers and 201 crew members for a tour of the Freeport, including a jungle survival demonstration at the Pamulaklakin Aeta village.

The visitors, who have recently toured Palawan, Cebu and Manila, were pleasantly surprised to discover “hidden treasures” among the forests of the former Subic Naval Base here.

“When we got off, I was a bit disappointed because the environment was so American, but once we arrived at the Pamulaklakin trails, very quickly after that, we found Subic to be unique, very unique,” said Helen Pollard, one of the tourists from the M/V Spirit of Adventure.

Pollard said that she was impressed by the Aetas’ ability to make anything out of bamboo.

“I’m really impressed by the knowledge of these people, and how long it must have taken to get that knowledge. This is fabulous!” she added.

Pollard also found the people warm and sincere. She said that her visit to Subic was the most interesting part and the best day she had on tour.

The visitors also went to other tourist spots and the duty free shops inside the Freeport.

“It’s been a good experience and a good farewell to the Philippines for our guests,” said cruise director Neil Harrocks, adding that it was a delight to have Subic as their last stop in the Philippines.

“The passengers were very pleased to see that their welcome is extended not just by those who work here, but also by the local residents. The smiling, the waving, it’s been a delight,” he stated.

Harrocks also said that the passengers enjoyed the excursions and that everybody wanted to come back and explore Subic more.

Harrocks also had nothing but praises for the Filipinos. Most of the crew members aboard the ship are Filipinos.

While the M/V Spirit of Adventure was docked in Subic, several SBMA officials headed by deputy administrator for business and tourism Raul Marcelo, deputy administrator for administration Robert Martinez, and deputy administrator for operations Redentor Tuazon boarded the cruise liner to meet some of the crew members and tour the ship.

Marcelo said that with the ship’s visit, Subic has now established itself as a full-blown maritime facility, with its shipyard, ship repair, and cruise ship facilities.

The SBMA has been pushing the Subic Bay Freeport into becoming a top Asian cruise ship destination. The agency is a founding member of the Asia Cruise Terminals Association, which was recently launched in Singapore. (FMD/SBMA-MPD)

PHOTO:
Tourists disembark from the United Kingdom-based M/V Spirit of Adventure, the first cruise ship to visit the Subic Bay Freeport this year. The visitors toured popular attractions in Subic, including the Pamulaklakin Aeta village.

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Hanjin enrolls in DOLE's Kapatiran WISE-TAV

OLONGAPO CITY - Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Philippines (HHICP) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding that effectively enrolls the Korean shipbuilding and construction giant to the DOLE's "Big Brother, Small Brother" Program, otherwise known as the Kapatiran WISE-TAV, the program that encourages big companies (Big Brother) to practice corporate social responsibility by coaching small companies (Small Brother) in eventually becoming fully compliant with labor laws and occupational safety and health (OSH) standards.

Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz signed the MOU on behalf of the DOLE, while President Ahn Jin Kyu signed on behalf of HHICP.

DOLE Regional Director Raymundo Agravante and Bureau of Working Conditions Director Brenda Villafuerte witnessed the signing held at the sprawling HHICP shipbuilding facility, the most modern and the largest in Southeast Asia, in Brgy. Cawag, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, in Zambales.
The MOU effectively covers 16 HHICP contractors, subcontractors, and services providers and involves 22,000 workers.

The Kapatiran WISE-TAV Para sa Mas Ligtas, Malusog, at Produktibong Manggagawa, is a flagship public-partnership program of the DOLE, and is anchored on the ILO's Work Improvement in Small Enterprises, whose action-oriented approach has long proven to link productivity and product quality to safer and better working conditions.

Baldoz, who delivered a message during the signing, hailed the HHIPC’s for enrollment in the program, as it is a big step towards instilling a culture of voluntary compliance with labor laws and occupational safety and health standards in the company.

"I consider this occasion very important and significant. This is a very good starting point of our partnership towards productivity and compliance with labor laws and occupational safety and health standards, given that the HHICP has faced a number of concerns in the past few years," she said.

She explained that the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III is committed to create and nurture an environment conducive to sustainable businesses that creates decent jobs.

Baldoz announced during the signing ceremony that she is assigning no less than Regional Director Agravante as her focal person at the HHICP’s Kapatiran WISE TAV

"Director Agravante knows what that means, so you can call him directly because he can mobilize other offices of the DOLE under him in the region to assist you," the labor and employment chief said.

On his part, Mr. Ahn Jin Kyu said that as "Big Brother, HHICP is most willing to share its safety and health standards with its contractors, subcontractors, and services providers."

This is the second memorandum of understanding that the DOLE has signed this year under the Kapatiran WISE TAV. The first was signed last January between DOLE Region 3 and Yokohama Philippines.

To date, 79 "Big Brothers" and 804 "Small Brothers" are enrolled under the program, effectively covering 177,000 workers, who benefit from the MOU in terms of better labor conditions and safer and healthier work places.

Baldoz reiterated that its collaboration with private companies under the Kapatiran WISE TAV is meaningful for inclusive growth and the promotion of productivity and competitiveness.

“Through the Kapatiran program, the DOLE considers private sector establishments as partners in ensuring voluntary compliance to labor laws and safety and health standards. We know they play a positive and developmental role in enhancing the welfare and protection of our workers and in promoting productivity and competitiveness and sound and harmonious labor-management relations,” Baldoz emphasized. (DOLE LCO)

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