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23 May 2014

1st bird park in Luzon seen to boost tourism in Subic

Touted as the country’s premier survival course provider, JEST Camp opened its doors this month to bird lovers and enthusiasts all over the country with the launching of the Magaul Bird Park, the first bird park in Luzon, which is expected to boost tourism in this freeport.

Along with the introduction of the bird park was the launch of a bird show that showcased a hundred birds of different species, some of which belong to the endangered list.

Katrina Lacap, JEST Camp general manager said the bird park hopes to be recognized globally which also runs parallel with Subic’s aim of making it a world-class eco-urban center.

“JEST Camp is one with the local government in promoting both local and international tourism for Subic Freeport Zone while preserving the forest environment that is unique to the area. Companies in Subic including those involved in animal preservation are not competing among each other but rather working together to help promote Subic,” she said.

“Here (in Subic), we already have land (Zoobic Safari), marine/water (Ocean Adventure), and this time, we giving them Air (Bird Park). So kumpleto na kami dito. We want people to know that we’re promoting the province and not the individual businesses,” she added.

To achieve this goal, she said JEST Camp must become a center for sustainable living technologies and must create a haven for city dwellers inside a forest, a destination for nature lovers who want to learn about eco-friendly living.

Apart from the being the only bird park in Luzon, Lacap said it offers 10 other attractions, with three talk-and-feeding and two amazing shows. (Franco G. Regala, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
A bird park trainer shows off how a red-vented cockatoo follows orders from her using hand signals and a whistle at the JEST Camp inside Subic Freeport. 

22 May 2014

APO to operate ecozone in Subic

ANGLO Philippine Holdings Corp. (APO) will operate an economic zone from its property inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Bataan.

Adrian Arias, Anglo Philippine executive vice president, said necessary paperwork and representations have already been made with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority to accredit the property, with a size of about 300 hectares. When completed, the development will be the country’s newest ecozone.

He said the company expects to secure the necessary approvals within the year. Arias said APO acquired the said property, situated in Tipo Valley in Bataan, from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority for about P250 million to P290 million. The company may spend the same amount to develop the area.

The said project is expected to attract locators from the Subic Bay Freeport, which is a favored destination of logistics and manufacturing companies as the area has a sea and air gateways, and direct access to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

Arias said many locators in Subic wanted to expand operations, while many more want to come in but the free port’s developed area is already full. “All of the available spaces in Subic are already [parceled in] smaller cuts. So we thought, why not develop since the land is already there,” Arias said.

“If we ever get into it, we will probably [develop the property in] phases,” Arias said, adding that it may take 10 to 15 years before the company will realize gains from the said project.

APO has a huge stack of cash in its coffers after the private placement of majority shareholder, the Ramos family’s Alakor Corp., resulted in about P4.2 billion in fresh funds.

The bulk of this amount—or about P1.6 billion—will be spent to buy additional shares in The Philodrill Corp. to increase shareholding to 34.3 percent from 11.8 percent.

The remaining cash will be used to pay maturing debts, acquire more dividend-yielding asset and boost other assets, such as APO’s economic interest in the TriNoma shopping mall in Quezon City.

The company has investments in United Paragon Mining Corp., Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corp., Philodrill, North Triangle Depot Commercial Corp., MRT Development Corp., MRT Holdings Inc., Brightnote Asset Corp. and Filipinas Energy Corp. (VG Cabuag, Business Mirror)

http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/business/companies/32495-apo-to-operate-ecozone-in-subic

Delos Reyes claims Subic bike fest title

Bike King’s Joey Delos Reyes showed his might in the road race as he topped the punishing 90-kilometer Stage three to also steal the overall individual title in Category 2 at the close of the Bike United Tour of Subic 2014 last Sunday at the Subic Bay Freeport.

The 26-year-old bike mechanic and Unilab Active Health’s Ben Rana pulled away from the peloton right after the first 25-kilometers before the two engaged in an exciting sprint finish won by Delos Reyes.

“Mas gusto ko ang ahon kesa sa flat kaya talagang plano ko na umatake agad,” said Delos Reyes who negotiated the race that saw stiff uphill climbs in two hours 38 minutes and 46 seconds.

Fresh from a second place finish in the 60-kilometer road race Stage two, Delos Reyes accumulated a total time of 5:08:58 to win the individual title in this two-day bikefest organized by Bike King headed by Raul Cuevas and presented by Unilab Active Health.

Cebuano rider Ramonito Espinosa who seemed headed for the title after topping the first two stages, suffered a mechanical problem in the middle part of the race and arrived 14 minutes behind Delos Reyes (2:52:56).

“Naputulan ako ng kadena at ilang minuto rin ako nahinto dahil nilagyan ko pa ng clip. Sayang, kungdi nangyari ito, makakasabay ako sa kanila,” said a dejected Espinosa who settled for seventh spot over with 5:22:31 time.

Rana, who was a second behind in stage three (2:38:47), finished second overall with 5:11:22 while Mervin Santiago of Sante Barley, who came in third in the final race (2:43:00), bagged the third overall with 5:13:44.

Franzia’s lady rider Marella Vania Salamat topped the race to complete a sweep of the three stage event also supported by Aboitiz, Subic Holiday Villas, AboitizPower, Orbea, Pocari Sweat, Crystal Clear Purified Water, Shimano, OtterBox, Maxxis Tires and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)-Tourism Department. (Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/delos-reyes-claims-subic-bike-fest-title/

21 May 2014

Delos Reyes edges Rana, rules Bike United Tour

Bike King’s Joey Delos Reyes dominated the road race as he topped the 90-km Stage three to likewise steal the overall individual crown in Category 2 at the close of the Bike United Tour of Subic at the Subic Bay Freeport last Sunday.

The 26-year-old bike mechanic and Unilab Active Health’s Ben Rana pulled away from the main pack right after the first 25kms before Delos Reyes outsprinted Rana in a thrilling finish.

“Mas gusto ko ang ahon kesa sa flat kaya talagang plano ko na umatake agad,” said Delos Reyes who negotiated the race that had stiff uphill climbs in two hours, 38 minutes, 46 seconds.

Fresh from a runner-up finish in the 60km road race Stage two, Delos Reyes posted a total time of 5:08:58 to win the individual title in the two-day bikefest organized by Bike King headed by Raul Cuevas and presented by Unilab Active Health.

Cebuano rider Ramonito Espinosa, who topped the first two stages, suffered a mechanical problem midway through the race and arrived 14 minutes behind Delos Reyes (2:52:56).

“Naputulan ako ng kadena at ilang minuto rin ako nahinto dahil nilagyan ko pa ng clip. Sayang, kungdi nangyari ito, makakasabay ako sa kanila,” rued Espinosa, who settled for seventh spot in 5:22:31 time.

Rana, second behind in Stage three (2:38:47), finished second overall in 5:11:22 while Mervin Santiago of Sante Barley, who came in third in the final race (2:43:00), bagged the third overall with a 5:13:44 clocking.

Franzia’s lady rider Marella Vania Salamat topped the race to complete a sweep of the three-stage event also supported by Aboitiz, Subic Holiday Villas,AboitizPower, Orbea, Pocari Sweat, Crystal Clear Purified Water, Shimano,OtterBox, Maxxis Tires and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)-Tourism Department.

The 20-year-old UE student taking up dentistry timed at 3:00:45 for an impressive total time of 5:36:06.

“My goal was to really go hard on the hills to determine who my rivals would be. I’m happy to have defended my title,” said Salamat.

Veteran cyclists Doray Ellis and LC Langit of Boys Get Chicked settled for a far second and third overall at 6:07:37 and 6:13:29, respectively, even as Jerard Estilo of ASG Quickspeed Philippines emerged champion in the men’s Category 3 in 5:16:17, edging Christopher Lobanon of Shell V-Power Nitro+ (5:17:12)and teammate Agustin Querimit (5:20:42).

Fitness First Cycling Team ruled the Team Competition event in 15:53:00 while Sante Barley Cycling Team took second place in 16:03:58 with Unilab Active Health Elite team finishing third at 16:21:36. (The Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2014/05/21/1325562/delos-reyes-edges-rana-rules-bike-united-tour

20 May 2014

SBMA eyes rehabilitation of Olongapo river

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is now eyeing the rehabilitation of the Kalalake River, which borders this free port and the neighboring city of Olongapo.

Atty. Severo Pastor, manager of the SBMA Labor Department, disclosed this on Saturday as the Subic authority spearheaded this month’s river clean-up project along the river from the free port’s 14th Street Gate to the Kalaklan Gate.

“Now that we have cleared the area, we are now planning to plant ornamental trees there, especially in those areas near the Harbor Point Mall and the Volunteers Park, since these places are being frequented by visitors,” Pastor said.

“We hope that by planting trees along riverbanks, we could help rehabilitate the river, which used to be the lifeblood of the fishing community that once thrived in Olongapo,” Pastor said.

As part of the continuing river clean-up program, the SBMA is planning to build floating platforms in the river that community volunteers can use during clean-up activities.

Pastor said that his office has already coordinated with the five barangays located along the winding Kalalake River for the proposed clean-up platforms.

Beginning November last year, the SBMA Labor Department has conducted monthly river clean-ups with the help of volunteers from Freeport locator-companies, schools and barangays in Olongapo City, as well as with various SBMA departments.

“In exchange for their help, the SBMA is providing livelihood projects for Olongapo residents, as well as scholarships for dual training in computer hardware and electronics for their children,” Pastor shared.

The SBMA official said they wanted the Subic Bay Freeport “to look good not just inside the fenced-in area, but also outside it.”

Pastor added that under the administration of Chairman Roberto Garcia, the SBMA has intensified its program to protect and conserve the local environment and encouraged neighboring communities to join eco-tourism projects.

“We wanted to give visitors a good first impression of Subic Bay and Olongapo City,” Pastor stressed. “These two neighboring areas, anyway, have shared the same aspirations and the same desire for progress all through the years.” (FMD-MPD/SBMA)


PHOTOS:
Volunteers from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, locator-companies in the Subic Bay Freeport, and barangays and schools in Olongapo City scour the riverside for garbage during a clean-up project last Saturday.

19 May 2014

Hong Kong, Singapore top int’l table tennis open in Subic

Hong Kong and Singapore emerged as victors in the men’s and women’s singles events in the recently concluded GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour Philippine Open held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Hong Kong’s Ho Kwan Kit defeated Singapore’s top- seeded Zhan Jian four sets to two (9-11, 11-7, 11-4, 11-8, 9-11, 12-10) after overcoming third-seed Yang Zi, also from Singapore in the semi-finals.

Ho became the second player from Hong Kong to win an ITTF World Tour men’s singles title after Jiang Tianyi, who won the 2008 men’s singles title at the Brazilian Open in Belo Horizonte.

The 17-year old surprised everyone since Ho did not even place in the main draw, and was previously defeated by India’s Harmeet Desai during the qualification proceedings in Spain earlier this year.

"This competition was very tough. I did not have any expectations or baggage coming into the event, which helped; I had a lot of luck to win,” said Ho.

“At the beginning of the competition, it did not even go through my head that I could win the event. My plan was just to try my best in each match and see what happened,” he added.

In the women’s singles event, Singapore’s Feng Tianwei beat third-seed Elizabeta Samara from Romania, four sets to one (11-8, 9-11, 11-3, 11-3, 13-11).

Feng, a bronze medalist in the 2012 London Olympics, outplayed Riyo Nemoto during the semi-finals.

Winning her first World Tour title since 2011, Feng said that her journey to the top was not that easy.

“It was a tough finals. I felt tired as I have been playing quite a fair bit of matches, including during the World Championships in Tokyo. Also, my knee is slightly injured,” Feng said, adding that she is hoping to win her next challenge in Australia next week.

In the Under 21 events, Singapore dominated the finals as Chen Feng defeated Wu Shikang in the boys’ singles event, four sets to two (11-7,11-4,13-11,11-13,3-11,11-9) while Lin Ye outclassed Zhou Yihan, four sets to one (11-6,11-5,12-10,9-11,13-11). (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA deputy administrator for business and tourism Ruel John Kabigting (right) awards trophy and check to Ho Kwan Kit of Hong Kong, who topped the men’s singles category of the GAC 2014 International Table Tennis Tour Challenge - Philippine Open held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center over the weekend. Looking on is runner-up Zhan Jian of Singapore.

New shuttle service to ship boxes from Manila to Subic

A NEW service that will ship containers from Manila to Subic and vice versa could start operating in June.

The Subic Super Shuttle service will act as a common feeder for shipping lines serving locators and shippers in and around Northern Luzon.

“Since we cannot get [liner] connections directly from Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and Indonesia, the Subic Super Shuttle will get cargoes from Manila and bring them to Subic,” Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC) General Manager Reimond Silvestre told PortCalls at the sidelines of the Transport Summit 2014. The summit was organized by the Philippine International Seafreight Forwarders Association and PortCalls.

“The Subic Super Shuttle is just a catalyst so that feeder vessels calling Manila will look at the Subic Port and see that they can do a direct call to Subic instead of discharging their cargoes in Manila,” he said, noting that as a catalyst service it may run for two years at the longest.

By then, shipping lines and shippers would have established the volume coming in and out of the area, possibly justifying the introduction of additional direct international liner services to and from Subic.

“The cargo is there. We’re just waiting for everybody in Northern Luzon to understand that they can use the Port of Subic,” he said.

While there seems to be a growing momentum to seriously consider Subic and also Batangas as alternative ports to Manila because of the effects of the Manila truck ban, the constant issue among shippers is the lack of shipping lines directly calling the areas.

To date there are only three international carriers directly calling Subic-NYK, APL and Swire Shipping.

Silvestre said the proposed shuttle service will use a 190 twenty-foot equivalent unit vessel which will call the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT)-Subic route three times a week.

MICT is operated by International Container Terminal Services Inc., the mother company of SBITC.

The shuttle service, Silvestre said, is a joint venture between Subic Super Shuttle Inc. and “a few companies” that SBITC supports, and is still subject to regulatory requirements from the Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Ports Authority and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

Asked if there are potential clients for the service, the SBITC executive replied, “When we started discussing this with a few key potential clients in Clark and Subic, we were only looking at big industrial players and big container generators in Northern Luzon.”

Nestlé is “committing their volume, Yokohama as well together with the Japanese accounts in Northern Luzon.

“In terms of costs, it will be competitive for them to realize that Subic can be their final destination point instead of Manila.”

As for other shipping lines, Silvestre said, “There are several interested but their issue is container imbalance”, which is why there is a “need for a common vessel service to solve that issue.”

There are also plans to put up an inland container depot somewhere in Bulacan to address the problem of where to store empty containers.

Silvestre noted there has been a 21-percent increase in volume at Subic Port this year.

Yokohama has increased its boxes out of Subic and so has Phillip Morris, he said. (www.portcalls.com)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/regions/32286-new-shuttle-service-to-ship-boxes-from-manila-to-subic

Espinosa, Salamat lead bike winners

VETERAN Cebuano rider Ramonito Espinosa dominated the first two stages to boost his drive for the overall individual title in Category 2 in the Bike United Tour of Subic 2014 that stated last Saturday at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Defending women’s champion Marella Vania Salamat of Franzia seems headed for a run-away victory in the distaff side even as Fitness First is in the lead in the Team classification in this two-day bikefest organized by Bike King headed by Raul Cuevas.

The event is supported by Unilab Active Health, Aboitiz, Subic Holiday Villas, AbotizPower, Orbea, Pocari Sweat, Crystal Clear Purified Water, Shimano, OtterBox, Maxxis Tires and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority-Tourism Department.

A total of 250 cyclists, including 37 females, are taking part this year with the 36-year-old Espinosa showing his impressive form by topping the 20-k Individual Time Trial and the 60-k road race.

Action opened early Saturday morning with Espinosa negotiating the ITT race in 28 minutes and 56 seconds to spoil the challenge posted by three Fitness First riders Jeremy Ponting (28:58), Mark Ellis (29:19) and Luis Gabino Urrutia (29:20) who settled the next three spots.

Stage 2 was disputed late afternoon of the same day and Espinosa showed legs of steel as he managed to keep pace with three other riders, that included Joey De Los Reyes of Bike King, that went on to finish the race with identical clocking of 2:00:39. (Manila Standard Today)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/05/19/espinosa-salamat-lead-bike-winners/

17 May 2014

Philippine team battles foreign competition in Subic table tennis open

Fresh from their successful campaign in the 2014 World Team Table Tennis Championships in Tokyo, Japan, five male and four female players from the country’s national team are battling it out in the ongoing GAC-ITTF Philippine Open Challenge at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Among the talents in the Philippine Team’s roster is Richard Gonzales, who won a bronze medal in the last Southeast Asian Games.

Philippine Team coach Noel Gonzales said the tournament provides great exposure to the players as they are set against better-skilled players from 14 different countries.

“Coming in from another international tournament is an advantage. Plus, since our previous tournament is also sanctioned by the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation), I think what we earned in Japan will have a bearing here,” he said.

He proudly shared that the women’s team swept its group and won the championship during their competition in Japan.

Gonzales added that the Philippines is making history with the hosting of an ITTF tournament here in Subic, which he described as “the most suitable venue” in the country.

“This is the biggest international table tennis tournament to be held here in the Philippines, the first of its kind, so it gives people the impression that we can host this kind of events,” he said.

“I’ve been to many places in Europe and Asia for tournaments, and I must say that the SBMA (Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority) provided us with a world-class venue,” Gonzales said.

“We have heard from people who also do sporting events here, and all we hear are nothing but praises about Subic,” he added.

Atty. Ruel John Kabigting, SBMA deputy administrator for business and tourism, said that hosting the GAC-ITTF Philippine Open Challenge Series right after hosting the Ad Summit Pilipinas 2014 has been a welcome challenge for the agency.

“Being able to host two big events just days in between really makes the Subic Freeport a top venue choice, whether for sports or conferences,” Kabigting said. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Sendrina Balatbat of the Philippines outwits Riri Audyra of Indonesia to win a match in the women’s individual category in the ongoing GAC-ITTF Philippine Open Challenge hosted by the Table Tennis Association of the Philippines (Tatap) at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

16 May 2014

240 cyclists vie in tour of Subic

A huge field of 240 cyclists and sports club members from around the nation braces for a full weekend of cycling action and scenic views as the Bike United Tour of Subic fires tomorrow at 7 a.m. at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Participants will be classified into three categories with category 2 comprising advanced riders who performed well in previous Bike King races. Intermediate participants who have been active during the past 1-2 years fall under category 3 while the novice riders are grouped in category 4. Female riders will have a separate category.

Organized by Bike King, headed by Raul Cuevas, the first day action will have Stage 1, a 20-kilometer individual time trial (ITT), which starts at 7 a.m., along the Argonaut Highway with turnaround points near the New Container Terminal and near Zambales Highway before concluding at 9 a.m. At 2 p.m., Stage 2 will fire off participants of the 60 km road race and will go around farther the Freeport (Zambales Highway and Appari Road included) and finish at 4 p.m.

The final day of the race at 6 a.m. covers the Freeport and portions of Bataan through Morong past the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.

Gift items and specially designed trophies-medals await the top three winners of each category as well as winners of the individual general classification (stages 1, 2 and 3) for categories 2 and 3 and female and the team general classification category. The awarding ceremony will be held at the Subic Holiday Villas on Sunday, at 11 a.m.

The event is sponsored by Unilab Active Health, Aboitiz, Subic Holiday Villas, AboitizPower, Orbea, Pocari Sweat, Crystal Clear Purified Water, Shimano, OtterBox, Maxxis Tires and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. (The Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2014/05/16/1323765/240-cyclists-vie-tour-subic

14 May 2014

Trans-Asia acquires Subic power plant

MANILA, Philippines - Trans-Asia Power Generation Corp. (TAPGC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corp. of the Phinma Group, has acquired One Subic Power Generation Corp., a power generation company that operates a diesel power plant in Subic Bay.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Trans-Asia said it has bought the entire outstanding stock of One Subic from Udenna Energy Corp.

“The acquisition of One Subic adds to Trans Asia’s growing generation portfolio, which already includes Trans-Asia’s diesel power plants in Norzagaray, Bulacan, Bacnotan, La Union and Guimaras; the Maibarara Geothermal plant, a portion of the Sem-Calaca power plant, and a 40-megawatt capacity from the Unified Leyte geothermal facilities,” Trans-Asia said.

In all, Trans-Asia Power will acquire a total of 200 million shares at P2.45 per share for a total cost of P490 million.

Trans-Asia is also constructing a 52-MW wind farm in San Lorenzo, Guimaras and a 135-MW coal power plant in Calaca, Batangas through South Luzon Thermal Energy Corp., a 50-50 joint venture with AC Energy Holdings, Inc., the energy subsidiary of Ayala Corp.

One Subic is the lessee and operator of the 116-MW diesel power plant located at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Moving forward, Trans-Asia said it intends to double its power capacity to 400 MW in the next few years.

Trans-Asia has various investments in the energy sector. The company has power generation businesses by itself and through South Luzon Thermal Energy Corp., Trans-Asia Power Generation Corp. and CIP II Power Corp.

Trans-Asia is also involved in renewable energy development via, Trans-Asia Renewable Energy Corp. and Maibarara Geothermal Inc., as well as in electricity supply as a licensed retail electricity supplier and a licensed wholesale Aggregator.

The company said it is aiming to double its power capacity to 400 MW in the next few years upon completion of a new 135-MW clean coal power plant in Calaca, Batangas in partnership with the Ayala Group, an integrated 20-MW geothermal project in Sto. Tomas, Batangas with the Yuchengco Group and the Philippine National Oil Co., and the 54-MW Guimaras wind farm. (Iris C. Gonzales, The Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/business/2014/05/14/1322723/trans-asia-acquires-subic-power-plant

12 May 2014

Abdul, Fule secure Asian Cup slots

Former national standout John Abdul put on an impressive performance in the recent K-Swiss ITU Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) to earn entry to the Asian Cup triathlon this October.

Abdul, who did not register as an elite competitor in any race over the last 12 months, topped the crowded 35-39 age-group in Subic with a time of 2 hours, 11 to secure an all-expense paid trip to the ITU Hong Kong International Triathlon.

Keshia Fule topped the female 25-29 age-group of the event sponsored by K-Swiss, Century Tuna, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Harbor Point, Ayala Malls, Canon, Traveler’s Hotel, Blackbeard’s Seafood Island, Asian Center for Insulation Philippines (ACIP) , Gatorade, SPEEDO, Standard Insurance, and Green Triathlon to likewise obtain the same privilege.

Based on tournament rules, only non-pro, non-elite participants are qualified to win the age-grouper award and the Asian Cup triathlon trip. For this year, professionals and elite triathletes who engage in age-group competition are qualified for other age-group awards.

Other age-group winners during the tournament were (18-24), Chao Kit (18-19), Samir Hajazi (20-24), Kok Wai (male 25-29), Maris Balatibat and Chong Seak (30-34), Ani De Leon-Brown (female 35-39), Doray Ellis and Hiroshi Takei (40-44), Celma Hitalia and Mark Ellis (45-49), Elma Gabriana and Frank Lacson (50-54), Thomas Khune and Sandra Reid (55-59), and Kilhak Kunimoto (60-above). (Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/abdul-fule-secure-asian-cup-slots/

Subic community welcomes ad industry delegates

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Roberto Garcia on Thursday warmly welcomed delegates to Ad Summit Pilipinas 2014, as the country’s biggest advertising and marketing congress formally opened at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) here.

Over 2,000 advertising and marketing practitioners arrived in Subic to attend the four-day convention organized by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines (4As) with the theme “Age of Enlightenment.”

“This is the first of many Ad Summits to be held in Subic,” Garcia said to the cheers of the delegates. He said the SBMA would be more than willing to host the convention each time the event is held.

Garcia also enjoined the delegates to explore the Subic Bay Freeport, citing the many reasons why Subic is considered the most beautiful free port in the country.

“Subic does not only boast of having some of the cleanest beaches in the country today, but it also has a well-laid out security plan that I’m sure visitors to the Subic Bay Freeport would really appreciate,” he added.

The SBMA chair also stressed that the holding of the Ad Summit here validates the Department of Tourism’s inclusion of the Subic Bay Freeport among the top 10 tourist destinations in the country for 2013, as well as the top destination for meetings, incentives, convention and exhibitions (MICE) tourism in Central Luzon.

“Tourism is one of the very important industries of the Freeport and with the big delegation that the Ad Summit has brought today and in the next years, hopefully, Subic will always be in the tourism map,” Garcia added.

Meanwhile, congress organizers said the Ad Summit is expected to bring about changes not only in the advertising industry, but also in terms of national development.

“We assure you that the Ad Summit won’t be a typical four-day event,” said Ad Summit chair Matec Villanueva. “We will work together to empower each and every advertising and marketing professional to play a more valuable role in the society today.”

4As Phils. chairman Alex Syfu, meanwhile, said that the Ad Summit demonstrates the 4As’ desire to be the prime mover in the advertising industry and expressed hope that the delegates would be empowered and enlightened by the gathering.
- more -

The first day of the convention was jam-packed with speakers who are considered masters in the world of advertising. These included Louie Morales, chairman of Image Dimensions Inc.; Marcus Rebeschini of Y&R Asia Pacific; Sandipan Roy of ISOBAR Asia Pacific; Boy Abunda, TV host at ABS-CBN; and Dick Van Motman, chairman of Dentsu Aegis Networks/SEA.

One of the speakers, Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes, inspired the delegates by relating his coaching style in the hard court to the practice of advertising and marketing.

Reyes cited the importance of trust, effort and accountability in the execution, efforts and responsibility of every player in the company, adding that great teams work with trust, as it serves as the bedrock in gaining the confidence of the people and the client. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)


PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia welcomes delegates to the Ad Summit Pilipinas 2014, as the four-day event unfolded at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on Thursday.

10 May 2014

US nuke sub arrives in Subic Bay

A nuclear-powered submarine of the United States Navy arrived here on Friday morning for what was described by the US Embassy in Manila as a “routine port call.”

The USS Chicago (SSN 721), a Los Angeles-type fast-attack submarine, docked at the Alava Wharf here, alongside the submarine tender USNS Emory Land, which came to port days earlier.

The US Embassy said Chicago’s visit will “allow the ship to replenish supplies, as well as give the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation.”

The ship is said to carry a complement of 135 officers and ratings.

The port call also “highlights the strong historic, community and military connections between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines,” the Embassy statement said.

USS Chicago is part of the US Pacific Fleet’s Submarine Squadron 15 home-ported in Guam. It belongs to the 41-strong class of fast-attack submarines that form the backbone of the US Navy’s submarine force.

The ship is more than 360 feet long, displaces more than 7,000 tons when submerged, and attains an underwater speed of more than 20 knots.

Chicago, which carries Tomahawk land-attack missiles, Harpoon anti-surface ship missiles, as well as torpedoes and mines, can support “a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, and intelligence surveillance, and reconnaissance,” the embassy said.

Chicago’s visit came amid this year’s staging of the Philippines-US exercise Balikatan and just 45 days after another American underwater craft, the nuclear-powered missile-guided submarine USS Michigan (SSGN-727), docked here also for re-supply and crew “liberty.”

The Michigan surfaced here on March 25 amid rising tension at the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) following the attempted blockade by Chinese coast guard ships of a Philippines resupply vessel off Ayungin Shoal, but official US statements did not correlate the two events.

Instead, the embassy said the ship’s crew visited a local school for persons with disabilities in Olongapo City, as well as a local museum “to learn more about Filipino culture and history.” (Henry Empeño, BusinessMirror)

PHOTO:
Crewmen of the nuclear submarine USS Chicago stand on deck, as the vessel is positioned by a tugboat alongside a submarine tender at the Alava Wharf in the Subic Bay Freeport on Friday. (Henry Empeño)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/nation/31835-us-nuke-sub-arrives-in-subic-bay

09 May 2014

Subic pushing for more shipping trade

The port of Subic is aiming to take in more containerized- and bulk-cargo shipments to help relieve congestion in Manila ports and is now offering better terms for port users in Central and Northern Luzon.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia said on Monday that both the government and the business community have to consider using the Subic Bay Freeport as an alternative to Manila because it provides a decidedly comparative advantage.

“Subic is 30-percent cheaper than Manila in terms of overall costs and offers a better turnaround time so it’s more advantageous, all-in,” he said. Garcia added that the Subic advantage is more apparent now that the daytime truck ban in the city has resulted to some problems in the transportation of goods to and from Manila piers.

“From a national point of view, we really have to utilize the ports of Subic and Batangas to help decongest Manila. Inefficient transportation translates to increased costs, and these are eventually passed on to consumers,” Garcia said.

The SBMA official said a study made by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) had shown that of the 2.8 million containers arriving in the Port of Manila annually, some 450,000 of these go to various destinations in Central and Northern Luzon.

“So why do these shipments have to pass through Manila when Subic is nearer?” he asked.

Garcia said Subic has a total of 14 piers and wharves that can accommodate containerized and bulk shipments, including grains and petroleum products. The port also has warehouses and related logistics facilities.

He said the shipping firm Delgado Brothers is proposing to put up a “super shuttle” barge system that would bring shipments bound for Manila to Subic where they would be off-loaded, sorted and properly taxed.

This pass-through scheme, Garcia said, would enable shippers to off-load cargoes faster since the barging from Manila to Subic would just take four hours.

As of now, Garcia said a lot of big players, especially exporters with shipping deadlines, are looking at Subic to see how they can ship their cargoes here.

Among those recently shifting shipment through the Subic Freeport is Yokohama Tires Philippines Inc., an export-manufacturer based in nearby Clark Freeport.

Aside from the SBMA, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), a government agency overseeing the development of former military bases in the country, and the private sector-led Export Development Council (EDC), have been pushing for the diversion of cargo traffic to Subic and the Port of Batangas.

In March EDC Vice Chairman Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said the Port of Manila is “operating beyond its capacity” and called for the diversion of foreign cargo to ports outside Manila.

In December 2012 the BCDA also endorsed JICA’s policy mix to decongest port and road traffic in Manila by diverting some shipment to the underutilized Subic and Batangas ports. ( Henry Empeño, BusinessMirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/regions/31781-subic-pushing-for-more-shipping-trade

08 May 2014

Ad Summit Pilipinas gets underway in Subic Freeport

Ad Summit Pilipinas, the advertising industry’s biggest event in the country this year, officially kicked off here on Wednesday with a trade exhibit at Central Luzon’s grandest event venue, the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia, Ad Summit chairman Matec Villanueva, and Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies-Philippines (4As-P) chairman Alex Syfu led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the trade exhibit.

Garcia welcomed Ad Summit guests and participants during the opening program, and said that the SBMA team worked very hard to ensure the success of the event.

Villanueva, on the other hand, complimented the SBMA and added that choosing Subic as the venue for the first Ad Summit was only fitting for the advertising industry. “We have chosen the most beautiful free port in the Philippines as the location for an event by the most beautiful industry in the country,” she said.

Villanueva also said that the Ad Summit is the culmination of their months-long preparation and that they are very happy that it is finally happening.

“We assure you that the Ad Summit won’t be a typical four-day event. We will all work together to empower each and every advertising and marketing professional to play a more valuable role in the society today,” she added.

Ad Summit Pilipinas, which is scheduled to begin plenary sessions on May 8, is expected to draw over 2,000 advertising and marketing practitioners who are set to gain insights on the ever-changing landscape of the local and global creative scene.

The Summit will also hold the Kidlat Awards on May 10 to recognize the best creative advertising work during the past year. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia welcomes delegates to the Ad Summit Pilipinas by turning over a symbolic key to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone to Ad Summit chairperson Matec Villanueva. The four-day convention is touted to be the biggest event this year in the country’s advertising industry.

USS Chicago to arrive in Subic Bay

THE USS Chicago (SSN-721), a Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine, will be arriving at Subic Bay, Zambales on Friday, May 9, for a routine port call that highlights the strong historic, community, and military connections between the US and the Philippines.

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

The USS Chicago is part of the US Pacific Fleet and is homeported in Guam.

The USS Chicago is commanded by Cmdr. Lance Thompson and crewed by approximately 135 sailors.

Measuring more than 360-feet long and weighing more than 7,000 tons when submerged, the USS Chicago is capable of supporting a multitude of missions including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. (US Embassy Public Affairs, Manila)

DOLE slaps Hanjin subcontractor with cease and desist order

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, May 7 (PIA) -- Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office III issued Tuesday a cease and desist order (CDO) to Hanjin Heavy Industries Corporation Philippines (HHIC-Phils) subcontractor Finback Corporation following an accident last week that claimed the life of one employee.

“29-year old Ryan Gacus obtained second degree burn from an explosion of a gas-hose of oxy-ethylene used while he was conducting cutting and fit-up work. He was rushed to the nearest hospital and sadly died hours later,” DOLE Regional Director Raymundo Agravante said.

“Based on our investigation, the probable cause of the incident is due to existence of a pinhole at the middle portion of the gas-hose used in cutting works. This might have been resulted from set-up or pulling of the hose inside the work area. With such small leak from the pinhole, workers could not detect the gas leak from the tools used. In the event that he relocated/ re-positioned the tools for a more comfortable condition in finishing the task, the damage portion might have been placed near the victim. Thus upon igniting the cutting torch the hose instantly exploded at the victim resulting to burn injuries,” Agravante explained.

In a meeting with representatives of HHIC and Finback, DOLE urged them to comply with a number of requirements.

This include conduct of Basic Safety Awareness Training to 10% of the skilled workers of Finback and submission of Employer’s accident-illness report; accident/incident report with photos attached; police report; medical abstract; employment record/contract; work methodology/procedure; employee’s profile; employee safety orientation; proof of document for acknowledgement receipt of social welfare benefits, and proof of documents for salary payments and remittance for Social Security System, PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG.

Meanwhile, DOLE is also working closely with the two companies for the provision of financial assistance and other benefits to the family of the victim. (CLJD-PIA 3)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=561399394106

07 May 2014

TRADEX Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Ad Summit Pilipinas 2014

Ad Summit Pilipinas kicks things off with the opening of the Ad Summit Trade Expo. Showcasing the latest practices and technologies in advertising, the expo features booths by PLDT Home and Smart Communications, the latter displaying a new collaboration between the telecom company and broadcasting company TV5.

The opening ceremonies were attended by board members of organizer 4As, along with SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, and committee members of the Advertising Suppliers Association of the Philippines.

For more behind the scene photos, follow our Official Instagram account here: www.instagram.com/AdSummitPilipinas

https://www.facebook.com/AdSummitPH

SBMA approves military bases inside Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has approved a resolution allowing the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Philippine Navy (PN) to set-up partial military bases inside the Freeport, SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia announced on Monday.

PAF is planning to house about 25 fighter jets from South Korea in the Fedex area adjacent to the Subic Bay International Airport while the Philippine Navy is asking for the area encompassing the Alava Pier and the Juliet and Rivera wharfs where two naval cutter will be home ported.

With the ongoing Balikatan exercises between United States and Filipino forces and the newly-approved Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), the planned air and naval bases inside the Subic Freeport zone will naturally also be used by American troops.

“We have to stress here that these are Philippine bases not American bases,” Garcia pointed out.

With regards to EDCA, the Garcia said that this is still being worked out. “Materials and supplies pwede siguro dito,” he said.

Garcia said the SBMA board has approved in principle the setting-up of the two bases for the PAF and PN “in the interest of national security.”

“But I have requested that locators be allowed to continue with their operation,” he said.

Two US C-130 planes were spotted at the Subic Bay International Airport while some American sea vessels were seen at the Alava Pier and near the Rivera and Juliet wharfs of the former American naval base.

Garcia said that the airplanes are part of the Balikatan. (Ernie B. Esconde, Manila Times)

http://www.manilatimes.net/sbma-approves-military-bases-inside-freeport/94476/

06 May 2014

SBMA revamped after key officials’ ouster

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has reshuffled several of its key managers after the Office of the Ombudsman ordered the dismissal of three agency officials in connection with a flawed port contract.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the SBMA board held a special meeting last Friday and approved the appointment of Joy Alvarado, officer in charge of the SBMA Regulatory Group, as OIC senior deputy administrator (SDA) for the SBMA Business Group; and Marco Estabillo, manager of the SBMA Engineering Department, as OIC SDA for operations and concurrent OIC deputy administrator for public works.

The SBMA board also appointed OIC Deputy Administrator (DA) for Business Reuel John Kabigting as OIC for regulatory; Ronnie Yambao as OIC DA for business development; Anna Joy Quinto as OIC for business accreditation; and Gary Fernandez as OIC for engineering department.

The appointments took effect on Monday.

Garcia said Alvarado replaced Stefani Saño as SDA for business, while Estabillo took over the post of Marcelino Sanqui.

Saño and Sanqui, along with SDA for support services Ramon Agregado, are the only sitting officials among the 18 SBMA officials indicted by the Ombudsman last month for allegedly rigging a joint-venture agreement (JVA) in 2010 for the development, operation and management of the Naval Supply Depot logistics area here and the ports of Boton, Alava, Rivera and Bravo.

Those indicted included former SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga; former Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Armand Arreza; ex-Senior Deputy Administrator Ferdinand Hernandez; ex-Deputy Administrator Ma. Cristina Millan; and ex-Board Members Edralino Cajudo, Antonio Rex Chan, Ricardo Coscolluela, Angelita Cruz, Teodoro del Rosario, Jorge Estanislao, Ma. Angela Garcia, James Lorenzana, Ma. Victoria Pineda, Saño, Jennifer Khonghun-Ting and Eddie Tamondong.

Businessman Reghis Romero and Michael Romero, chairman and chief executive, respectively, of Harbour Centre Port Terminal Inc. (HCPTI), which got the contract, were also charged as co-respondents.

The Ombudsman said the SBMA officials “displayed manifest partiality and evident bad faith in the performance of their functions,” and said the agency resorted to procedural shortcuts in awarding the contract to HCPTI.

The anti-graft body also noted the SBMA had lowered the cost of the contract to only P763 million to allow HCPTI to post a lower bid security of P15.26 million. However, the JVA originally cost P5.537 billion, which should have required the HCPTI to post a bid security of P100 million.

Garcia said the SBMA, under his helm, did not implement the JVA with HCPTI.

He said that upon taking over as chairman in 2010, he asked around and became wary of the contract upon learning that the National Economic and Development Authority had withdrawn from the project.

“So we didn’t take action [on the JVA]. We simply followed the court order declaring the JVA null and void,” Garcia said.

Pending the resolution of the case against the HCPTI contract, the status quo remains and the SBMA continues to operate all the 14 wharves and piers in the Freeport, Garcia said.

The newly appointed OICs will be serving in a temporary capacity, and without additional pay, until the graft case has been finally resolved, he said. (Henry Empeño, BusinessMirror)

http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/top-news/31631-sbma-revamped-after-key-officials-ouster

05 May 2014

Subic celebrates Labor Day with job fair, fun games

Investors and workers in this freeport zone, along with their families, joined hands in the annual celebration of Labor Day here with a labor-recruitment activity and fun games to strengthen goodwill and camaraderie.

“While most of the labor organizations in the country join street protests and rallies, workers in the Subic Bay Freeport take part in what they believe is a more productive way to celebrate this global holiday,” Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia said.

“The workers of Subic are going beyond mere display of flags and streamers during Labor Day. Here, we celebrate by building on the positive, by strengthening the workers and creating more opportunities for them,” Garcia said.

Organized by the SBMA Labor Department in collaboration with the Subic Bay Workers Development Foundation, Inc. and Harbor Point (Ayala Malls), the celebration started as early as 6:00 a.m. with a three-kilometer fun run participated in by company managers, workers and some family members.

After that, a talent competition was held at the Harbor Point Activity Center to see who were the best dancers, singers and muses among workers from various companies.

At the same time, 25 business locators in the Freeport organized a job fair at the Harbor Point Promenade.

SBMA labor manager Severo Pastor Jr. said the Labor Day job fair in Subic was the biggest in Central Luzon as more than 4,000 jobs were offered by the participating firms.

The labor official attributed the significant increase in the number of job openings here to the continuing effort of the SBMA management to attract more investors in the Freeport.

Pastor also lauded the workers in the Subic Bay Freeport, saying that the local workforce had helped make Subic a globally-competitive business center.

He added that quality performance by Subic workers is the result of not only good salary or company prestige, but also how workers feel about their employers or managers, as well as how investors feel about the SBMA and vice versa.

“We are different here in Subic. This is because Freeport workers and their managers choose to relax side by side, and also have friendly competition with other personnel from other companies. This makes for good camaraderie and goodwill, and ultimately good performance and good business,” Pastor said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Young jobseekers, most of them fresh from college, scan company announcements during a Labor Day job fair at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall in the hope of landing a full-time job at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Worker dies in Subic shipyard accident

SUBIC, Zambales , Philippines– A worker died from burns in the latest accident that occurred at the Hanjin shipyard here, hospital sources said yesterday.

Randy Gacos, 29, a welder of Finback Corp., a subcontractor of Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Philippines Inc., suffered severe burns while working Wednesday. He was rushed to the Unihealth-Baypointe Hospital and Medical Center at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone but doctors failed to save him.

Sources said Gacos’ welding hose caught fire and the flames spread over his body.

Data showed Gacos is the 37th worker to have died while working at the shipyard.

Meanwhile, a labor group challenged President Aquino to uphold and protect the rights of the workers at the Hanjin shipyard.

Partidong Manggagawa chairman Renato Magtubo said the death of Gacos would serve as a test for Aquino who once thanked Hanjin for its P24-billion investment in the country.

“The Hanjin shipyard is a graveyard of workers. While capitalists are scrimping on protection for its work force and the government is sleeping on its job of enforcement, workers are dying in the workplace,” Magtubo said.

The group estimated that there are at least 21,000 workers at the shipyard but only a few hundreds are employed directly while the rest were hired through the subcontractors. (Bebot Sison, Sheila Crisostomo, The Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/05/04/1319113/worker-dies-subic-shipyard-accident

03 May 2014

Subic will not be part of EDCA – defense official

A defense official on Friday denied that Subic Bay, a former United States Naval base, is being eyed as one of the locations American troops can access under the newly signed Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

“No. This is for the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines),” said Defense Undersectary Pio Lorenzo Batino, a member of the Philippine negotiating panel on EDCA.

Batino said defense and military officials are currently coordinating with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) so that portions of Subic, a civilian property, can be turned over to the AFP for its use.

“The AFP is requesting for limited portions of Subic so that it can strategically locate Philippine Air Force equipment, Philippine Navy equipment, kailangan natin yan para sa ating concerns sa area na yun,” he said at a press conference in Camp Aquinaldo.

Batino said they are eyeing to open three to five Philippine military camps for the use of American forces under EDCA, but was mum when asked if Clark airfield in Pampanga, also a former US military base, is one of them.

“Right now, the discussions would be ranging from three to five AFP bases,” he said. “That's not the final but that is the starting discussion point.”

EDCA was signed Monday, hours before US President Barack Obama arrived in the Philippines for his first state visit.

The agreement grants US troops access to designated Philippine military facilities, the right to construct facilities, and pre-position equipment, aircraft and vessels.

But the pact rules out permanent basing, as the Philippine Constitution bans foreign military bases in the country unless covered by a treaty. EDCA as an executive agreement has an initial term of 10 years. (Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMA News)

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/359308/news/nation/subic-will-not-be-part-of-edca-defense-official

Philippines to offer renewed US military use of Subic

Manila (AFP) - The Philippines said Friday it plans to give the United States access to five military bases under a deal that could see US forces return to their giant former facility at Subic Bay.

An access deal signed last week would allow the US to rotate more aircraft, ships, equipment and troops over the next 10 years at unspecified bases in the territory of the Asian ally strategically facing the South China Sea.

The two countries are now in follow-up talks to select the Filipino bases, said defence undersecretary Pio Batino, the chief Filipino negotiator.

"Right now, the discussions would be ranging from three to five (Filipino military) bases," he told reporters.
"That's not the final, but that is the starting discussion point."

The Philippines is offering Fort Magsaysay, a sprawling army base about 100 kilometres (62 miles) north of Manila that regularly hosts annual large-scale US-Filipino military exercises, Batino said.

He added "limited portions of Subic" would also be offered, but declined to identify the three other bases under consideration.

The Philippines intends to conclude the discussions not later than September 30, Batino added.

The deal for increased US access is part of Philippine efforts to boost its weak military capabilities at a time of deep tensions with China over competing claims to parts of the South China Sea.

China claims most of the sea, even waters close to the Philippines and other countries in the region.

Subic, facing the South China Sea, was the former repair yard of the Japan-based US Pacific fleet.

American forces vacated it in 1992, along with nearby Clark Air Base, after the Philippine Senate refused to extend a bases treaty, ending nearly a century of major US military presence.

It is now a civilian free port, but maintains a US-era military runway and a deep harbour that is still used by American warships stopping over for military exercises or for regular provisioning.

Bound by a mutual defence pact, the US and the Philippines engage in regular war games that see thousands of US troops and state-of-the-art American military hardware brought to the Philippines.

The Philippines signed the bases access deal last week, hours ahead of a state visit to Manila by American President Barack Obama.

The deal also allows the US to build structures inside the bases for use by its forces, as well as to store supplies and equipment. (AFP News)

https://ph.news.yahoo.com/philippines-offer-renewed-us-military-subic-131859141.html

02 May 2014

Quality supervisor is SBMA Employee of the Year

A quality management supervisor responsible in initiating quality management systems in the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has been named SBMA Employee of the Year for 2013 in a ceremony held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Juan C. Aquino, Jr., officer in charge of the agency’s Total Quality Management office and previously named as Employee of the Year for the Internal Services Group, bested five other finalists in the annual search for the agency’s outstanding employees.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia congratulated the finalists and said they have the admiration of their peers and the recognition from the whole agency.

Aquino, who has been with the SBMA since 2000, helped the agency achieve the ISO 9001:2008 certification, the international standard for quality management systems. He also set up the “Voice of the Customer” system, which allows customers to give feedback, thus making it possible for the SBMA to further improve customer service.

The other five finalists were shipping operations specialist Florence Basobas, investment analyst Marie Elaine Gonzales, utility worker Renato Ching, heavy equipment operator Nestor Manuel, and Ecology Center clerk Febie dela Cerna. They were also named Employees of the Year for their respective strategic business units.

Basobas, a licensed public accountant who represented the Aviation and Maritime Operations Group, was responsible in auditing liquidation reports of companies engaged in importation inside the Freeport.

Gonzales, who represented the Business and Investment Group, was nominated for her work in pulling in investments worth US$18 million for the SBMA. She was also responsible for handling investor concerns within the Freeport.

Ching of the Chairman and Administrator’s Group is currently designated as driver at the Media Production Department. He was recognized for doing tasks outside his job description, such as providing assistance during production work, and serving as alternate videographer and photographer for the department.

Manuel represented the Public Services Group and was responsible in implementing a system to make garbage collection inside the Freeport more effective.

Dela Cerna, from the Regulatory Group, served as clerk for the Ecology Center and provided assistance during project implementation done by her department.

During the awarding ceremony, Chairman Garcia also took the opportunity to recognize the contribution of the employees in achieving SBMA’s record-breaking income last year.

He proudly said that because of the employee’s collective efforts, the SBMA is now recognized as one of the best government agencies in the country.

“This brings back the pride in our work, because it is important that you take pride in your work, regardless of your position, especially if you are working in a company worth working for,” he said.

Garcia also assured the employees that the SBMA has a bright future ahead despite the challenges the agency faces, as the management is doing everything it can to improve its employees’ working conditions.

“The prospects for SBMA are exceedingly bright, and I promise you we will take advantage of these opportunities and make SBMA a much better place in the years to come,” he said.

The SBMA Employee of the Year Awards is a project of the SBMA Human Resources Management Department to recognize and reward exemplary services rendered by employees, in line with the Civil Service Commission’s PRAISE program. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)


PHOTO:
Quality supervisor Juan C. Aquino, Jr. receives his award as SBMA Employee of the Year from SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia during the awarding ceremonies held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Subic supports PH-US security agreement

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has expressed its support to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) that would allow the increased presence of American troops in the country.

In a press briefing held here on Monday, SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia told reporters that the Subic agency managing the former US military base is in favor of the new agreement as this would strengthen national security.

Garcia, however, stressed that although there are no details coming from Malacanang as yet, “clearly, no US bases will be put up in Subic.”

The pact merely allows increased presence of US military troops, ships and planes on rotation basis, Garcia added.

The briefing was held while US Pres. Barrack Obama and Pres. Benigno Aquino III met in Malacanang on Monday. The EDCA was signed by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and US Ambassador Philip Goldberg.

Obama arrived in Manila on Monday as part of his Asian tour that sought for the rebalancing of power in the region.

Garcia also noted that even without the EDCA, the Subic Bay Freeport already plays an important role in national security because it is now the home port of frigates BRP Alcaraz (PF-16) and BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15), the newest additions to the Philippine Navy fleet.

One squadron of combat planes of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is also expected to be stationed at the former Federal Express (FedEx) terminal inside the Subic Bay International Airport, Garcia said.

The SBMA official also contended that the new security agreement became necessary because of the series of incidents in the West Philippine Sea, especially in the area of the Scarborough Shoal, where Filipino fishermen were barred by Chinese Coast Guard vessels.

Garcia said, however, that he remains optimistic that the agreement will be a temporary arrangement that will serve the purpose of benefiting most Filipinos.

Meanwhile, some protesters staged an anti-US rally in front of the main gate of the Subic Bay Freeport to denounce the visit of Pres. Obama.

Garcia said the Subic authority let them finish the rally at their own time.

“We allowed them to express their sentiments, as that is their right. We did not disperse them, but we did not allow them to come inside the Freeport, as this is a rally-free area,” Garcia added. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

30 April 2014

Kim wins gold for PH

ASIAN Games-bound Kim Mangrobang delivered for the Philippines as the diminutive 22-year-old triathlete came from behind to rule the Elite Under-23 female category of the K-Swiss ITU Subic Bay International Triathlon for a gold-medal finish Sunday morning inside the Subic Bay Freeport.

Finishing second in the 1.5K swim leg, Mangrobang initiated a breakaway in the 40K bike stage, but could not sustain it and decided to stay with the lead pack until the final 10K run, where she took the lead right from the start and never looked back en route to a solo finish in 2:19.08.

She was followed by Taipei bets Wei Chen Chien (2:20.54) and Yi Hui Liu (2:21.57).

“Expected ko manalo. Maganda ang training at kundisyon ko para dito. Last year fifth lang ako. I am happy with my improvement,” said Mangrobang, who is eyeing a first-ever stint in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games in 2016, but admitted she has to compete in international races to earn points to qualify for the Olympics.

Another Filipino and top-ranked triathlete Nikko Huelgas missed a turn early in the final run leg and lost a few seconds. He paid the price as he settled for second place in the Elite Under-23 Male category 17 seconds behind Taipei’s Pei Yen Hsu (2:00.21). The 22-year-old Huelgas clocked 2 :00.38, followed by another Filipino entry in John Leerams Chicano (2:01.37) in the race also backed by Century Tuna, SBMA, Speedo, Standard Insurance, Gatorade, Davis Salon, Asian Centre for Insulation, and Harbor Point Mall where the race finished. (Manila Standard Today)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/04/29/kim-wins-gold-for-ph/

29 April 2014

Industries assemble for Ad Summit Pilipinas 2014

Various industries have joined forces to advance the practice of advertising in the country by affirming their support for Ad Summit Pilipinas 2014 on May 7-10, the much-awaited ad and marketing event that is expected to rock the local scene this year.

Aptly themed “Age of Enlightenment,” the summit, which is scheduled from May 7 to 10 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, is expected to draw over 2,000 local and international advertising and marketing practitioners, who are set to gain insights on the ever changing landscape of the local and global creative scene.

From the telecommunications industry, PLDT Home, provider of trusted digital services in the country, sealed a partnership with Summit organizer—the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines (4As Philippines)—to be a major presenter of the event and to supply a powerful fiber broadband that will connect devices for seamless, simultaneous streaming during the convention.

Another major presenter, Smart Communications, Inc., will make mobile connectivity viable at the conference grounds.

“These new partnerships are perfect indications that there is a growing interest and support for our groundbreaking learning event. We are ecstatic to bring positive changes for the industry,” said Ad Summit chair Matec Villanueva.

Media organizations also forged deals with 4As Philippines after signing a memorandum of agreement as major sponsors. These include the Manila Broadcasting Company; ABS-CBN Corporation; Radio Mindanao Network (RMN: Radyo Mo Nationwide); The Philippine Star, and TV5. Official partners are 11FTC Enterprises, and Pioneer Insurance.

The Ad Summit also secured solid support from the advertising industry’s leading organizations, following a series of road shows it conducted. These organizations include the Advertising Suppliers Association of the Philippines (ASAP), Kapisanan ng Brodkaster ng mga Pilipinas (KBP), Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA), Internet & Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP), United Print Media Group, Inc. (UPMG), to the Outdoor Advertising Association of the Philippines (OAAP).

First day speakers include Louie Morales, chairman of Image Dimension Advertising CID Communications Inc.; Chot Reyes, head coach of GILAS Pilipinas and Coachcom.inc; Marcus Rebeschini, CCO of Y&R Asia Pacific; Sandipan Roy, Regional Strategy Director of ISOBAR Asia Pacific; TV host/celebrity entrepreneur Boy Abunda; and Dick Van Motman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dentsu Aegis Network/Southeast Asia.

Second day speakers are Merlee Jayme, chairmom and CCO of DM9 JaymeSyfu; Cheuk Chiang, CEO of Omnicom Media Group Asia Pacific; Tom Doctoroff, APAC CEO of JWT Asia Pacific; Simon Kemp, Managing Director of We Are Social; and Ariel Fermin, executive vice president and head of Home Business PLDT.

Speaking on the last day are Charles Cadell, regional president of McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific and one of the pioneers of the industry in the country, Emily Abrera, Chairperson of Board of Trustees Cultural Center of the Philippines. (Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/industries-assemble-for-ad-summit-pilipinas-2014/

28 April 2014

Amb. Goldberg: EDCA will not reopen US bases in PH

Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, left,
shakes hands with U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg
after signing the Enhanced Defense Cooperation
Agreement at Camp Aguinaldo, Philippine military
headquarters in suburban Quezon city, north
of Manila, Philippines on Monday,  April 28, 2014.
AP/Aaron Favila
After eight months of negotiations, both countries inked the 10-year Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). Goldberg and Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin signed the deal hours before US President Barack Obama arrives in the Philippines for a two-day state visit.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg clarified, the EDCA will not reopen United States military bases in the Philippines.

“It will not reopen US bases. It is an agreement to enhance our defense relationships,” Goldberg said.

EDCA is set to enhance both countries defense cooperation and increase the presence of US soldiers in the country. It is supposed to increase training opportunities for Filipino and US forces, plus greater ability to respond to humanitarian operations.

“The agreement we signed today will be an important part of the existing MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty) and VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement) frameworks. But it will also serve to update our security alliance to meet the increasingly complex challenges of the 21st century, whether it is terrorism, transnational crimes, or disasters like typhoon Haiyan,” he said.

Goldberg noted, the largest bilateral military exercise, Balikatan, will kick off next week.

Meanwhile, Gazmin said the Philippines will have better access to US military equipment, supplies and personnel because of the agreement.

"It enables us to do more by making necessary equipment and infrastructure available.Alliances evolve, partnerships develop, engagements mature, but all through out, it is the shared trust to move forward together that keeps what is in place such as the MDT and VFA. This is the essence of a maturing relationship," he said.

He added, "The document we signed only manifests the defense relationship between the Philippines and the United States but equally serves as a framework for furthering our alliance as encapsulated in the Enhanced Defense Cooperation. Underpinned by the common goal being able to meet the security challenges that both the Philippines and the United States share in common, our alliance has continued to evolve as both our countries continuously search for mechanisms that would enhance our individual and collective abilities to face such security challenges." (ANC/Yahoo News)

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