Participants in Subic Bay tourism events surge in 1st quarter

Subic Bay once again proved itself as a tourist magnet, as total visitor arrivals here rose by 12 percent for the first quarter, as against last year.

In particular, there was a noticeable upsurge in the number of participants in Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibits (MICE) and other tourism-related events, and sports events, which grew by 254 percent and 308 percent, respectively, for the first quarter of 2013, compared to the same period last year.

Statistics from Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) deputy administrator for tourism Raul Marcelo revealed that Subic Bay succeeded in drawing some 72,780 participants in MICE and other tourism-related events, and 21,620 sports enthusiasts from January to March. In contrast, only 20,569 visitors for MICE and other tourism-related events, and 5,300 sports players were registered for the first quarter of 2012.

“This big increase really goes to show that Subic is living up to its twin title of ‘Premier Convention Capital in Northern Luzon’ and ‘one of the Top Destinations in the country’. It also validates the fact that Subic has indeed emerged as a favorite venue of sports organizers,” Marcelo said.

The biggest crowd drawer under the MICE and other tourism-related events category was Ayala Malls Harbor Point’s special event featuring the cast of the movie, “Must Be Love”, which pulled in some 10,000 fans.

On the other hand, the biggest sports event for the quarter was the Subic leg of the Philippine National Red Cross Million Volunteer Run “I choose to run to save lives”, which attracted some 9,000 participants last February.

As in other destinations, Marcelo also noted that while visitor arrivals would traditionally peak in summer, as well as during the Christmas and New Year holidays, summer visitor turnout this year had been particularly heavy.

“Vehicular count for the 2013 Holy Week alone, for instance, reached 50,000, bringing in roughly some 200,000 visitors based on a conservative estimate of four passengers per vehicle,” he added.

The said vehicular count, which compared to last year’s Holy Week increased by 25 percent, covered the total number of vehicles that entered Subic Bay Freeport via SCTEx Tipo and also via the other entry points to the Freeport during the period.

In welcoming the bright tourism developments in Subic Bay for the quarter, SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia said, “We look at these increases in our tourism figures as an undeniable sign that people of varied interests and from all walks of life truly enjoy Subic and its many attractions and year-round events, and that we're on the right track as far as attracting arrivals here is concerned." (AMF/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
Tourism and sports events in the first quarter drew unprecedented record crowds at the Subic Bay Freeport.

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New faces reign in Subic Tour

New faces took the spotlight in the AboitizPower Tour of Subic Stage 3 road race with Globalport’s Jester Mendoza ruling the 90km race at the close of the event at the Subic Bay Freeport last Sunday.

Mendoza, 15, dominated the field in the lung-busting race in the premier Category 3 Class, finishing in two hours, 27 minutes and 37 seconds to frustrate Von Dutch rider Ricky Calla again.

It was Calla’s third straight runner-up finish after the 20km individual time trial and the 40km Criterium race of the two-day event organized by Bike King Philippines and co-sponsored by AboitizPower and its subsidiary, SN-AboitizPower Group.

Aldrian Adlawan of Admor Team topped the Category 4 in the event backed by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department, Unilab Active Health, Orbea, Corima, Crystal Clear, Garmin, Pocari Sweat and Mini Phlippines.

Adlawan, who settled for a pair of fourth place finishes in the ITT and criterium, turned in a 2:52:45 clocking to beat Rodel Ramirez of Franzia Wine and Nicasio Onan.

Former national cyclist Marita Lucas of David’s Salon, meanwhile, stamped his class in the shorter 85-km event with a 2:53.39 clocking.

Lucas defeated triathlete Keshia Fule and Marella Vanie Salamat in a fitting follow-up to her victory in the criterium event.

Salamat bucked a spill and took the bronze after ruling the ITT race and settling for second in the criterium.

A total of 273 cyclists, including 34 female cyclists, representing different clubs, saw action in the annual event which also drew entries from the Weather Philippines Foundation (WPF).

An advocacy of the Aboitiz Group in partnership with Swiss firm Meteomedia, WPF provided the participants with accurate, localized weather information and digital race course.

All winners received specially designed trophies and gift items from the organizers and sponsors led by Bike King executive Raul Cuevas.

For the complete results and list of winners, visit the organizer’s official website at www.bikekingphilippines.com and their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BikeKingPhil. (Philippine Star)

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Tour of Subic draws huge field

MANILA - Close to 300 cyclists representing the country’s varied sports clubs slug it out for top honors in the Aboitiz Power Tour of Subic firing off at 7 a.m. tomorrow at the Subic Bay Freeport in Subic.

Organized by Bike King, headed by Raul Cuevas, the first day of action will have the 20km individual time trial which will start along Argonaut Highway. A total of 135 participants have listed for the 20km ITT. In the afternoon, the 40km criterium will be held utilizing the NCT road.

Race criterium for female have been set for 2 p.m. followed by Category 4 participants (3 p.m.) and Category 3 participants (4 p.m.).

On the final day (May 19) of the event sponsored by SN Aboitiz Power, Unilab Active Health, ORBEA, Corima, Crystal Clear, GARMIN, Pocari Sweat, Mini Cooper and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the 90km RR will commence at 6 a.m.

Participants will start from the Travelers Hotel.

The awards rites will be held at the Rialto Ballroom of Travelers Hotel. At stake are specially designed trophies and gift items four units of Garmin Edge 500 to be raffled off.

The event is backed by Aboitiz Power for the 3rd year in a row and it continues to attract the participation of top executive teams such as Aboitiz Power Cycling Team, Von Dutch, PLDT Bike King, Fitness First, Franzia Wine and David Salon’s Cycling Team. A total of 273 participants have listed, including 34 females. For the complete list of Participants, Race Schedule, Race map and weather information, please visit the event website at www.bikekingphilippines.com. (The Philippine Star)

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Shift To Batangas, Subic Supported

Truck operators support the government’s plan to move cargo traffic from Manila to Batangas and Subic ports to decongest Metro Manila but urge regulators to withdraw existing truck ban and instead establish a regular truck route that they could use unhindered.

The Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP) said it supports the Department of Transportation and Communication’s (DoTC) impending policy decision on shifting port traffic , saying the proposal is “salutary and economically viable.” But CTAP president Ruperto Bayocot said government should fix some established trucking regulations first before implementing the cargo traffic shift, primarily the trucking ban on certain thoroughfares.

“Unlike in Metro Manila, the transportation of cargoes in and out of Batangas or Subic ports should not be covered by a truck ban. Instead, a special truck route should be established to ensure the continuing and hasslefree transport of cargoes,” he said.

Bayocot said cargo trucks that will move operation from Manila to either Batangas or Subic ports should not be under the control of the local trucking associations covering their new port of business.

“There exists at present a local trucking association in Batangas port which tends to control and monopolize the operation and movement of trucks in the area. CTAP believes that every truck transporting cargoes in and out of Batangas port should not be subject to control by any local trucking association. On the contrary, such truck should be given access to and from the port without being harassed,” he said.

Bayocot urged the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to establish a complaint and monitoring office inside Batangas port, in particular, “to safeguard the interest of truckers and other port users.” He also defended truckers from being blamed as major factors to the perennial problem of traffic congestion in the streets of Metro Manila.

“Truckers are not solely to blame for the daily traffic congestion in the port of Manila. There are other factors that contributed to the traffic congestion,” he said.

Bayocot cited the local government unit’s ordinances that run counter to the Metro Manila Council ordinance no. 5, which gives trucks a 24-hour window time and a designated route to the north, south east and west of Metro Manila.

“Hence, during truck hours from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., hundreds of trucks and trailers were forced to park along Bonifacio Drive and streets adjacent to Manila ports. Traffic congestion was aggravated when the Department of Public Works and Highways issued a directive prohibiting trucks from parking along Bonifacio Drive and nearby areas,” he said. (Kris Bayos, Manila Bulletin)

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New vessel tracking system to boost safety in Subic harbor

Vessels coming into harbor at the Subic Bay Freeport would feel doubly secure now, as the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) installed a new vessel tracking system to help raise the level of safety in this maritime port.

SBFCC president Danny Piano said the business locators’ group installed a new Automatic Identification System (AIS) antenna on May 2 at the iconic Lighthouse Marina Resort, which is conveniently located to receive transceiver signals from ships entering or leaving Subic Bay.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman Roberto Garcia welcomed the initiative of the SBFCC and said the equipment would complement the AIS that the SBMA, as manager of the maritime port, has been using to effectively keep track of vessels within its area, including those without any transmitters.

Piano said the additional AIS would help increase the level of safety in Subic Bay, which is increasingly becoming a major maritime hub.

“Placing a new vessel tracking system will boost safety and security, as it provides real-time data on ship positions and movements including arrival and departure information,” he also explained.

Piano said that the Lighthouse Marina Resort is a suitable location for the new AIS because it also has a tower equipped with a blinking white light that serves as a guide for ships.

He added that vesseltracker.com, an international provider of AIS services with a network of over 800 AIS receiver stations worldwide, is now the antenna partner of SBFCC in cooperation with The Lighthouse Marina Resort.

The Automatic Identification System is used on ships and by vessel traffic service outfits to identify and locate vessels by exchanging electronic data with other nearby ships, base stations and satellites.

Vessels fitted with AIS transceivers and transponders can be tracked by AIS base stations located along coast lines or, when out of range of terrestrial networks, through a growing number of satellites that are fitted with special AIS receivers which are capable of de-conflicting a large number of signatures.

AIS information supplements marine radar, which continues to be the primary method of collision avoidance for water transport. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBFCC president Danny Piano turns over an Automatic Identification System antenna to Jozen Curva, Public Relations Officer of The Lighthouse Marina Resort.

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SBMA receives ISO 9001:2008 certification

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was recently granted the ISO 9001:2008 certification after passing the audit done by AJA Registrars, Inc., an independent certification body headquartered in the United Kingdom.

SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia received the certification on April 29 from Paul Bagatsing, vice president and general manager of AJA Registrars, Inc.- Philippines.

The certification places the SBMA at par with other organizations and companies around the world in terms of quality management systems.

The ISO 9001:2008 is the international standard for quality management systems set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

The certification specifies requirements for a quality management system where an organization needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide product that meets customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

Under ISO 9001:2008, the organization must aim to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for continual improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to applicable requirements.

Garcia said the certification came at a very fitting time as the Philippines is now the focus of foreign investors due to the recent upgrades of the country’s investment rating.

However, he reminded all SBMA personnel that the manuals set by the ISO are not cast in stone, and that they must strive for improvement all the time.

“We have to continuously train and upgrade our people and bring the mechanisms to make sure that we deliver the quality service that our investors want,” said Garcia, a quality practitioner during his time in the private sector.

“Quality means constant improvement – kaizen,” he added, referring to the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement.

Bagatsing, for his part, reminded everyone that the certification is not just a piece of paper. “This represents three things: your past, or your effort that you put in this; your present, what you have now; and your future, or your responsibilities to keep continuous improvement,” he said.

He also added that it is vital to strive for more and not be complacent after receiving the ISO certification.

“Remember, your best today will be tomorrow’s average performance,” he said.

Bagatsing also said that they are very happy that the SBMA decided to pursue full certification. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA chairman Roberto V. Garcia (right) receives the ISO 9001:2008 certification from AJA Registrars Inc. vice-president Paul Bagatsing.

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Subic Port collection above target

Data received from the Financial Service, Statistics Division of the Bureau of Customs showed that the Port of Subic collected the total amount of P1,091, 625, 587 for the month of April.

This is P561,980, 587 over its assigned target of P529,645.000, or a positive deviation of 106.1 percent.

Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon, upon learning of the above target collection, made a surprise visit yesterday to the Port of Subic to personally congratulate District Collector Atty. Adelina SE Molina for achieving an unprecedented collection performance.

The gesture of the Commissioner served as a motivation to the Port to further improve its revenue collection drive and the personnel has vowed to contribute towards the attainment of this vision.

Commissioner Biazon has just attended the 18th Meeting of the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Customs at Widus Hotel, Clarkfield, Angeles, Pampanga and decided to proceed to the nearby Port of Subic to show his appreciation and support to the team of District Collector Atty. Molina, her Deputy Collectors, Atty. Ernelito G. Aquino for Assessment, Atty. Andrew Fernandez for Operations, Atty. Irineo Onia Jr. for Administration as well as to the entire personnel of the Port for achieving this rare feat.

Biazon stressed the role of the various Association of Southeast Asian (Asean) customs agencies in establishing a One-Asean, One Customs environment among the 10 Asean member economies through the envisioned Asean Economic Integration for 2016 during the formal opening of the 18th Meeting of the Asean Coordinating Committee on Customs (CCC).

In delivering his keynote address to the customs officials of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines, Biazon underscored the evolving global economic trends where customs procedures among Asean member economies are being streamlined, trade barriers are being dismantled to give way to faster trade facilitation, even as enforcement of customs laws and rules and capacity building programs are being enhanced.

“Globalization is a reality we have to face and trade facilitation is at the forefront of this Asean economic endeavor” Biazon said, adding that, “Today’s meeting of customs chiefs shall, therefore, help pave the way for the establishment of an integrated customs agencies among the Asean countries,” Biazon said.

The Asean customs officials were also joined by the customs delegation from Japan, China and Korea.

The delegates to the 18th Asean CCCC shall discuss among others, the progress reports of the Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation Working Group, the Customs Compliance Working Group and the Customs Capacity Building Working Group.

Preparations for the coming 22nd Meeting of Asean Directors-General of Customs shall also be discussed. Biazon currently seats as Chairman of said organization. (Malaya Business Insight)

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RP Energy boosts Subic Freeport security

The Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. (RP Energy), proponent of the 60-megawatt coal-fired thermal plant project in this free port, has pitched in in keeping this free port safe by turning over a “Kasangga” security patrol van to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

The power firm complemented its vehicle donation with various equipment such as rain coats, flashlights, and two-way radios for use of the SBMA Law Enforcement Department (LED).

RP Energy Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Officer Victor Chan handed over the donations to Maj. Lourdesito Cebola and Lt. Alejandro Abarro, who represented the SBMA-LED during a simple turnover ceremony at the LED headquarters.

Chan said the donation is part of RP Energy’s “Kasangga Mo” CSR initiative, which aims to assist in the peace-and-order situation of communities near the firm’s proposed project site at the Redondo peninsula, which is part of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

RP Energy Project Manager Grant Smith said the assistance is meant to shorten the deployment and response time of SBMA security personnel and emergency-response units. (Henry Empeño, Business Mirror)

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SUBIC LABOR DAY

Workers from different locator-companies in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone take part in a dance contest in celebration of Labor Day.

The event, organized by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s Labor Department in cooperation with Ayala Malls’ Harbor Point, aimed to promote health awareness and camaraderie among business locators, customers and other stakeholders within the free port.

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Young guns carry fight in Subic meet

Rising stars led by gold medalist Yuan Chiongbian bagged six medals and carried the day for the Philippines in the recent K-Swiss ASTC Subic Bay Asian Triathlon Championships at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Chiongbian, of Cebu City, towed Brent Valelo of Clark and Lance Vincent Plaza of Laguna to an all-Filipino podium finish in the 13-14 years category.

Chiongbian covered the 350M swim, 10K bike and 2.5K run event in 35 minutes and 36 seconds. Lavelo finished second, seven seconds behind, with Plaza checking in third in 36:15.

Chiongbian’s female teammates in the same age-group of the championship sponsored 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, Garmin, Canon, PLDT, Harbor Point Ayala Mall, SM Olongapo, Lighthouse Marina Resort and Philippine Sports Commission also won medals.

Shaia Ruth Uy, who also hails from Cebu City, clocked 40:04 to bag the silver medal. Margarita de los Reyes of Quezon City finished 16 seconds behind, good for the bronze.

Completing the cast of Filipino teenaged medalists was Magali Echauz, daughter of Ernesto Echauz, the Philippine Sailing Association president.

Campaigning in the 15-16 age category (Youth Olympic Games aspirants), Echauz settled for the silver in the 500M swim, 18K bike and 3.3K run event in 1:01:57. Thai Nichapat Kaewma won the gold medal.

With her feat, Echauz installed herself as a top contender, along with Louie Lalanto of Cagayan de Oro, for a slot in the Asian Youth Olympic Games qualifier next month in Kazakhstan.

“We are happy over the success achieved by our youth triathletes. We are monitoring the improvements of young triathletes from around Asia and we have decided to invest more on the youth triathlon development program headed by coach Melvin Fausto,” said Triathlon Association of the Philippines president Tom Carrasco. (Malaya)

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China triathletes win mixed relay

China emerged victorious in the first-ever Asian mixed relay, even as the Philippines, Malaysia and Korea bagged the three gold medals disputed in the Para-triathlon at the close of the 2013 K-Swiss Subic Bay ASTC Asian Triathlon Championships yesterday at the Subic Bay Freeport.

The Dungaree Beach was the site of the action in the third and final day of the event organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines, in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and presented by K-Swiss with the mixed relay held at the 750-m swim, 18-k bike and 5-k run, while the Para triathlon was raced at the distance of 300-m swim, 6-k bike and 2-k run.

Fan Dan, Duan Zhengyu Huang Yuting and Bai Faquan displayed their mettle as they led from start to finish leading to the best time of one hour, 31 minutes and 22 seconds in the race also supported by Standard Insurance, Century Tuna, Speedo, David’s Salon, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Gatorade, Fitness First, Garmin, Canon, PLDT, Harbor Point Ayala Mall, SM Cares Subic and Philippine Sports Commission.

Another Chinese team made up of Xin Lingxi, Xu Zheng, Wang Lianyuan and Zhang Yiming came in second at 1:31:58, but rules state that only one country can win a medal, thus the silver went to Japan made up of Ohara Sumire, Tanaguchi Shiruba, Matsumoto Fumika and Furuya Jumpei with a time of 1:32:41.

A full minute back at third (1:33:41) was the Hong Kong-China team represented by Joyce Cheng Ting Yan, Wright Andrew, Lee Yuk Ying Aggie and Tam Joe Dick Dickson.

“The team did an excellent job in today’s race. In general, I’m happy with our athletes’ performance. Japan remained the top team in triathlon this year, but all other countries, including China are trying to catch up with them,” said Chen Xiaoran, the secretary general of China Triathlon Sports Association thru an interpreter.

Meanwhile, five competitors saw action in the race for the differently abled, with Sabki Bin Arifin Mohd of Malaysia dominating the Tri-4 category. (Manila Standard Today)

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Ex-champs shine in Subic tilt

Former national champions showed they’re not over the hills yet by ruling their respective age-group divisions in Day 2 of the K-Swiss Subic Bay ASTC Asian Triathlon Championship yesterday at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Fifty-year-old Frank Lacson, acknowledged as the country’s first Filipino triathlete to compete abroad in 1992, joined George Vilog, Arthur Compra and Sandra Araullo-Gonzales at the podium after winning the 1.5-kilometer swim, 40km bike and 10km run contest in the 50-54 age category in two hours, 38 minutes and 27 seconds.

Vilog stamped his class in the 35-39 class by clocking 2:22:26 while Compra clocked 2:17:01 to reign supreme in the 45-49 category of the event organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SMBA) and presented by K-Swiss.

Not to be left out, Araullo-Gonzales, a many-time SEA Games campaigner, dominated the women’s 30-34 class in 2:36:18.

Among those who made the mark in the sprint distance were Rajiv Gurung of Nepal and Yaugood Ahmed of Maldives as they won the gold (1:09:57) and bronze medal (1:16:51) in the 20-29 category.

Sharing the limelight with the former national champions was Ma. Lourdes Casareo, better known in the celebrity circle as Angelika dela Cruz. The sexy star bagged the silver medal in the female 30-39 age group after posting a time of 1:45:42 in the event backed by Standard Insurance, Century Tuna, SPEEDO, David’s Salon, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines (ACIP), Gatorade, Fitness First, Garmin, Canon, PLDT, Harbor Point Ayala Mall, SM Cares Subic and Philippine Sports Commission.

Other prominent names who won were former national duathlon champions August Benedicto (2:13:40) and Monica Torres (2:27:47), who topped the 25-29 age group. (Kristel Satumbaga, Manila Bulletin)

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Japanese bets rule Asian Triathlon tilt

Japanese triathletes Yuichi Hosoda and Mariko Adachi survived the tough challenge to retain their Elite Asian titles in yesterday’s K-Swiss Subic Bay ASTC Asian Triathlon Championships held at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Racing under searing heat, the 29-year-old Hosoda relied on his nerves of steel as he managed to keep up his pace leading to a convincing win against Chinese bet Jiang Zhihang.

A gold medalist in the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games and a veteran of the 2012 London Olympics where he finished 43rd overall, Hosada negotiated the 1.5-k swim, 40-k bike and 10-k run in two hours, one minute and 32 seconds to keep the title he won in the 2012 Tateyama ASTC Triathlon Championships.

“The weather was hot and I was dehydrated going into the run. I had to slow down in the last lap and was lucky to survive and win the race,” said Hosoda who was six seconds ahead of Zhihang at 2:01.51.

Another Japanese bet Ryoshuke Yamamoto took the bronze medal at 2:01.52 while China’s Bai Faquan, who ruled last year’s race organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) in partnership with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), this time, settled for fourth at 2:03 and compatriot Zhang Yiming claimed the fifth spot at 2:03:01.

Earlier Adachi, winner in the female Elite in Tateyama, overcame a slow start with a big windup in the second loop of the four-loop run leg to steal the victory from compatriot and 2012 Asian Youth Games gold medalist Yuka Sato.

POC President Jose Cojuangco Jr. joined SMBA Chairman and CEO Roberto Garcia, ASTC President Yu Kung Sun and TRAP President, POC Chairman and ASTC SVP Tom Carrasco Jr. in awarding medals to the winners.

The 29-year-old, Osaka native Adachi used her experienced to the hilt as she allowed 21-year-old Sato to take control in the swim and bike before pushing herself to her limit in the run. (Manila Bulletin)

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More office, residential dev’t seen in Clark, Subic

MANILA - Development of more office spaces and residential properties are seen in Clark and Subic with the upcoming investments and expansion of manufacturing and business process outsourcing (BPO) firms in these areas which in turn would drive higher demand, property consultancy firm CBRE Philippines said.

CBRE Philippines said that due to infrastructure developments, businesses have started to expand from Metro Manila to peripheries, making Central Luzon a major investment destination.

With increased economic activity seen in the areas of Clark in Pampanga and Subic in Zambales, in particular, more office spaces and residential properties are also expected to be developed there.

The firm noted that new areas of investments for the manufacturing sector have been opened in the two areas due to the tensions between Japan, Taiwan and China amid territorial disputes, as well as the continuous development of infrastructure between the freeport zones there.

It said renewed growth in the manufacturing industry was seen with foreign firms choosing to locate in the Clark and Subic Freeport zones.

Apart from manufacturing, growth in the BPO industry in the two areas has also been observed.

With the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) removing the fiscal incentives for new developers of information technology (IT) parks in Metro Manila and in Cebu, CBRE Philippines said Metro Clark remains an attractive area for new IT facilities.

“The PEZA resolution has emphasized Metro Clark as a high potential investment destination,” it said.

As new locators and existing BPO firms expand in these areas, more developments are likewise expected.

“With the entrance of new locators and expansion of previous tenants in the BPO industry, the real estate office segment is seen to expand in the coming years,” CBRE Philippines said.

As more investments are made in these areas, expatriates would also demand for quality residential developments.

“Residential demand is seen to grow with the upcoming investments and expansion,” it said.

“Vertical residential developments are now seen rising in the area as developers try to maximize their investment on land,” it said further. (Louella D. Desiderio, Philippine Star)

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Salvtug expands tugboat fleet

Marine services provider Malayan Towage and Salvage Corporation, also known as Salvtug, inaugurated on Friday three new tugboats to beef up its capacity to provide critical support services to the shipping industry.

Salvtug president Capt. Edgardo Gualberto said the new tugboats consisted of M/T “Vigilant,” a Japanese-made 4,000-boiler horsepower (BHP) hybrid harbor assist tug, and the 4,400-BHP M/T “Intrepid” and M/T “Defiance,” both ocean-going harbor tugs from Singapore.

All three vessels are specially fitted with external fire-fighting equipment, Gualberto noted. In addition, Intrepid and Defiance have oil spill equipment.

Aside from being outfitted with the latest in technology, the new tugboats are so powerful that they can perform towage without difficulty, Gualberto added.

Salvtug Chairman and CEO Terry Watkins said the new tugboats represent “the beginning of a new era” for Salvtug, which started out in 1974 with just three coastal tugs and four barges.

Watkins said the company now owns 41 multi-tasked tugs, six special project vessels, a crewboat, and 13 container and general cargo barges, which include M/T “Trabajador-1,” said to be one of the more powerful oceangoing salvage tugs in the Western Pacific today.

Salvtug, which maintains vessels in the Subic Bay Freeport and other major ports in the Philippines, engage in the provision of marine services like harbour docking and undocking, ocean and coastal towage, marine salvage and wreck removal, oil spill response and recovery, emergency firefighting and underwater operations, as well as barging.

Officials say Salvtug now provides over 90 percent of the docking and undocking services for all types and sizes of vessels calling at all major Philippine ports.

It also provides tug service for coal power plants in Sual, Pangasinan; Masinloc, Zambales; Calaca, Batangas; and Pagbilao, Quezon, and services very large crude carriers (VLCC) and tankers that call at Petron, Shell and Caltex refineries and depots in Bataan and Batangas.

Salvtug has also refloated more than 145 vessels of various sizes, and maintains oil spill equipment of the Philippine Coast Guard and some oil companies. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Guests board the M/T Defiance, one of the three new tugboats inaugurated by the Malayan Towage and Salvage Corporation at the Bravo Pier in the Subic Bay Freeportlast Friday.

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Olympians head elite field in Asian triathlon

MANILA, Philippines - All the three Asian men and two of the four women who saw action in the 2012 London Olympics banner the field in the 2013 K-Swiss Subic Bay Asian Triathlon Championships slated at the Subic Bay Freeport April 27.

Japanese Hirokatsu Tayama, ranked 27th in the world, looms as the top contender. Tayama finished 20th in the London Olympics and ninth in the April 14 Ishigaki ITU World Cup.

Out to crowd Tayama are his teammates. They are world’s No. 49 and 43rd in London Olympics Yuichi Hosoda, who beat Tayama by 26 seconds in the Ishigaki World Cup where he landed eighth; and Ryosuke Yamamoto (world’s No. 67th), Ishigaki ITU World Cup highest-placed Japanese at sixth.

London Olympian Chinese Faiquan Bai (world’s No.131) and his teammate Yiming Zhang may yet pose a challenge to the Japanese. Bai, the reigning Subic Bay International Triathlon champion, duplicated his bronze-medal showing in last Saturday’s Chengdu ITU Triathlon Premium with Zhang checking in sixth.

“It is our fondest hope the Olympic veterans will inspire the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) aspirants to see the YOG as a bridge to the summit of all triathlons – the competition in the Olympic Games,” said Tom Carrasco, Triathlon Association of the Philippines president and Asian Triathlon Confederation senior VP.

It’s a toss-up between the Japanese duo of London Olympics 14th placer Mariko Adachi and Yuka Sato in the distaff side of the premier continental triathlon sponsored by Standard Insurance, Century Tuna, Speedo, David’s Salon, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines (ACIP), Gatorade, Fitness First, Garmin, Canon, PLDT and Philippine Sports Commission.

Adachi (world’s No. 29) is bent on exacting revenge on Sato (world’s No.33). Sato grabbed the silver medal in last Sunday’s Ishigaki World Cup as Adachi could only claim the seventh spot.

Also featured on the first of the three-day event is the penultimate leg of the country’s five-race qualifying series for the Asian Youth Games where the top finishers earn tickets to the Youth Olympic Games. Both games are slated in Nanjing, China, the former in July and the other next year.

Pacing the Filipino YOG hopefuls aged 18 and under by 2014 are Justin Chiongbian of Cebu City and Vicky Deldio of Zambales. Running second and third are Jimuel Patillan (Zambales) and Louie Lalanto (Cagayan de Oro) in the men’s division and Magali Echauz (Makati) and Kate Lagman (Cagayan de Oro) in the women’s. (Philippine Star)

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Eco-Youth Event

An Eco-Youth Challenge will be held inside this premier Freeport that is aimed to increase awareness and involvement of Subic and Olongapo high school students in activities beneficial to the environment.

Twenty-three schools from the two areas participated in the youth challenge that required participating high school teams to submit a project proposal using a P15,000 seed money that would benefit the local community.

The RP Energy Eco-Youth Challenge was spearheaded to complement the company’s four-day environment youth leadership training dubbed ‘Eco-U’ that ultimately aims to instill the value of environmental stewardship among the youth. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

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ICTSI sees Subic becoming top seaport

Subic Free Port Zone will become a major port in 10 years, the top official of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) said.

“Subic we are pushing hard we are building up the market, it takes a long time within the next 10 years. I think Subic will become a major port,” said Enrique Razon, chairman and president of ICTSI, during the company’s annual stockholders meeting on Thursday.

The Port of Subic in Zambales is located in the vicinity of Subic Bay, one of the Philippines’ finest harbors and most strategic base.

Subic Port is the country’s first free port and continues to be one of the country’s major economic engines with more than 700 investment projects, including the fourth largest shipbuilding facility in the world.

Earlier reports said that at present, Subic is upgrading its port facilities through the Subic Bay Port Development Project, and forging ties with the Clark Special Economic Zone in Angeles Pampanga to form the Subic-Clark Corridor via the 45-kilometer segment of Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway. With those developments, Subic and Clark are being positioned to become one of the most competitive international service and logistics centers in Southeast Asia.
Financial results

During the ICTSI annual stockholders meeting, it was reported that the company’s consolidated cash operating expenses in 2012 grew 10 percent to $319 million, from $289.3 million in 2011.

The increase was mainly driven by the full-period consolidation of the expenses of terminals in the United States and Croatia, and the inclusion of new terminals in Indonesia and Pakistan.

Consolidated financing charges and other expenses slid 25 percent to $35 million, from $46.4 million. The company said that the decrease was due to the higher capitalized borrowing cost as the company expanded existing terminals, and developed new projects in Mexico and Argentina.

In 2012, ICTSI’s capital expenditure was about $465.6 million, against a full-year capital expenditure of $550 million.
“Our capex program is $500 million this year then it will severely drop after that next year, so we are covered this year already,” Razon said.

The group’s capital expenditure budget for 2013 is approximately $500 million, mainly allocated for the completion of projects in Argentina and Mexico, and the ramp-up of construction in Colombia and Philippines.
 
ICTSI also said that it will vie for seaport developments in Cambodia and Greece.

“We are just looking, waiting, same parts, Latin America, Africa, Middle East and Asia of course,” Razon said.

“Mynamar, we are watching it but no plans to expand there. Cambodia is the most promising, but the government has not decided to privatize, one thing or another they have not made up their mind. Its beyond our control, the time table there,” Razon said. ( Rosalie C. Periabras, Manila Times)

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Hanjin Phil. delivers 2 Bulk Carriers to Rio Tinto Shipping

Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co., Ltd. - Philippines (HHIC-Phil Inc.) reached yet another milestone when it held the simultaneous unveiling of 2 newly-built Bulk Carriers in its modern 30-hectare shipyard in Redondo Peninsula on April 16, 2013.

The vessels, named after famous explorers Christopher Columbus and Abel Tasman, were the 7th and 8th ships purchased by leading international mining group Rio Tinto Shipping Limited.

"RTM Columbus" and "RTM Tasman," which both tipped the scale at 106,796 tons, will have London in the United Kingdom as their homeport.

Last January, Hanjin also delivered to England-based Rio Tinto executives the two vessels, M/V "RTM Cabot" and M/V "RTM Drake, each worth about 60 M USD respectively.

Attending the event in Hanjin's modern shipyard in Subic for the unveiling of "RTM Columbus" and "RTM Tasman" were Ms. AnnbelMcGagh and Mrs. Wendy Smith, together with HHIC-Phil Inc. senior officials, Rio Tinto executives Alastair Fischbacher, Allan Smith and John McGagh, and representatives from classification society Lloyd's Register.

Since 2008, HHIC-Phil Inc. has now delivered a total of 51 vessels amounting to over 3 B USD for various overseas clients mostly engaged in international trade and maritime solutions, thereby boosting the Philippines' export portfolio.

HHIC-Phil Inc. President Jin Kyu Ah said that the Korean shipbuilder's capacity to produce high-tech ships is largely due to its ability to remain resilient amid the growing challenges facing the global shipbuilding market today.

"We continuously harness and maximize our shipbuilding capability and resources to win our clients' trust and confidence. We believe that these are the vital ingredients in order for us to keep on exporting commercial vessels during these difficult times", Ahn said.

Cutting-edge technology combined with highly trained and skilled manpower of its shipyard workers, Ahn said that Hanjin is "pushing hard to sustain a cost-efficient production system and meet, if not surpass, the clients' expectations and demands".

Mr. Ahn noted, however, that the shipbuilding industry has yet to regain its long lost ground owing to small demand this year for new vessels caused by diminished maritime activities around the world.

"HHIC-Phil Inc. is exerting its best efforts to be competitive and cope with this depressing situation, which has already created cut-throat competition among shipbuilders in the international front. Thus, any form of short or long term support to help uplift our industry from by the public sector is welcome, if only to perpetuate, or push even further, the Philippines' current 4th place ranking in the global shipbuilding arena", Mr. Ahn stressed.

But despite this daunting task of keeping its core business afloat vis-à-vis the present economic reality, the Korean shipbuilder will continue to look after the welfare of the Hanjin shipyard workforce and prevent cutting down of operations, Ahn said.

In line with this providing its workforce with opportunities, HHIC-Phil Inc. broke new ground in its housing project for its nearly 20,000 local workforce as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The Korean shipbuilder, in partnership with Pag-IBIG Fund and Fiesta Communities, recently inaugurated a 30-hectare housing project dubbed as "Hanjin Village" with Vice- President of the Philippines Jejomar C. as guest of honor.

Strategically located in Sitio Nagbayto, Brgy. Nagbunga, Zambales, the newest community will initially cater to 2,000 employees and their families, with Hanjin donating the land to the housing project for free.

The project also showcased Pag-IBIG Fund's "Matching Needs" program which translated to a more affordable housing packages for the worker-beneficiaries, highlighting the public-private partnership among Hanjin and the relevant government entities. (Manila Bulletin)

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Health center benefits aeta community

Around 500 Aeta families are expected to benefit from the new barangay (village) healthcare center at the Pastolan Village inside this premier Freeport after being turned over by the Redondo Peninsula Energy (RP Energy).

The RP Energy’s initiative of renovating the “KliniKaBarangay Health” and Wellness Center is part of the company’s “Katuwang Natin sa Buhay” umbrella corporate social responsibility (CSR) program.

Part of the renovation is fitting the healthcare center with equipment that include a weighing scale, blood pressure monitor, stethoscope, a microscope, an autoclave machine, nebulizer, medicine cabinets with medical supplies, and even a delivery bed for the community’s use.


According to RP Energy project manager Grant Smith, the health and wellness hub will provide the Aeta community with basic health services that focus on maternal health and child care.

“We’re glad to have this opportunity to help address the concerns and problems of RP Energy’s stakeholders including the isolated communities around the Subic Bay Freeport,” Smith said.

The leader of the Pastolan tribal council thanked the RP Energy for its initiative to improve the health of his community.

Before the formal turnover of the refurbished healthcare center, RP Energy representatives conducted a training program for the local village health workers.

For four days, the health workers were formally trained in modules for “mother and baby care” and “care of the sick and injured.”

“It would be improper for us to just turnover the clinic like that. We also made sure that all the concerned personnel are well-trained in basic medical care and in the use of the medical equipment”, Smith said. The RP Energy project manager added that sustainability is a key consideration in any of the company’s initiatives.

To date, more than 250 health workers and midwives from the surrounding communities including representatives from the Indigenous Peoples (IP) sector have also been trained by the Philippine National Red Cross through the RP Energy’s KliniKaBarangay program. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

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RDC-3 approves ‘twin airport’ development

The Regional Development Council (RDC) has recently approved the so-called "twin airport" development which is designed to upgrade facilities and services at Clark International Airport in Pampanga and Subic Airport at the Subic Free Port area in Zambales.

This was one of the 18 projects approved for Central Luzon during an RDC meeting held recently in this city led by RDC chair Mayor Oscar Rodriguez.

The twin airport project has been approved by the RDC-3 Sectoral Committee on Economic Development. The total of P57 million will be allocated to make the Clark airport "as competent" as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila.

Another major undertaking approved by the RDC is the proposed "Central Bulacan Tourism Loop" that will involve the upgrading of 25 road sections under the "Convergence Program for Enhancing Tourism Access."

Other projects approved involve irrigation, highways, education, skills development, education, and health initiatives around the region. The council also approved increased budgets for the different departments of RDC-3.(Business Mirror)

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Hanjin inaugurates employees housing project

CASTILLEJOS, Zambales — South Korean firm Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co.-Philippines (HHIC-Phil) turned over to employee-recipients on Saturday a total of 300 newly-completed housing units, making good on its promise to deliver affordable housing to its workers.

HHIC-Phil president Jin Kyu Ahn said the units form part of Phase 1 of Hanjin Village, a low-cost housing project that the Korean shipbuilder had initiated as early as 2008 when it bought a 33-hectare site from the Castillejos municipal government.

The new units were inaugurated by Ahn and guests of honor Vice President Jejomar Binay, Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Castillejos Mayor Jose Angelo Dominguez, and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman Roberto Garcia.

They were joined in the ceremony by Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Secretary General Cecilia Alba, Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Atty. Darlene Marie Berberabe, and real estate developer Fiesta Communities Inc. president Wilfred Tan.

In his message during the inauguration, Binay noted that the project will involve the construction of a total of 2,775 housing units that will be built in two phases: 1,730 units for the first phase and 1,000 units for the second phase. As of now, the developer has constructed about 350 units.

Binay, who chairs both the HUDCC and the Pag-IBIG board, told Hanjin employees that they can avail of the housing units through Pag-IBIG Fund’s housing loan designed specifically for the HHIC-Phil project.

He added that for this, Pag-IBIG had lowered its interest rate from 4.5% to 4% for employees earning P12,000 or less monthly, who may want to avail of units costing P400,000. For employees who receive monthly salaries of more than P12,000 up to P14,000, interest rates have been lowered from 6.5% to 6% he added.

Binay also noted that Hanjin employees will not be required to pay down-payment or equity, and that Hanjin has already donated the land for the project site.

“This means that the monthly amortization you’ll be paying will only be for the construction of our houses. This translates to huge savings for you,” Binay also said.

On the same occasion, SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia and SBMA Director Benjamin Antonio conferred with the vice president on the possibility of putting up a similar low-cost housing project for SBMA employees and other workers in the Subic Bay Freeport.

Binay said that initiatives like the Hanjin Village are clear examples of the public-private partnership program being pushed by the government under the leadership of President Aquino.

HHIC’s Ahn had said earlier that the Hanjin Village project is “part of our mission to promote the welfare of workers by providing them with a dream house within their reach.”

He said the housing complex will have all the needed facilities like an elementary school, bus terminals for free-shuttle buses, multipurpose hall, as well as an extension office for the barangay, among others. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Vice President Jejomar Binay (left) explains to SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia (middle) and SBMA Director Benjamin Antonio the requirements for a low-cost housing project that the two officials have in mind for SBMA employees and workers in the Subic Bay Freeport.

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SBMA & Hawaii National Guard joint field training

Members of the Hawaii National Guard and the SBMA Search and Rescue Team rappel down the newly-constructed collapsed structure search and rescue (CSSR) training facility of the SBMA Fire Department in the Subic Bay Freeport as they prepare for a week-long joint field training under the RP-US Balikatan military exercise.

The Hawaii National Guard and the CBRNE Emergency Response Package Team (CERP-T) will also conduct swift-water rescue and CSSR training for local emergency responders from several flood-prone areas in Zambales. (AED/MPD-SBMA)

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Local rescuers to get training from Hawaii National Guard in Subic

Search and rescue operators from flood-prone areas in Zambales will be receiving training on swift-water rescue from members of the Hawaii National Guard, as part of this year’s Balikatan military exercise (BK13) between the Philippines and the United States.

The Hawaii National Guard and the CBRNE Emergency Response Package Team (CERP-T) will also conduct a joint field training exercise in the form of Urban Search and Rescue (USAR). This simulated disaster-response activity will be held on April 10-17 at the training facility here of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Fire Department.

To maximize the training opportunity, 32 rescue operators from flood-prone municipalities in Zambales were invited to join the classroom training on swift-water rescue, said SBMA fire chief Ranny Magno.

Aside from swift-water rescue, the field training will focus on disaster-response scenarios on collapsed structure search and rescue (CSSR) utilizing the SBMA CSSR training facility.

The rescue training will be held while the annual RP-US Balikatan Military Exercise runs from April 5 to 17 in various places in Central Luzon, particularly in the provinces of Zambales, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the rescue training would serve as a very timely preparation for the coming rainy season.

“Readiness and high response capability are the very key to effective disaster-response in areas hit by floods and other calamities to avoid loss of lives,” Garcia said.

He added that the SBMA Emergency and Rescue Team (SERT) has been enhancing its skills through trainings because of its commitment to provide search and rescue assistance in various emergency situations in the community.

More than 8,000 Filipino and American military personnel, complemented by 30 military aircraft, the US Navy ship USS Tortuga, and two Philippine Navy ships, will be participating in this year’s Balikatan training activity.

The primary objective of the USAR is to reinforce the humanitarian assistance and disaster-response capacity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said AFP USAR planner Commander Antonio Alexis Manuel Jr.

Manuel said the activity also aims to improve the capacity for joint and combined inter-operability and disaster-response readiness between the AFP and US Armed Forces.

To make the training realistic, AFP included emergency responders from AFP’s Northern Luzon Command, AFP rescue teams, Philippine National Red Cross emergency rescue unit, and the SBMA Fire and Rescue Team as training audience and participants. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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Hanjin to unveil 30-ha village for its 18,000 shipyard workers

The biggest shipbuilding firm in the country will unveil a village made for its 18,000 shipbuilding employees this Saturday in Sitio Nagbayto, Baranggay Nagbunga in Castillejos, Zambales.

Dubbed as the “Hanjin Village”, the housing community project is situated on a 30-hectare land area in Sitio Nagbayto, some 30 minute drive to Hanjin’s shipbuilding facility in Redondo Peninsula.

The real estate property was provided for free thru the efforts of the Korean shipbuilder in furtherance of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program of providing quality yet affordable housing units to qualified workers of the shipbuilding subcontractors operating inside the Hanjin Subic shipyard.

The project was made possible through the “Housing Needs Matching Program” pioneered by Pag-IBIG in which the latter matches the needs of employers for their employee housing need with developers capable of providing such housing facilities.

“The cost to employee is reduced by the exclusion of marketing cost due to needs matching, as well as salary deduction arrangement and other commitment of employer to Pag-IBIG – all these towards a sustainable employee-retention program”, according to Pag-IBIG CEO Atty. Darlene Berberabe in an earlier statement released through the media.

The partnership with Pag-IBIG is in line with the direction Vice-President and Pag-IBIG Chairman Jejomar C. Binay had initially set which is characterized by active collaboration with LGUs or employers for the housing needs of their constituents and employees, respectively.

“This day marks the affirmation of our commitment in addressing the housing needs of the Hanjin shipyard workers.”

Due to the cooperation between Hanjin, Office of the Vice-President, Pag-IBIG, and real estate developer Fiesta Communities Inc., shipyard workers will be able to avail of housing units with no down payment or cash outlay, low interest rates by Pag-IBIG, and greatly cheaper prices compared to other housing projects in the market.

This project is a model for future tie-ups between the government and private institutions in the area of housing. Indeed, it is a good example of strong public-private partnership as the parties share common values and priorities,” according to HHIC-Phil President Jin Kyun Ahn. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

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Tsunami-detection system to be installed in Subic Bay

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), in collaboration with the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (Asti), will install tsunami-detection sensors at Sueste Point in Subic Bay, within the territorial jurisdiction of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), to provide real-time information and warning signals to high-risk coastal communities here.

Dubbed the Community Tsunami Detection and Warning System, the locally developed sensors are part of a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) grant-in-aid project called the “Establishment of a Cost-effective Local Tsunami Early Warning System for Selected High-Risk Coastal Communities of the Philippines” or TeWS.

These sensors are TeWS’s final target for this phase of the project, and come after tsunami warning sirens were installed in Mabacong and Santa Rita Aplaya villages in Batangas City, Batangas province, in February.

The tsunami detection equipment is composed of a platform with a pole to which different sensors are attached: ultrasonic tide, dry and wet.

The ultrasonic tide sensor will note the rise and fall of the sea level, while the dry sensor will determine whether water has receded immediately after a large earthquake, which can be capable of generating a tsunami.

The wet sensor, on the other hand, will be installed at different heights—one meter (m), 5 m and 8 m or 10 m—and can detect if tsunami water has already hit the pole.

Information generated by the system reaches the local government unit (LGU) in almost real-time.

In cases when an earthquake is strong enough to cause a tsunami, the LGU can activate a siren to warn people in coastal areas of the danger and give them enough time to prepare and flee their homes.

The sensors at the tsunami-detection site communicate all signals to alerting sirens using GSM-communication developed by Asti.

Experts from both the Phivolcs and Asti designed the sensors and the whole system.

Earlier, sirens have been put in place in Subic town, Olongapo City and SBMA. All are now operational.

The Phivolcs and Asti earlier installed tsunami detection sensors in Bolinao town, Pangasinan province, for the Lingayen Gulf with five pilot sirens in Pugaro, Gueset and Binloc villages in Dagupan City and in the town proper of Lingayen and Bolinao.

They also put up tsunami-detection sensors in Rapu Rapu town for the Albay Gulf with five sirens installed in San Roque, Bonot, Puro, and Rawis villages in Legazpi City and in Rapu Rapu town proper; and in Corregidor and Lubang Island for both the Batangas Bay and Manila Bay clusters.

Under the TeWS, each cluster will have one tsunami-detection system and alerting stations or warning sirens for five pilot communities. (PNA)

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SBMA expands subic freeport area to accommodate new ship builders

To maximize the land use potentials of the Subic Freeport, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is now expanding the Subic territory into other nearby areas to accommodate new ship builders.

SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia has disclosed this as part of the six-point strategic plan to fully turn the agency's direction towards "building the new Subic" during his recent State of the Freeport Address (SOFA).

According to Garcia, the Subic territory is being expanded to the Redondo Peninsula while a similar expansion is being made in Hermosa, Bataan to accommodate new ship builders. Other areas are being eyed to be offered to prospective investors also.

Subic currently hosts the sprawling $1.7 billion shipbuilding facility of Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp.-Philippine Inc., the local unit of Korea's shipbuilding giant Hanjin.
Garcia's six thrusts to develop the freeport are: to maximize the land use potential of the Freeport; aggressively pursue the use of Subic as alternate port to decongest Manila; develop the airport for general aviation, aircraft repair, jet charters and other allied aviation activities; fully exploit tourism potential by creating new attractions and destinations, promoting MICE, sports and theme parks to attract more tourists; invest in new equipment and infrastructure needed to support SBMA's strategic initiatives; and improve the agency's financial performance further to provide funds for the strategic plan.

Garcia said that of the six thrusts, the development of Subic tourism is expected to have full sway, as most of the projects planned this year are tourism-related.
He noted that in December last year, the Subic Bay Freeport, and the entire province of Zambales in general, was identified by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as one of the top destinations in the country due to its wide array of quality-standard tourist facilities and the level of visitation it generated from local and foreign tourists.

The recognition, Garcia said, was attributed to the 513% increase in the number of leisure-related new and expansion projects in 2012 led by the Ayala Land's Harbor Point Mall.

Prior to this, DOT-Region III also chose the Subic Bay Freeport as "Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon." This milestone, Garcia added, was achieved after Subic recorded 293 meetings, incentives, conventions and events (MICE) held in the Freeport in 2012, surpassing the 141 MICE record in 2011 or an increase of 108%.

The 2012 MICE events in the Subic Freeport recorded a total of 129,000 participants, or a 20% increase over the 2011 figures.

Meanwhile, SBMA's aggressive marketing of the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) paved the entry of Astro Air International, Inc. which will open the Taiwan-Subic-Taiwan and Subic-Boracay-Subic commercial routes starting this June.

In addition, the annual Balikatan exercises will be held at the SBIA's southwest and southeast aprons, while another portion of the airport will be occupied by the Department of National Defense under commercial terms. (Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat, Manila Bulletin)

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More US ships arrive in the Philippines for Balikatan 2013

More US ships have arrived in the country to offload military personnel and combat equipment for the 29th annual PH-US military exercise, "Balikatan 2013".

On Tuesday, the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) dropped anchor in Manila for a port call before proceeding to Subic Bay.

Tortuga is part of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and is deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

During Balikatan, which will take place in Central Luzon April 5 to 17, the Tortuga will support Philippine and U.S. troops’ joint training for humanitarian assistance and disaster response scenarios.

Cmdr. John Barnett, commanding officer of USS Tortuga, noted that Balikatan contributes to regional security and stability, as well as, strengthening America's roots of cooperation with the Philippine people.

"This exercise (Balikatan) helps us maintain a high level of interoperability... It enhances military-to-military relations and combined combat capabilities," said Barnett.

Earlier, US Navy ships and personnel assigned to Military Sealift Command also transported Marine Corps combat equipment and supplies to Subic Bay in support of Balikatan and for the Freedom Banner exercise held March 21-26.

“Freedom Banner is a (U.S. Pacific Command-directed) exercise that supports multiple countries throughout the region,” said U.S. Marine Col. Mark J. Menotti, assistant chief of staff for Logistics, 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

“This is the first time in more than 20 years that Freedom Banner is supporting the Philippines, which gives us an opportunity to build closer ties with the Philippine armed forces," said Menotti.

Designed to deliver military cargo and supplies in response to a contingency, Marine Prepositioning Force ship USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus (T-AK 3011), and its crew, transported 270 tactical vehicles and amphibious assault vehicles culminitating in a pierside offload during Freedom Banner 2013.

A USN report said dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea(T-AKE 2)also provided support by remaining off shore during the exercise, testing ship-to-shore sustainment of troops and equipment.

MSC-contracted vessel MV Capt. Steven L. Bennett delivered additional Marine Corps cargo from Okinawa. The 687-foot container ship offloaded 430 pieces of equipment, including vehicles, containerized equipment and break-bulk cargo.

The USN said that at the conclusion of the Balikatan exercise, cargo will be reconstituted aboard Lummus and Sacagawea. The reconstitution also concludes Freedom Banner 2013. Remaing cargo is then delivered back to Okinawa aboard a to-be-determined contract vessel. (Elena L. Aben, Manila Bulletin)

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Subic Bay Freeport set for Holy Week

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), together with business locators and community organizations in this free port, is all set for the Holy Week with a program of activities planned for tourists who wanted to enrich both their body and soul.

Holy Week activities in Subic will kick off with the “Blessing of the Palms” rites on March 24, to be followed the next day by the traditional “Pabasa” at the San Roque Chapel. The latter will run until March 26.

On Holy Wednesday, a procession will be held along the parade route in the Central Business District (CBD), while a re-enactment of the Last Supper will be made on Maundy Thursday.

On Good Friday, devotees can join the guided “Way of the Cross” at the Holy Land Subic Sanctuary theme park in the morning and the “Veneration of the Cross” at the San Roque Chapel in the afternoon. There will also be the traditional Good Friday grand procession around the CBD.

On the same day, the Bethesda Springs of Hope will also hold their annual healing prayer and musical concert at the Subic Bay Boardwalk Park. The healing prayer will be led by Rev. Fr. Mario Bije while the musical concert will feature Karylle, Julie Anne San Jose, Ku Aquino, Anna Tirol, Danny Cruz and Coke Bolipata.

Black Saturday religious activities will include the “Blessing of Fire” ceremony and the Easter vigil mass at the San Roque Chapel.

Easter Sunday will start with the traditional “Salubong” and Easter mass, followed by and Easter egg hunt at the San Roque Chapel grounds.

Apart from the usual religious activities slated for the week, some fun and contemporary activities are lined up for visitors.

A food and fun festival dubbed as “Subic Pascha” will open on March 26, and run until March 31. The festival will feature events such as the Yamaha 3s display, the Kawasaki leisure bike display, and animal encounter.

Musical groups like Sub Projekt, Jeff Cifra & the Driven Band, and DJ Matthew Carbonell, as well as poi and fire dancers will entertain guests at the Subic Bay Boardwalk.

The festival, organized by Clawdaddy Restaurant with the participation of various restaurants at the Harbor Point Mall, will close with a concert featuring True Faith on Black Saturday at the Boardwalk.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia has assured visitors to the Subic Bay Freeport that emergency response teams, traffic and law enforcers will be on standby along major roads here throughout the Holy Week.

SBMA's new Tourism Info Center along Tipo Expressway, as well as several tourist info kiosks including one at Harbor Point Mall, will also be opened to assist visitors and tourists coming in for vacation in Subic.

"We expect a heavy influx of arrivals here this Holy Week, as Subic Bay has become a favorite destination at this time of the year", Garcia added. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic reports “full house” for Holy Week

As temperature soars in this top summer destination, hotels and other lodging facilities here announce a “full house” situation, as hotel rooms get sold like cold “halo-halo” treats in the sweltering heat.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia said that hotels and other housing facilities here have been fully booked for the summer as early as February.

“Our hotel owners and operators are very happy about the huge volume of tourists coming in to Subic for the Holy Week. This only shows that Subic continues to be a favorite destination for vacationers and devotees during the Lenten Season,” Garcia said.

The high influx of local and foreign tourists in Subic only supports the Department of Tourism (DoT) citation last December that the Subic Freeport is one of the “Top Destinations in the Country” because of its “wide array of quality-standard tourist facilities and level of visitation it generated.”

The Subic Freeport was also DoT’s unequivocal choice as the “Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon” after a careful and in-depth evaluation of all convention facilities in the region in October 2012.

Garcia said that Subic Bay is now better-equipped to meet bigger tourist arrivals after several business locators built a total of 130 new hotel rooms here in 2012.

A 26 percent increase in other tourism-related establishments, like Ayala Land’s Harbor Point mall and 31 new restaurants in the area, further raised the bar for local tourism, Garcia added.

Meanwhile, SBMA deputy administrator for tourism Raul Marcelo announced that in connection with the observance of Lenten Season in Subic Bay, the SBMA Tourism Department has lined-up a mixture of more fun and religious events here.

Starting with the celebration of Palm Sunday, the re-enactment of the entry of Jesus to Jerusalem, the whole Holy Week will be highlighted by the traditional “Pabasa” or chanting of the life, passion and death of Jesus Christ, as well as a procession on Holy Wednesday around the free port’s Central Business District.

On Good Friday, a grand procession will start at 6:00 p.m., to be followed by the Healing Prayer and Musical Concert, “Five Wounds of Jesus” by Rev. Fr. Mario Bije. On Easter Sunday, “Salubong,” a procession for the Risen Christ, will be held at 4:00 a.m. along Manila-Dewey Avenue here, to be followed by Agape breakfast for all and an Easter egg hunt.

Meanwhile, live concerts by local and Manila-based bands, food festivals, inflated playground display, animal shows and encounters, sports exhibition games, bike and car displays, and film viewing, all for free will be featured at Subic Bay's Boardwalk Park.

“Subic is not just a place to enjoy music and food this time of the year. Subic is also a place to turn ourselves to God and find spiritual fulfillment during the Lenten Season,” said Marcelo. (MPD-SBMA)

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