PPA acts to ease congestion at Manila ports

Congestion at the ports of Manila is expected to ease up and start to return to optimum operational level by August 15 due to the various government and private sector-led measures and initiatives, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

PPA General Manager Juan Sta. Ana said public and private cooperation has been consistent in bringing port utilization down to its optimum level.

Sta. Ana lauded, among others, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce for agreeing to take advantage of the government’s weekend release of cargo for at least two months, which the PPA will reciprocate by giving discounts on cargo-handling charges.

Sta. Ana also cited the direct callers led by MCC Transport, NYK, CMA-CGM, Pacific International Lines, APL, among others, in choosing to utilize Batangas for southbound cargoes and Subic for Northbound cargoes instead of coursing everything via Manila.

He added that private shipping lines have sent its sweepers at the Manila Ports clearing approximately a fifth of the estimated 17,000 to 22,000 empty containers occupying space at the Manila Ports. Three more sweepers are expected to arrive prior to August 15 to clear the remaining number of empty containers at the port.

For its part, PPA has started to implement a trucking scheme wherein only trucks that will have business or cargo to be taken out of the port will be allowed inside the port for a specific time. Likewise, empties to be deposited inside will also observe this kind of scheme.

Sta. Ana said the PPA is also contemplating on reducing free storage of Customs-cleared cargoes at the three ports.

“From the usual five days after the 45-day clearing period allowed by the Bureau of Customs, the PPA is planning reduce it and put a premium wherein any cargo staying inside the port after free storage period after clearance will be levied a penalty of more than three-fold of their existing fee for every day the cargo stays at the port,” he explained.

Meanwhile, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), operator of the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) has offered to use its two Subic terminals with a combined capacity of about 600,000 TEUs to be a temporary container depot for empties free of charge.

Sta. Ana said ICTSI likewise offered its 21-hectare property in Cabuyao, Laguna as another facility to house empties as well as customs-bonded cargoes that has yet to be cleared by the BOC.

The port official also disclosed that the government is sending Customs-cleared and overstaying cargoes out of the Manila ports wherein transportation of such cargo back to Manila will be shouldered solely by the cargo owners. Sta. Ana said the move will drastically reduce the number of laden containers at the MICT and the Manila South Harbor to ease congestion brought about by the backlog caused by the Day-time truck ban imposed by the City of Manila since February.

“The cargoes will be stored in any of Subic’s two ports, Batangas Port or at the 21-hectare ICTSI facility in Cabuyao, Laguna. Cargo owners, however, are still given the choice to have their cargoes stored inside the two ports but will be slapped with a stiff penalty that will encourage them to takeout their cargoes within the allowable time prescribed by laws, policies and orders instead of temporarily stacking their shipments inside the ports,” Sta. Ana pointed out.

There is also a parallel move by the Cabinet Cluster on Port Congestion to lease a 15-hectare lot in CCP Complex, adjacent to the World Trade Center and behind the PICC tent to serve as temporary holding area for empty containers.

“The Government has started negotiations with the owners through a representative from the Department of Finance. The area will house all empty containers bound for both MICT and MSH. The area will be operated by both operators,” Sta. Ana disclosed.

“Under this process, all empty containers from MICT and/or MSH will go directly to this facility and no withdrawal of empties for export use in this facility. Such will be done using the existing process. To manage traffic, the port operators will dictate which time and date such empty containers will be accepted at the said facility,” he added.

According to recent PPA records, congestion continues to ease up with yard utilization at MICT — the country’s top gateway — reduced to 89 percent while utilization at South Harbor’s empty container depot is at 89 percent and its laden depot at 88 percent Both ports estimate that utilization will be reduced to 87 percent and 86 percent respectively this weekend. (Kris Bayos, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO: MICT at the Port of Manila

http://www.mb.com.ph/ppa-acts-to-ease-congestion-at-manila-ports/

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Truck ban hurting economy–chamber

The truck ban measure in Manila is partly to blame for a recent spike in the inflation rate and may hold back economic growth, locally-based foreign businessmen say.

The Foreign Chamber Council of the Philippines (FCCP) said that City Ordinance 8336 on road decongestion has increased the cost of doing business nationwide. FCCP chairman Philip Chien said transport and storage charges have risen significantly since the truck ban took effect.

The cost of trucking alone has nearly doubled following the truck ban in Manila, he said because cargo firms have been forced to charge more for the same services because their trucks can make fewer round trips daily.

“Our members are paying for the idle time of those trucks,” Chien said.

The chamber has recommended the immediate suspension of CO 8336 to avert the “derailment” of the economy; decongestion of the Port of Manila by relocating some of its key operations to other viable ports, such as the Batangas Port and the Subic Bay Port; removal of 35,000 empty containers; inclusion of the business sector in the formulation of a long-term solution to the present transport problems.

Chien said CO 8336 is likely to be reflected in the 3rd quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures. He said a growth of “less than 6 percent” is probable because of higher costs, delays in delivery and losses in business opportunities. The Aquino Administration is reportedly targeting upwards of a 7 percent growth.

FCCI’s membership includes the local chambers of commerce of Taiwan, India, Finland, Israel, Singapore, Spain, France, Turkey and Malaysia.

Chamber insiders said the Federation of Philippine Industries is being tapped to join the move to have the ban revoked.

The group has indicated plans to go directly to Malacañang for an audience.

“The Administration’s economic growth targets are at stake, so we think the President will support us,” it said in a statement. (Miguel C. Gil, Manila Standard Today)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/08/08/truck-ban-hurting-economy-chamber

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Belgian firm orders ships made in Subic

Spurring the shipbuilding industry in the country, Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction-Philippines (HHIC-Phil) christened two newly built 3,800 TEU container carriers ordered by Belgian shipping firm Delphis inside the Redondo Peninsula last month.

Christened as “M/V Perceiver” and “M/V Conceiver,” the two ships proudly Philippine-made at the 300-hectare state-of-the-art Subic shipyard facility in Redondo, will beef up the operations of Delphis.

The event was graced by HHIC-Phils Inc. senior officials led by President Jin Kyu Ahn, top executives of Delphis and representatives from classification society DNV-GL.

“These new container carriers are well equipped with the latest technological advancement in shipbuilding. The occasion is yet another milestone for us because it affirms Hanjin’s unwavering commitment to innovation,” Ahn said. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
PROUDLY PH-MADE — The ‘M/V Perceiver’ is docked at one of the wharves of Hanjin’s shipbuilding facility in Redondo Peninsula after being christened recently.

http://www.mb.com.ph/belgian-firm-orders-ships-made-in-subic/

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IPAs to set unified investments goal and strengthen referral system

The government’s investment promotion agencies (IPAs) are expected to come up with a unified investment target as they collaborate to further strengthen a referral system to promote each other in their various investment campaigns, including the huge agricultural potential for Bangsamoro provinces.

Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ponciano C. Manalo Jr. told reporters that heads of the various IPAs met recently in Zamboanga City and agreed to jointly promote the country as an investment destination with a single message “Invest Philippines”.

With that, Manalo said the IPAs should have a common investment target noting that the Board of Investments and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority are the ones accounting for the bulk of investments generation.

At present, each IPAs have individual targets which are later on combined but Manalo, as head of the DTI investment promotion group, said the IPAs, can adopt a unified target where there is a specific target for foreign direct investments and total projects approved.

The IPAs are led by the government’s premier investment premier investment promotion agency Board of Investments (BOI). Other IPAs include the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, Zamboanga Special Economic Zone, Aurora Special Economic Zone, Philippine Retirement Authority, Phividec Industrial Estate, BOI-Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao and the Bases Conversion Development Authority.

In 2010, the IPAs had set an investments growth target of 10 percent in 2010 and 15 percent for 2011 to 2012 and 20 percent by 2013 to 2014. Investments generated by the government’s IPAs in 2009 reached P315.28 billion from P473.25 billion in 2008.

The setting of an investments target could help the IPAs measure their performance in light of the good reviews the country has been getting from the international business community.

“We should be running on all four cylinders,” Manalo stressed.

To push for an aggressive investment promotion campaigns, Manalo also urged the iPA members to work together by providing referrals for each other noting that not every IPA can accommodate all the specific needs of investors. There are small IPAs that can host small manufacturing operations.

“I encourage them to work together that even if they have specific mandate they can refer each other for projects that are suitable in another area,” Manalo said.

He cited the case of the recent P9 billion investment of Panhua Group Co. Ltd. in Subic Bay. The Chinese firm plans to build a pre-paint could and metal sheets factory for export and domestic markets.

The Panhua investment was actually an effort of the BOI, which was referred to the more appropriate Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority because Subic can appropriately serve the requirements of this manufacturing firm.

Manalo also cited the Authority of the Freeport Authority of Bataan, which has already an established players of garments and leather goods making it easier in terms of materials sourcing.

In the case of the Bangsamoro, Manalo was positive that once the law is passed, there will be more investments inflow particularly in agriculture in this region

“I am very hopeful, Mindanao is very rich in agriculture and agri processing,” he said.

It is rich in fisheries, rubber, seaweed manufacturing, tuna and sardines processing.

“Once the Bangsamoro is completed with a plebiscite, I am very hopeful for Zamboanga,” he added.

The incentives to be granted by IPAs to investors will depend on the list of economic activities listed under the Investment Priorities Plan (IPP), an annual list of priority projects that are entitled to government incentives.

Manalo further said the 2014 IPP has identified sectors that need reinvestments the most. (Bernie Magkilat, Manila Bulletin)

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SBMA, Subic EnerZone renew MOA for “Adopt-An-Ambulance” program

Subic EnerZone Corporation (SEZ), the power provider in this Freeport, adopted anew all ambulances of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as part of its corporate social responsibility program and added a 25 per cent increase to the maintenance allocation for the vehicles.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia and SEZ assistance vice president and general manager Warell Kern Sario, representing SEZ senior vice president and COO Dante Pollescas, signed the memorandum of agreement for the firm’s “adopt-an-ambulance” program.

The SEZ-SBMA cooperation project started in 2007, with the donor allocating P100,000 annually for the maintenance of the eight ambulances of the SBMA.

This year, however, the allocation was increased by 25% to P125,000.

Garcia described the “adoption” as a clear manifestation of the how effective the public-private partnership program works, where a private corporation cooperates or assists a government agency in the implementation of a program that benefits the general public.

“Our ambulances are an integral part of the Freeport’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program,” Garcia said.

He explained further that with the EMS, the SBMA is able to deploy a medical emergency reaction team at any given emergency situation, to any place within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and, if needed, to nearby towns and provinces.

EMS is a component of the SBMA Emergency Rescue Group, which is composed of personnel and logistical support units from the SBMA Health and Safety Group. Other members included personnel from the agency’s fire and law enforcement departments.

For SEZ, the program fulfils the company’s CSR thrust, which is designed to benefit the entire Subic Bay Freeport community.

“We believe in the primary responsibility of the SBMA EMS, and how important these ambulances are to be available anytime they are needed,” Sario said.

He added that the P125,000 will help fast-track the purchase of needed spare parts for the vehicles to ensure the reliability of service at all times. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (left) concludes an agreement with EnerZone Subic AVP and General Manager Warell Kern Sario for the Adopt-an-Ambulance program that will provide an annual allocation for the maintenance of ambulances used by the SBMA Emergency Medical Services Group. Witnessing the signing of the agreement are Dr. Solomon Jacalne, head of the SBMA Public Health and Safety Group (standing left), and Edgar M. Caluza, administrative manager of EnerZone Subic.

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PH gov’t urged to fast track projects that will propel cargo traffic to Batangas, Subic

Philippine business groups and joint foreign chambers (PBG-JFC) have expressed their support for shifting cargo traffic from Manila to Batangas and Subic to help stimulate economic activities in the two areas.

Prior to the President Benigno Aquino III’s State of the Nation Address on July 28, the PBG-JFC sent him a letter dated July 21 containing a list of key issues and proposed measures the group strongly believes will “help achieve our shared vision of inclusive growth through job generation, poverty reduction, and global competitiveness.”

One of group’s suggestions is “to shift cargo traffic from the Port of Manila to the Ports of Subic and Batangas and support these with parallel initiatives to stimulate economic activities in these areas, and to reduce the cost of logistics.”

The group is also asking to fast track construction of the North Luzon Expressway-South Luzon Expressway Connector, as well as the feeder road that will connect it to the Port of Manila.

The group believes this will “facilitate the movement of goods to and from production sites and our major ports.”

For the aviation sector, the group reiterated its call for a multi-airport system, in which the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Clark International Airport, and a future third airport will serve the country’s current and prospective aviation requirements.

“On this note, we strongly believe that we should continue to enhance the advantages given by an international gateway in close proximity to the National Capital Region, while complementing this with further improvements in the capacity of Clark International Airport,” the letter said.

Noting that public-private partnership initiatives have steadily gained steam since 2010, with close to 50 projects for implementation, PBG-JFC said they fully support the government’s efforts to raise infrastructure spending to 5% of GDP by 2016.

The PBG-JFC also underscored the pressing need to bridge the wide infrastructure gap to support the economy, mainly through completion of these pipeline infrastructure projects as soon as possible.

The business sector likewise welcomed Aquino’s pronouncement at the recent Daylight Dialogue that he plans to issue an executive order institutionalizing a mechanism for public-private cooperation that instills integrity in governance.

It encouraged government agencies to follow the Department of Public Works and Highways’ lead and compel companies bidding for government contracts to sign an integrity pledge and commit themselves to ethical business conduct.

Furthermore, the group is pushing for the immediate enactment and enforcement of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act currently pending in both chambers of Congress.

PBG-JFC noted that in a forum with business organizations, Customs Commissioner John Sevilla estimated the value of smuggled merchandise in 2011 alone to be between P350 billion and P1.4 trillion.

“This hole must be plugged,” the group said.

Moreover, PBG-JFC reiterated its proposal for high-level government representatives to continuously engage the private sector in a joint effort to address smuggling, similar in form to a Cabinet-level oversight committee with private sector participation, something that was done in previous administrations.

The letter was signed by representatives from the Makati Business Club, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc., Employers Confederation of the Philippines, IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines, Management Association of the Philippines, Alyansa Agrikultura, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, American Chamber of Commerce, Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, European Chamber of Commerce, Japanese Chamber, Korean Chamber of Commerce, and Philippine Association of Multinational Companies Regional Headquarters. (PortCalls Asia)

PHOTO: The New Container Terminal (NCT) in Subic Bay Freeport

http://www.portcalls.com/ph-govt-urged-to-fast-track-projects-that-will-propel-cargo-traffic-to-batangas-subic/

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Subic Freeport firms, schools form ICT council

Companies, schools and government agencies involved in information and communications technology (ICT) at the Subic Bay Freeport have formed a multi-sectoral organization to maximize industry prospects and boost the potentials of this free port as a world-class ICT hub.

In a meeting organized by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently, the Subic Bay Freeport Zone ICT Advisory Council was formed with Atty. Severo Pastor Jr., manager of the SBMA Labor Department, elected as president.

Among the attendees to the organizational meeting were senior officers and delegates from various schools and ICT-related companies in Olongapo City and the provinces of Zambales and Bataan, network providers, representatives from the media and the academe, and government agencies like the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“The Subic Bay Freeport Zone ICT Advisory Council has renewed enthusiasm in establishing a stronger network with more direct linkages to build a better partnership towards a more focused ICT industry,” Pastor said.

He admitted that a number of investors engaged in business process outsourcing (BPO) that found it hard to recruit qualified staff in the Subic Bay area eventually closed shop.

However, BPO investors should not be discouraged by this and instead train their own workers to reach the desired level of excellence, he added.

“At the Hanjin shipyard, local workers used to work only with acetylene or stick welding machines. However, after providing training in various types of arc welding, Hanjin has become successful with plenty of locally hired welders,” Pastor pointed out.

Meanwhile, in a message read by SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Joy Alvarado, SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said that in a short period of time, the Philippines has become one of the top outsourcing destinations in the world.

“We in Subic should take a chunk of that opportunity,” Garcia added.

SBMA Director Benjamin Antonio III, who was chosen as adviser for the ICT Council, noted that Subic is very much ready to become an ICT hub but that only business locators are lacking.

“Magkaroon lang ng kahit isa pang (BPO) player sa Subic, makikita nila ang kakaibang opportunity ng BPO sa Subic Freeport,” Antonio said.

He also pointed out the facilities that are already in place in Subic to provide the needs of the BPO locators, including those of PLDT SubicTel, fiber optic cable system for reliable linkages, dependable security system, related infrastructure, power supply and access linkages to other economic zones and Metro Manila.

“We are in a unique position to attract locators. That is why we need to be more aggressive and focus on creating job opportunities, focus on creating a more resilient SBFZ, and promote a positive image of Subic Bay,” Antonio also said.

In the same forum, Director Benhur Baniqued of the TESDA Zambales provincial office recommended aligning and adjusting the educational curriculum of the country towards defining the requirements of the BPOs.

Baniqued said that the government should encourage educational institutions to improve and support the ICT industry, while urging the experts to share their knowledge and equipment that are lacking in most of the schools in the locality. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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PCCI says diverting other cargo to Subic may boost Luzon trade

NORTHERN Luzon can draw more investments and expansions if the government shift the traffic of container cargoes in the Subic Bay Freeport and put a cap on the container volume to be handled by Manila, said the country’s largest business groups on Friday.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is advocating a mandatory cap on the capacity of Manila’s ports and reiterates the maximizing of Subic ports, echoing the call of its Northern Luzon members.

PCCI President Alfredo M. Yao met with presidents and delegates of PCCI member-chambers in Northern Luzon during the North­ern Luzon Business Conference in Baguio City in July.

Northern Luzon member - chambers said the shift of car­goes to Subic will benefit not only business communities in Luzon outside Metro Manila but also the port users.

Reg ions in Luzon out side Metro Manila account for about 20 percent of gross domestic product.

“Efficient movement unleashes a lot of business projects in prov­inces,” Yao said in a statement.

“Subic uses only 6 percent of its capacity because cargoes do not go there. It’s time for the Philippine Ports Authority to look seriously at recommendations for a manda­tory cap.

The port in Manila is now at about 120 percent and have long overstretched its capacity,” Yao said.

Trucking costs have shot up to about P50,000 per trip from P18,000 per trip in the first quar­ter, he said.

The shift also will remove uncer­tainties about the reliability of port users as part of the production and distribution links of global supply chains.

The chambers are confident that the mandatory cap makes growth of future earnings of port users sustainable, Yao said.

Member-chambers that recom­mended the limit on container traffic in Manila’s congested ports and the use of Subic Freeport by international shipping lines are the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Clark Investors and Locators Associa­tion, and the Export Processing Zone Chamber of Exporters and Manufacturers.

The government and private sector collaboration on logistics and transportation issues will be a topic to be taken up between Cabi­net officials and business execu­tives during the 40th Philippines Business Conference, scheduled this October. (Catherine N. Pillas, BusinessMirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/regions/36407-pcci-says-diverting-other-cargo-to-subic-may-boost-luzon-trade

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SBMA: Measures in place to avert ore spill in Subic Bay

The top official of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said the agency has institut­ed measures to avert the recurrence of iron-ore spill following complaints from local fishermen that the off­shore terminals of a freeport-regis­tered company polluted the waters of Subic Bay last week.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Gar­cia said in a media forum here on Wednesday that he ordered the management of Vale, which operates two floating transfer stations (FTS) in Subic Bay, to stop transshipment during heavy rains to avoid spillage.

The company has also committed to increase the capacity of the rain­water collection tanks in its floating terminals so that excess rainwater will not wash down whatever iron ore is left on the deck of the ships, Garcia added.

The firm, Brazil-based Vale In­ternational SA, is the world’s largest producers of iron ore and controls the largest share of the seaborne trade in iron ore. The company expanded its operations in Subic Bay after one year by deploying another FTS in April.

Garcia said some iron ore on the deck of the floating terminals “were washed away” when it rained hard on July 25.

“We have monitored the spill, which caused discoloration of the waters around the vessels, and by the third day, it has already dissipated,” Garcia said.

The discoloration, however, alarmed residents, particularly fish­ermen, in the Subic Bay area. They initially thought the discoloration was due to rust coming off the hulls of the two floating terminals.

But a resident who recently opened a page called “Stop Vale Ore Operations in Subic Bay Now” in the Facebook social-networking site pointed out that the reddish water around the ships was the result of iron sediments.

The Facebook activist also assert­ed that Olongapo City should earn money from the multimillion-peso income of SBMA from Vale opera­tions because “it is clear that the part of Subic Bay where Vale ships operate is under the jurisdiction of Olongapo, and not of SBMA.”

“The SBMA enjoys huge income while Olongapo gets the damage,” the Facebook page also said.

Garcia, however, gave the assur­ance that Vale operations do not pose a threat to the environment, as well as the health of residents, adding that the firm is “very much safety-conscious.”

He also said it would not be pos­sible for any local government unit (LGU) to collect more fees from Vale operations “because the SBMA is re­leasing revenue shares regularly to all LGUs affected by Subic Bay Freeport operations.”

The Subic agency had just an­nounced on Tuesday it would re­lease a total of P93.7 million to eight LGUs in the Subic Bay area. This includes Olongapo, which will get the lion’s share of P22.7 million as revenue share from Subic Bay Freeport operations for the first semester this year.

On concerns about the environ­ment, Garcia said iron ore is not a toxic substance and that because it is a naturally occurring element, “does not react to the environ­ment.”

The only possible hazard that iron ore may pose, Garcia said, “is when you inhale it in dust form.”

He said, however, that Vale is wetting the iron ore slightly during transshipment to prevent the forma­tion of dust that may be blown by the wind into the sea.

“We have done due diligence here in coordination with Vale even before they started operating,” Garcia said.

Garcia, however, may not be ready for an offshoot of the alarm raised by the reddish waters seen around the Vale ships last week.

Olongapo City Councilor Noel Atienza said he will file two separate resolutions about the issue: The first to urge the Office of the President and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to conduct an investigation into the Vale iron-ore spill, and the second, to urge the SBMA to stop Vale operation to pre­vent further spillage.(Henry Empeño, BusinessMirror)

PHOTO: VALEMAX OF BRAZIL

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/regions/36405-sbma-measures-in-place-to-avert-ore-spill-in-subic-bay

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Olongapo launches novel way to prevent recurrence of dreaded disease

OLONGAPO CITY - Cash for rats, this is the theme of the local government after it declared the month of August as Leptospirosis Prevention Month.

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino said that the aim of the local government is to have a strong awareness campaign against the dreaded disease that once hit the city that infected more than 600 people and killed several others.

It can be recalled that the city was hit by a leptospirosis outbreak last year after a massive flooding.

Leptospirosis is caused by a strain of bacteria called leptospira found in rats and mice which can infect humans after a natural disaster, such as a flood.

“This campaign was not meant to be a livelihood for our residents, it is really an awareness campaign to let our residents know that rats equals to leptospirosis,” Paulino said.

He added that the target for this year is zero (0) leptospirosis cases.

Doctor Rodrick Bustamante, head of the Olongapo City Health Office said that the program would run for the whole month of August.

“We will be giving out P10 per big rat and P5 for small ones.” Bustamante added.

He added that residents could bring the dead rats at the city health office and then a health officer would bring the collected rats in an isolated place for proper disposal.

“Ayaw na naming maulet yung nagyare last year, and frankly speaking we have already sent out our health workers before the rainy season to give out medicines against common disease and leptospirosis,” Bustamante added.

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SBMA to release P93.7-million LGU revenue shares for 1st sem 2014

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is set to release a total of P93.7-million in revenue shares to local government units (LGUs) adjacent to and affected by the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the funds would be available for the eight adjacent and affected LGUs starting August 4.

The amount to be released consists of P87.32 million in shares for the first semester of 2014 and P6.38-million in the 10-per cent retention share for the first semester of 2012.

“This is part of our commitment to our neighboring LGUs to spur development in the local communities
and help achieve President Aquino's goal of inclusive growth,” Garcia said, adding that the amount is 26 per cent higher than the P74.5 million released in the same period last year.

The SBMA also released last February a total of P81.3 million in revenue shares for the second half of 2013.

For this period, Olongapo City will again receive the biggest share of P22.7 million, while Subic, Zambales will get P14 million; Dinalupihan, Bataan, P11.8 million; San Marcelino, Zambales, P11.3 million; Hermosa, Bataan, P9.6 million; San Antonio, Zambales, P8.3 million; Morong, Bataan, P8.1 million; and Castillejos, Zambales, P8 million.

The LGU shares come from part of the five percent corporate taxes paid by Subic Bay Freeport-registered enterprises, of which two per cent goes directly to the SBMA treasury while the other three goes to the national coffers through the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

The direct payment scheme was initiated by the SBMA some four years ago to hasten the release of LGU shares, which aim to augment LGU funds for developments projects on health, education, peace and order, and livelihood generation programs.

The LGU share is determined according to the following criteria: population, 50 percent; land area, 25 percent; and equal sharing, 25 percent. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBITC waives port fees for ships bringing empty containers to Subic

Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC), a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has agreed to waive any port fees including stevedoring on all shipping lines bringing their empty containers to Subic port.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said that starting August 10, container empties will be transferred to Subic Bay’s new container terminals 1 and 2.

International shipping lines and port operators have agreed to send empty containers piling up at Manila ports to Subic port and in order to ease congestion brought about by the Manila truck ban.

Association of International Shipping Lines (AISL) President Patrick Ronas said as of July 11, there were 11,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) empty containers at Manila ports, down 21% from 14,000 TEUs recorded on July 7.

PPA said foreign shipping lines agreed to send “sweepers” to the Port of Manila to ship out empties to Subic Bay port following a July 7 meeting attended by representatives of the Bureau of Customs, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), port operators ICTSI and Asian Terminals, Inc, AISL and Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP).

PPA said all parties are looking at directly sending container empties originating from north of Manila to Subic instead of bringing them to Manila then sending them back to Subic via the sweepers.

Approximately 30% of cargoes passing through Manila ports are northbound. PPA said CTAP agreed to come out with a “favorable fare matrix” for this scheme. The transportation of container vans via trucks is on account of importers, which are clients of truckers.

PPA said for southbound cargoes such as Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon, empty containers will be directly transported to Batangas Port. On the other hand, empties to and from Cavite will be transported back to neighboring Manila.

For exporters needing boxes for shipments out of Manila, they can secure containers stored in Batangas or Subic.

Aside from Subic and Batangas as temporary empty container depots, PPA is also looking at tapping a 21-hectare property of ICTSI in Cabuyao, Laguna as depository for empties.

The PPA expects yard utilization at Manila ports will normalize within a month’s time if all agencies acted their part. (Edu Lopez, Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/sbitc-waives-port-fees-for-ships-bringing-empty-containers-to-subic/

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SBMA Fire & Rescue Team in Bulacan blaze (photos)

Members of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Fire and Rescue Team apply aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) to put out a raging 10-hour fire that gutted a plastics factory in Meycauayan, Bulacan on Tuesday, July 22. The SBMA Fire and Rescue Team had received various citations for their volunteer work, including the prestigious Gawad Kalasag Awards in 2009 and 2013. (AED/MPD-SBMA)

Members of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Fire and Rescue Team gather together after helping to put out a raging 10-hour fire that gutted a plastics factory in Meycauayan, Bulacan on Tuesday, July 22. The SBMA Fire and Rescue Team had received various citations for their volunteer work, including the prestigious Gawad Kalasag Awards in 2009 and 2013. (AED/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA H1 earnings increased by 62% to P738M

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has recorded an increase of 62 per cent in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) during the first semester this year.

This was announced by SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, who also cited the added flexibility in the agency’s financial program as a result of its efforts to increase its earnings.

“Our EBITDA increased by 62 per cent - from P454 million in the first semester last year to P738 million in the same period this year,” Garcia said in a recent press briefing.

“This gives SBMA the desired spending power and fiscal flexibility to manage its various financial obligations,” he added.

Garcia explained that this year’s first semester earnings of P738 million was derived from a total of P1.2-billion in operating revenue, less the P461-million total in operating expenses.

He added that the increase in EBITDA can be attributed to a 27 per cent increase in total operating revenues and a 6 per cent decrease in total operating expenses.

According to a report from the SBMA Finance Group, the Subic authority posted operating revenues of P627,319,504.39 from leases; P380,800,701.72 from port services; P8,277,995.15 from tourism services; and P182,220,722.83 from other operating incomes.

On the other hand, the agency incurred operating expenses of P194,216,593.46 in manpower; P80,823,616.77 in bad debts; P43,504,924.73 in power; P17,459,000.74 in supplies, materials and fuel; P3,584,204.33 in water; and P121,145,435.64 in other operating expenses.

Records from the SBMA Accounting Department also revealed that the agency’s net income after tax to-date amounted to P322 million.

In 2013, the SBMA shattered its all-time record after posting P1.2 billion in net profit, along with the highest gross revenue of P2.1 billion and the highest EBITDA of P992 million in the 21-year history of the Subic institution.

The present SBMA administration headed by Garcia has been largely credited for turning around the agency’s financial standing from several years of non-profitability to attaining record earnings starting 2012.

Garcia said the SBMA is now committed to further improving its financial condition to develop facilities here and attract more investments in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO: SBMA Administration Building 229

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Clean-up after typhoon Glenda (photos)

Members of the 2013 ​and 2009 ​Gawad Kalasag Award​ee ​SBMA Fire and Rescue Team, along with utility workers, cut a huge fallen tree into pieces to clear the road​ and facilitate the restoration of power supply​ after Typhoon Glenda cut a swath of destruction in the Subic Bay Freeport as it exited the country on Wednesday last week. (AED/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Bay ports to be used as temporary container depots starting August 10

MANILA - Foreign shipping lines will soon be sending sweepers to the Port of Manila, composed of the Manila International Container Terminal and the Manila South Harbor, to ship out the empty containers to Subic Bay.

This setup was agreed upon in the cluster meeting on the Manila Port Congestion presided by Philippine Port Authority (PPA) General Manager Juan Sta. Ana.

It was attended by the Bureau of Customs, the Association of International Shipping Lines, ICTSI, Asian Terminals, Inc., the Trade Industry, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, among others.

According to the PPA, the move was to help reduce the number of empty containers piling up at the ports of Manila, which have been a major contributor to the Port's congestion worsened by the day-time truck ban.

In turn, Subic Bay International Terminal, Corp. (SBITC) and mother firm International Container Terminal Services, Inc., operators of Subic’s New Container Terminals 1 and 2, will not levy any port fee.

This includes arrastre and stevedoring, to all shipping lines that will bring their empties to these ports.

To give ample time for both parties to iron out the kinks of the process, both the foreign shipping lines and ICTSI agreed to start the process tentatively for August 10.

Meanwhile, instead of bringing it back to Manila and sending it to Subic via the sweepers, all parties are also eyeing at directly sending boxes bound for North of Manila to Subic once the consignees empties the containers.

Approximately 30 percent of cargoes passing through the Manila ports are northbound.

The Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines has agreed to come out with a favorable fare matrix for this alternative as shipping of containers via trucks will be in the account of the importers.

For Southbound cargoes, particularly those for Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon, empty containers will be directly transported to Batangas Port while empties to and from Cavite will be transported back to Manila with other empties that will be pick-up immediately by the shipping lines.

Port rates, on the other hand, will be levied with an obscene discount.

For exporters needing boxes for shipments that will be ship-out via Manila can get boxes in Batangas or Subic before it will be transported to Manila.

As of the moment, there are about 17,000 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) empty containers occupying spaces at the Ports of Manila. Once shipped out of Manila congestion will greatly be reduced.

Containers are owned by the shipping lines. Shipping out these boxes from ports is the sole decision of the carriers. (PNA)

PHOTO: The New Container Terminal 1 (NCT 1) in Subic Bay Freeport Zone

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Phil’s Subic Shipyard holds a naming ceremony for five container carriers at the same time

HHIC-Phil’s Subic Shipyard made history again in the world’s shipbuilding industry by holding a naming ceremony for five vessels at the same time, the company said in its press release.

Around the globe, it is very rare to hold a naming ceremony for five vessels at a time. In Korea, a large shipyard once held a naming ceremony for four ships at the same time. In fact, Hyundai Heavy Industries set the world record by holding a naming ceremony for five vessels at a time in March.

HHIC-Phil’s Subic Shipyard finally held a naming ceremony for five vessels at the same time for the second time in the world and for the first time in the Philippines.

The five vessels are eco-friendly 5,400TEU container carriers ordered by the global investor ‘Oaktree Capital Management’. They were named ‘Wide Alpha’, ‘Wide Bravo’, ‘Wide Charlie’, ‘Wide Delta’ and ‘Wide Echo’.

The naming ceremony was held with the attendance of nearly 200 related officials and investors including Ahn Jin-gyu, President of Subic Shipyard, and Andrea Cramer, Vice President of Oaktree. At the ceremony, President Ahn said, “We are very pleased to go with renowned investors such as Oaktree.” He added, “We are going to keep moving forward to enhance our competence and maximize customer satisfaction with high-tech, environment-friendly vessels”.

HHIC-Phil’s Subic Shipyard is a large-scale shipyard built in the Subic Free Economic Zone (3,000,000㎡) in the Philippines in 2009. It has strengthened its ground as a leading exporter since its establishment through promotion of related industries, job creation and contribution to a local society.

In particular, it entered the world's top 10 for the first time last month, displaying a sharp growth. This year, it has already won the bids to build 300,000TEU Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and very large container ships (more than 10,000 TEU). The global shipbuilder has already booked enough advance orders for three years of production (approx. US 3.2 billion dollars, 50 ships).

An official from HHIC-Phil’s Subic Shipyard said, “Subic Shipyard targets to leap into the world’s leading shipbuilder by maximizing the efficiency of its production system through the establishment of a systematic two-track system which means that Subic Shipyard specializes in the production of large vessels and offshore plants while Yeongdo Dockyard focuses on mid-size and special-purpose vessels”. (PortNews)

http://en.portnews.ru/news/183631/

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Korean studes complete week-long outreach program in Subic Ayta community

Volunteer students and faculty coordinators from a university in South Korea ended a week-long outreach program in a tribal community inside this free port over the weekend, engaging in an exchange of cultural dance and music, and trying out traditional games with Ayta children.

The event provided the lighter side of a five-day immersion program at the Pastolan Ayta Village here that saw the foreign visitors repairing, repainting, and completing the tiled floor and electrical wiring of a day care center, as well as the roofing of the village’s multi-purpose hall.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia, who lent support to the project by coordinating with the Ayta leaders, said that a total of 44 student-volunteers and three faculty coordinators from Youngsan University (YSU) in Busan, South Korea, conducted the week-long cultural exchange and outreach program.

“This is the third time that Youngsan University volunteers visited Subic under their cultural exchange and outreach program,” Garcia noted.

Aside from fixing the day care center and the multi-purpose hall, the Koreans also replaced the basketball back boards at the community plaza with fiber glass, and concreted the pathway inside the local elementary school campus.

The Korean students also donated school supplies for Ayta schoolchildren, and taught them arts and crafts, as well as proper grooming.

The closing-day ceremony last Saturday turned out to be the most fun, as the visiting Koreans entertained the Ayta children with Korean songs, Gang-nam style dance, as well as taek-won do and drum exhibitions. The “party” was carried out under heavy rains.

Pastolan tribal chieftain Conrado Frenilla said the tribal community was “very happy” for the outreach program. “We really enjoyed their presence here,” he said.

Pastolan Elementary School principal Hilda Sayson said that the outreach program developed attachment among the Korean and the Ayta students, as they enjoyed each other’s company. Both the children and the volunteers alike were in tears as they hugged to bid goodbye.

“Although most of the Koreans cannot speak and understand English or Filipino, language was not a problem in understanding what the other was saying,” Sayson observed. “Apparently, friendship and the willingness to help overcame barriers of communication,” she added.

Meanwhile, in his letter to Garcia, YSU president Gu-Wuck Bu thanked the SBMA for the continuous support the agency has given to the university programs.

“With our partnership with the SBMA, Youngsan University teacher-coordinators and volunteer-students were able to donate school and community supplies, and render community services to indigent students,” Bu said.

Bu noted that aside from the community work undertaken at the Pastolan Ayta Village, his group also donated a total of 1,000 chairs for the Pastolan Elementary School, the Cabalan and the Columban elementary schools in Olongapo City; Payangan Elementary School, an Ayta community school in Dinalupihan, Bataan; and another school in Castillejos, Zambales. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
A student-volunteer from the Youngsan University in Seoul, South Korea, teaches origami or the art of paper-folding to an Ayta girl at the Pastolan Village, an indigenous tribal community inside the Subic Bay Freeport, during an outreach project coordinated by the SBMA Public Relations Department.

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Subic freeport colleges sign up for school-based PESOs

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the provincial government of Zambales recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with GIS Institute of Technology, Mondrian Aura College, and College of Subic Montessori for the establishment of school-based Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs).

“Our newly-established school-based PESOs are the latest addition to our 17 existing school-based PESOs here in Zambales. Our partnership with these schools will further boost our campaign in ensuring that our programs and services will be more accessible to our incoming entrants to our labor force,” Vice Governor and Provincial PESO Manager Ramon Lacbain II said.

For her part, DOLE Regional Director Ana Dione commended the strong partnership of DOLE, PESOs, and participating schools in ensuring that programs and services are readily available for graduating students.

“Being the first province in the country with 100 percent PESOs institutionalized and a Secretary’s Award recipient, I thank and commend the dynamic tandem of Governor Hermogenes Ebdane and Vice Governor Lacbain for their endless efforts in pursuit to make our programs and services more reachable to our youths. I’d also like to thank the support and cooperation of our new school-based PESOs in partnering with us in this endeavor. Rest assured that we will extend the necessary assistance to ensure that we will be able to empower our youths and make them the prime movers in the region’s competitive labor force,” Dione said.

Under the MOU, DOLE and provincial PESO shall exercise administrative and technical supervision by developing, administering, and managing area-based or region-specific employment projects and services; recommend requirements for human resources, equipment, facilities and other necessary resources for the effective management and administration; maintain computerized regional registry of skills as well as employment and business opportunities for easy access of the clients; make the Phil-Jobnet accessible and free of charge and assist in its operationalization whether off-line or on-line; and regularly monitor and evaluate the performance of the school-based PESO.

The partner schools, on the other hand, shall commit its available resources in maintaining and improving various PESO services to their students and graduates; provide required necessary resources, facilities, staff and operating funds for the PESO including a focal person charged with the Phil-Jobnet operations; provide labor market information services to their students and graduates; provide referral and placement services both for local and overseas employment for their students and graduates; support, utilize, subscribe and advocate the use of the Phil-Job net for the registration of their graduates as well as a source of employment opportunities and making the system accessible to their students and graduates; provide the concerned local government unit a copy of their encoded registry of their graduates under the off-line feature of the Phil-Jobnet on a regular basis for integration to the Computerized National Manpower Registry of Skills ;and provide inputs/feedbacks for greater usefulness of the Phil-Jobnet as well as other PESO programs and services.

Prior to this, DOLE has established this year school-based PESOs in Wesleyan University in Aurora, Center for Research and Technology in Nueva Ecija, Holy Cross College in Pampanga, and Kolehiyo ng Subic in Zambales. (CLJD-PIA 3)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=561404627688

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SBMA, Singapore’s Interflour Group close $30-M investment deal

Singapore-based Interflour Group Pte Ltd. (Interflour), one of the producers of the finest flour in the world, will be building its Philippine mill in Subic as part of its expansion program to meet flour demand in Southeast Asia.

This developed as Interflour Managing Director and Chief Executive Greg Harvey, Subic Bay Gateway Park President Jeff Lin, and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia signed a 50-year lease contract paving the way for the construction of the flour mill facility.

The event was witnessed by SBMA COO Joven Reyes, SBMA Deputy Administrator Joy Alvarado and SBMA Investment Manager Ronnie Yambao. Representing Interflour were Group COO Jack Joseph Cwach, Group Marketing Director Angel Umali, Group CFO Ma. Cristina Piguing, Group General Counsel Mark Neo, Mabuhay Interflour Mill Inc. (MIMI) Board Members Jesus Alcordo and Edgardo Gallo, and MIMI General Manager Vicente Magbanua.

Registered under the business name Mabuhay Interflour Mill Inc, the new flour mill is part of the US$30-million committed project investment of Interflour in Subic.

Garcia said the new Subic entrant is proof that the Philippines is “in the screen” of foreign investors who are encouraged by the trust and confidence earned by President Aquino’s good governance program.

The new flour mill will be constructed in a 52,852-sq.m. lot inside the Subic Bay Gateway Park. It is expected to be completed in 24 months’ time.

The company will engage in milling of wheat into food flour for direct sale to consumers, distributors and retailers in the domestic and for-export markets.

Garcia added that the project would provide bakeshops and entrepreneurs in the country with the highest quality flour in competitive or much lower price, as the cost of hauling and transporting flour to parts of Central and Northern Luzon will be cut by as much as fifty percent.

This will also mean additional revenue for SBMA of about P5.5 million a year, for the use of ports by transport ships coming from wheat-growing countries like Australia, United States, Canada, as well as Europe and the Black Sea countries.

For Interflour, Harvey noted that Interflour Group is one of the biggest flour milling companies in the world with seven flour mills located in Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Turkey. The combined wheat milling capacity of these mills is nearly 6,000 tons per day, which is equivalent to almost 1.5 million tons of flour produced each year.

He added that Interflour holds international certifications for its world-class technology, including Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and a certification for producing Halal food products.

The proposed mill in Subic will be capable of producing 500 metric tons a day of flour. However, Interflour plans to expand its capacity with an additional 500 tons by 2019.

“The Philippines is an important market in Asia, with an estimated 25,000 bakeshops and with Gardenia as the largest. Interflour will be offering the finest flour for the local market, particularly in Central Luzon,” Harvey said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (center) signs a memorandum of agreement for the flour mill project with Interflour Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Greg Harvey (left) and SBDMC Inc. President Jeff Lin.

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U.S. PHL troops conclude CARAT with amphibious landing exercise

SUBIC BAY - Members of the United States and Philippine Marines concluded Monday the five-day Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise with amphibious landing at the beach in San Antonio, Zambales.

The marines were on board USS Ashland and landed on the beach by hovercrafts or Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) of the U.S. Navy.

On the beach were amphibious assault vehicles, also of the American Navy.

They conducted combat exercise on the beach and surrounding terrain unmindful of the heavy rains.

“The training is okay. There are lots of information from the U.S. about combat,” PFC Almond Estrada of the Philippine Marines said.

Corporal Chris Cavey of the United States Marines enjoyed working with their Filipino counterparts.

“They are good guys, it is fun working with them, good experience,” he said.

Lance Corporal James Martinez and his companions said they learned a lot like in martial arts with the use of knife techniques.

“I have great time here, they are very professional, no language barrier,” he said.

“We’ve learned a lot in the training like the first aid, combat and the use of their new equipment,” said Philippine Marines Sgt. Ramil Escandor. (PNA)

PHOTOS:

[1] San Antonio, Zambales - An amphibious assault vehicle arrives during an amphibious assault exercise with U.S. Marines assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, and Philippine marines held in support of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2014. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jay C. Pugh/Released)

[2] San Antonio, Zambales – U.S. Marines, assigned 1st Battalion 8th Marine Regiment, Bravo Company, conduct joint amphibious landing exercises with Philippine Marines during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2014.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Gilbert A. Bolibol/RELEASED)

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SBMA, Jobin sign deal for $200-M solar/wind power project in Subic Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has signed an agreement with Jobin-SQM, Inc., an all-Filipino corporation, for the establishment here of a $200-million renewable energy facility that will produce electricity from both solar and wind power.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia and Jobin-SQM, Inc. President Nancy Tan signed an agreement reserving an 800-hectare property on Mt. Sta. Rita where the firm eyes to produce 20-megawatts (MW) of solar energy and 50 megawatts of wind energy.

Garcia said the project was formally committed during President Aquino’s state visit to China in September 2011.

The proposal is in line with Republic Act No. 9513, otherwise known as the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, which aims to accelerate the exploration and development of renewable energy resources, increase utilization of such and promote their efficient and cost-effective commercial application, and effectively prevent or reduce harmful emissions protecting health and the environment.

The national government has declared the development and promotion of renewable energy as among its priority projects under the Investment Priorities Plan of 2012.

Garcia said Jobin has successfully satisfied the requirements set by the Department of Energy (DoE) in line with its intention to develop the solar and wind power project and has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the SBMA for the reservation of the project site prior to signing a lease agreement.

Thomas Garcia, Jobin-SQM Inc. stockholder, said the firm is keen on developing the Subic project, which is expected to turn on power by June 2016.

“Subic, we believe, is a progressive place and there’s a lot of potential. I like Subic,” Garcia added.

The renewable energy project has been in the pipeline since 2011 when Jobin entered into a joint venture agreement (JVA) with Hydrochina International Engineering Co., LTD. (HIECL) for the development of the said project.

Hydrochina Subic LTD Corp., which is the Filipino counterpart of HIECL, has been tapped to undertake the Subic project.

Meanwhile, HIECL will be in charge of the technical aspect of the project, including engineering, procurement and construction. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia shakes hand with Nancy G. Tan, president of Jobin SQM Inc., after signing a memorandum of agreement for the establishment of $200-million renewable energy project in the Subic Bay Freeport. With them are other SBMA officials and representatives of Jobin SQM Inc.

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1,800 triathletes troop to Subic for 5i50 triathlon

Over 1,800 triathletes arrived in this free port for the 2014 Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon on Sunday, marking the biggest number of participants in any Olympic-distance race to be held in the country.

In the third straight year that Subic has hosted the race, participating athletes again pitted themselves against a challenging course set against the picturesque locale and well-preserved environment of this former military base.

Among last Sunday’s racers, Australian Casey Munro topped the men’s pro elite division after completing the course which involved a 1.5-kilometer swim leg, 40-kilometer bike leg, and 10-kilometer run course.

Munro, who placed fifth in the Ironman 70.3 Busselton and Geelong competitions, finished the race in 2 hours, 7 minutes and 22 seconds.

Coming in at second was fellow Australian and last year’s third placer Michael Murphy, who clocked in at 2:08:26, while 2008 Olympian Simon Agoston placed third with 2:09:13.

Caroline Steffen, who won this year’s Ironman Australia Asia-Pacific tourney, led the women’s pro elite division with 2:15:32, followed by Australian Belinda Granger with 2:25:05, and Monica Torres of the
Philippines with 2:28:20.

Jonard Saim led the local triathletes by topping the Filipino men’s elite with 2:13:45, followed by Banjo Norte with 2:14:46, and last year’s winner John Leerams Chicano with 2:15:20.

The Subic Bay Freeport has been earning raves as the triathlon capital of the Philippines after playing host to several major triathlon events like the Subic International Triathlon and the 2014 Family Challenge Philippines.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman Roberto Garcia said the agency has been maintaining the beauty of the free port and building better facilities and accommodations to further develop Subic as a premier sporting and tourist destination. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
"Mermaids" and “Ironman” on flyboard provide entertainment for spectators and triathletes at the start of the 2014 Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon held at the Subic Bay Freeport on June 29.

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Swiss, Aussie rule Century Tuna 5150 triathlon

Subic Bay, Philippines — Debuting Caroline Steffen of Switzerland and Casey Munro of Australia wasted little time making their marks in the Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon, dominating the premiere pro division races right on their first tries here yesterday.

A champion in Ironman 70.3 competitions but vying in the 5150 Olympic distance triathlon race for the very first time, Steffen blitzed the opposition and wrested the women’s pro diadem from three-peat-seeking Australian Belinda Granger with so much to spare.

Steffen, nicknamed “Xena” after the TV heroine, finished the 1.5k swim, 40k bike and 10k run race inside the SBMA in 2:15:32, blowing past Granger who checked in much later at 2:25:05.

Local ace Monica Torres hoisted the Phl flag as she came in third with her 2:28:20 effort.

Steffen’s training buddy Munro made an equally impressive romp in the men’s pro category of the Century Tuna-sponsored event that drew 1,285 participants.

A former pro cyclist, Munro banked on his riding skills to lay the foundation for a victorious campaign in 2:07:22, beating compatriot Michael Murphy (2:08:26) and Simon Agoston (2:09:13) for the title.

Jonard Saim ruled the men’s Filipino elite category, clocking 2:13:45 against Banjo Norte’s 2:14:46 and John Chicano’s 2:15:20.

Ma. Claire Adorna topped the distaff side, submitting 2:32:45 against Jenny Rose Guerrero’s 2:42:28 and Lea Coline Langit’s 2:46:26. (Manila Standard Today)

PHOTO:
Swiss Caroline Steffen (left) and Casey Munro of Australia raise the finish line banner as they dominate their respective divisions in the Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon in Subic yesterday.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/06/30/swiss-aussie-rule-century-tuna-5150-triathlon/

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20th Annual CARAT Philippines Exercise Begins in Subic Bay

SUBIC Bay, Philippines - A U.S. Navy task group comprised of ships, aircraft, Sailors and Marines arrived in the Philippines to commence the 20th annual exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), June 26.

The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) and the dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) arrived in Subic Bay, while the diving and salvage ship USNS Safeguard (T-ARS 50) arrived in Sangley Point. An opening ceremony was held on board the Philippine navy ship, BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF 16), one of two former Hamilton-class Coast Guard Cutters transferred to the Philippines navy in recent years.

CARAT Philippines is part of a broader bilateral exercise series the U.S. Navy conducts with nine partner navies in South and Southeast Asia to address shared maritime security priorities, strengthen maritime partnerships and enhance interoperability among participating forces. The Philippines has participated since the series began in 1995, and the past two decades CARAT are a clear example of the longstanding and close U.S.-Philippines navy-to-navy relationship.

"It's safe to say that after two decades, many of the senior officers and enlisted here today probably participated in a past CARAT Philippines, and this coming week, more than 1,000 U.S. Navy Sailors and Marines will join the ranks of CARAT alumni," said Rear Adm. Stuart Munsch, commander of Task Force 74 and 7th Fleet's Executive Agent for CARAT Philippines.

Munch noted that CARAT was part of a broader series of U.S.-Philippines navy-to-navy exercises, exchanges and staff talks that occurred throughout the year.

"These engagements share a common theme, that our security cooperation not only supports mutual interests, it contributes to regional stability and prosperity - a formula that is truly positive sum," said Munsch.

The CARAT series promotes regional maritime cooperation with many participating navies. Planning for each phase of CARAT begins a year in advance and exercise phases take place during the same general timeframe each year. CARAT 2014 began in late May and recently completed phases with Malaysia and Indonesia. Additional phases will continue through end of year with Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Singapore and Timor-Leste.

Continuing through July 1, this year's CARAT Philippines will focus on combined operations at sea, amphibious landings, diving and salvage, and maritime patrol and reconnaissance flights. Sailors and Marines will train with their Philippine Armed Forces counterparts during multiple drills, professional exchanges and seminars ashore. Civil action projects, community service events and band concerts will facilitate interaction with the local community.

2014 Exercise events will occur in several locations ashore and at sea including Subic Bay, San Antonio in Zambales, Sangley Point in Cavite City, and Ternate. Previous CARAT exercises were held in Mindanao (2012), Palawan (2011), Subic Bay (2010 and 2013), Cebu (2009) and other locations. As in years past, the sea phase will take place in international waters west of Subic Bay.

"We're very much looking forward to getting underway for the at-sea phase of CARAT," said Capt. Paul Schlise, commodore of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 embarked on McCain. "These training opportunities are critical to enhancing our interoperability, safeguarding freedom of the seas and ensuring we're ready to respond in partnership with the Philippines in case of an HADR scenario or other crisis."

More than 1,000 Sailors and Marines are participating in CARAT Philippines 2014. Participating units include McCain, Ashland with embarked Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Safeguard with embarked Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1 and a P-3C maritime patrol aircraft. Also participating are Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1, a platoon from Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1, a platoon from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, staff from Commander, Task Force 73 (CTF 73) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, and the 7th Fleet Band Orient Express. (Task Force 73 Public Affairs)

PHOTO:
U.S. Marines aboard Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) exhibit amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) to embarked Philippine marines. Ashland is participating in exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2014, a bilateral maritime exercise series between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the armed forces of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Timor-Leste. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Raymond D. Diaz III/Released)

http://www.cpf.navy.mil/news.aspx/030433

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20th Annual CARAT Philippines 2014 starts, US ships to dock in Subic Bay

A U.S. Navy task group comprised of ships, aircraft, Sailors and Marines will commence today (June 26) the 20th annual exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2014.

Five warships, including a U.S. guided-missile destroyer, and about 1,000 troops will take part in week-long CARAT exercises. Exercises will occur in several locations ashore and at sea including Subic Bay, San Antonio in Zambales, Sangley Point in Cavite City, and Ternate. The sea phase will take place in international waters west of Subic Bay.

The USS Halsey, an Arleigh Burke-class missile-guided destroyer, will dock in Subic Bay Freeport for the exercises. It will be joined by the USNS Safeguard and the USS Ashland.

BRP Ramon Alcaraz, a former US coastguard cutter, and the BRP Emilio Jacinto, a former British Royal Navy Peacock-class ship, will likewise join for the drills, along with Polish-made helicopters.

CARAT Philippines is part of a broader bilateral exercise series the U.S. Navy conducts with nine partner navies in South and Southeast Asia to address shared maritime security priorities, strengthen maritime partnerships and enhance interoperability among participating navies. The Philippines has participated since the series began in 1995, and CARAT exercises over the past two decades are clear examples of the longstanding and close U.S.-Philippines navy-to-navy relationship.

As a long-standing exercise, CARAT promotes regional maritime cooperation with many participating navies; it is not in response to current events. The 2014 CARAT series began in late May, is taking place in Malaysia now, and continues through end of year with Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore and Timor-Leste. Joint planning for each phase of CARAT begins a year in advance and exercise phases take place during the same general timeframe each year.

This year’s CARAT Philippines focuses on combined operations at sea, amphibious landings, diving and salvage, and maritime patrol and reconnaissance flights. Sailors and Marines will exchange best practices and share information with their Philippine Armed Forces counterparts during multiple professional exchanges and seminars ashore. Civil action projects, community service events and band concerts will facilitate interaction with the local community. (SNL/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Photo File of USS Halsey, expected to dock today in Subic Bay Freeport.

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PH becoming Asia’s shipbuilding, repair hub

The government has been preparing to become a hub for shipbuilding and ship repair in the Asian region.

Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) deputy administrator for operations Atty. Gloria Victoria-Bañas told exhbitors of the first international shipbuilding and offshore equipment and technology exhibit at SMX Convention Center that MARINA is preparing the country to become a major center for ship building and ship repair.

Bañas noted that there has been an increase in foreign investments on shipbuilding and ship repair in the country.

“In 2013, the Philippines was ranked as the fifth world’s largest shipbuilding country after China, Japan, Korea and Brazil, as more local shipyards are building more ships of larger tonnage capabilities like bulk carriers, container ships and passenger ferries, particularly Tsuneishi Heavy Industries, Inc. (THICI), Hanjin Heavy Industries Corporation Philippines and Keppel Philippines Marine, Inc., which cater to the export market,” said Bañas.

Bañas said that while the local shipyards is focused primarily on the ship repair of the country’s domestic fleet, ship building projects are limited to small ships and motor bancas.

There are 121 licensed shipyards, eight facilities for the construction and repair of big ships and 14 other shipyards for medium-sized ships and 99 yards to service smaller ships.

Banas noted that before the emergence of Japanese and Korean shipyards in the country, European yards dominated the world’s shipbuilding industry.

“While shipbuilding still exists in Europe, they are now focusing more on specialized ships. European yards had conceded that they could not compete with the low labor, materials and land costs of Asian countries,” Banas said.

“As a result, the shipbuilding industry of developing countries such as the Philippines benefitted with such development,” said Banas.

To encourage more local and foreign investors, MARINA offers incentives for shipbuilding and ship repair projects under Republic Act 9295.

These incentives include exemption from value-added tax on the importation of capital equipment, machinery, spare parts, life-saving and navigational equipment and steel plates; net operating loss carry-over and accelerated depreciation.

Under the government’s Investment Priority Plan (IPP), investors in shipbuilding and ship repair are exempted from the payment of imported duties and taxes for the importation of equipment and parts needed for their operations and modernization and income tax holidays for shipyard operators.

Banas said there are other incentive schemes that investors can avail from the economic zones and free port zones such as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Cagayan Export Processing Zone Authority, Aurora Pacific Ecozone, Zamboanga City Special Economic Authority and the Maritime Industrial Park at PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental.

“I am confident that the needed speed and momentum can be created to further propel the shipbuilding and ship repair industry way beyond global competitiveness,” Banas added.

She also commended the shipbuilding industry exhibit organizer, Fireworks Philippines of the Fireworks Trade Media Group for holding the event which showcased the latest trends and developments in the maritime, offshore and shipbuilding industry and its ancillary industry that serves as a meeting place for international maritime, offshore and shipbuilding companies and association here in Manila.

“It is remarkable to know that the exhibition does not only show the latest products and techniques but it also serves as a venue for the exchange of ideas to improve the current shipbuilding technology and equipment and help maintain the Philippine current status as the world’s fifth largest shipbuilding industry in terms of order book by country,” said Banas. (Edu Lopez, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO FILE: Hanjin Shipyard in Subic Bay Freeport

http://www.mb.com.ph/ph-becoming-asias-shipbuilding-repair-hub/

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Subic feeder to provide better service to Central Luzon shippers

A faster, cheaper transport system will soon be available to cargo shippers in Central and Northern Luzon when a new feeder service that will ship containers from Manila to Subic begins its operation next month.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced last Friday that a Manila-Subic shuttle service operated by the PTC Agency & Transport, Inc. will serve as a common feeder for shipping lines serving locators and shippers in and around Northern Luzon.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, who welcomed the shuttle project as a new gain for the Subic Bay Freeport, pointed out that it would make shipping more efficient and also help address difficulties that shipping lines and truckers face because of the truck ban imposed by the Manila city government.

Garcia also said that the Subic Bay Freeport would generate additional income from the feeder service, as it would increase ship calls in this free port.

“The common complaint of shippers in Manila is that we have very few ship calls here. But once the feeder service is established, eventually there will be an increase in container volume, thus attracting major shipping lines to make their calls here,” Garcia said.

Garcia added that because of this new development the SBMA is looking at doubling the current volume of cargo unloaded at Subic’s container terminal.

The SBMA official also pointed out that Subic is a better alternative to shipping via Manila, as it would be cheaper and more convenient for shippers, especially those in Central and Northern Luzon, to load and unload their cargo here.

“Out of the 2.8 million containers that are shipped through the port of Manila every year, 450,000 of these go to Central Luzon. So it is definitely cheaper and more convenient if they ship and deliver from here,” he said.

Garcia also said that the SBMA would coordinate closely with Manila North Tollways Corp. regarding the maintenance of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway in order to accommodate trucks that will be coming in and out of Subic. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia (right) looks on as PTC Agency & Transport, Inc. President Edgar Milla discusses the schedule of the Manila-Subic shuttle service that will open early next month.

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Subic Bay tops freeports and eco-zones with P185-million dividends remittance

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) emerged as the highest dividends contributor among agencies of special economic zones in the country during the recent Dividends Day in Malacañang, an annual event recognizing government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) with the highest remittances.

According to SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, the SBMA remitted a total of P185 million to the National Treasury this year, the first time for the Subic agency after more than a decade.

“Overall, SBMA placed number 10 among the 50 GOCCs that remitted dividends out of the total 114 GOCCs in the country today,” Garcia said.

“Meanwhile, we ranked number one and surpassed eight other free ports and special economic zones, including Clark which remitted P110 million,” Garcia added.

Under RA 7656, GOCCs are required to declare and remit half or 50 per cent of their net income to the National Treasury as dividends. The remittances are used mainly by the government for its social services programs.

According to Department of Finance reports, this year’s top contributors were the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) which had the highest total remittances at P9.791 billion, and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) which had the highest dividends remitted at P6.298 billion.

Other GOCC contributors were Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), with P3.616 billion; Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM), P2.5 billion; Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), P2.107 billion; Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), P1.577 billion; Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC), P1.5 billion; Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), P1.422 billion; and Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), P1.05 billion.

Meanwhile, next to the SBMA in the free port/special ecozone category were Clark Development Corporation (CDC), with P110 million; Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), P100 million; and Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), P4.56 million.

In his Independence Day message, President Benigno Aquino III said that GOCCs have remitted a total of P95.38 billion in just the three and a half years of his administration, compared to the P81.54 million that the corporations remitted in eight years of the Arroyo government from 2002 to 2010.

Garcia explained that since 2004 until 2013, the SBMA failed to remit dividends after the agency suffered financial losses. However, with major financial and operational restructuring in the last three years, the SBMA has managed to recover and turn financial statistics upward.

Records indicated that the SBMA first complied with the dividends requirement by remitting P5.23 million from its net earnings in 1993. Then in 2003, the SBMA remitted P75.6 million from its net earnings from 2000 to 2003 as a result of the adjustment of the required dividends from 50 percent to only 10 percent for GOCCs with very low net earnings.

The GOCC Dividends Day started in 2011 as an annual ceremony spearheaded by the Department of Finance and later on by the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG), to recognize complying GOCCs and to raise support for the government’s “unprogrammed fund.”

A total of P32.3 billion was raised by the national government during the GOCC Dividends Day recently.

Garcia said that while the SBMA could use the amount it had just remitted as dividends for its various capital expenditure projects, the Subic agency is happy to comply with the law.

“For one thing, we are able to help the President with his developmental programs. That’s one significant contribution by Subic to national development,” Garcia said. (RFD/RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia hands over to President Benigno Aquino III a check worth P185 million, representing the Subic authority’s dividend remittance to the national government, during the GOCC Dividends Day at Malacañang Palace. Looking on are Vice President Jejomar Binay (left) and SBMA Director Joven Reyes.

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