Gov’t, private sector tackle port congestion on Nov 27

Government officials would meet next week with various stakeholders in the Port of Manila to update them on the ongoing efforts to ease the port congestion and other concerns, Communications secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said yesterday.

Coloma said the meeting had been set for November 27 at the Manila Diamond Hotel with some 300 people representing the government, port operators and the private stakeholders like the importers, exporters and truckers are expected to attend.

Coloma said Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras would represent the government including members of the Departments of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Transportation and Communications (DOTC), and Finance (DOF), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

The congestion of the Manila Port had worsened over the past months following the imposition of a truck ban by the Manila local government early this year.

This resulted in use of the Ports of Batangas and Subic as an alternate port to Manila, and release of cargoes on Sundays, among others. (Malaya Business Insight)

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/gov%E2%80%99t-private-sector-tackle-port-congestion-nov-27

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SBMA officials, staff spread early Christmas cheer

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), a government owned and controlled corporation (GOCC), is composed of employees with an employment status of either plantilla or contract of service (CS).

Most of those CS employees are the old ladies who sweep the streets and some building inside this premier Freeport. And being CS means that their bonuses are incorporated in their salaries, leaving almost no spare to save on a rainy day.


With most of them under “Salary Grade: 3,” expect that their monthly pay to stay within P7,000, not really enough to send their children to college. Now that the Yuletide season is upon us, these elderly women will be celebrating Christmas and New Year with only their usual monthly salary.

But the SBMA is not without any kind-hearted employees among its rank-and-file and executives. In a simple yet meaningful early Christmas gift-giving, employees and their bosses dug deep into their pockets and gave their less-fortunate workers of the SBMA food packs last weekend.

Spearheaded by the agency’s Legal Affairs Department, around 300 rank-and-file employees were given food packs by their fellow SBMA workers and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary’s 111th Squadron.

PCGA 111th Squadron Commander Randy Escolango said that these are just small tokens for the services rendered by the less-fortunate workers to the SBMA. Escolango, a deputy administrator of the SBMA, said that both the Legal Affairs and the PCGA chipped-in to give these workers some Yuletide cheer. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
GIFT-GIVING — (From left) Captain Henric David, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) director, and PCGA 111th Squadron Commander Randy Escolango distribute a food pack to an employee of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority in their early Christmas gift-giving event last Friday.

http://www.mb.com.ph/sbma-officials-staff-spread-early-christmas-cheer/

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UK-based firm builds new PH plant

David Brown Gear Systems, a global United Kingdom-headquartered leader in gear engineering, has expanded its world wide presence with the establishment of a new facility in the Philippines.

On Thursday, David Brown opened its new industrial gearbox service and repair facility in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines.

Fully equipped with modern gearbox strip, condition assessment, repair, rebuild, assembly and test facilities, David Brown Gear Systems (Philippines) Inc. will repair and upgrade gearboxes in industrial applications including mines, power stations, cement and sugar processing plants as well as oil and gas facilities and marine vessels.

“David Brown works in industries where maximum process availability is critical and we are proud to be the only industrial gearbox OEM [original equipment manufacturer] operating a dedicated service center in the Philippines,” David Brown Asia general manager Scott Gilmour said in a statement.

“Our new service center in Subic Bay brings us even closer to our valued customers and is a major milestone in the company’s plan to deliver premium gear engineering expertise throughout Asia,” he added.

For his part, British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad said it is good to see another world-leading British company choosing the Philippines for its operations.

“Filipino businesses in industries such as mining, energy and construction will benefit from David Brown’s experience and expertise,” Ahmad said.

“With more than 150 years in the business, David Brown offers top-notch specialist transmission engineering and repair services and adheres to the highest global quality assurance standards,” he added.

Established in 1860, David Brown is a world-leader in gear engineering and service support working in core industries such as defense, oil & gas, mining and minerals processing. (MBM, Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/uk-based-firm-builds-new-ph-plant/

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20 emergency vehicles for Yolanda –devastated areas arrive in Subic

Twenty emergency vehicles from Japan intended for distribution in typhoon areas affected by Typhoon “Yolanda” in Tacloban, Leyte arrived at the Port of Subic on Tuesday.

The vehicles were among the shipment on board the Panama-registered M/V Ligulao, which docked at the former Naval Supply Depot (NSD) terminal here.

Mariko Watanabe, Third Secretary at the Economic Section of the Embassy of Japan, said that the vehicles, comprising 17 fire trucks and three ambulances, have a total value of US$202,760 or about P8.5 million.

Watanabe, who was here in Subic to personally supervise the unloading of the vehicles and their transfer to the conversion facility, said the vehicles which were funded through a Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

The vehicles, all right-hand drive, will be first converted into left-hand drive in Subic, which is said to be the only place in the country which the government of Japan certifies to meet the safety standards in converting RHD vehicles to LHD.

Watanabe said the vehicles are part of the “The Project for Providing Emergency Vehicles for the Typhoon-Affected Areas in the Philippines" signed by Chargés d'affaires to the Philippines Tetsuro Amano and Chief Superintendent Carlito Romero, the Bureau of Fire Protection’s director for plans and standard.

The donations are expected to help strengthen the capability of the Philippine National Police (PNP)and the Bureau of Fire (BFP) in responding to disasters and managing emergencies.

It is expected that the vehicles will be driven to their destinations in the Visayas on the second week of December after the necessary test drives here. The send-off ceremony to will be attended by the Ambassador of Japan and Philippine government officials.

Watanabe said that a group of at least 12 BFP personnel will be sent to Japan to undergo development and skill trainings for them to properly operate all the second-hand but modernly-equipped ambulances and fire trucks.

Meanwhile, Chairman Roberto Garcia of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was glad to note that Subic was chosen to be the offloading point for the emergency vehicles, saying that the least Subic could do in helping the Yolanda-devastated areas is to provide a facility for their unloading and conversion.

“At the same time, the skills and talents of workers in Subic are being recognized in the international level in motor conversion of right-hand drive to left-hand drive,” Garcia said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
A firetruck goes down the ramp of MV Ligulao, a Panamanian-registered vehicles-carrier ship, which unloaded emergency vehicles at the NSD Pier of the Subic Bay Freeport on Tuesday afternoon. A total of three ambulances and 17 firetrucks arrived in Subic as donation from the Japanese government to areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas. (AED)

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NYK opens direct routes to Subic Freeport

Another international shipping line has opened a direct route between this free port and the major ports of Japan and Singapore, joining a growing number of shippers that now call on Subic following its classification as an extension port of Manila.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto V. Garcia announced on Wednesday that Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) Line, one of the world's leading transportation companies, will open direct routes from Japan to Subic and from Subic to Singapore.

Garcia finalized an agreement for the new shipping route late last month with Capt. Chak Kwok Wai, chairman and managing director of the NYK Group; Ian T. Maambong, NYK sales manager for export; Dan Florentino, chief operating officer of the Transnational Diversified Group; and Tony Ramos, administrative officer of Subic Bay International Terminal Corp.

“The opening of NYK’s direct routes to Subic is intended to provide an alternative solution to the port congestion in Manila,” Garcia explained.

“NYK has stressed that it opened the routes as a contribution to help solve the current concerns in Manila and in response to the Philippine government’s request to decongest Manila ports,” Garcia added.

The NYK Group, which is based in Japan, is a comprehensive global-logistics enterprise offering ocean, land, and air transport services.

Under the agreement, NYK will be providing Subic discharge and load options for urgent cargoes, thereby helping to minimize their vessel’s overall port stay in Manila.

Garcia said that NYK will start an adhoc call at the Port of Subic using its 2,300-TEU capacity target vessel MV Jakarta Tower exclusively for NYK bookings. Jakarta Tower is scheduled to make its first Subic call on November 22.

Daniel Ventanilla, general manager of NYK Fil-Japan Shipping Corp., said in a message to Garcia that NYK’s new line to Subic is marked by many milestones.

“This will be the first service in the Philippines to make a direct call from Japan to Subic, in addition to the regular Taiwan-Subic call,” Ventanilla said.

“It will also be the first service to call from Subic to Singapore, a major transshipment port providing numerous connections to East Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, Australia and New Zealand ports,” he added.

The SBMA said earlier that the Southeast Asian shipping community is starting to notice the potentials of the Port of Subic as an ideal port to move and transship both containerized and bulk cargo shipments.
​
"With the entry of NYK, our port would virtually become a gateway to ASEAN, Africa, Europe, and North America," Garcia noted.

Last month, China-based SITC Container Lines Philippines, Inc. opened a direct route from Xiamen, China to Subic when its container ship MV Sicilia made its maiden voyage to Subic and unloaded 22 containers at the New Container Terminal (NCT) 2.

The cargoes included products from Guangxi, Sichuan and Shanghai, all in China, respectively for Orica Philippines in Limay, Bataan; Nestle Philippines Inc. in Cabuyao, Laguna; and Manila World Transport, Inc. in Metro Manila. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
NEW SHIPPING LINE: SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (left) meets with representatives of the NYK Group South Asia Pte Ltd. to discuss the potential of NYK Shipping Line calling on the Port of Subic. Present during the meeting are, from far left: Tony Ramos, admin officer of Subic Bay International Terminal Corp.; Ian T. Maambong, sales manager for export, NYK Group; Capt. Chak Kwok Wai, chairman and managing director, NYK Group; and Dan C. Florentino, chief operating officer, Transnational Diversified Group.

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Asian ports meet in Subic to strengthen regional integration

Leaders and delegates from eight major ports in Asia are meeting at the Port of Subic for the three-day 16th General Assembly and Symposium of the International Network of Affiliated Ports (INAP), which began Wednesday.

The delegates came from the INAP-member ports of Colombo in Sri Lanka, Mokpo New Port and Dangjin in South Korea, Tanjung Perak in Indonesia, Qingdao in China, and Subic and Cebu in the Philippines.

With the theme, “Opportunities of ASEAN Integration,” the gathering focuses on port innovations, as well as mutual opportunities for increased competitiveness, productivity, and cooperation.

The meeting also paved the way for outgoing INAP chairman Gov. Masanao Ozaki of the Kochi Prefecture in Japan to officially turn over the INAP leadership to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia.

As head of the host port, Garcia opened the conference, pointing out that the event is very important, not only for the Philippines, but also for all the ASEAN countries that rely on their ports for increased commerce.

“As with the theme, we should take advantage of the opportunities of ASEAN integration and explore the business opportunities each port and host city is ready to offer,” Garcia said.

Garcia added that the Port of Subic is eyeing a major role in Philippine shipping after President Aquino declared Subic and the Port of Batangas as extensions of the Port of Manila, which has long suffered from port congestion.

Presenting the Subic Bay Freeport’s role in the ASEAN Integration, SBMA OIC-deputy administrator for business and investment group Ronnie Yambao noted that the Subic Freeport is being utilized as a manufacturing base and logistics center by local and foreign investors from the region.

He added that Subic, along with other Asian ports, has joined the Asian Cruise Terminals Association (ACTA), which is considered a strategic move to attract major cruise ships plying the Asian tourism route.

“With these developments, the Port of Subic is playing key roles in the ASEAN integration by serving as transshipment hub in this part of the region,” Yambao added.

Meanwhile, Prof. Paolo Jamil Francisco of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) who talked about ASEAN integration, said that the concept is becoming accepted by ASEAN countries and is now being practiced by many investors and manufacturers.

Francisco cited as an example a popular car manufacturer, which produces parts in various ASEAN countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Francisco urged the attending INAP members to cooperate with the government, “co-opete” (compete-cooperate) with other firms, consolidate capabilities and strengths, and take advantage of the challenge.

“While competing with other firms, everyone must cooperate with them on how to improve their products, and meet the required materials and supplies,” he said.

Francisco’s statement was supported by Roberto Locsin, general manager of Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC), saying two Japanese companies are now shipping cargoes via Subic as a result of the congestion in the Port of Manila. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (middle) links arms with other leaders of the International Network of Affiliated Ports (INAP) in front of the iconic Spanish Gate during the opening of the 16th INAP General Assembly and Symposium at the Subic Bay Freeport.  The three-day conference will focus on port innovations and the promotion of competitiveness, productivity and regional cooperation. (AED)

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Apple supplier Foxconn mulls a manufacturing facility in PH

Foxconn Technology Group, the world’s largest computer manufacturer and supplier to Apple Inc., is looking a closer look at the Philippines as company officials visited various economic zones in the country.

Amadeo R. Perez Jr., chairman of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), told reporters that Foxconn officials came over three months ago and were brought to various ecozones, including the country’s Freeport zones Subic and Clark, and Calabarzon areas such as Batangas, Laguna and Cavite.

“They are looking into several areas and they have lots of considerations, including fung shui,” Perez said. So far, Perez said there has been no word yet from Foxconn.

Government investment promotion agencies Board of Investments and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority started courting this Taiwanese firm in 2012 yet.

Foxconn has been mulling about relocating some of its capacities outside of its production hub in mainland China due to rising wage rate and shortage of available workers and has included the Philippines in its shortlist of countries as investment destination.

The company employs 1.2 million people at its China facilities producing laptops, tables and PCs for the export market. Aside from the rising cost of wage, the lack of available manpower has turned off some of multinational firms, which relocated in China based on these attractions.

Foxconn is a multinational business group anchored by the Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd., a Republic of China-registered corporation headquartered in Tucheng, Taiwan.

As the world’s largest manufacturer of electronics and computer components, Foxconn mainly manufactures on contract to other companies. Among other things, Foxconn produces the Mac mini, the iPod, the iPad, and the iPhone for Apple Inc.; Intel-branded motherboards for Intel Corp.; various orders for American computer manufacturers Dell and Hewlett-Packard; motherboards for UK computer manufacturer Zoostorm; the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 for Sony; the Wii for Nintendo; the Xbox 360 for Microsoft, cell phones for Motorola, the Amazon Kindle, and Cisco equipment.

It assembles an estimated 40 percent of the smartphones, computers and other electronic gadgets sold around the world. Foxconn’s decisions set standards other manufacturers must compete with.

It has 13 factories in nine Chinese cities employing 1.2 million. Foxconn is the world’s largest maker of electronic components and the largest exporter in Greater China. Foxconn is primarily an original design manufacturer and its clients include major American, European and Japanese electronics and information technology companies. Notable products which the company manufactures include the iPad, iPhone, Kindle, PlayStation 3, Wii and Xbox 360.

Foxconn has been identified by the Global Marketing Intelligence System (GMIS) of the Department of Trade and Industry as a potential investor. Companies targeted under GMIS for investment promotion must have four common characteristics: Mass employers, the technology used in their current production is within the capability of the Philippines and can be serviced by Filipinos; if a potential company is located outside of Asia, that company must have an existing operation in Asia; and if located in the Middle East or in the Americans, they must have operation abroad. (Manila Bulletin)

https://ph.news.yahoo.com/apple-supplier-foxconn-mulls-manufacturing-facility-ph-162738637.html

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Port of Subic bustles with more ship calls

[1] The MV Front Runner, a Panamanian-registered vessel, unloads grains at the Mega Grain Terminal while Singaporean-registered container vessels MV Thana Bhum and MV Spirit of Colombo unload cargo containers at the New Container Terminal in the Subic Bay Freeport in this photo taken November 4, 2014. (AED)

[2] A stacker truck gets moving at the New Container Terminal in the Subic Bay Freeport, as the Singaporean-registered cargo vessels MV Thana Bhum and MV Spirit of Colombo unload container boxes in this photo taken November 4, 2014. (AED)

[3] Trailer trucks get busy at the New Container Terminal in the Subic Bay Freeport, as Singaporean-registered cargo vessels MV Thana Bhum and MV Spirit of Colombo unload container boxes in this photo taken November 4, 2014. (AED)

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MOA signed empowering SBMA, 3 more port authorities to require security compliance

CITING terrorism as the number one threat in transportation, four port authorities yesterday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) on the issuance of security certification for Philippine-registered vessels and port facilities.

The MOA will further empower Cebu Port Authority (CPA), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (Ceza) and Regional Ports Management Authority (RPMA) of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in requiring security compliance of port operators and in imposing penalties on violations.

The MOA was signed by OTS Administrator Roland Recomono, CPA General Manager Edmund Tan, Jerome Martinez for SBMA, Dhart Carpio for Ceza and Hanie Bud for RPMA.

Monitoring

Under the MOA, and in the case of Cebu, a vessel owner or port operator will submit a security plan, such as X-ray machine for passenger screening and manual screening of cargoes, to CPA. The CPA will review and assess the plan and, if in order, endorse it to OTS for second review and approval.

Once the OTS approves the plan, it will assign an oversight team to monitor compliance. If the plan has been complied with, then the OTS will issue a certificate of compliance.

Reconomo said the security plan and compliance must be in accordance with Chapter XI-2 of the Safety of Life at Sea 74 and the International Standard for Port Facilities Security, both imposed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Abaya’s message

The signing was witnessed by Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Undersecretary Jualianito Bucayan Jr., port officials, port operators, shipping lines owners and operators, and other maritime industry stakeholders.

In DOTC Secretary Antonio Abaya’s message read by Bucayan, Abaya said sea transport and maritime infrastructure and the public are living in an era where the ever-changing threats of violence can impact our daily lives at any time.

“As a consequence, we have to find ways of trying to prevent the atrocities that might take place by having mechanism to respond should disaster strike,” Abaya said.

“Terrorism existed yesterday, occurs today and will persist tomorrow. Terrorists have continued to target the transportation system to publicize their cause or ideology. We are all witness to the emergence of global attacks in the recent past to the security and safety of our riding public either in land, maritime and civil aviation,” he said.

To counter these unlawful acts of terrorism, Abaya said it is imperative that transportation security infrastructure should be effective.

“In the pursuit of security excellence, we must adopt the latest professional skills and technology available which, in conjunction with well-trained and motivated security professionals, can help protect the industry from increasing sophisticated threats to the maritime infrastructure and facilities,” he said.

Abaya said the outcome of this endeavor will enhance the enforcement security of shipping and port operators to enroll in the security program, thus eventually complying with the maritime security standards prescribed by IMO. (Elias O. Baquero, Sun Star)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2014/11/04/moa-signed-empowering-4-port-authorities-require-security-compliance-3747

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Tourism expo geared to spark inclusive NorthPhil development

An expo slated at the SM City Clark on November 14-16 is being promoted for international and local tourism and infrastructure investments that are seen to bring about widespread development in North Philippines (NorthPhil).

Spotlighted are the region’s coast-to-coast infrastructure development potential for trade and tourism spanning the shores along the West Philippine Sea and the eastern seaboard facing the Pacific and the thin strip of mainland Luzon, particularly its waistline between Lingayen Gulf and Baler Bay, both with seaports, and benefiting all socioeconomic sectors regionwide.

Further up north in La Union alone are the seaport and international airport in San Fernando, and down south in Subic are similar facilities linked to Clark in Pampanga, all connected by arterial roads like NLEX and SCTEX that branch out to various parts of North Philippines and its mall of tourism attractions, many are yet to be discovered and developed.

“Such are the potential investment destinations that the ongoing promotion of the NorthPhil (North Philippines) Expo is incidentally highlighting, thus making it cover both sides of the demand and supply chain at both ends of the market spectrum,” said Central Luzon Director Ronnie P. Tiotuico of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

“In effect, the DOT finds itself pushing both product development and promotion with a single masterstroke through the NorthPhil Expo, which is seen to leapfrog tourism growth in the North at double-digit rates,” Tiotuico added, hinting at combined foreign and domestic visitor arrivals of up to three million or so in less than a couple of years with Clark’s impending development into a premier international airport of world-class caliber.

Domestic visitor arrivals in Central Luzon alone have already reached a total of two million in 2012 based on statistics from commercial establishments in the region’s seven provinces and two Freeport zones (Clark and Subic).

Most of the arrivals were attributed to the Clark International Airport and its fast growing number of passengers at 60,000 monthly and still counting. (Manila Bulletin via Yahoo Philippine News)

https://ph.news.yahoo.com/tourism-expo-geared-spark-inclusive-northphil-development-165957120.html

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PPA assigns specific berths for vessels calling at Manila ports

Vessels calling at the ports of Manila will be temporarily assigned to specific berths to maximize port utilization this month, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

In a memorandum circular (MC) dated November 3, 2014, PPA General Manager Juan Sta. Ana informed terminal operators in the Manila about the temporary arrangement in the assignment of berths for vessels calling at the port of Manila.

“All ad hoc vessels calling at the Port of Manila including those presently on queue shall be berthed at South Harbor or Subic Bay Freeport. Meanwhile, A dual-caller vessel shall be directed by PPA to berth at South Harbor or at the Manila International Container Terminal upon its arrival at pilot boarding station,” Sta. Ana said.

According to the MC, ad hoc vessels refer to vessels designated or arranged to call at the port of Manila for a specific purpose and not on a regular basis whole a dual-caller vessel refers to a vessel whose ports of loading or unloading are both South Harbor and MICT.

The temporary arrangement in the assignment of berths will be valid until November 30 and will coincide with the shipping peak season due to the yearend holidays.

“This measure will reduce the number of vessels waiting at anchorage. It will also prevent double calls of vessels because instead of calling at two ports, operators will only call now at only one port,” the PPA said, explaining the consequence of the MC.

Despite the lifting of the Manila Truck ban, yard utilization went up from 80 to 90 percent as of October 31 due to the recent holiday, according to PPA. However, empty yard utilization declined from 90 to 70 percent.

The Cabinet Cluster on Port Congestion is targeting to reach the 80 percent yard utilization level for the ports of Manila. This translates to approximately 64,800 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) inside the ports to have enough room for optimum terminal efficiency and productivity. (Kris Bayos, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO: A container ship docks at the New Container Terminal of the Subic Bay Freeport, now assigned as a port extension of Manila.

http://www.mb.com.ph/ppa-assigns-specific-berths-for-vessels-calling-at-manila-ports/

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Cancelled port calls won’t affect US-Phl defense ties

Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. assured the nation yesterday the cancelled port calls of US warships to Subic Bay would not affect the defense ties between the Philippines and the US.

Speaking to reporters in Camp Aguinaldo, Catapang said no joint activities would be discontinued.

“Even if there’s a problem or something like that, we will continue with our military exercises with our US counterparts,” he said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday the US has cancelled the visit of three warships to Subic Bay this month for operational reasons.

Speaking to reporters, DFA spokesman Charles Jose said the cancellation is not related to the murder case against US Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton.

“We don’t see the ongoing case to be a reason,” he said. “We were just informed about the cancellation.”

The three are part of nine US warships scheduled to dock in the former US naval this month and to remain until December.

Jose said the reconsideration of port visits is normal occurrence as US warships are deployed in many areas of the Pacific and subject to changing operational requirements.

“The DFA was informed through normal diplomatic channels of the cancellation of the visits to Subic of three US Navy ships for operational reasons,” he said.

Jose said the ships are not part of a joint military training in the Philippines.

“Usually the purpose of port calls is for repairs, for operational reasons,” he said. “We can say they are not related to joint exercises. The exercises are not related to port calls.” (Alexis Romero, Pia Lee-Brago, The Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/11/04/1387867/cancelled-port-calls-wont-affect-us-phl-defense-ties

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British firm sets up shop in Subic

British firm David Brown Gear Systems is opening its first industrial gearbox services center in the Philippines.

The facility, located at the Global Gateway Industrial Park at the Subic Bay Freeport zone will deliver rapid industrial gearbox service, repair and upgrade to a number of key industries including mining, sugar processing, cement, and oil and gas.

David Brown's expertise is not restricted to a specific application or gearbox brand.

It can service and repair any gearbox, including those for industrial application.

It can also make prompt site service visits.

The center will open on Friday, November 7. (Malaya Business Insight)

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INAP members meet in Subic Freeport for greater cooperation

Regional port innovations for mutual opportunities and cooperation will be the main focus for members of the International Network of Affiliated Ports (INAP) when they meet at the Port of Subic for the 16th General Assembly and Symposium on November 11-13.

At this year's conference to be held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), representatives of each of the seven member-ports are expected to present and discuss current and future developments in their respective areas.

On the other hand, port-related topics will be discussed by invited speakers, such as Green Port Initiative by Luis Cuison, manager of the Port of Puerto Princesa; Port Security by Roland Recomono, administrator of the Office of Transport Security-DOTC; and Lessons on Coastal Disasters by Ryuichi Kuwajima of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The conference will also pave way for Chairman Roberto Garcia of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), which manages the Port of Subic, to officially accept the INAP chairmanship for 2014, replacing Governor Masanao Ozaki of the Kochi Prefecture Government in Japan.

“We are honored to accept the chairmanship of INAP and host this very important conference of heads of ports in the region for the third time,” Garcia said.

He noted that Subic is all ready to host the three-day activity that is expected to fortify cooperation among member ports to promote competitiveness and productivity.

INAP was formed in 1998 with the primary objective of enhancing the port network, integrating individual affiliates, exchanging information on port development, and strengthening economic and cultural relationships.

Upon entering INAP, new members are required to establish a sister-port or -city relationship with any of the members.

At this year's conference, a total of 83 delegates from all member ports will be arriving in Subic for the three-day assembly, with the Port of Kochi (Japan) sending the biggest delegation.

Other member-ports include Port of Colombo, Sri Lanka; Mokpo New Port, South Korea; Port of Tanjung Perak, Indonesia; Port of Qingdao, China, and the Port of Subic and Port of Cebu in the Philippines.

The newest entry to the INAP roster, the Port of Dangjin in South Korean, will officially be accepted as the eighth member during the assembly and make its own presentation. The mayor of Dangjin City is expected to head the delegation to Subic.

During the assembly, officials from the Port of Subic will also have the opportunity to promote the area as an investment destination during the scheduled two break-out business sessions with the Port of Mokpo and the Port of Kochi. SBMA officials said this would be a milestone for the Port of Subic.

While in Subic, delegates and representatives will be treated by the SBMA to a tour of the Freeport, a welcome dinner at the Light House Marina Resort, and a farewell dinner at the Subic Bay Yacht Club. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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PH primed as MRO, interior parts hubs in Asia

The Philippines, currently a hub for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of aircraft manufacturers in Asia, is being primed also as a hub for parts and components of aircraft interior, the Aerospace Industries Association of the Philippines (AIAP) said.

AIAP also seeks to develop Clark and Subic as sites for MRO.

Currently, there are Filipinos working in MRO in Singapore and in Malaysia and AIAP wants to bring back these workers.

According to AIAP, Clark and Subic have huge potential. Clark has a good land area and length of runway. Companies that would like to manufacture and export parts can also use Subic as a platform for manufacture and export.

AIAP also cited the good infrastructure of Subic ideal for investments in the supply chain.

John Lee, president of AIAP, said the industry eyes to be one of the hubs for the interiors market in Asia. Other countries have set up base productions such as Singapore for engines.

“It might be good to entice other aircraft interiors suppliers, galleys, bathroom, plastic bins. We have to look at a niche market wherein we can contribute in terms of support group. In aerospace, players have to be very competent,” Lee added.

Suppliers have to go through a very strict accreditation process which could take about two years.

Lee said MOOG Controls Corp., which has been making precision controls, has been in the Philippines for quite some time and a lot of suppliers are already providing for the industry even before.

“Players have found a good market for this so they have expanded their production in terms of capacity building for aerospace,” Lee added.

He cited that like the Japanese automotive industry, aerospace players bring in their supply group. But MRO, he said, will always be part of the market as demand for airplanes in Asia is the highest in the world, which means more maintenance and repair.

German-Filipino firm Lufthansa Technik operates a competence center for the maintenance and overhaul of Airbus A319, A320, A321, A330-200/-300, A340-200/-300/-600 and the A380 in the Philippines.

SIA Engineering (Philippines) Corp. maintains a state-of-the-art MRO facility in Clark for aircraft certification and scheduled heavy maintenance checks, airframe structural inspections, repairs, modifications, paint-stripping, painting of aircraft exteriors and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) checks for narrow-body aircraft such as A320 and wide-body aircraft such as A330 and B777.

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines also has its own repair facilities in the country.

The three key players in aerospace manufacturing include MOOG Control Corp., B/E Aerospace and Jamco Aerospace, Inc. (Irma Isip, Malaya Business Insight)

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/ph-primed-mro-interior-parts-hubs-asia

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3 US ships canceled port calls to Subic due to ‘operational reasons’

MANILA, Philippines – The cancelation of port calls of United States (US) ships in Subic are due to “changing operational requirements” and are not related to the case of the Filipino transgender woman who was allegedly slayed by a US Marine.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was informed through normal diplomatic channels on the cancelation of three US ships for operational reasons,” DFA Spokesman Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said in a press briefing Monday.

“Usually the purpose of port calls is for repair, and operational reasons. We can say that they are not related to the joint military exercises, they are not related at all,” he said.

The Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) released a statement Sunday saying that nine US ships have cancelled port calls which disappointed them because of the revenues they could have earned.

DFA confirmed only the cancelation of three ships that are said to be scheduled to arrive within November, but have no information on the status of the remaining six.

Negative sentiments against the US have poured out following the murder of Filipino transgender woman Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude allegedly by US Marine Pfc Joseph Scott Pemberton in a motel in Olongapo city last October 11, 2014. (Matikas Santos, Inquirer.net)

Read more: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/113857/3-us-ships-canceled-port-calls-to-subic-due-to-operational-reasons/#ixzz3HzWij3k9

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Marine Mammal Stranding Network holds 2nd nat'l symposium

The Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Inc. (PMMSN) recently conducted its 2nd national symposium at the Camayan Beach Resort and Hotel here with a theme “Empowerment of members by promoting best practices in stranding response, research and repository".

The conference was attended by 70 participants from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Local Government Units, media practitioners and private sector nationwide.

According to Lemnuel V. Aragones, president of PMMSN, the convention is a great platform to empower the members by educating one another through sharing of knowledge, best practices and experiences and imbibing a participatory process to building consensus.

"We are pushing for more support on efforts towards the major aspects of our network particularly on stranding response, information education and communication, governmental and policy issues and research and collaboration," Aragones said.

Meanwhile, Atty. Asis G. Perez, BFAR director, said the seminar is timely and relevant in giving more complete information on the stranding response technicians in making good judgment on the conservation of marine mammals in the Philippines.

He also stressed the need to educate the public and, particularly coastal inhabitants, on the importance of marine mammal conservation because "an empty stomach knows no law".

Likewise, Gail Laule of Ocean Adventure and vice president of PMMSN said that by giving environmental education to people, we will have greater chances of changing public attitudes and ultimately garner public support to avert marine mammal stranding.

"It is our responsibility to raise public awareness on the importance of marine mammals and to motivate individuals and communities to respect, protect and conserve our marine resources," she added.

"We already have formal Memorandum of Agreement with BFAR Regional Offices 1, 2, 5,8, 11 and 13 and hope to get all the other regions on this as the MOA binds all of our goals and aspirations," Aragones added. (ALM/SRA/PIA2)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1841414888396/marine-mammal-stranding-network-holds-2nd-nat-l-symposium

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9 US ships cancel port calls to Subic

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines—Nine US Navy ships scheduled to arrive here this month until December have decided to cancel their port calls due to “anti-American sentiments” in the country after a US Marine was implicated in the slaying of a Filipino transgender in Olongapo City last month, a group of business owners said.

The Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) said the cancellation disappointed local businessmen, who had been preparing for the “liberty” (rest and recreation) of American troops.

“This anticipated visit could have meant a better Christmas for the business owners and their employees…. But after the cancellation, one can only imagine the disappointed faces,” the SBFCC said in a statement sent to the Inquirer on Sunday.

The US Embassy and the Department of Foreign Affairs on Sunday night couldn’t immediately confirm the cancellation of the port calls by the nine US Navy ships in Subic.

Kurt Hoyer, US Embassy first secretary and press attaché, told the Inquirer that he still had to check the information.

In a separate phone interview, DFA spokesman and Assistant Secretary Charles Jose also said he had to verify whether the department had information about the cancellation of the port calls.

However, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chair Roberto Garcia confirmed the cancellation of the port calls.

Citing a report from Global Terminals and Development Inc., which operates ports here and provides service to US Navy ships, Garcia on Sunday said four ships were supposed to visit this free port this month while five were expected in December.

Garcia said the port visits were “put on hold until further notice.”

But he said two US Navy ships—USS Pecos and USNS Mary Sears—were scheduled to arrive here next week for emergency repairs.

The SBFCC said the death of transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude not only caused a social and political impact, “but an economic chain reaction as well.”

Laude was found dead in a motel in Olongapo City on the night of Oct. 11, a few minutes after her American companion left.

Her companion, who was later identified by witnesses as US Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton, is facing a murder complaint filed by Laude’s family in the Olongapo Prosecutor’s Office.

Pemberton is held in a detention facility jointly managed by the American and Philippine governments at the Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The SBFCC said it sympathized with the Laude family and had joined calls that justice be served.

But Laude’s death, it said, brought about losses and unrealized income for many establishments in the Subic Bay area.

“On the other side of things, businesses in the city and in the bay [area] are also restless. But more than being twitchy, these businesses are suffering,” the statement said.

It said businessmen here found it unfair that there was an impression that people in this free port and nearby Olongapo City were not receptive to visits by US troops.

“We also want the US Navy to know that they are still welcome to visit Subic Bay and enjoy the culture and beauty of our natural flora and fauna, and the festivities that we offer,” the SBFCC said. (Allan Macatuno, Inquirer Central Luzon, with a report from Christine O. Avendaño in Manila)

PHOTO:
In this Oct. 17, 2014, photo, a US marine walks inside the USS Peleliu, where US Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton was said to be detained after allegedly killing Filipino transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude at the Subic Bay free port, Zambales province. Nine US Navy ships scheduled to arrive in Subic in November until December have decided to cancel their port calls due to “anti-American sentiments” in the country after Pemberton was implicated in the slaying of Laude, a group of business owners said. (AP PHOTO/AARON FAVILA)


Read more: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/113820/9-us-ships-cancel-port-calls-to-subic/#ixzz3Hy54wZRQ

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P5M smuggle try foiled in Subic port

The Bureau of Customs commended an officer and men of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) in the Port of Subic for foiling a smuggle try of some P5-million worth of imported items out of the Subic Freeport.

Commended last Monday were Manolo Arevalo, OIC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS-ID) and operatives Intelligence Agent Teodorico Tobias and Special Agents Reycristo Ruanto, Jr. and Ruperto Sulit, Jr.

BoC District Collector Port of Subic Gen. Arnulfo Marcos (Ret.) said Arevalo and his men seized imported 7,200 cartons of ceramic tiles which arrived in Subic in a 20-footer container van consigned to Tough Sapphire Enterprises in Biñan, Laguna.

The shipment with estimated market value of P3-million was covered with false declaration executed by the consignee.

Earlier, Marcos ordered the seizure of a 40-footer container packed with disassembled aircraft, one rubber boat and a Lycoming 0-320 engine which is consigned to Centurion Import Services located at the 2/F of Philcox Hangar, General Aviation Area, MDA, Pasay City.

Accordingly, the consignee used fake invoice to undervalue the shipment to P2-million. The shipment was turned over to Auction and Cargo Disposal Unit of BoC while investigation is still in the process of determining what to do with the shipment.

In a separate incident, the Bureau’s Enforcement and Security Service (Port of Subic) led by its chief Lt. Paul Oandasan, confiscated a shipment of Bavaria Premium Beer worth P2.8-million in Olongapo City after it was smuggled out of Subic Freeport without paying correct tariff duties and taxes. (Ruben A Veloria, People's Journal)

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/provincial/p5m-smuggle-try-foiled-in-subic-port

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Subic Freeport now San Miguel Brewery’s alternative gateway

San Miguel Brewery, Inc. (SMB), a subsidiary of conglomerate San Miguel Corp., recently shifted a substantial volume of shipments from the port of Manila to Subic, a move that has meant less shipping fees and greater availability of stocks.

Due to the adverse effects of port congestion triggered by the Manila truck ban, Subic port provided a “new gateway” for SMB shipments, according to the company’s procurement manager, Gary Algodon, during a presentation at the Northern Luzon Shipping Summit in Fontana Clark on September 29.

Starting in June, Algodon said “Subic Port provided a new gateway for our shipments to the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, which accounts for 70% of container volumes (of SMB) in Luzon.” The shift was designed to “rectify delays” due to the Manila port congestion; as a result the company experienced availability of stocks for the next three months, he said.

The brewery in Pampanga is also nearer Subic port at 66.2 kilometers away compared with Manila International Container Port’s distance of 76.3 kms.

Further explaining the shift, Algodon said vessels calling Subic port are “basically on time, thus providing us the necessary stocks security.”

He added, “Through Subic Port, SMB was able to increase the inventory level of our raw materials to manage the uncertainties of the Manila port.”

Servicing of trucks is also faster through the Northern Luzon facility, he said.

It was only relatively recently that SMB shipped out of Subic port because “Manila port then was viable in terms of total landed cost”, Algodon said.

Since the implementation of the Manila truck ban in February and before the shipping shift to Subic, SMB encountered a lot of fees they were “not used to paying”, including demurrage and storage, which had reached P600,000, Algodon said.

It must be noted though that Manila mayor Joseph Estrada has lifted indefinitely the truck ban on Sept 13 although its effects, according to transport stakeholders, are expected to linger until early next year.

Since June, SMB has transported 447 containers out of Subic port. The company likewise plans to ship from Southeast Asia and Europe through the Northern Luzon gateway.

Algodon said Subic port has also become SMB’s “alternative port” for shipments bound to its Polo, Valenzuela brewery. Subic port and its Valenzuela brewery are 124 kms apart or a two- to three-hour trip.

Algodon said that with the lifting of the Manila truck ban and government’s efforts to decongest Manila ports, Algodon said they hope this would lessen costs incurred by its Valenzuela brewery.

“I think Subic port is becoming a new gateway,” Algodon noted, adding that SMB shipping through Subic means “there is no more danger in the stock out of beer.” (Roumina Pablo, PortCalls)

http://www.portcalls.com/subic-port-now-san-miguel-brewerys-alternative-gateway/

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SBMA cites Ayta role in Freeport development

Recognizing the contribution of the native Ayta community in the development and growth of this premier free port, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) conducted this month a series of activities to promote the welfare of the indigenous people here.

The activities were part of the celebration of the National Indigenous Peoples Month, which is being celebrated in the Philippines every October.

“This has also been a part of the SBMA tradition—the celebration of our connection in the web of life with our Ayta brethren,” said SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia.

“We know how the Aytas have been a big part of the economic success of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, so we’re trying our best to give them due respect and recognition,” he added.

SBMA’s program for the National Indigenous Peoples Month kicked off on October 13 when members of the Ayta community at the Freeport’s Pastolan village led the Monday flag-raising ceremony in front of the SBMA head office.

This was followed by a radio interview with Pastolan tribal chieftain Conrado Frenilla and the famous Ayta elder Kap Bonifacio Florentino who expounded on how the Subic tribesmen latched onto modernity ushered in by the SBMA while holding on to traditional Ayta values.

The interview was aired over the SBMA’s 89.5 Bay FM station.

The IP Month also saw the launching of livelihood projects designed to benefit the Ayta womenfolk in Pastolan and the Sitio Kanawan in Morong, Bataan. These consisted of training and funding for the production of beaded purses and bags that the womenfolk could sell to increase their income.

Meanwhile, the October celebration also became more meaningful with the conduct of a seminar on
climate change, a subject close to the hearts of Ayta tribesmen who have long served as guardians of the rainforest in this part of the country.

The seminar was conducted by the National Commission on Climate Change for the Magbikin and Amianan Aytas who roam the mountains of Olongapo City and neighboring parts of Subic Bay Freeport.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Region 3 likewise held a seminar on drug-abuse prevention at Sitio Pastolan in Hermosa, Bataan, to help prevent substance abuse among the Aytas.
- more -
The SBMA has been helping the Aytas in terms of employment, cultural assistance, scholarship for Ayta children, health and medical assistance, as well as in providing clean, potable water for their communities.

In October last year, the SBMA signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of a joint management agreement (JMA) for the use of portions of the Ayta ancestral domain in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Chairman Garcia said this was the first agreement to provide the Subic Aytas with a comprehensive package of economic, social and cultural benefits since their tribal land had been occupied first by the United States as a military reservation for almost a century, and later when the Subic Bay Freeport was established in 1991.

The agreement provided for priority employment for qualified Ayta workers; annual livelihood assistance for 25 years; annual financial assistance for tribal fiesta and Christmas celebrations; scholarship and medical benefits; and the establishment of a fund for a five-percent share collected from direct business leases of land within the Ayta ancestral domain.

Early this year, the SBMA turned over P14.8 million to the Pastolan Aytas for land rental, the first time in the country’s history that an indigenous people’s group received a share of payment for the use by investors of their ancestral land SBMA, and another P1.8 million for this month. (HHE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO: The Aytas of Subic Bay

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More shipping lines eyeing Subic Freeport

The shipping community in the Southeast Asian region is starting to notice the potentials of the Port of Subic as an ideal port to move and transship both containerized and bulk cargo shipments.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia said the container ship MV Sicilia made its maiden voyage on the Xiamen-Subic route recently and unloaded its cargoes at the New Container Terminal (NCT) 2.

“We’ve been informed that within the next two weeks or so, there will be more ships that will be coming to unload at Subic,” Garcia said.

“The arrival of Sicilia on her maiden voyage to Subic Bay may be a precursor of more good times to come,” he added.

The commercial vessel MV Sicilia, a 927-ton Liberian flag container ship with 21 crewmen and officers led by skipper Capt. Penev Deyan Penko, sailed to Manila and then Subic Bay from Xiamen, China. The vessel is owned by China-based SITC Container Lines Philippines, Inc.

Sicilia unloaded products from Guangxi, Sichuan and Shanghai, all in China, for Orica Philippines in Limay, Bataan; Nestle Philippines Inc. in Cabuyao, Laguna; and Manila World Transport, Inc. in Metro Manila, respectively, bringing in 22 containers.

SBMA Seaport Dept. general manager Jerome Martinez said that aside from MV Sicilia, three more foreign container ships will be arriving in Subic direct from their origin.

“They are not diverted vessels from the Port of manila as a result of port congestion. They really are to come to Subic as part of their itinerary,” Martinez pointed out.

Another shipping company, the NYK Line, is seriously thinking of establishing a Subic-Singapore route as Singapore will be opening Europe, Africa, and Middle East to exporters and importers.

Earlier, Garcia reported that there is a proposal for a Shanghai-Subic route that will open ports in China on a more direct basis, instead of passing through Kaohsiung.

For these developments, Garcia hopes the cargo volume Subic’s container port will grow from 38,000 TEUs last year to more than 70,000 TEUs this year.

In preparation for the expected increase of traffic flow in the Freeport, the SBMA recently hosted a “Traffic Safety Forum”, which aimed to find ways to prevent traffic build-up along the main route taken by cargo trucks at the Freeport.

“Let us all cross our fingers that things turn out for the best for Subic,” Garcia said, stressing that Subic is the only port on the Western seaboard of the Philippines that now has the capacity to accept a great volume of containers.

He added that if Subic gets congested because of heavy container traffic, it will be a “happy problem” for the SBMA. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)


PHOTO:
The MV Sicilia, a Liberian-registered cargo ship plying the China–Manila route, docked on its maiden voyage last Friday at the New Container Terminal in Subic Bay Freeport to unload cargo from Xiamen. Subic, which was recently designated as an extension port of Manila, now draws a higher volume of containerized traffic for Central and Northern Luzon areas. Together with American President Lines and Wan Hai, SITC which handles the Xiamen-Subic route is the third major shipping line to regularly call on Subic on a weekly basis. (AED)

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Skipper of US destroyer relieved after mishap off Subic

MANILA, Philippines - A senior United States Navy officer has been relieved from his post a week after his warship rammed into two small fishing boats while sailing out of Subic Bay.

An online report by Norfolk, Virginia-based News Channel 3 said yesterday Commander John Bradford, skipper of the USS Stethem, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, was relieved by his superior “due to loss of confidence in his ability to command.”

Capt. Chris Sweeny replaced Bradford until a permanent officer is named to command the ship, the report said.

Under Bradford’s command, the Stethem was sailing out of Subic after being towed and pushed by two tugboats of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) when it rammed two fishing boats in its path last Oct. 13.

The mishap resulted in the sinking of the boats whose crewmembers – Orlito Cocjin, 44, Julie Mendez, 43 and Pampilo Bacsal, 33, all of Barangay Baretto, Olongapo City – survived by jumping into the sea. US sailors rescued them.

The Stethem was among the vessels docked in Subic during the recent Philippines-US Amphibious Landing Exercises 2015 in Palawan and Zambales.

Over 4,000 US Marines and sailors, including Pfc. Thomas Scott Pemberton, accused in the killing of transgender Filipino Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude, participated in the joint maritime drill.

Pemberton is currently detained at Camp Aguinaldo.

SMBA authorities said the fishermen did not file a case against Stethem officials and crew after US authorities promised to shoulder the costs and expenses incurred in the accident.

The report said after being assisted by two SBMA tugboats, the Stethem left. The ship is based in Japan and is under the operational control of the US Navy’s 7th Fleet. (Jaime Laude, Philippine Star)

PHOTO:
USS Fitzgerald, a guided-missile destroyer, docks in Subic’s Alava Pier yesterday for the Phl-US CARAT exercise. (Ernie Penaredondo)

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/10/26/1384526/skipper-us-destroyer-relieved-after-mishap-subic

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Benedicto, Stroh in fiery finish in Tri-United

UNILAB Active Health triathletes August Benedicto and Anna Stroh showed class as they ruled the challenging Tri United 3 yesterday that started at the Dungaree Beach at Subic Bay Freeport and ended at the Sandbox, Alviera, Porac, Pampanga.

No less than United Laboratories Inc. President and CEO Clinton Campos Hess witness the race with Jan Evangelista, ULAH’s VP, who fired the starting gun kicking off hostilities among roughly 700 triathletes.

The 30-year-old Benedicto negotiated the lung-busting 1.9-k swim, 90-k bike and 21-k run event organized by Bike King and supported by ULAH, ENERVON ACTIV, Active Health Sport Gel, Enervon HP and Pocari Sweat in four hours, 47 minutes and 02 seconds to claim his first Tri United title this year.

Coming out at 10th place after the first transition, Benedicto slowly built up his momentum in the bike course using the SCTEX to catch up with early pace setter and veteran John Abdul before unloading his might in the run leg for the solid finish.

“The bike course was very challenging because of the uphill and the strong head wind,” said Benedicto.

“But I really prepared hard for this event for the past two months and my hard work was greatly rewarded,” added Benedicto, who had a pair of third place finishes in the first two Tri United races.

Stroh, meanwhile, withstood the challenge posted by Kristina Beckendorf in the elite female category in this race that also drew the backings of Alaxan FR, Hydrite, Aboitiz, AboitizPower, OtterBox, Shimano, Maxxis, Crystal Clear, Orbea, Saucoy and TIMEX.

The two lady triathletes went toe-to-toe in the first two events but Stroh, the Tri Unted 2 winner, came out first in second transition to eventually pull away.

Stroh clocked at 5:20:59 and was almost ten minutes ahead of Beckendorf with 5:30:55 in this event also backed by Men’s Health Magazine, Women’s Health magazine, The Philippine Star and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department.

“Kristina passed me in the last kilometer in the bike but I was faster in T2 and came out first and she never came close to me,” said Stroh.

“It was a great race but challenging because it was windy in the bike and hot in the run. But I really enjoyed the race,” added the 35-year-old champion.

Other male winners in this race that also had Sandbox at Alviera, BCDO, SCTEX, SFEX and MNTC as venue partners were Timbol Deo (18-24), Robinson Esteves (25-29), Ralph Jerome Salvador (30-34), Jeff Valdez (35-39), Rayzon Galdonez (40-44), Jojo Macalintal (45-49), Joevic Pajarillo (50-54), Thomas Kuhne (55-above) while Ceri Ruzzi (30-34), Amanda Carpo-Bond (35-39), Bernadette Tan (40-44) and Sandra Reid (45-above) completed the champions in the women’s side.

Last Minute Tri Team A made up of Rafael Dominic Echiverri, Aaron Paul Quintia and Jeffrey Sotto won first place in the Team Relay division. Complete results are available at bikekingphilippines.com. (People's Tonight)

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/sports/other-sports/benedicto-stroh-in-fiery-finish

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40th PBC submits 8-point Resolutions to PNoy

The following are the approved 8-point Resolutions of the 40th Philippine Business Conference and submitted to President Benigno S. Aquino III during the final day of the conference on October 24, 2014 at the Manila Hotel.

1.ENERGY AND POWER:

•Resolution urging the National Government to formulate an integrated and sustainable energy and power development roadmap with a clear, definite target level of power supply capacity and rate; doable and time-bound strategies to achieve the desired goals; a well-defined process that shall be directed, facilitated and regularly reviewed by an authoritative body; and, premised on the goal to revitalize manufacturing, attract more quality foreign investments and achieve sustainable and inclusive growth

•Resolution supporting the implementation of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Demand Aggregation and Auctioning Policy (DASAP) which will induce transparent and efficient supply contracting, attract more direct investments in power generation, create greater competition and generation adequacy and thereby defining a firm process policy of specified periodic public international bidding for base load and reserve capacity based on 100% of aggregated projected demand and standardized Power Supply Agreement (PSA) with strong participation and role of the Energy Regulatory Commission to expedite simultaneous approval of the Power Supply Agreement .”

•Resolution to support the implementation of the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) and the ASEAN Qualifications Framework for global competitiveness.

•Resolution to support the K-12 Program of the government thru the Department of Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

•Resolution for government and business chambers, associations and enterprises to enter into partnerships in the implementation of the National Qualification and Certification System, and thereby ensure the preparation of our human resources with relevant competencies for the world of work.

3.ASEAN INTEGRATION:

•Resolution urging the Government to draw strategies and programs that would promote and support the integration of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the global and regional value chains.

•Resolution urging the Government to come up with a clear program, developed jointly with the private sector, for the promotion and security of Philippine brands in view of the ASEAN.

•Resolution urging the Government to improve the physical connectivity of Mindanao to BIMP-EAGA and the rest of ASEAN.

4.PORT CONGESTION:

•Resolution urging the National Government to decongest Metro Manila, develop the countryside and strengthen provincial and regional economic growth areas to complement, supplement, fortify and sustain Metro Manila’s Economic Growth and Development.

•Resolution urging the relevant government authorities to maximize the utilization of the Subic and Batangas Ports by shifting container traffic and focusing all future port developments thereat.

5.TRAFFIC CONGESTION:

•Resolution urging the National Government, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and local governments within Metro Manila to ensure the smooth flow of traffic within the Metropolis, instill discipline among drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs), promote road use efficiency and safety and driver/operator responsibility by designating and strictly enforcing pick-up and drop-off points for passengers and designating terminals for said PUVs

6.TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE:

•Resolution urging the prioritization of the full development of the Clark International Airport parallel/twin with the Ninoy Aquino International Airport before other airports.

•Resolution urging the President to revisit the plan to construct C-6 and to complete the construction of C-5.

7.AGRICULTURE:

•Resolution urging the National Government to implement the proper infrastructure and policy directions to ensure food security specifically hastening Agri-Mechanization and modernization to be at par with our ASEAN neighbors especially with the advent of the AEC Integration in 2015.

8.REHABILITATION OF EASTERN VISAYAS:

•Resolution urging President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to start and fast track the completion of the Yolanda rehabilitation and recovery projects in Eastern Visayas.

http://www.mb.com.ph/40th-pbc-submits-8-point-resolutions-to-pnoy/

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US-based “Pusong Pinoy” traders eye business in Subic Freeport

United States (US)-based Filipino entrepreneurs belonging to the Federation of Philippine-American Chambers of Commerce (FPACC) are scouting for trade opportunities in the country of their birth and are considering putting up businesses in the Subic Bay Freeport.

A FPACC delegation of 65 members arrived here on Monday for the Luzon leg of the U.S. Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines and met with officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), local industry leaders, and heads of local government units.

The mission, which was scheduled on October 17 to 24, was organized by the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc. to help promote Central Luzon as an ideal investment destination.

Gus Mercado, head of mission and executive director of FPACC, said the trade mission aims to bridge and facilitate business and cultural ties between business people through the Philippine-American chamber network.

He said that the delegates represent various endeavors and businesses, but all are entrepreneurs in their own right and represent the crème dela crème of the Filipino community in the United States.

He said that the delegation have expressed interest in real estate, eco-tourism, manufacturing, light-industrial machinery, and retirement facility.

“The majority of us here were born in the Philippines, and we have what they call pusong Pinoy,” Mercado clarified.

“Our non-Filipino members of the delegation will understand why although we’ve been away for so long, we still have pusong Pinoy. Deep in our hearts, we are still Filipinos,” Mercado added.

He also noted that despite its conversion into a free port, Subic Bay “is probably the only place in the Philippines where the US traffic laws are still being enforced.”

In the same meeting, SBMA Chief Operating Officer Joven Reyes warmly welcomed the group and briefed them about the free port and the local business climate.

He said that the SBMA was created by virtue of Republic Act 7227 “to promote and develop the Subic Special Economic Zone into a self-sustaining industrial, commercial, financial and investment center.”

He added that with the SBMA’s mandate to generate employment and attract productive foreign investments, the agency has succeeded in turning Subic into a home of almost 1,500 business locators and more than 90,000 skilled workers.

Reyes also informed the visitors that the SBMA has performed well in the past few years, posting a net profit of P1.2 billion last year and increasing its net operating budget by 66 per cent as of August this year.

The event held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center also provided an opportunity for members of the FPACC to meet their local counterparts for networking opportunities. Some local companies also put up an exhibit of products during the meeting.

Among those who met with the trade delegates were Olongapo City mayor Rolen Paulino, Zambales provincial administrator Jun Omar Ebdane, representatives of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce and the Olongapo City Chamber of Commerce, and officials of the Department of Trade and Industry-Zambales.

Paulino and Ebdane turned over symbolic keys to Olongapo and Zambales, respectively, to the mission head. (RFD-MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chief Operating Officer Joven Reyes (left) and Atty. Joy Alvarado, head of the SBMA Business Group, exchange views with a member of the US Trade Mission during a networking meeting on October 20 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. (AED)

[1] SBMA Chief Operating Officer Joven Reyes receives a certificate of appreciation from Ethel Reyes- Mercado, honorary Consul General of Texas, USA, during the visit of members of the US Trade Mission on October 20 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. Looking on is Gus Mercado (right), executive director of the Federation of Philippine-American Chambers of Commerce and head of mission. (AED)

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Tough competition seen in Sunday’s Tri United 3 triathlon

A HARD battle between rivals looms in the distance with the staging of the much anticipated Tri United 3 this Sunday, starting at 6 a.m. at Subic Bay and concluding at Alviera, Porac, Pampanga.

In the Male Open competition of the first-ever triathlon to use the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, August Benedicto will test his might against the likes of Benjamin Rana Jr., Dan Brown and Philip Atento.

Without the presence of his rivals from the National Team, Benedicto is seen as the heavy favorite, although Rana could pull off an upset.

In the distaff side in the event sponsored by Unilab Active Health, Enervon Activ, Active Health Sports Gel, Enervon HP, Alaxan FR, Hydrite, Aboitiz, AboitizPower, OtterBox, Shimano, Maxxis, Crystal Clear, Pocari Sweat, Orbea, Saucony, Timex, Men’s Health magazine, Women’s Health magazine, the Philippine Star, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department and venue partners Sandbox at Alviera, BCDA, SCTEX, SFEX and MNTC, 2014 Tri United series points leader Anna Stroh will try to repeat her Tri United 2 gold medal finish as she faces rival Ani Karina De Leon-Brown (Tri United 2’s second placer).

Kristina Beckendorf is the other competitor.

The Team Relay competition, meanwhile, has attracted 53 teams.

Tri United 3 will mark the end of the series and its results will be known afterwards. On Nov. 10 the Tri United series winners (1st to 3rd place) will be awarded.

For the 2015 season of Tri United, registration for TU1 up to TU3 will open on Nov. 15. To register, interested parties are welcome to visit www.bikekingphilippines.com. (Manila Standard Today)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/10/23/tough-competition-seen-in-sunday-s-tri-united-3-triathlon/

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With Pemberton transferred, USS Peleliu cleared to leave PHL

Following the transfer of Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton, suspect in the killing of Filipino transgender woman Jeffrey Laude, to Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, the US warship he was assigned to has been cleared to leave the Philippines.

The USS Peleliu was the vessel Pemberton was assigned to. He was transferred from the vessel to a detention facility in Camp Aguinaldo Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg said Pemberton remains in "US custody with Philippine cooperation."

"Alleged suspect in Camp Aguinaldo remains in U.S. custody with Philippine cooperation," Goldberg said on his Twitter account.

USS Peleliu was one of five American navy ships docked in Subic Bay Freeport that transported US troops and equipment for this year's amphibious landing exercises dubbed PHIBLEX 15.

Last Thursday, The U.S. Pacific Command only allowed four U.S. ships — held as part of a Subic Bay murder investigation — to leave the Philippines.

Pacific Command told Stars and Stripes on Thursday the U.S. Navy amphibious warship USS Germantown (LSD-42) — and three Military Sealift Command Ships — cargo ships, USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE-2) and USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE-11) as well as the MSC leased high-speed ferry, WestPac Express were no longer required to remain in the Philippines following the alleged Saturday murder of a Philippine national.

“These ships and the personnel on board are no longer a part of the investigation,” Col. Brad Bartelt, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific spokesperson told the paper on Thursday.

“They were not involved with this incident and have other taskings.”

“The Marine Corps and Navy are cooperating fully with the Philippine authorities throughout the investigation, and will continue to ensure that a thorough investigation is completed and due process of law is followed,” Bartelt said.

Guided missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG-63) and guided missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG-71) were also in the region but were underway as of Thursday, as was Sacagawea.

“These three ships were in port in the Philippines for a brief time, and their crew remained onboard at all times,” U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific deputy public affairs director Chuck Little told Stripes.

The body of Jeffrey Laude, 26, a transgender also known as Jennifer, was found in Olongapo City on Saturday. Authorities have identified Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, based in Camp Lejeune, N.C. as a suspect in the death.

Pemberton was held onboard Peleliu prior to his transfer to Philippine authorities in Manila.

PHOTO:
USS Peleliu (LHA-5) on Sept. 10, 2014. US Navy Photo

Sources:

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/384624/news/nation/with-pemberton-transferred-uss-peleliu-cleared-to-leave-phl

http://news.usni.org/2014/10/16/four-u-s-ships-released-philippines-amidst-murder-investigation-peleliu-remains

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Protest vs Pemberton shuts down Subic gates

SUBIC FREEPORT ZONE, Philippines – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) put the Subic Freeport on lockdown for a few hours Saturday, October 18, due to a protest against the alleged killer of transgender woman Jennifer Laude.

For about 2 hours on Saturday afternoon, nobody was permitted entry into the Subic freeport – not even residents and workers who were on their way to their respective companies – after militant groups protested infront of the USS Peleliu, where the US marine who allegedly killed Jennifer Laude is being held.

Julita Laude, mother of the victim, and members of militant groups who accompanied her, were able to enter this former US naval base to symbolically serve a subpoena to the suspect, US marine Joseph Scott Pemberton.

"I am here as a mother, and I want [the US marine} to show his face so I can ask why he killed my son. Why did he have to do that to my son?," Julita Laude said.

Julita's daughter Marilou, who is the principal complainant against Pemberton, had another concern.

"We want to know if [Pemberton] is still really here. We want to see him personally," she said.

But the group was barred from getting near the ship by barbed wire fences and security guards.

The law enforcement department of the SBMA also showed up in pick up trucks and tried to get the group to disperse.

This was also when the SBMA shut down the gates to the freeport zone, triggering anger among residents and workers alike.

Asked why they were locking down the freeport, a law enforcement officer told Rappler that they were ''just following orders."

Unable to return to their homes, residents of the Subic freeport vented their ire on social media.

Kemp Velarmino, a resident of the freeport and executive director of an NGO, who was stranded with hundreds of others, asked ''has SBMA gone insane? That's too much and totally unacceptable."

"They can't even give us a reason [for the lockdown]," said Cherylle Raguini, another resident. "It this the proper response? Inabala na ang buong bayan? Para saan? Para sa security and safety?"

Another netizen, Marion Grace, said that the panicked reaction of the SBMA revealed that ''they don't know the protocols to handle the protestors." (Randy V. Datu, Rappler.com)

PHOTO:
Relatives of murdered Filipino transgender woman Jennifer Laude, including her mother Julita Laude (L), stand in front of the port gate where USS Peleliu (back) is docked at Subic, October 18, 2014, to bring a notice to the murder suspect Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton who is detained onboard the ship. (Robert Gonzaga/AFP)

http://www.rappler.com/nation/72427-protest-pemberton-laude-subic

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4 Filipino-made vessels unveiled

Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines (HHIC-Phil.) unveiled this week four 5,400-twenty footer container vessels built inside the company’s shipbuilding facility in Redondo Peninsula.

The container ships, constructed under the supervision of the leading classification society DNV-GL, were orders of Oaktree Capital Management, a Korean shipbuilding giant.

HHIC-Phil. President Jin Kyu Ahn, Oaktree’s Managing Director Hermann Dambach and Senior Vice President Tom Jaggers witnessed the naming ceremony for the new vessels – christened M/V “Wide Foxtrot”; M/V “Wide Golf”; M/V “Wide Hotel,” and M/V “Wide India” weights 51,872 tons with overall length of 255 meters, breadth of 37.30 meters, 22 meters depth with service speed of 21.5 knots.

Ship owner Oaktree is a leading global alternative investment management firm with particular expertise in credit strategies. The company, whose headquarters is located in Los Angeles, USA, has a strong global presence.

President Ahn said the event signified Hanjin Subic shipyard’s continued quest for excellence in its core business by focusing on innovation to building highly sophisticated yet cost-effective and environment-friendly vessels for the ever evolving international shipbuilding market.

As of October this year, HHIC-Phil., Inc. had successfully built and exported a total 71 vessels of different sizes earning the distinction of being a consistent top exporter in the freeport; also making the country 5th shipbuilding nation in the world next to China, Korea, Japan and Brazil, and HHIC-Phil placing 11th in the list of almost 100 shipbuilders in the world. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
FILIPINO CLASS — The ‘M/V Wide Golf,’ one of the four 5,400-twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) class container vessels built by Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp.-Philippines, weighs 51,872 tons, with an overall length of 255 meters, a breadth of 37.30 meters, a depth of 22 meters, and a service speed of 21.5 knots.

http://www.mb.com.ph/4-filipino-made-vessels-unveiled/

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