Elite triathletes due for Subic event

A BIG field of more than 300 elite and age-group triathletes coming from 27 Asian countries will converge at the Subic Bay Freeport in late April to compete for honors in the K-Swiss Subic Bay ASTC Asian Triathlon Championships 2013.

Set on April 27-29, the event has attracted among others, 2012 SUBIT champion and London Olympian Bai Faquan (China), Yuichi Hosoda (Japan), Jiang Zhihang(China), Ryosuke Yamamoto (Japan), Harunobu Sato (Japan), Kim Ji Hwan (Korea), Shohruh Yunusov (Uzbekistan) and former ITU world champion Dimitriy Gaag (Kazakhstan).

Leading the women’s field are Asian No. 1 Zhang Yi, No. 2 Zhong Mengying and No. 3 Xin Lingxi of China, Tomoko Sakimoto, Yuko Takahashi, Hideko Kikuchi, and Kiyomi Niwata of Japan, Jang Yun Jung of South Korea, and Yekaterina Shatnaya of Kazakhstan.

The Under-23 and junior divisions of the event backed by K-Swiss, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department, Standard Insurance, Century Tuna, Speedo, David’s Salon, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Gatorade, Fitness First and the Philippine Sports Commission has also attracted a big field.

Leading the Philippine delegation is current national record holder and champion Nikko Huelgas who will compete in the elite category along with teammates John Chicano, Kim Mangrobang (U-23 Women), Mary Pauline Fornea, Kevin Eijansantos and Allen Santiago. Youth Olympic Games aspirants Magali Echauz, Vicky Deldeo, Kate Lagman, Jimuel Patillan, Justin Chiongbian and Louie Lalanto will see action in the 15-16 junior sprint competitions.

Registration is going on with entry fees pegged at P5,000 until Feb. 28 for the standard distance local participants and $200 (until Feb. 28) for foreign non-residents. For the sprint and mini-sprint distances, the entry fees for locals are P4,000 (until Feb. 28) and $150 for foreign non-residents.

Team relay entry fees (until Feb. 28) are P8,000 for 2-member teams and P12,000 for 3-member teams. Entry forms are available at Speedo Concept Stores and BikeKing.

Interested parties can contact the Triathlon Association of the Philippines through tel. nos. 399-6598, 710-8259, 0916-5046513 and 0915-6394233 or by sending an email tofabiedavid@yahoo.com. (Malaya)

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Futsal fever invades Subic

Futsal, the five-versus-five indoor variant of football, has reached Subic Bay with no less than Ayala’s Harbor Point Mall serving as venue for a 10-day football clinic for kids who wanted to learn what is touted to be the world’s most popular game.

Argee Gomez, Harbor Point marketing manager, said the Harbor Point Futsal Clinic will be held at the mall’s activity center from March 5 to April 4. It will be open to kids aged six to 12.

The twice-a-week clinic aims to introduce football game appreciation and techniques using drills and fun games and is being undertaken in partnership with the Subic-based Lighthouse Amihan Football Club (LAFC), Gomez added.

John Bayarong, LAFC manager, said this is the most comprehensive football clinic in the Subic Bay Freeport and Olongapo City area today.

“The best part of this is that coaches trained by the Asian Football Confederation [AFC] have agreed to share their knowledge with the local kids, so this will be a very significant event for football enthusiasts here,” he added.

The AFC is the football governing body in Asia and a member of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (Fifa).

Bayarong also said that it was futsal which has helped Brazil, Spain, Iran and Japan develop their football talents.

Esmaeil Sedigh, Philippine Futsal team coach, has earlier lauded the partnership between the LAFC and Harbor Point, saying these kind of linkages “strengthens the bond of local clubs, the supporters, and the community.”

“This partnership is a model that we must duplicate nationwide, not only to popularize the sport, but to ensure talent development in our communities,” Sedigh said.

Gomez, meanwhile, said that Harbor Point Mall shopper will also have the opportunity to join the clinic by simply purchasing items from participating mall merchants.

“There are 15 regular and five shopper’s slots available to ensure that the participants get the best experience and training possible,” he said. (Henry Empeño, Business Mirror)

In Photo: A young futsal enthusiast dribbles around a cone during a recent futsal activity at Subic’s Harbor Point Mall.

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Subic Maintains Competitive Port Fees

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) decried reports claiming that shipping costs in this premier Freeport will increase as soon as the government reroutes their traffic from the port of Manila to here.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said contrary to figures being floated around, the SBMA services are as competitive as that of Manila’s.

He said that Subic’s rates are meant to attract ship operators to use the Port of Subic.

With an aggressive stance in promoting this premier Freeport as the go-to cargo and container port terminal in Central and Northern Luzon, the agency set out rates and incentives to be more competitive than in Manila.

Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya endorsed the Port of Subic, encouraging cargo shippers to use Subic Bay and Batangas ports to decongest the ever-growing traffic in the Port of Manila.

Recent study shows that the utilization rate of Subic Bay Freeport is 5 percent, while Batangas’ rate is 4 percent.

But Christian Gonzalez, general manager of Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) and regional head of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) told reporters last week that the move will “make trade more costly.”

The suggestion (of using Subic and Batangas) goes against market dynamics, he claims and “the way to keep costs down in this port environment is to let the consumers decide.” (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

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Strike Hampers Subic Port Operations

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – A strike by employees of the Malayan Towage and Salvage Corporation (SALVTUG), led by the Federation of Free Workers (FFW), almost crippled this seaport operations here over the weekend.

Six vessels, including a US naval supply ship, were left at the open sea waiting for their escort tugboats that were docked due to a strike initiated by SALVTUG employees. The loss of service to these vessels would have meant a loss of millions of pesos worth of income for the government.

In a text message, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia stated, “I hope strike is resolved soon.”

He added that both Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp.-Philippines (Hanjin) and Keppel are helping out with the predicament, ensuring that port operations here are not paralyzed and are normal.

According to an anonymous source, the strike stemmed from employees who want to have the same rate as that of their international counterpart. He added that the average salary of the employees there were more than R40,000.

He said that to them it was a question of principle, but to him, it was a question of patriotism. He added that if the employees could jeopardize the country’s port operations, the protesting employees will not only succeed in doing so but might also disrupt the country’s economic state.

SALVTUG was established in November 1974 with three (3) ocean-going coastal tugs and four (4) dry cargo and bulk oil barges. Over the years, the company has kept paced with the development of Asian Ports and has continued its modernization program. Presently, the fleet has grown to thirty one (31) multi-tasked tugs, two (2) specialized crafts, one (1) crew boat, thirteen (13) barges of various types and two (2) floating dry docks.

SALVTUG and its Western Pacific Associates specialize in Ocean Towage, Marine Salvage, Logistical Support, Cargo Recovery, Wreck Removal, Underwater Operations, Barging, Anchor Handling, Buoy Installation and Ocean-Spill Cleanup in the territorial waters of the Philippines, South China Sea and the Western Pacific Ocean.(Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

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Subic Freeport hosts 1st SEA Marine Mammal Stranding Network Symposium

Marine biologists from ten Southeast Asian countries pooled their expertise here since Monday to establish a network that would effectively deal with the growing incidence of marine mammal stranding in the region.

The 1st Southeast Asian Marine Mammal Stranding Network Symposium and Workshop held at Camayan Bay Resort here on February 4-9 drew 50 marine mammal stranding experts and scientists from the Philippines, Taiwan, China, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore and Hong Kong.

The symposium was organized by the Subic-based Ocean Adventure Marine Park, Hong Kong’s Ocean Park Conservation Foundation (OPCF), and Subic’s Wildlife in Need (WIN), in collaboration with the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology at the University of the Philippines (UP-IESM), and the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network (PMMSN).

Among the resource speakers were Dr. Lien Chen Chou (National Taiwan University), Gail Laule (WIN), Timothy Desmond (Ocean Adventure), Timothy Ng (OPCF), and PMMSN president Dr. Lemuel Aragones.

In a briefing, Ng explained that the ultimate objective of the symposium is to establish a regional stranding station for the marine mammal stranding network representatives to work together and effectively respond to stranding reports.

Ng said that the OPCF is supporting numerous conservation groups and marine mammal stranding chapters in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, by providing financial support and technical assistance.

“Ocean Park Conservation has a long history of conservation connection with the Philippines, and for this Ocean Park has donated HK$2.5 million to the Philippine conservation NGOs, various universities and different institutions to support their 30 conservation projects,” Ng said.

For his part, Desmond said that the symposium-workshop aims to engage stakeholders and experts in an exchange of knowledge about the current and future affairs of marine mammal stranding networks in the region, the diseases the animals are confronting, and the condition of the ocean in the area.

Desmond added that in the Philippines, when marine mammal stranding experts show up in the community, they interact with local people in such a way to transform residents’ attitude towards marine conservation.

“We point out that these animals are of value to the entire eco-system where they live in,” he explained.

Experts in the symposium also noted that in the past, stranded dolphins and whales were usually slaughtered by fisher folks for meat. Today, however, people are more aware of the importance of saving these animals, prompting them to report any stranding incident to authorities, they added.

Meanwhile, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Roberto Garcia commended the initiatives of the symposium organizers, saying that Subic Bay and the nearby coastal areas would benefit from the establishment of a marine mammal stranding network, as they are among the local places where strandings occur.

Garcia added that Ocean Adventure and Wildlife in Need, both members of the PMMSN, have been playing important roles in saving and documenting incidents of stranded marine mammals in the area.

He also noted that Ocean Adventure has conducted workshops on marine mammal (cetacean) stranding for the local Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) professionals, technical personnel, veterinarians, and members of the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) nationwide.

Because of the efforts done by the Ocean Adventure in disseminating information on marine mammal stranding, members of local aquatic resources councils and residents in coastal communities have been at the forefront of rescuing stranded marine mammals, Garcia also observed. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Dr. Lemuel Aragones, president of the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network (right) stresses a point during a press conference in the on-going Southeast Asian Marine Mammal Stranding Network Workshop and Symposium held at the Camayan Beach Resort in Subic Bay Freeport. Joining him are Timothy Ng, deputy director of Ocean Park Conservation Foundation-Hong Kong; Timothy Desmond of Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc.; and Gale Laude of Wild Life in Need.

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Subic tourism school holds eco-kayaking course

Kayaking enthusiasts from various provinces in the country took to the water here recently, not to compete in a race, but to learn about how their favorite activity could help in promoting tourism in the Philippines.

The course, spearheaded by the Subic-based International School for Sustainable Tourism, consisted of a three-day training on kayak paddling, kayak guiding, and kayak safety with an emphasis on eco-tourism.

The course took advantage of the waters of Subic Bay, which varied from placid to choppy, and featured notable kayaking experts from here and abroad, who gave practical lessons on eco-kayaking.

According to Buzzy Budlong, a noted kayaking enthusiast who has led an 88-day kayaking expedition around the country, kayaking can be both a recreational activity as well as a boost to local tourism in the country.

“It can create jobs, boost sustainable tourism, and at the same time educate people about our coastal and marine resources,” Budlong said.

Ogie Empeño, a registered scuba diver from the local government of Masinloc, Zambales, said they joined the course because they would be expanding their eco-tourism program in Masinloc Bay, featuring several resort islands and a unique mangrove island.

“This would be a big help in our efforts to conserve the bay area, as well as promote it to boost the local tourism market,” he added.

The course was also attended by Bill Temby, a seasoned kayaking instructor from Australia, who gave lessons on basic kayaking skills.

Temby said that the Philippines has a very big potential when it comes to kayaking, given the lengthy coastline in the country.

But he noted the differences between kayaking in Australia and the Philippines.

“Well, the conditions are completely different to start with. I was teaching in Australian waters where we have issues like hypothermia,” he said. “In Australia, it is competency-based and we instruct only with proper certification. It’s much more regulated there.”

Temby said he hopes that kayaking would be recognized as a tourist activity in the Philippines and that it would be standardized to ensure safety.

“It all comes back to safety,” he said. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Participants in the eco-kayaking course at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone pose with kayaking expert Bill Temby (sixth from left)

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2012 BIR & BOC tax remittances hit P7.62 billion in Subic Freeport

Tax collection agencies in this country’s premier free port have turned over to the national treasury a total of P7.62 billion in taxes collected from January to December 2012.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia said the amount was derived from taxes collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Garcia said the combined collection of BIR and BOC here has consistently increased in the last four years, showing growing profitability among Freeport-registered locators.

SBMA records indicated that the two agencies yielded a combined collection of P5.28 billion in 2008. This increased by 6.18 percent to P5.6 billion in 2009; by 19.25 percent to P6.68 billion in 2010; by 8.14 percent to P7.22 billion in 2011; and by 5.42 percent to P7.62 billion last year.

During the same period in review, the BIR alone collected a total of P1.29 billion from income, value-added, percentage and other taxes, with a 16.22-percent surplus over the 2011 collection record of P1.11 million.

The BIR collections included a portion of the five-percent corporate tax levied on the annual gross income of Subic-registered locator companies. The three percent of the five-percent corporate tax that the BIR collected from January to December 2012 reached P205.33 million.

BIR’s peak monthly performance was recorded in April 2012 when its collection reached P139.43 million. However, the BIR fell short of its goal of P1.3 billion by 1.21 percent.

Meanwhile, the Port of Subic-BOC posted collections worth P6.33 billion in January-December 2012. This record indicated a slight increase of 3.47 percent over the P6.12-billion customs harvest in 2011.

Subic-BOC also posted non-cash collections worth P491.22 million from government-to-government transactions.

Garcia expressed optimism that this year, more businesses will invest in the Subic Bay Freeport, thus paving the way for more business activities, employment opportunities, and tax returns. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

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USS Stockdale to Arrive in Subic Bay

MANILA – USS Stockdale (DDG-106), an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, will arrive in Subic Bay on Tuesday, February 5th for a routine port visit. This stop in Subic will permit the Stockdale to replenish supplies as well as offer its crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation.

“Visiting Subic Bay provides us with a great opportunity to continue the long-term relationship between the Philippines and the United States and that is very important to us,” said Cdr. Lex Walker, Commanding Officer, USS Stockdale.

Cdr. Walker also spoke about the diversity of his crew. “We have quite a few Filipino –American Sailors among our crew, and I hope that the citizens of the Philippines can look at our ship and see that their people and their culture are well represented and respected in the U.S. Navy,” said Walker.

15 Filipino-Americans sail aboard the USS Stockdale, among them Sailors with family ties to Baguio City, Manila, Marikina City, Orion, Olongapo City, Quezon City, and Santa Monica. Some, like Geno C. Uy (GSM2) and Ryan Angeles (AM2), were born in the Philippines and immigrated to the U.S. in recent years. Others, including Joel Marsigian (AM2) and Dean Rivera-Villanueva (ADAN), were born in the United States but still have relatives in the Philippines. Many of the Stockdale’s Sailors plan to visit family while in port.

This will be the Stockdale’s first visit to the Philippines. The visit is part of the ship’s nine month deployment to the Western Pacific that began in January 2013. (US Embassy Public Affairs)

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SBMA releases P72-million revenue share to neighbor LGUs

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will release this month a total of P72 million in revenue shares to the seven municipalities and one city that are located near this premier free port.

According to SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia, the funds to be given to neighboring local government units (LGUs) were derived from two percent of the corporate taxes paid by registered Subic Freeport enterprises from June to December 2012.

Since August 2010, the SBMA, under a new tax collection scheme, began directly receiving two percent of the five percent corporate taxes paid by Subic firms to help ensure the prompt release of these shares to neighboring LGUs.

The rest of the five percent, whichis three percent, goes to the national treasury through the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

For the second semester, Olongapo City has been allotted a total P17.5 million. In Zambales, the town of Subic will receive P10.69, while San Marcelino will get P8.7 million, San Antonio P6.35 million, and Castillejos P6.15 million.

In the province of Bataan, meanwhile, Dinalupihan will have P9.04 million, Hermosa P7.34 million, and Morong will get P6.22.

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

The SBMA funds benefit an estimated 600,000 residents in the contiguous municipalities, Garcia added.

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

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

Chairman Garcia said that the 10 percent retained amount from May to December 2010 amounted to P6.21 million and was included in the fund released this month.

The LGU shares are regularly released twice a year - the first semester share in August, and the second semester share in February of the following year.

For 2012, the SBMA released a total of P129.4 million in LGU shares, while it distributed a total of P132.96 million in 2011. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA Targets $800-M 2013 Investments

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) expects $800 million in investments this year, a strong turnaround from an estimated $200 million in 2012, with two new shipbuilding facilities to be established by EU firms and major tourism projects.

SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto V. Garcia said this year would be a turnaround year from the poor investments performance last year.

"We expect $800 million in new investments this year because more investors are coming in. Last year was poor because all we have were mostly inquiries from foreign investors," Garcia said at the sidelines of the Philippine Port and Shipping Conference.

SBMA has no official report yet on the investments inflow in 2012, but Garcia estimated it at only $200 million.

Of the $800 million projected investments this year, $600 million are expected to come from the two new shipbuilding facilities which will manufacture small crafts for the exports market. The rest of the investments projection would come from the tourism and gaming projects of major hotel and casino operators.

Garcia, however, refused to identify the company but said they are European investors, which are expected to locate within the year in the freeport.

At present, Subic Freeport hosts the $2 billion shipbuilding facility of Hanjin of Korea.

While SBMA was a laggard in investments generation in 2012, Garcia earlier reported that the freeport achieved the highest profit last year in its 20-year history.

The freeport posted a record profit of P789 million in 2012. This is a drastic turnaround from the P1.2 billion loss in 2011.

Garcia said that the turnaround was due to increased revenues, reduced operating expenses and a favorable exchange rate.

The revenue increase of 16 percent versus 2011 was brought about by new major projects in seaport operations such as the Vale ore transshipment project and the start of commercial operations of the Phase 2 of the new container port.

Coupled with an aggressive collection campaign on existing accounts, new revenue streams were created through increased admission fees on importations and the imposition of fees to defray municipal expenses that were previously subsidized.

Operating expenses decreased by seven percent versus 2011, as the Agency implemented a comprehensive austerity program. Salaries similarly dropped by seven percent. as a freeze hiring policy was implemented and manpower count decreased. Repairs and maintenance likewise decreased by 46 percent and advertising was slashed by 35 percent versus 2011. As a result, earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation (EBITDA) jumped from P329 million in 2011 to P629 million - a 91 percent increase.

Due mainly to favorable exchange rates, unrealized foreign exchange posted a gain of P1.1 billion in 2012 from the previous year's FOREX loss of P566 million.

In the meantime, the SBMA's 2013 Strategic Planning session focused on developing new initiatives to sustain and improvefurther SBMA's financial position in the coming years.

New strategic initiatives concentrating on the seaport, airport, tourism, and commercial and industrial leases were formulated, targets were set and detailed plans of action were submitted and approved by the SBMA Board. (Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat, Manila Bulletin)

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Patillan, Echauz Top YOG Elims

Olongapo bet Jimuel Patillan outlasted Cebu's Justin Liam Chiongbian in a wild rush to the finish to rule the second Youth Olympic Games (YAG) qualifying tournament yesterday at the Dungaree Beach in Subic.

In topping the event, Patillan summoned his remaining energy in the final 200 meters to beat out his rival.

Organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department, the race was staged in a new distance of 500-m swim, 20-k bike and 2.5-k run with Patillan posting 55 minutes and 12.32 seconds.

Chiongbian, who settled for third in the Batang Pinoy National Finals last December in Iloilo behind Patillan and gold medal winner Sixto Louie Lalanto, clocked 55:12:79 while Mandaluyong City bet Samuel Ranque took third with 55:37.00.

Magali Bernasconi Echauz stamping her class anew in the women's with 1:01:25. A far second was local bet Victoria Deldio at 1:02:22 while Laguna's Jessica Salazar took third in 1:08:05 time.

Patillan was ahead after the swim and bike leg but Chiongbian and Ranque made their moves in the run event to make the contest more exciting. (Manila Bulletin)

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USS Cheyenne arrives in Subic Bay

USS Cheyenne (SSN 773), a Los Angeles-class submarine, arrives in Subic Bay today (February 1st) for a routine port visit.

This stop in Subic will permit the Cheyenne to replenish supplies as well as offer its crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation.

The USS Cheyenne, named after the town of Cheyenne, Wyoming, is assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet.

It is home-ported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The Cheyenne, commissioned in 1996, is the last Los Angeles-class submarine to be built by the United States. (U.S. Embassy Information Office)

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2 European firms to invest $600M in shipbuilding

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman Roberto Garcia yesterday reported that two European companies will invest $600 million building small ships in Subic, encouraged by the success of Hanjin Heavy Industries.

Garcia declined to elaborate further, saying that inquiries were made last year. Garcia said during a break in the Philippines Ports and Shipping Conference at the Manila Peninsula yesterday that Subic has become an ideal investment destination for maritime and tourism.

He also reported that SBMA was able to turn around from 2011’s losses of P1.2 billion to profit of P789 million last year.

Garcia attributed the turnaround to increased revenues, reduced operating expenses and a favorable exchange rate.

SBMA raised 16 percent more in revenues last year than in 2011 on the entry of new major projects in seaport operations such as the Vale ore transshipment project and the start of commercial operations of the Phase 2 of the New Container Terminal.

Coupled with an aggressive collection campaign on existing accounts, new revenue streams were created through increased admission fees on importations and the imposition of fees to defray municipal expenses that were previously subsidized.

Operating expenses decreased by 7 percent versus 2011, as the SBMA implemented a comprehensive austerity program.

Salaries similarly dropped by 7 percent as a freeze hiring policy was implemented and the manpower count decreased. Repairs and maintenance expenses likewise fell 46 percent and advertising expenses were slashed by 35 percent from 2011 levels. As a result, earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation (EBITDA) jumped from P329 million in 2011 to P629 million – a 91 percent increase.

Due mainly to favorable exchange rates, SBMA registered an unrealized foreign exchange gain of P1.1 billion in 2012, versus the previous year’s forex loss of P566 million. (Irma Isip, Malaya)

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Subic Hosts SEA Marine Symposium

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT - With the frequent stranding of whales and dolphins in the country, many wildlife conservationists will be holding the first-ever Southeast Asian Marine Mammal Stranding Network Symposium and Workshop here.

Slated in the first week of February, the two-part event is made possible by the Ocean Adventure, Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong and Wildlife in Need in collaboration with the University of the Philippines, Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology and the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network.

An officer of Ocean Adventure said the symposium and workshop aims to engage stakeholders and experts from the academic community, government, industry and non-government agencies in an exchange of knowledge about the current and future affairs of marine mammal stranding incidents in the region.

He added that it is also to advance a One World Health view in recognition of marine mammals as valuable sentinels of ocean and human health.

The tentative list of participants include marine mammal stranding experts, scientists and networks from the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan.

This event comes in two parts: the Symposium that will be held on February 4-6; and the Training Workshop that will be held on February 7-9. Participants have an option to attend both.

"The objective of the symposium is to share knowledge and experiences in marine mammal stranding activities from all over the region. It also aims to discuss and plan the formation of a Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Network/Association whose purpose would be to disseminate knowledge, best practices, and shared experience of marine mammal strandings, to advance a One World Health regional view and recognition of marine mammals and their strandings as valuable sentinels of ocean and human health," he said.

He added that the objectives of the training workshop are to impart knowledge about the various aspects of marine mammals strandings, including anatomy, biology, causes of stranding incidents, first response, rehabilitation, decision-making, and public concerns, among others. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

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International sailing races return to Subic Bay

Subic will again host prestigious international regattas this year when the Subic Bay to Boracay Race kicks off here in February and the Commodore’s Cup promises to wow spectators and sailors alike in April.

The Subic Bay to Boracay Race, which is followed by the Boracay Cup Regatta, will be held on February 15-22. The two races are jointly organized by the Saturday AfternoonGentlemen Sailing (SAGS) group based at The Lighthouse Marina Resort here and the Boracay Cup Organizing Committee.

Organizers said the Subic Bay to Boracay Race and the Boracay Cup Regatta are acclaimed as among the best sailing competitions in Asia today. Both attract Grand Prix yachts and top-notch local and foreign sailors vying for the prestigious “Asian Yachtsman of the Year” and “Yacht of the Year” titles.

The Subic Bay to Boracay Race is a gruelling 210-nautical mile International Sailing Federation (ISAF) category 3 offshore race. It will start at noon on February 16 and will take between 17-40 hours, depending on the size of the boat and the sea and wind conditions in the route.

On the other hand, the Boracay Cup Regatta is expected to provide sailors with four glorious days of windward-leeward races and offshore races around the beautiful and exotic island of Boracay from February 18 to 22.

Overall winners in each class (racing, cruiser racing, and cruising class) of the combined Subic Bay to Boracay Race and the Boracay Cup Regatta series will bring home an impressive handcrafted solid brass trophy designed by Ferdinand Cacnio, a multi-awarded visual Filipino artist, which was officially commissioned by the provincial government of Aklan.

Last year’s overall winner of the combined regattas was Filipino businessman Ray Ordoveza on Karakoa. To give Ray a run for his money in this year’s foreseen tight race are former Yachtsmen of the Year Frank Pong on Jelik, Sam Chan on Free Fire and Neil Pryde on Hi-Fi.

Veterans and multi-titled Geoff Hill on Antipodes, Judes Echauz on his new boatCentennial II, Martin Tanco on Centennial III and Jonathan Mahoney on Zanzibarcomplete a formidable list of veterans to battle for the top division.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia said the two races boost Subic’s claim as one of the best sports tourism venue in Southeast Asia today.
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“Undoubtedly, Subic is now ranked as among the premier sporting places in the world frequented by top-caliber athletes. These two regattas continue to put Subic on the sailing map, so these are very welcome events for the SBMA,” he added.

The Subic Bay to Boracay Race and the Boracay Cup Regatta are organized in conjunction with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, The Lighthouse Marina Resort, the municipal government of Malay, the Philippine Coast Guard, the provincial government of Aklan, and Watercraft Ventures Corp. under the auspices of the Philippine Sailing Association.

The competitions are supported by Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation (SBITC), Standard Insurance Company Inc., Cebu Pacific, San Miguel Corporation, Tanduay, Recreational Outdoor eXchange (R.O.X.) and the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Sailors race against the wind in the Subic Bay Freeport during the Subic Bay to Boracay Race last year.

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Budget allocation eyed for locators’ subsidy

The government will seek budget allocation to continue the subsidy enjoyed by three big projects in Clark and Subic.

Outgoing Trade Undersecretary Cristino Panlilio said the government is preparing a program that would effectively continue the industry competitiveness fund (ICF), providing it with a strong legal support like including it in the succeeding general appropriations act (GAA) of the country.

The ICF, which expired in March 2011, was granted to Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp. Philippines in Subic Freeport, Texas Instruments Philippines in Clark Freeport Zone and Phoenix Semiconductors Philippines Corp.

Panlilio said the program is very specific to these projects and is not open-ended.

The subsidy was a quid pro quo and as an incentive for these big projects which hired a lot of workers.

One of the companies, Phoenix Semiconductors, is entitled up to 2020.

He said the plan is to allocate it in the GAA.

Panlilio added that government is trying to negotiate a rate acceptable to both parties. The suggested rate has to be approved by the Department of Budget and Management, after which it would have to be approved by President Aquino.

“The reason why we are (extending) that is because we want to ramp up manufacturing,” Panlilio said.

The three were given cheap power under the ICF support under executive orders signed by then President Arroyo.

The government is now looking for other hydropower plants like Bakun and Casecnan to source fuel from on a subsidized rate following the privatization of Angat. These two operate more expensively than Angat per reports from the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management and the National Power Corp.

But the government still finds these two power plants as liable for the ICF but the power that they would produce would be more expensive than if the power is sourced from Angat.

This means government would have to shell out more to continue the ICF.

Based on computations, with Angat as the source of power, all-in cost would be below P5 per kilowatt-hour and above P5 for the two other hydropower plants.

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Subic solar energy firm gets DOE accreditation

A company based in this free port is gearing up to become a leading player in the country’s renewable energy program after receiving accreditation from the Department of Energy (DOE).

Bandacorp Solar, Inc., a registered locator here in the Subic Bay Freeport, was granted a DOE accreditation that entitles it to avail of incentives such as zero-percent value added tax rate, tax- and duty-free importation of components and parts and materials, and income tax holidays.

The accreditation was granted after a stringent evaluation and site validation by the DOE. It is valid for three years.

Bob Silvers, president of Banda Solar, said the company is the first small-business enterprise dealing on alternative energy projects in the Philippines that was granted such an accreditation.

This would help the firm promote its products better and in the process make alternative energy systems more accessible and affordable to the public, he added.

Silvers also said that the DOE certification will allow affordable products to be manufactured in the country, since the bulk of these products used in the Philippines are being imported from China, Germany and the United States.

“These incentives will be passed on to our customers to encourage them to use solar-powered products, thus helping in the improvement of renewable energy industry as well as achieving additional advantageous effects to the environment,” he added.

Banda Solar is also look at promoting the use of renewable energy in the Subic Freeport by working with Subic Enerzone, the local power distributor, and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in the Tipo Expressway lighting project.

The company is also promoting alternative energy awareness among residents of local communities by installing a one-kilowatt power station in Iram, an upland village populated mostly by Ayta tribesmen.

Established here in 2010, Banda Solar focuses on the development of solar energy and has supplied renewable energy products across the country. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO: 
Bob Silvers, president of the Banda Solar Corp., proudly shows his company’s accreditation certificate from the Department of Energy.

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SBMA posts record profit

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority has disclosed that the agency achieved last year the highest profit in its 20 year history.

Based on preliminary figures presented at the SBMA’s Strategic Planning conference last week, the Agency posted a record profit of P789 million in 2012. This is a drastic turnaround from the P1.2 billion loss in 2011

Chairman & Administrator Roberto V. Garcia said that the turnaround was due to increased revenues, reduced operating expenses and a favorable exchange rate.

The Agency revenue increase of 16% versus last year was brought about by new major projects in seaport operations such as the Vale ore transshipment project and the start of commercial operations of the Phase 2 new container port.

Coupled with an aggressive collection campaign on existing accounts, new revenue streams were created through increased admission fees on importations and the imposition of fees to defray municipal expenses that were previously subsidized.

Operating expenses decreased by 7% versus 2011 as the Agency implemented a comprehensive austerity program. Salaries dropped 7% as a freeze hiring policy was implemented and manpower count decreased.

Repairs and maintenance likewise decreased by 46% and advertising was slashed by 35% vs 2011. As a result earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation (EBITDA) jumped from P329 million in 2011 to P629 milliona 91% increase.

Due mainly to favorable exchange rates, unrealized foreign exchange posted a gain of P1.1 Billion from previous years forex loss of P566 million.

The 2013 Strategic Planning session focused on developing new initiatives to sustain and improve further SBMA’s financial position in the coming years. New strategic initiatives concentrating on the seaport, airport, tourism, and commercial and industrial leases were formulated, targets were set and detailed plans of action were submitted and approved by the SBMA Board.

SBMA wanted to ensure it was ready and able to take advantage of the present upsurge in the country’s strong economic performance especially in attracting foreign investments. (SBMA)

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Lions, SBMA partner for eye exam and free cataract operation project

Some 200 cataract patients from Olongapo City will be operated on for free by international team of doctors under a project organized by the Lions Clubs District 301-D1-Philippines and the Lions Clubs District 19-C, a counterpart district in Washington, USA.

Around 3,500 residents also benefited in the five-day optical examination and screening project jointly undertaken by the Lions International Foundation and the Olongapo City New Horizon Lions Club in cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Some 2,000 pairs of eyeglasses were also distributed to residents of the city’s 17 barangays during the five-day project held from January 8 to 12 at the covered court of Barangay Pag-Asa.

The activity was funded by the Lions Club International Foundation and hosted by Barangay Pag-Asa, Olongapo City New Horizon Lions Club, Subic Tambuli Lions Club, Primera Lions Club, SR Executive Lions Club, Golden Heights Lions Club and Subic Bay Lions Club.

Jimmy Pasag, chairman of Brgy. Pag-Asa and Lions Club member, said the project is an important activity for the Lions Club because it is one of the major concerns of the group.

The Lions Club has several areas of service, namely: restoring sight, providing disaster relief, supporting youth and addressing other humanitarian needs such as health and disability.

During the screening, doctors, some of whom flew in from the USA, screened cataract patients inside a customized mobile eye-care clinic.

Organizers said the cataract patients will be operated on at a hospital in San Marcelino, Zambales.

Alex Tinagan, a councilor of Brgy. Pag-Asa, said they also reached the target for patients who availed of refraction glasses donated by the Lions groups. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
A patient undergoes an eye examination during an optical and cataract screening project jointly undertaken by the Lions Club in Olongapo City with the cooperation and support of the SBMA Public Relations Office.

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Hanjin Subic Shipyard Delivers 2 Bulk Carriers To UK Company

South Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction - Philippines (HHIC-Phil Inc.) welcomed the New Year with yet another milestone when it unveiled simultaneously two newly-built DWT 205,000 Bulk Carriers in its 300-hectare state-of-the-art shipyard facility recently.

The vessels, purchased by England-based Rio Tinto Shipping Limited, were named M/V "RTM Cabot" and M/V "RTM Drake", respectively. The ships, named after two renowned British explorers, will have London in the United Kingdom as their homeport.

The event was attended by HHIC-Phil senior officials led by President Jin Kyu Ahn, Rio Tinto top executives and representatives from classification society Lloyd Register.

Since 2008, HHIC-Phil has successfully delivered to various clients abroad a total of 48 vessels with an estimated value of US$2.9 Billion, thereby boosting the Philippines' export portfolio.

Last year, Hanjin delivered four vessels to Rio Tinto, including "RTM Dampier" and "RTM Zheng He", which was named after a British explorer and a Chinese navigator respectively, the M/V RTM Cartier, named after a French explorer , and the M/V Cook, a 204,000 deadweight metric tons bulk carrier.

The M/V "RTM Cabot" and M/V "RTM Drake are the latest addition to the vessels delivered to shipping magnate Rio Tinto.

But despite these succeses, the shipbuilding industry is already bracing itself for a very challenging year this 2013 as "The world shipbuilding market is really depressed since last year and this has already created cut-throat competition among shipbuilders", according to HHIC-Phil managing director for External Trade Team Taek Kyun Yoo.

Yoo said that " The European-debt crisis and the slowing down of the world economy continue to plague the global shipbuilding industry, which is still reeling the ill effects of a very low shipbuilding demands last year due to fewer maritime activities. Many pundits believe that these economic uncertainties may result to huge drop in sales for new commercial vessels this year, as many international shipping companies still remain conservative on business expansion, and incessantly look for modern and highly cost-efficient vessels to revitalize their fleet just to keep their business afloat amid the looming crisis. "

He said that " due to Hanjin's vast experience and high-technology, the Philippines currently ranked 4th among the largest shipbuilding countries in the world as per the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). The country's unprecedented leap from a virtual unknown nation in building massive ship is also widely credited to Hanjin shipyard's 19,000 highly skilled and in-house trained local workers. (Manila Bulletin)

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PLDT-Abap national boxfest set in Subic

The Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (Abap) has lined up two major local competitions to start the year, including the national championship, leading off to the Asian Youth tournament in March at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone gym.

The Capitol Grounds in Iba, Zambales, in cooperation with the provincial government led by Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., will be the site of the PLDT-Abap National Capital Region-Luzon Area tournament on Jan. 22 to 26.

A total of 70 to 80 boxers coming from 15 boxing clubs and associations are expected to compete for slots to the PLDT-Abap National Championships next month.

That will be in Maasin, Southern Leyte on Feb. 17 to 23 where the best in the country will trade ring savvy and from which Abap will recruit talent for the national team.

The best performers of the other regional tournaments held last year in Bago City (Visayas) and General Santos Coty (Mindanao) will lock horns with the qualifiers from the Zambales tourney.

Notable products of Abap’s grassroots development program are London Olympian Mark Anthony Barriga, 2011 World Junior champion Eumir Felix Marcial, World Series campaigner Charly Suarez, and World Youth bronzer medalist Jade Bornea.

“We are picking up from where we left off,” said Abap president Ricky Vargas. “This is our way of starting the year with a bang. We’re seeing to it that our program is active and robust, leading up to the major tournament of the year, the Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar this November.”

The Asian Youth Boxing Championship is set March 10 to 17 in Subic Bay with entries from 20 top 25 countries flying in.(Daily Tribune)

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US vessel arrives in Subic for port call

The United States Embassy in Manila said that another one of its navy ships, USS Guardian, arrived on Sunday for a routine fuel stop.

In a statement, the embassy said that the USS Guardian, a US Navy Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship, arrived in Subic Bay.

“This visit will allow the ship to replenish supplies as well as give the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation,” the embassy said.

After an overnight visit in Subic, the ship will proceed to Puerto Princesa City in Palawan “for another brief visit.”

The USS Guardian is assigned to the US Navy’s seventh fleet and is forward deployed to Sasebo in Japan.

The vessel’s crew of some 80 officers and enlisted personnel includes eight Filipino Americans.

Notably, the ship’s highest-ranking enlisted sailor on board is a Filipino-American originally from Olongapo City.

Vessels of the US Navy have made over a dozen port calls to the Philippines since 2012.

Reports have indicated that the unusual number of port calls by the United States to the Philippines was influenced largely by the Obama administration’s Pacific Rim repivot.

The repivot is the United States refocus on the Asia-Pacific region after it has been preoccupied on its war against terrorism campaign in the Middle East for over a decade.

This strategy comes amid China’s increasingly enormous political, economic and military power in the region.

China and the Philippines are currently embroiled in territorial disputes over the resource-rich West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) islands. (Bernice Camille V. Bauzon, The Manila Times)

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Air ambulance takes good care of Subic residents

Subic proved to be an ideal site for an air-ambulance service when a severely injured man, from Pohnpei, Micronesia, was airlifted to the Unihealth-Baypointe hospital at the former American naval base recently onboard a reconfigured twin-engine Westwind business jet.

The Westwind jet was converted into a mini intensive-care unit ward complete with hospital staff, an oxygen system and ventilators because patients are usually too sick or injured to fly in a commercial flight.

Officials of air-ambulance firm, Carejet Assist, said they could not release other details about the patient but said the injury was sustained from a work-related accident.

“He is now recuperating in the hospital. I think he will be released soon,” Scotty Watson, program director of Carejet Assist and a 20-year veteran of the air-ambulance industry, said.

Watson added that during it’s first six months, Carejet has conducted nine air-ambulance missions, plus several other medical and repatriation activities.

The hospital operates 24/7 through the Aviation Concepts Logistics Center in Makati City, where their clients, mostly insurance and assistance companies from South America, the United States and Europe, coordinate the medical missions.

Besides medical ambulance and assistance, the company also assists other emergency needs like commercial repatriation. A few months ago, they repatriated Filipinos from Copenhagen and London, bringing them back to Manila.

The country’s only air ambulance-service provider will add another aircraft early next year in response to a growing demand for their services in the Asia-Pacific region.

The first aircraft, an eight-seater Westwind jet operating from Subic Bay International Airport, has been busy moving patients from one part of Asia to another. To date, its longest run was a Subic Bay-Dhakar (Bangladesh)-Nagoya (Japan) and back mission.

Chairman Robert Garcia of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority welcomes the expansion program, pointing out that the move fits snugly into their plan.(Recto Mercene, Business Mirror)

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Subic issues ban on plastics in retail establishments

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) through its Ecology Center has implemented the “no plastic” policy applicable to retail establishments inside the Subic Bay Freeport zone.

In a memorandum issued by the Ecology Center dated December 27, 2012, the SBMA said that no retail establishment in the Subic Bay Freeport shall provide to any customer at the point of sale plastic bags as packaging material on dry goods. Instead, a reusable bag or the brown paper bag shall be used or provided.

The policy took effect on January 1.

It added that retail establishments dealing with wet goods may use plastic materials as primary packaging material only.

However, alternative primary packaging materials, such as old newspapers, scrap papers, banana leaves, reusable microwaveable containers, among others shall be used whenever possible.

Styrofoam and other similar materials as containers for food, produce and other products have also been banned.

“We hope that the neighboring communities around the Freeport can implement the same policy, besides it will be nice for people to back to the habit of using brown paper bag, reusable bags or even the trusty bayong instead of using plastic and other non-biodegradable materials,” said Angel Bagaloyos of the SBMA’s Ecology Center.

Bagaloyos explained that anyone caught using plastic or other banned materials will be meted with penalties ranging from a simple warning for the first offense or a fine of P5,000 for the second offense and a P10,000-fine and suspension of operation for the third and final offense. (Anthony Bayarong, Manila Times)

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Subic Bay welcomes 2013 with street party

Up to 13,000 people crammed the Waterfront Road and Boardwalk Park in this free port on New Year’s Eve to usher in 2013 and bid 2012 goodbye.

The revelers brought food for their traditional New Year’s feast, pitched tents and set up tables in the seaside venue, heard Mass and watched a mini-concert while awaiting what appeared to be the best fireworks display since the tradition started here in 2001.

“The New Year Countdown is our way of giving thanks for all the blessings in the ending year, as well as welcoming the coming new year,” Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chair Robert Garcia said.

“This has become a tradition for the Subic Freeport community, a thing that also attracts visitors to the Freeport this time of the year,” he added.

Dr. Mariano Ridon, owner of a restaurant near the Boardwalk Park, said the New Year Countdown at Subic’s Boardwalk area began in 2000 during the Y2K craze, and was later adopted by the SBMA as an official activity under the Freeport Festival Executive Committee (FFEC).

Ridon, who was the founding chairman of the FFEC, added that the countdown also introduced the “potluck” tradition and sharing of food for the New Year’s feast when the SBMA, under then Chairman Felicito Payumo, prepared five roasted pig and three roasted calf to be shared among all the revelers.

“Since then, people brought food to the countdown to share with others, like Filipinos did during fiestas,” Ridon explained.

Light and Sound Show


Aside from the fireworks display that the SBMA puts up as the highlight of the New Year program, various establishments along the Waterfront Road had since adopted the custom, with the Lighthouse Marina Resort offering the grandest show along the strip, including music festivals as part of its holiday presentations over the years.

Other hotels along Subic Bay’s famous Waterfront Road have cashed in on the visitors surge, offering dinner buffets and a front-row view of the New Year’s Eve lights and sound show.

“I am sure it would attract more people if the other establishments shared some fireworks also,” Emmy, a countdown regular and resident of San Juan, Metro Manila, said.

Even families living in Olongapo City have begun bringing their sparklers and horns to the Subic countdown after the local government banned fireworks within the city limits.

“Most of our neighbors are here,” explained Josephine Cruz, a resident of Gordon Heights in Olongapo City. “We bring our food here and enjoy a grand fireworks display that we otherwise cannot afford on our own.”

Themed Parties

Others bring their parties and costumes into the scene, making the six-hour wait for the New Year countdown as colorful and as entertaining as the midnight fireworks.

“Because we’ve done this for 11 years, deciding what the theme is and what costumes to wear is tough. This year, we decided to have an activist theme,” Carrie Aspa-Empeño, a journalist, said.

Armed with toys guns made of wood and plastic, the Empeño family, together with their friends, set up camp along the Waterfront Road and put up a “picket line” that greeted other revelers with placards and banners.

One placard had an “OUST 2012!” call, a dig at Filipino activists’ penchant for calling for the ouster of every elected president.

Another read “Maki-New Year! ‘Wag matakot!” which was a parody of the local leftist chant of “Makibaka! ‘Wag matakot!” (Struggle! Don’t be afraid!)

Banner Year for Tourism


It is precisely because of these types of events that Subic Bay has become a tourist magnet.

Raul Marcelo, SBMA deputy administrator for tourism, said that the number of tourist arrivals in 2012 increased significantly as compared to the previous years.

And the uptrend is expected to continue well into the next years, he added.

“Next year will be basically the same (as far as major tourism events are concerned),” Marcelo noted. “But we still hope to improve on our record in terms of the number of visitors, and create more attractions to generate more arrivals in Subic Bay,” he added. (SBMA)

PHOTO:
A huge crowd awaits the New Year Countdown at the Subic Bay Freeport

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Subic Bay to host Asian Triathlon Championships

Subic Bay Freeport will once again be the nation’s hot spot for triathletes as it will host the K-SWISS Subic Bay ASTC Asian Triathlon Championships 2013 on April 27, 28 and 29.

A joint project of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines, the International Triathlon Union, the Asian Triathlon Confederation and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department, the three-day event marks the 20th edition of the longest running and premier standard distance triathlon in the country as well as the third time the Freeport will host the Asian Triathlon Championships.

In the event sponsored by K-Swiss, Speedo, David’s Salon, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Gatorade, Fitness First and the Philippine Sports Commission, Elite participants as well as those under the U/23, Elite Juniors, age-group sprint (750 M swim – 20 Km bike – 5.4 Km run) and mini-sprint (350 M swim – 9.8 Km bike – 3 Km run) categories will race on April 27.

The next day will have age-groupers and Inter-Club competitors racing the standard distance (1.5 Km swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run).

Finally, the Asian Mixed Team Relay championships and the debut of the Paratriathlon competition will take place on April 29.

Over $12,000 in total prize money are at stake for winners in the Elite, U/23 and Junior Sprint categories, while medals and trophies will be awarded for the Top 5 finishers of the standard distance age-group categories, the Top 3 finishers for sprint distance categories, and for the five members of the Top 3 teams in the Inter-Club competition.

The TRAP’s first two events slated are the PSC Aquathlon on Jan. 27 and the opening leg of the National Age-Group Triathlon series at Dungaree Beach, Subic Bay Freeport on Feb. 3.

Interested parties are welcome to contact the TRAP via email (rreyes_upm@yahoo.com, fabiedavid@yahoo.com), landline 710-8259 and 399-6598, mobile phones (0916-5046513, 0921-9954764, 0915-6394233) or by visiting triathlon.org.ph. (Manila Standard Today)

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90,000 Workers Go Back To Work At Subic Bay Freeport

After a long and stress-relieving holiday hiatus, almost 90,000 employees working here are returning back to work.

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia, the 89,372 employees make up the current workforce inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and have kept the economic zone afloat despite the economic crises that has affected most of the Western world.

“Each and every one of these employees has my respect. They have made great contributions in ensuring that Subic Bay Freeport remains the flagship of the Philippines in terms of economic growth,” Garcia said.

He said that the SBMA has given said workers the moniker, “Bayani ng Freeport” or “Heroes of the Freeport” due to their apparent commitment in giving their best in their respective jobs while paying taxes and making the Freeport an investor’s haven.

Currently, the services sector has the most number of workers here with a total of 38,459 or 43.16 percent, the biggest in the workforce sector. This is followed by the shipbuilding or maritime industry sector with 27,310 workers or 30.65 percent, with the manufacturing sector, with a total of 15,183 workers or 17.04 percent of total workforce in the Freeport.

These are followed by the construction sector with 7,614 workers or 8.54 percent of the workforce, and lastly domestic helpers, taking up one percent of the same workforce. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

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SBMA sees fruitful year for Subic Bay tourism

The year 2012 is expected to end on a high note for the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in terms of tourism as the agency became more aggressive this year in promoting and drawing more visitors to the Subic Bay Freeport.

Marking a year of outstanding growth in its tourism promotions program, the Subic Bay Freeport received a certification from the Department of Tourism (DOT) affirming it as the "Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon, with the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) as the centerpiece.

Another highlight for 2012 was the inclusion of Subic among the top ten tourist destinations in the Philippines for this year.

“All things considered, this has been a productive year for Subic tourism,” said SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia.

“The distinctions earned by Subic in the national level only show how much passion the SBMA and the tourism stakeholders in Subic have put up to make this free port a great place to be,” he added.

SBMA deputy administrator for tourism Raul Marcelo echoed the observation that 2012 has been a very fruitful year for the SBMA as far as tourism was concerned, pointing out the opening of a major shopping mall in the Freeport’s central business district and the arrival of a cruise ship, the M/V Spirit of Adventure, as indicators of Subic’s emergence as a major tourism destination.

Marcelo also noted that sports tourism has given Subic much attention, with the recent Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon and the NCAA Beach Volleyball games leading the various sporting events that were held here this year.

“We had our first Century Tuna 5i50, and it was very well-attended by elite athletes. What makes this good news even better is the fact that we have also signed a three-year contract with the organizers, making Subic the official venue of this big international triathlon in the next two years,” he said.

Because of these developments, Marcelo said that the number of tourist arrivals this year increased significantly as compared to the previous years. The uptrend is expected to continue well into the next years, he added.

“Next year will be basically the same (as far as major tourism events are concerned),” Marcelo noted. “We just want to improve on our record in terms of the number of visitors, and hopefully create more attractions to generate more arrivals in Subic Bay,” he said.

Marcelo stressed that the SBMA is planning to promote Subic Bay further as a major sports destination.

“In fact, we are already promoting Subic Bay as a sports destination; we just want it validated," he said, noting how the DOT certified the Subic Freeport as a major destination for conventions, exhibitions, meetings and incentive travels.

Early this year, SBMA Chairman Garcia said that tourism will be given priority in the agency’s master plan and has repeatedly stressed the importance of making Subic Bay a premier destination for eco-tourism and sports. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

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DOLE, SBMA sign deal to protect Subic Freeport workers

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) vowed to ensure the safety and safeguard the health of workers in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone amid complaints of abuse, mistreatment and even death of workers contracted by Korean company Hanjin operating inside the area.

Labor Sec. Rosalinda Baldoz and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority [SBMA] signed the memorandum of agreement last week that “maintains industrial peace and enforce labor and occupational safety and health standards in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.”

 “I am pleased of this convergence of the DOLE and the SBMA to strengthen and sustain industrial peace, promote compliance with labor and occupational safety and health OSH standards, and capacitate SBFZ locator-employers and workers, all for the purpose of enhancing competitiveness, productivity, and growth in private enterprises which are the generators of decent jobs,” said Baldoz immediately after signing the MOA.

The agreement allows DOLE to regularly conduct inspection inside the SBMA to ensure compliance to the labor standards and occupational safety and health standards as well as industrial peace in the SBFZ.

The agreement also requires SBMA to submit to the rules of DOLE in labor dispute settling mechanism.

“In instances of notices of strike and lockout and preventive mediation cases, the DOLE, through the NCMB, shall provide conciliation and mediation services in accordance with the existing rules and regulations in the handling of labor disputes,” the agreement stated.

“Both parties shall also use social dialogue, such as consultation meetings among workers and locators, to further achieve industrial harmony in the free port zone,” the agreement said.

Filipino workers staged protests inside the SBMA amid complaints of abuse, mistreatment such as lack of meals and rest for those employed by Korean shipbuilder Hanjin that caused sickness and even death due to accidents by workers.

The complaints prompted the labor department’s cancellation of Hanjin’s permit to operate until all the issues on settlement and fair labor rules have been addressed.

The MOA agreement also requires SBMA to “educate” foreign employers on Filipino work culture and values, on labor laws, rules and regulations, and other labor and employment legislation, as well as on DOLE conciliation-mediation programs to promote better labor-management relations.

The SBMA is the operating and implementing arm of the BCDA for the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, which has now become one of the country’s premier tourism, industrial, and commercial center in the region. (Estrella Torres, BusinessMirror)

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Subic Investors Unite For Tourism

In an effort to push the current status of this premier Freeport’s tourism, hotel and tourism companies here unite to come up with the “Stay in a Hotel in Subic, Play a round of golf for free!”

Subic Leisure World Inc. President and CEO Benjamin John Defensor III said all tourists who stay at their accredited hotels can play a free round of golf at the Subic Golf Course.

“It’s a simple, yet effective way, of enticing tourist golfers to take their families in Subic Bay Freeport and enjoy the many tourism sites here. It would also give those golfers a chance to try out the new golf course,” Defensor added.

Accredited hotels that give out free round of golf are Venezia Hotel, White Rock Waterpark, Subic Homes Apartelle, Mango Valley, The Terrace Hotel, Bayfront Hotel, Seorabeol, and Playa Papagayo Beach Inn.

Subic Bay Freeport was hounded by controversies such as the alleged “toxic waste” dumping that has lessened the usual number of incoming tourists during peak season.

“We believe that investors such as we, can help in increasing the current number of tourists coming to Subic by creating a package not just for ordinary tourists but golf enthusiasts as well,” Defensor said.

The golf course formally reopened on January 1st upon the completion of the renovation of their fully functional nine holes and is currently in the process of completing up to the 18th hole. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

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