Taiwanese traders bullish on Subic business

Taiwanese investors have expressed confidence on the business outlook at the Subic Bay Freeport with the opening here last week of semi-conductor and electronics trader Yubantec, the latest Taiwanese company to locate in this free port.

Dr. Chin Der Ou, chairman of Subic Bay Development and Management Corporation, Inc. (SBDMC), which manages the Subic Gateway Park here, said the ongoing facilities improvement projects being undertaken by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) portend better business in Subic.

“There are many facilities improvement projects now. There are road construction and repairs, drainage improvement, as well as capacity expansion of the Subic Expressway. These are all good for investors,” Dr. Ou said during the Yubantec inauguration.

“I’m confident that Yubantec will do well in such a favorable business environment,” he added.

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) representative Michael Hsu, meanwhile, said that more companies from Taiwan will locate in the Philippines, which he described as Taiwan’s “closest neighbor.”

“I assure you, the Taiwanese are willing to come to the Philippines to invest. And we have to find enough land for our locators especially in Subic Bay,” he added.

Yubantec, which is the latest addition to the Subic Gateway park locators, will engage in importing, designing, installing and after-sales services of air-conditioners, cold storage equipment and home appliances, as well as designing and sales of semi-conductors and electronic components.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the 61 Taiwanese firms in Subic now comprise the third biggest number of foreign investors here. Most are engaged in manufacturing and trading.

Taiwanese firms were among the pioneer investors in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, she added, as the Subic Gateway Park, formerly known as the Subic Bay Industrial Park, was the first industrial park to be established in Subic.

Built in 1994, the Taiwanese-owned industrial park is now home to global names like computer giant Wistron Infocomm (Phils.) Corp., air-con specialist Johnson Controls-Hitachi, lock-maker Tong Lung (Phils.) Metal Industry, and footwear manufacturer Datian Subic Shoes, Inc.

Eisma said the entry of more Taiwanese companies helps Subic drive its momentum in investment and employment generation, pointing out that the SBMA approved 77 new projects in the first six months this year, compared to 45 in the first half of 2018.

The new investments, as well as the 21 expansion projects green-lighted in the first half, are projected to create more than 3,600 additional jobs in the Subic Bay Freeport.

Meanwhile, Senator Richard J. Gordon, who also graced the Yubantec opening, welcomed the entry of more Taiwanese investors here and pledged continued support to the SBMA.

Gordon said the government has a lot of infrastructure projects going on, as well as in the pipeline, for this area of Luzon which should also result in increased investments and business.

Gordon likewise called on the Subic business community to contribute in public discussion of issues that impact the Subic Bay Freeport and urged the Subic Bay Chamber of Commerce to drumbeat the advantages of the Subic Bay Freeport to investors abroad. (CAE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBDMC Chairman Chin Der Ou: “Improvement projects in Subic are good for investments”

[2] TECO Representative Michael Hsu: “More Taiwanese companies will come to the Philippines”

[3] Sen. Richard J. Gordon: “Drumbeat the advantages of Subic to investors abroad”

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SBMA approves P4.48-billion new investments, P555-million expansion projects in 1st half

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) approved new investment projects worth P4.48 billion in the first half of this year, eclipsing by 42% last year’s new investments record of P3.15 billion for the same period.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said a total of 77 new investment projects were recorded from January to June 2019, with 41 approvals worth P3.57 billion in the first quarter and 36 projects worth P902.1 million in the second quarter.

In contrast, 45 new investment projects were approved in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in the first half of 2018, with P1.17 billion worth of projects in January to March and P1.98 billion in April to June.

Meanwhile, the SBMA also green-lighted 21 expansion projects in the first six months this year, generating investment commitments totaling P555.2 million, Eisma said.

These included 9 expansions worth P515.3 million in the first quarter and 12 expansion projects valued at P39.8 million in the second quarter.

The number of expansion projects in Subic increased from 10 in the first half of 2018 to 21 this year, with committed investments growing from P276.2 million in 2018 to P555.2 million in 2019, or a growth of more than 100%.

The continuing entry of investor-companies in Subic, Eisma said, had resulted from the hard work of the agency to draw more business despite stiff global competition for foreign direct investments.

“More investor companies are coming to Subic, but we have to ensure that they get the right environment so that they will continue to bring their business here,” Eisma said in the Subic Labor Congress held here recently.

“The SBMA is working very hard to ensure jobs for local workers, but I challenge you to have the necessary skills,” she also told participants in the assembly.

Figures from the SBMA Business and Investment Group indicated that the 77 new investment projects in the first half of 2019 gave a projected employment total of 2,003, while expansion projects yielded 1,670 new jobs for a total of 3,673.

Following the established trend, leisure projects comprised most of the new investments with 15 approvals in the first quarter and 14 in the second quarter for a total of 29 projects.

Projects under general business had the second most approvals at 16, followed by logistics projects at 15, maritime and manufacturing at 11, and information and communications technology at 6.

Among the new projects, the five biggest in terms of committed investments are those of Sinoinvest Resources, Inc., which pledged P1.2 billion for a leisure project; Smart & Plan Subic Logistics and Development Corp. with P1 billion for another leisure venture; Arjuna Sand Trading, Inc., with P628.9 million for a logistics project; Worldwide Grace, Inc., with P515 million for general business; and Taiyo Subic Philippines Corp., with P392.5 million for a manufacturing project.

For the expansion projects, Datian Subic Shoes, Inc. has the biggest investment commitment at P316.6 million, while servo-motor manufacturer Sanyo Denki Phils., Inc. pledged the second biggest at P119.6 million.

Datian Subic Shoes, Inc.’s expansion project is also expected to turn out the most number of new jobs at 1,500.

The next biggest projection came from Sinoinvest Resources with 500 new jobs; Juan Fong Industrial Corp., 305; and Philippines Easepal Technology with 270. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic airport poised for more aviation business

The Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) is expected to gain the attention of more corporate clients and players in the aviation industry with the opening here on Monday of a facility for aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the MRO project by business aviation services provider Aviation Concepts Technical Services Inc. (ACTSI) will boost the agency’s program for the full development of the Subic airport as a 24/7 hub for business aviation.

“We have long dreamed of developing the SBIA into a business and general aviation (BA/GA) airport in the country, and this project is one huge step towards realizing that vision,” Eisma said on Thursday.

“We are banking on the strategic location of Subic in the Asia-Pacific region to boost SBIA’s chances to become a regional player in the MRO business,” she added.

ACTSI, which is the maintenance arm of Falconer Aircraft Management, Inc., an affiliated company of global port management firm International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), has upgraded close to 18,000 square meters of hangar space at SBIA.

Under its 25-year lease agreement with the SBMA, ACTSI intends to provide hangar parking, corporate jet maintenance, repair and overhaul, as well as aircraft corrosion preventive solutions.

ACTSI’s large-sized aircraft users will also be able to enjoy easy take-offs and landings with the extensive 9,000-feet long runway at the SBIA.

In last Monday’s launch, the ACTSI hangar easily accommodated a 2010 Gulfstream Aerospace GIV-X (G450), which is more than 89 feet long and with a wingspan of more than 77 feet. A helicopter was also parked inside the facility.

ACTSI general manager John O'Meara and president and chief executive officer Fernando Gaspar led the soft launch of the Subic hangar with Senator Richard Gordon as guest of honor.

The senator, who initiated the establishment of the SBIA when he was SBMA chairman, welcomed the business venture of ACTSI and pointed out that the airport is one of the strategic advantages of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The Subic airport started out in 1951 as the Naval Air Station Cubi Point of the United States Navy and was converted into a commercial airport under the SBMA in 1992.

The SBMA has since marketed SBIA for its strategic location, it being only 1.5 hours away from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan and just 3 hours away from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

SBMA Chairman Eisma also noted that in a forum sponsored last year by the Hong Kong-based Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA), aviation executives expressed enthusiasm about developing Subic into a fully integrated aerospace park and aviation hub.

She added that enthusiasm was further bolstered by the concrete support of the Philippine government which allocated P553 million to help get the Subic airport running by improving its equipment and intensifying the airport marketing campaign.

“Along this line, we are now working to revive domestic and international flight operations at the SBIA; regain the SBIA’s status as an international airport; and settle pending issues to make Subic a 24/7 air terminal,” Eisma also said. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

ACTSI general manager John O'Meara (2nd, left) and president and chief executive officer Fernando Gaspar (2nd, right) with guest of honor Sen. Richard Gordon lead the toast during the launch of the Subic hangar project. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA police nabs Chinese carnap suspect

Security officers of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) arrested a Chinese national here at the Subic Freeport after he and a companion took a vehicle at knifepoint along the Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX).

Investigators at the SBMA Law Enforcement Department identified the suspect as Bin Zhang, 24 years old, with address at Silver City 4 Condominium in Pasig City.

Bin was arrested by SBMA security officers at 9:05 p.m. on Sunday at the vicinity of the Subic Gateway Hub where the stolen vehicle, a white Hyundai Starex with plate number KOP-347, was recovered earlier.

Investigators said Bin did not speak any English and his companion, who is yet to be identified, still remained at large as of Monday morning.

According to complainant George Villanueva, an on-call driver from Kawit, Cavite, he picked up the two suspects at Ortigas in Manila at about 3:00 p.m. on Sunday upon the instruction of his boss, a certain Mr. Wong.

Villanueva said he was told to bring the passengers to Buma Hotel in the Subic Bay Freeport.

However, upon reaching the Tipo Gate of the SFEX at about 6:00 p.m., the suspects allegedly poked him with a cutter knife. Villanueva escaped and the culprits immediately drove away toward the Subic Bay Freeport.

Villanueva thereafter sought the help of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway patrol and at 7:53 p.m. found the stolen vehicle parked near a bank along the Rizal Highway here.

Responding SBMA security officers soon apprehended Bin at the Gateway Park area at 9:05 p.m.

The suspect was later turned over to the Philippine National Police office in Hermosa, Bataan for proper filing of the case.

Under Philippine law, carnapping is a crime punishable with imprisonment for not less than thirty (30) years and one (1) day but not more than forty (40) years, when it is committed by means of violence against or intimidation of persons, or force upon things.

Moreover, aliens convicted under the provisions of the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016 are to be deported immediately after service of sentence without further proceedings by the Deportation Board. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO: 

Suspect Bin Zhang after his arrest by SBMA security officers (MPD-SBMA)

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4,230 volunteers for SEAG Clark, Subic clusters

At least 4,230 volunteers will serve in the Subic and Clark clusters of the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) to be held from November 30 to December 11 this year.

Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) Deputy Director for Volunteers Program Chris Tiu said Friday that of the number, 2,250 will be detailed in Clark, and the other 1,980 in Subic.

Tiu, who led the SEA Games volunteer program cluster launch, said he is overwhelmed with the spirit of volunteerism and nationalism of the volunteers who signified to serve in the upcoming meet.

“The spirit of volunteerism and nationalism join us together to Win as One. We hope to sustain them during and until the end of the games in December,” he said.

The Phisgoc volunteers totaled 9,000. Apart from those in Clark and Subic, 3,150 volunteers will be stationed in Metro Manila events and 1,620 in other clusters.

Tiu said out of 20,686 who have expressed their interest to join the volunteers' program, 14,683 applied through the official SEA games volunteers’ online portals, which include 2,960 foreign applicants while 6,003 were committed by their respective schools.

The Clark cluster will host aquatics, athletics, obstacle course sports, pentanque, lawn bowls, shooting, archery, rugby 7s, baseball, softball, dancesport, golf, kurash, judo, jiu-jitsu, arnis, sambo, wrestling, and wakeboarding.

Phisgoc’s partner institutions in the Clark cluster include Mabalacat City College, Jocson College, Angeles University Foundation, Philippine State College of Aeronautics, Gentry International School, Our Lady of Fatima University, and Ifugao State University.

Others are the City College of Angeles, Holy Angel University, Tarlac State University, Clark College of Science and Technology, Systems Plus College Foundation, Tarlac city government, Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Colegio de San Sebastian Pampanga.

The partner institutions in Subic include Lyceum of Subic Bay, Subic Bay Colleges, Columban College, Gordon College, Mondriaan Aura College, President Ramon Magsaysay State University, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, and St. Joseph College-Olongapo.

The Subic event sports are canoe/kayak, traditional dragon boat, chess, muay thai, pencak silat, table tennis, triathlon, duathlon, aquatics-open water swimming 10 km., modern pentathlon, windsurfing, sepak takraw, beach handball, beach volleyball, and rowing. (PNA)

PHOTO:

SPIRIT OF VOLUNTEERISM. Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee Deputy Director for Volunteers Program Chris Tiu announces on Friday (August 23, 2019) that at least 4,230 volunteers will serve in the Subic and Clark clusters of the 30th SEA Games. The launch of the Subic-Clark Cluster Volunteer Program was held at the ASEAN Convention Center in Clark Freeport, Pampanga. (Photo by Marna Dagumboy-del Rosario)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078660

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SBMA releases P203.14-million shares to LGUs

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) distributed checks amounting to a total P203.14 million to adjacent local government units (LGUs) that benefit from the semi-annual revenue shares from the Subic agency.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma released the shares during a lunch meeting at the Subic Bay Yacht Club on Monday to LGU executives of Olongapo City and the towns of Subic, Castilejos, San Marcelino and San Antonio in Zambales, and Hermosa, Morong and Dinalupihan in Bataan.

The biggest disbursement went to Olongapo City with P47.24 million, followed by Subic with P31.05 million; San Marcelino, P26.34 million; Dinalupihan, P25.26 million; Hermosa, P21.15 million; Castillejos, P19.01 million; Morong, P17.65 million; and San Antonio, P17.41 million.

Monday’s releases brought the total amount received by contiguous LGUs to P2.07 Billion since February 2011 when the SBMA started directly releasing the revenue shares to them.

As the LGU share is determined according to population (50 per cent), land area (25 per cent), and equal sharing (25 per cent), Olongapo, which is a highly urbanized city, always received the biggest chunk of the shares.

The shares given in August are derived from two per cent of the five-percent gross income taxes collected from business locators in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone from January to June each year. Shares from collections in July to December are released in February.

Eisma pointed out that the LGU shares are given to augment local resources and enable stakeholder communities to carry out development projects in health, education, peace and order, and livelihood generation.

“This is another way by which the SBMA promotes inclusive growth in the locality, aside from generating employment opportunities for local workers,” Eisma said.

“While we don’t have any means to determine how the shares are utilized, we hope that these will be used for the communities to keep pace with developments in the Subic Bay Freeport,” she added.

For their part, the mayors gave assurances that the funds would be spent to further develop their respective communities.

Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr. of Olongapo said the shares he received would go for development projects that would benefit the people of the city, while Mayor Jonathan Khonghun of Subic said that their share would provide for scholarship grants to deserving residents of the municipality. Both are neophyte mayors who won in the recent elections.

The SBMA began releasing the shares directly to the LGUs, after a new tax collection scheme was implemented in August 2010. Previously, corporate taxes were remitted first to the national government, which would then distribute the LGU shares. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma (center) with local chief executives after releasing LGU shares at the Subic Bay Yacht Club on Monday. Left-right: Mayor Rudy Ruiz (San Antonio); Mayor Elvis Soria (San Marcelino); Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr. (Olongapo City); Mayor Jopet Inton (Hermosa); Chairman Eisma; Mayor Eleanor Dominguez (Castillejos); Mayor Angela Garcia (Dinalupihan); Mayor Cynthia Estanislao (Morong); and Mayor Jon Khonghun (Subic). (MPD-SBMA)

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DENR wants Subic, Clark freeports monitored vs wildlife trade

THE Clark and Subic Freeport zones have become convenient gateways of wildlife violators that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) called for the strict monitoring of two freeports against wildlife trade.

DENR enforcement division chief Fred Sadueste said the cooperation and active participation of different enforcement agencies of the government is a big boost to sustain the efforts in wildlife law enforcement.

"Central Luzon is a hub to Subic and Clark Freeport Zones, these have been the convenient gateway of wildlife violators for doing their illegal wildlife activities," he said in a training-seminar held recently.

He said these gateways must be strictly monitored to prevent any wildlife trade activities.

"We need every law enforcement agency not just involved, but trained extensively on how to correctly and efficiently handle wildlife cases," he added.

The call came after the DENR, in a bid to put an end to illegal wildlife trade in Central Luzon, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAid), recently conducted a one-day training and orientation to some 60 officials and personnel of Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Philippine National Police (PNP), PNP Maritime Group, the Subic Bay Ecology Center and Law Enforcement Office and the local government of Subic, which was held in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

According to Michael Lopez, DENR wildlife officer in Central Luzon, the training aimed to strengthen the knowledge of the participants on various local and international policies governing wildlife trade.

"Our target here is to enhance and upgrade also the skills and competencies of various law enforcement agencies of the government in monitoring illegal wildlife trade on various ports like the Subic Bay area and the Clark International Airport to arrest wildlife criminals," he said.

Some of the topics and policies that were discussed during the training were the Convention on International Trade in Endangered species of Wild Flora and Fauna (Cites) and the Republic Act 9147 or the Philippine Wildlife Act, the illegal ivory and wildlife trade and national and international responses, and the wildlife enforcement protocols in airports and seaports.

DENR records show that seven vulnerable wildlife, including four pangolins and three cobras both under the "red list" of animals threatened with extinction by the international union for the conservation of nature were turned over to the DENR after a successful operation with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Clark International Airport against a suspected Chinese wildlife smuggler in 2016.

In 2017, the joint wildlife enforcement operation of DENR and NBI in Bulacan resulted in the seizure of more than 100 illegally traded animals, including the blue-naped parrot and Palawan hill myna, both considered as endangered species. (Ian Ocampo Flora, Sun Star)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1819808

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Subic-Clark cargo rail line construction seen starting in early 2020, DoTr says

THE China-funded Subic-Clark Railway Project is set to begin construction by the first half of 2020, the transportation department said.

Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said last week the Philippines may receive from China the shortlist of contractors for the cargo train project within the month. From this list, the government will choose, through a competitive bidding process, the firm that will build the project.

Mr. Tugade said the auction may be finished before the year ends.

“We are expected to commence the process wherein we will be able to connect cargo operations between Clark and Subic by rail… by the first quarter next year earliest, or at the latest, second quarter,” he said.

Because the P50.03-billion Subic-Clark railway is financed through a China loan, the Philippines is required to select a contractor from a list of three Chinese nominees.

The Philippines initially targeted to start building the Subic-Clark railway this year, but the delay in receiving the shortlist of contractors from China pushed the project beyond the timeline.

The railway was originally scheduled to be completed by 2022 — the last year of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s six-year term.

The cargo line is among the government’s 75 flagship infrastructure projects. It will run 71.13 kilometers divided into two sections: a 64.19-kilometer main line connecting Subic Bay Freeport Zone and Clark Freeport Zone, and a 6.94-kilometer link to the Subic Bay Port’s New Container Terminal.

The rail line is part of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Luzon System Development Framework, which intends to integrate the logistics network in Central Luzon. (Denise A. Valdez, Business World)

https://www.bworldonline.com/subic-clark-cargo-rail-line-construction-seen-starting-in-early-2020-dotr-says/

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SBMA: Chinese project for Subic islands on hold

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has already placed on hold a proposal by a Chinese-owned company to develop and operate two strategically located islands at the mouth of Subic Bay.

Reacting to reports that Chinese investors are targeting strategic islands in the country, including Grande and Chiquita Islands on Subic Bay, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said on Monday that a project covering the islands had been on standstill since May due to unresolved issues.

“It’s true that a group of Chinese investors wanted to take effective control of the islands to further develop them as tourism destinations, but we saw some problems about the proposed activities,” Eisma said.

She said that Sanya CEDF Sino-Philippine Investment Corp., which recently gained majority shares in the company holding lease and development rights over the two islands, had proposed to put up 80 ultra-high end housing units perched on water along the coastline of Grande Island up to Chiquita Island.

“This cannot be allowed because the Constitution limits the use and enjoyment of archipelagic waters exclusively to Filipino citizens,” Eisma pointed out.

“Moreover, Executive Order No. 65, or the 11th Regular Foreign Investment Negative List, prohibited the presence of any foreign equity in the utilization of marine resources in archipelagic waters,” she added.

Eisma also said that there had been previous changes in the corporate control or ownership of the GFTG Property Holdings Corp., which holds the current lease over Grande and Chiquita, which were made without the consent of the SBMA.

“These violated the Lease and Development Agreements that GFTG had signed with SBMA,” she said. Eisma said that because of these issues, the SBMA Board had passed a resolution on May 19, 2019 that withdrew consent to the change in control and ownership of GFTG.

The Board also noted the need for “further coordination between the SBMA and the Department of Finance with respect to this change in the control/ownership of GFTG, including the payment of appropriate taxes for the transfer of shares of GFTG.”

“The net effect is that the company’s proposal for Grande and Chiquita did not progress, and the project is currently non-operational,” Eisma said.

Information from the SBMA Business and Investment Group indicated that the Grande and Chiquita islands had been leased to various investor groups since 2002. The development plan for the islands included the establishment of hotel accommodations, restaurant, and recreational facilities, as well as the operation of boat service to and from Grande Island.

GFTG had initially committed an investment of P180 million to construct a 3-storey five-star hotel, build a marina parking area, and upgrade recreational facilities on Grande.

In April this year, GFTG brought in Sanya after supposedly signing a deal for partnership at the sidelines of President Duterte’s visit to Beijing for the Belt and Road Initiative Forum.

However, the agreement gave effective control of the project to Sanya, which gained 80% of the shares. Hua Huang Yang, a Chinese investor who joined GFTG as partner in 2012, retained 20% from his previous share of 30%.

The thrust of the new majority shareholders “apparently changed the complexity of the Grande development project,” Eisma noted. As of now, the SBMA is looking for some suitable company that could take over the development of the two islands to help bolster Subic’s tourism program, Eisma added. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

Grande Island, formerly Fort Wint during the US Naval Base heydays, and the nearby Chiquita Island strategically sit at the entrance of Subic Bay.

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SBMA joins Arbor Day celebration, volunteers for the environment

Employees and community volunteers of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority took part in various environmental programs including tree planting and coastal cleanups.

A total of 150 trees and 2,500 bougainvillea were planted during the Arbor Day celebration at Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The annual event is in compliance with Proclamation No. 643 which seeks to promote a healthier ecosystem through the rehabilitation and re-greening of the environment by planting trees and ornamental plants across the country.

Leading the activity was SBMA chairperson and administrator Wilma Eisma, supported by deputy administrator for engineering Marco Estabillo, DA for business Kenneth Rementilla, DA for administration Ruel John Kabigting, and senior deputy administrator for regulatory services and Ecology Center manager Amethya dela Llana.

Aside from the Arbor Day, the government agency also joined the Dive Heroes Festival-Scubasurero where volunteer scuba divers did underwater cleanup, the International Coastal Cleanup, and the Recyclables Collection event. The latter is a semi-annual activity which encourages stakeholders to help keep the Freeport clean by collecting recyclable materials and bringing them to accredited waste handlers for recovery and upcycling.

Moreover, the SBMA has partnered with the Magbukun Ayta tribe to protect and preserve their indigenous environment and culture under the United Nations Development Programme’s Indigenous Communities Conservation Area, with the support of the municipal government of Morong and the Philippine Association for Intercultural Development. (Manila Standard)

PHOTO:

SBMA chairperson Wilma Eisma leads the agency during the tree planting activity at Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

http://www.manilastandard.net/lifestyle/home-living/301626/sbma-joins-arbor-day-celebration-volunteers-for-the-environment.html

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P220-m Subic Isuzu showroom breaks ground

Automotive trader Velocity Motor Sales Corp. recently broke ground here on Friday for a P220-million full-scale Isuzu dealership that targets the growing automotive market in the Subic Bay Freeport area and the province of Zambales.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma graced the ground-breaking rites led by Velocity Motors president Jason Hao and company director Jeffrey Hao Lin at the Subic Gateway District along with guests Isuzu Philippines Corp. president Hajime Koso and Isuzu Philippines Corp. sales division head Joseph Bautista.

“This is a landmark day for all of us, as this shows us how vibrant the business climate in Subic Freeport is,” Eisma said in her congratulatory message.

“This is a signal of the kind of confidence that investors like you have in the Subic Bay Freeport,” she also told Velocity and Isuzu officials.

Velocity top honcho Jason Hao said the company will put up an Isuzu dealership with display showroom and parts and service center.

The dealership will conduct all ancillary and related activities for the popular automotive brand.

The company signed a lease term of 50 years for a 5,000-square meter lot at the Subic Gateway District to house the showroom and service center. The facilities are expected to be completed within two years at a total construction cost of P100 million.

Isuzu Philippines President Koso said: “Today we are marking here a milestone for the Isuzu Philippines Corporation, as we break the ground for the construction of the new Isuzu dealership. Subic is primed to become the most competitive international service and logistics center in Southeast Asia.”

“With this opportunity, Subic is positioned to become an automotive and transportation solution hub for the growing transportation needs in the province of Zambales,” he added.

Established in 1995, Isuzu Philippines Corp. is into the assembly of commercial vehicles such as the Crosswind AUV and D-MAX pickup truck, along with light- to heavy-duty trucks and buses that provide maximum performance and reliability while on the road.

Isuzu’s Subic dealer is expected to supply much-needed commercial vehicles and trucks for the growing automotive market in the Subic Bay area. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairman & Administrator Wilma T. Eisma and Senior Deputy Administrator for Business & Investment Renato Lee III (far right) along with Isuzu officials at the groundbreaking of Isuzu's dealership in Subic Bay. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Bay named Philippines top sports tourism hub

Subic Bay, Central Luzon’s top tourist destination, added another feather in its cap with the recent awarding of the “Destination of the Year” by the Philippine Sports Tourism Awards (PSTA).

Subic Bay has consistently hosted sports events over the years and has helped position the Philippines as a competitive global sports tourism destination.

“There’s a variety of sports events held in Subic almost every month, and that’s really a plus factor. I hope Subic will continue to keep the momentum, and we look forward to the nomination again of Subic for this year,” says PSTA chairman Charles Lim.

He added that Subic bagged the award after judges saw the consistency with which prestigious sports events were held in the freeport.

He also noted that sports tourism is the fastest-growing component of the travel and sports industry.

Meanwhile, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman and administrator Wilma Eisma said the latest award shows that Subic remains the country’s most-preferred venue by local and international sports organizers.

“The award speaks well of the natural beauty and the unspoiled environment of Subic amid continuous economic development. It means that Subic had successfully harnessed the synergy of sports and tourism to make it to No. 1 for two consecutive years,” she noted.

The SBMA chief also pointed out that Subic won the gold award for best sports tourism destination in the 2017 Sports Industries Awards and Conference Asia (SPIA Asia) held in Thailand, and brought home the bronze award for the same category last year.

This year, it hosted the National Age Group Triathlon, NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon, Alaska Ironkids, Century Tuna Ironman 70.3. (Philippine Star)

https://www.philstar.com/sports/2019/07/27/1938285/subic-bay-named-philippines-top-sports-tourism-hub

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P1.6-billion Subic expressway widening project underway

The P1.6-billion Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) Capacity Expansion Project is now on-going to further ease motoring in and out of this growing business and leisure hub.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the North Luzon Expressway Corporation (NLEX), which operates the SFEX, is undertaking the expansion project designed to improve traffic flow in the area and promote road safety.

“It will also complement the SBMA’s infrastructure development program which includes widening of Freeport roads and improvement of our airport, seaport, and other logistics facilities,”Eisma said.

The SBMA official pointed out that the project also involves raising the Maritan Highway-Rizal Highway-Tipo Road junction by one or two meters, and fixing the drainage system in this area.

“This is the solution to the flooding problem that we have been experiencing in recent years,” Eisma said.

She said that with the start of the project on July 13, part of the Maritan-Rizal-Tipo junction will be closed to traffic and motorists will be redirected to alternate routes along the Causeway Road and the Argonaut-Kalayaan Access Road.

“I know this would exact some toll on the quality of work and leisure environment in Subic, as we have several infrastructure projects going on at the same time. But let us bear in mind that all these are meant to improve the business environment in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone,” Eisma said. “These are, in fact, our investments for a better future.”

According to NLEX Project Manager Elvin Cruz, the SFEX widening project entails construction of additional lanes to convert the 8.8-kilometer road into a four-lane highway.

This includes building new spans alongside the Jadjad and Argonaut bridges, and boring through the mountainside to create another two-lane tunnel beside the existing one.

Cruz said the first phase of the project is expected to be completed by October, in time for Subic’s hosting of 16 sports in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games to be held from November 30 to December 11.

The second phase, which will involve construction in the opposite lane, will start in January 2020.

Eisma said that Subic residents and visitors should expect “the usual dust, noise, and other small inconveniences” during project construction. “So I ask you to bear with us for 18 months until the whole project is completed,” she said.

“The pay-off to our patience will be a better road in and out of the Subic Bay Freeport, and we can then say goodbye to the heavy traffic that we occasionally suffer from during weekends when tourists flock to Subic,” she concluded.

The expressway widening project has been contracted out by NLEX Corp. to Sta. Clara International Corporation, a leading full-service engineering, construction, development and management enterprise in the Philippines which recently received a Quadruple A or “AAAA” license from the Philippine Contractors Association Board.

NLEX Corporation, which is the toll road subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., is the builder-concessionaire and operator of two major expressways that link Metro Manila to North and Central Luzon: North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).

The SFEX, which is also known as the Subic-Tipo Expressway or NLEX Segment 7, connects the Subic Bay Freeport to the 94-kilometer SCTEX, which in turn links with the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway. (MPD/SBMA)

PHOTO:

Heavy machinery starts boring into the hillside to gouge out a new two-lane tunnel at the Subic Freeport Expressway. (BusinessMirror)

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Mechanic is Subic’s first ‘Worker of the Republic’ awardee

A mechanic from one of the locator-companies in this free port has been honored as one of The Outstanding Workers of the Republic (Tower) for 2019, the first Subic Bay Freeport employee to receive the award.

Roberto Duran Jr., who works as pipe repairman at the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation (PCSPC), became one of the seven workers from among the more than 43 million Filipinos in the labor force to be given the award this year.

The other awardees are Benigno Acasio of Manila Water Co.; Isaiah John Duyag, Nestle Philippines; Gerald Taguiam, SIA Engineering; Johnny Talaban, NOCECO; Allan Unabia, Wyeth; and Robert John Uy, Moog Controls.

Duran, who left his family in Cagayan province to look for a job in Subic, first landed as a contract worker at the PCSPC. His job included sweeping the street in the PCSPC compound and assisting other workers.

But his dedication to work soon earned him the trust of supervisors who helped him get hired for a regular position. He is now in charge of the maintenance and repair of assets such as pipelines, valves, meters, and pumps.

“Being away from my family is hard to bear. But I really thank this company for the trust and continuous training they provide for their employees which I used to reached where I am today,” Duran said in Filipino. “I have a wonderful job that helps my family and sends my children to school.”

On Monday, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) also honored Duran during the flag-raising ceremony.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Ramon Agregado described Duran’s award as “a clear testament that local workers are not only the best in the Subic Freeport, but also among the best in the country.”

PCSPC Human Resource manager Catherine Tipan-Stewart said the management regards Duran an inspiration to his co-workers: a young father who started out simply wanting a job to earn money to send to his wife and children in Cagayan, but ended up as an outstanding worker in the company.

“He started out as all-around worker doing anything he was told to do. But with a strong desire to learn, he soon picked up other skills, got the chance to become part of the maintenance team, and later got promoted to become industrial mechanic,” Stewart said.

She added that in the 19 years that Duran had been with PCSPC, he had not only shown devotion to duty and enthusiasm for work, but also ingenuity that contributed to the efficient repair and maintenance of assets with minimal disruption to everyday operation.

Duran’s outstanding performance not only earned him recognition at PCSPC, but also from the SBMA which chose him in November last year as one of the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers for 2018. Six months later, Duran became a Tower awardee.

The Tower Awards, which was founded in 1975 by the Rotary Club of Manila, honors the nation’s most outstanding non-supervisory workers and recognizes their importance and contributions to the economic and technological progress of the country.

It also serves to inculcate pride in excellent and outstanding work, and helps develop critical, innovative/inventive and creative thinking at the workplace and a mindset for quality and productivity in the workforce. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] Subic worker Roberto Duran proudly shows his award as one of “The Outstanding Workers of the Republic.”

[2] Subic’s first Tower awardee Roberto Duran (middle), along with officials of the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation, is honored by SBMA officials and workers.

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Subic SEA Games venues set for upgrades

Facilities that will serve as venue for the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games 2019 will undergo upgrading and improvement in time for Subic’s co-hosting of the sporting event on Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said massive repair work will be undertaken at sports facilities like Remy Field and Subic Gym here despite the onset of the rainy season.

“We’re right on schedule,” Eisma said, describing the preparations here for the 30th edition of the biennial competition. “The Subic venues will be completed in time for the SEA Games.”

The Subic Bay Freeport will be the venue for 16 out of the 56 sports scheduled for the 2019 SEA Games, which will involve participants from the 11 countries comprising Southeast Asia.

Eisma said that for this purpose, the SBMA has signed agreements with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to improve the facilities here, with SBMA as project fund source and DPWH as lead implementing agency.

“We have the funds, but we don’t have the technical expertise,” Eisma explained. “So partnering with the DPWH is the most logical choice.”

Under the agreements, DPWH will prepare all the plans, designs, technical specifications and cost estimate for the building construction, as well as hire contractors for the projects. It will also provide the SBMA with project status reports from contractors to serve as bases for payment.

Remy Field, which contains a track oval, will get an upgrade with a new nine-lane track from the previous six, as well as a covered viewing stand. It will be rehabilitated at the cost of P127,805,000.

Meanwhile, the Subic Gym will get a new facade and interior upgrade at the price of P5,700,000.

Upgrading of the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center will be handled by DPWH national office.

The SBMA chief said the quality of the sports venues in Subic would significantly define the SEA Games experience for delegates, as well as the general impression of how Philippines hosted the event.

“That is why we want to make sure that our facilities will be at par with SEA Games standards,” Eisma said. “We will be hosting foreign athletes, and giving them a great venue would also mean a great tourism calling card for Subic.”

SEA Games events will be held in eight venues in Subic: Remy Field, which will be used for training and cultural presentations; Subic Bay Sports Complex, venue for sepak takraw, beach volleyball and beach handball; Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center for muay Thai, pencak silat and table tennis; and the SBMA Boardwalk for triathlon, duathlon, and modern pentathlon.

Meanwhile, privately-owned venues will also be used for other SEA Games events: Subic Bay Yacht Club for sailing and windsurfing; Kamana Sanctuary Resort for traditional boat race and canoe and kayak; Subic Bay Travellers Hotel for chess; and Acea Subic Bay resort for rowing.

Eisma said that in most venues here, the SBMA will provide lounges, practice areas, medical stations, dressing rooms, media interview areas, and even prayer rooms for use of the various sports delegations.

The Philippines last hosted the biennial SEA Games 14 years ago, with Subic as venue for archery, canoeing, sailing and triathlon out of the 40 sports competitions held.

For the 2019 edition of the Games, Subic, along with New Clark City, Metro Manila, and the Batangas, La Union and Tagaytay cluster, will be the venue for some 523 events in 56 sports fields. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] Artist’s perspective of the proposed upgrading of the Remy Field track oval and viewing stand

[2] Artist’s perspective of the proposed new façade for the Subic Gym

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Port of Subic posts highest rice import tariff collections

MANILA -- Preliminary data show that the government has so far collected PHP5.9 billion in tariffs from some 1.43 million metric tons (MT) of rice stocks imported by private traders, following the enactment of a law in March that liberalized the importation of the grain, the Department of Finance (DOF) disclosed in a statement on Thursday.

A report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III by Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero revealed that the Bureau of Customs (BOC) collected the highest amount of rice import tariffs from the Subic Bay port at PHP1.37 billion.

The Port of Manila collected PHP978.51 million in tariffs, followed by the Manila International Container Port with PHP942.76 million, Guerrero said during a recent DOF Executive Committee meeting.

The Port of Cagayan de Oro collected PHP754.13 million in tariffs from rice imports, while the Port of Davao collected PHP703.93 million, the data showed.

Republic Act (RA) 11203 or the Rice Liberalization Act was signed and approved by President Rodrigo Duterte last February 14.

Dominguez has described the rice liberalization law on the shift from quantitative restrictions (QRs) to tariffs on rice imports as a “proud” accomplishment of the Duterte presidency and the DOF, given that it took more than 30 years under various administrations to get the Congress to approve this game-changing reform.

Liberalizing rice imports, he said, will not only make quality rice more affordable and accessible to Filipino families, but will also lower the country’s inflation rate, revolutionize the agriculture sector and help farmers become more productive and competitive in the global economy.

Dominguez said rice tariffication has proved to be challenging because it was “a politically difficult reform to pass."

Liberalizing rice imports has made the staple food more affordable to Filipinos, making retail prices this summer cheaper by PHP10 per kilo.

RA 11203 created the PHP10-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) to help palay growers and their farmers' cooperatives transition to a new rice regime.

The RCEF will be used to provide farmers tools and equipment, assistance in the production, promotion, and distribution of certified rice seeds, upgrading of post-harvest storage facilities, credit assistance, irrigation support, and research and development (R&D) support. (PR)

PHOTO:

The Subic Bay International Container Terminal (SBITC) at the Port of Subic

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074081

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Tim Reed, Caroline Steffen prevail at Subic Bay

Tim Reed ran away from fellow Aussie Tim Van Berkel while Caroline Steffen of Switzerland dominated the bike and run legs to earn the pro titles at Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay.

Reed and Van Berkel overcame a 1:13 deficit to swim leaders Alex Polizzi and Sam Betten with race-best 2:13:26 bike splits that led to a three-way tie at T2 shared by Van Berkel, Polizzi and Reed, while Nick Baldwin lurked 2:10 back.

After 16km of the half marathon, Reed surged to a 3:17 lead on Van Berkel and 4 minutes on Baldwin in third place. After a race-best 1:23:18 run split, Reed finished in 4:04:34 with a 4:03 margin of victory over Van Berkel (1:27:18 run) and 4:33 over third place finisher Baldwin (1:25:37 run split).

Previously at Subic Bay 70.3, Reed won in 2015 and took third in 2016 and 2017.

Manana Iijima of Guam led the swim with a 27:01 split that gave her 53 seconds lead on Steffen, 1:13 on Laura Wood of New Zealand, and just over 4 minutes on Australians Dimity Lee Duke and Lisa Tyack.

After the top of the major climb 13 kilometers into the bike leg, Steffen led by 1:28 on Iijima, 2:52 on Wood, 3:28 on Duke and 6:35 on Tyack. After a women’s-best 2:24:54 bike split – 3:30 better then the next best effort by Duke – Steffen carved out a 7 minutes lead on Duke, 9 minutes on Iijima and 14 minutes on Wood.

With no need to adopt a suicidal pace in the hellish heat, Steffen cruised home with women's-best 1:34:18 run to finish in 4:29:15 with a 13:44 margin of victory over Duke (1:41:26 run split) and 17:08 over 3rd place finisher Wood (1:38:07 run).

Steffen thus added to her third podium finish at Subic Bay 70.3 after a win in 2016 and a runner-up in 2017.(Timothy Carlson, slowswitch.com)

https://www.slowtwitch.com/News/Tim_Reed_Caroline_Steffen_prevail_at_Subic_Bay__7288.html

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Canada trash shipment leaves PH

The chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has lauded the reshipment of trash from Canada Friday, saying it was a joyous occasion. Sixty-nine trash-filled container vans that have been languishing in the Philippines for over half a decade are finally en route to where they came from: Canada.

The Maersk's MV Bavaria docked in Subic Bay around 3 p.m. Thursday, and left past 7 a.m. Friday.

Aside from the garbage, the ship also has 150 shipping containers as it is taking the regular commercial route.

MV Bavaria will make a stop in Taiwan before heading straight to the port of Vancouver in Canada where it is due to arrive on June 22. Canadian media reports have said the garbage will be incinerated in Burnaby.

MV Bavaria is expected to arrive at the Port of Vancouver in Canada on June 22. Local Canadian Press reported, once back in Canada, the garbage will be burned in a waste-to-energy facility in Burnaby.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma Eisma said the departure of the unwanted shipment was a momentous occasion.

"We thank President Rodrigo Duterte for his decisive action that brought about a satisfactory conclusion to this sordid chapter in our history. This is one proud moment for all Filipinos," she said in a statement.

She noted that the SBMA documented the whole procedure from the time MV Bavaria docked in Subic’s New Container Terminal-1 to the loading of the containers Thursday to the ship's departure.

Groups celebrated the event, saying they were "jubilant" after the ship left port.

“We feel jubilant that 69 containers of Canadian rubbish are now homeward bound after being stranded here for so long,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition. “The Philippines is not the world's dumpsite. Never again shall we allow other countries to trash our dignity, our people's health and the environment.”

Kathleen Ruff of RightOnCanada, a rights advocacy campaign based in the North American country, said it was a "victory for the environment and a victory for the rule of law."

“The Canadian government is now finally going to comply with the Basel Convention and take responsibility for its own wastes. This is what environmental responsibility means," said Ruff.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro "Teddyboy" Locsin Jr. said Canada paid for fumigation, ship side loading, and shipping, which was estimated to cost around P10 million.

The International Container Terminal Services Incorporated waived all costs on land.

MV Bavaria is expected to arrive at the Port of Vancouver in Canada on June 22, after a stopover in Taiwan. Local Canadian press reported the garbage will be incinerated in Burnaby.

The 69 container vans of trash are what remains of the more than 2,500 tons of waste illegally shipped in batches in 2013 and 2014 by Canadian company Chronic Plastics Inc. The company declared the trash in 103 container vans as "recyclable plastic scraps."

Customs officials earlier said the contents of 34 container vans have already been disposed of.

Environmental activists from Ecowaste Coalition, however, said only 26 container vans have been accounted for. They called on the government to disclose where the contents of the eight other container vans were dumped

The Manila Regional Trial Court is still hearing cases on alleged violations of environmental and customs laws against Canadian firm Chronic Plastics and customs brokers involved in smuggling the garbage. (CNN Philippines)

PHOTOS:

[1] The port in Subic Bay in the Philippines where a transport vessel, MV Bavaria, is berthed to load waste (theguardian.com) 

[2] SBMA Chairman & Administrator Wilma T. Eisma speaks with journalists after witnessing the departure of MV Bavaria from the Port of Subic. (MPD/SBMA)

[3] MV Bavaria sails out from the Port of Subic, together with 69 containers of mixed household waste sent by a Canadian private company to the Philippines in 2013 and 2014 (CNN Philippines)

http://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/5/31/sbma-canada-trash-reshipment.html


SBMA'S OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE PULLOUT OF CANADIAN TRASH FROM SUBIC BAY


"Finally, the containers of garbage transported from Canada and stored at the Subic Bay Freeport for several years now have been pulled out as of today, May 31, 2019.

"A total of 69 garbage-laden containers — 67 of which have been in Subic for the past few years, and 2 recently brought in from Manila — were loaded onto MV Bavaria, a Liberian-flagged container ship commissioned to transport the containers back to Canada.

"The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority documented the whole procedure — from the docking of the ship at Subic’s New Container Terminal-1 in the afternoon of May 30, to the loading of all the 69 containers last night, and up to the departure of the vessel from Subic Bay early this morning.

"We thank President Rodrigo Duterte for his decisive action that brought about a satisfactory conclusion to this sordid chapter in our history.

"This is one proud moment for all Filipinos."

Atty. Wilma T. Eisma
SBMA Chairman & Administrator

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Volunteer cleanups propel Subic Freeport tourism

Hundreds of volunteers from the various community organizations, schools and government agencies converged here on Sunday to clean up the beach along the popular Boardwalk Park here in preparation for the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay triathlon event here on June 2.

The volunteers from the Philippine Coast Guard-Subic, its auxiliary PCGA 111th Squadron, the Philippine National Police, Ramon Magsaysay University in Subic, Zambales, and local schools Aura College and Gordon College, scoured the coast for trash, and bagged them for sorting and eventual disposal.

But this was nothing extraordinary, said SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, who takes pride in a strong culture of volunteerism among stakeholders of the Subic Bay Freeport.

“This Freeport may have its natural attractions to thank for being a major tourist destination in the country today, but it is the culture of volunteerism here that keeps the local tourism industry moving forward,” Eisma said.

“Without the cooperation and support of the Subic Bay area community, the SBMA would not be able to make Subic the top tourist destination in Central Luzon for the last six years,” she added. “Volunteers help keep Subic tourism alive.”

The initiative of stakeholders that include SBMA employees, Freeport business locators, socio-civic organizations, residents, and even visitors to volunteer in clean-up activities here is a result of Eisma’s call for “malasakit” or concern for the common good.

This summer, as Subic prepared to host a mix of sports, entertainment and religious events, volunteer groups led by various SBMA departments buckled down to work to keep beaches, river banks and vacant lots clean and pleasing to the eye.

Today, members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Subic Station, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) 111th Squadron, and the Subic Bay Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SBMPC), conduct monthly coastal clean-up along Malawaan Park and Boardwalk area.

“PCGA is mandated to support and assist the community in the protection of the marine environment and its resources, so we are happy to volunteer in cleaning our beach areas, especially in Subic Bay,” said Commander Eduardo Mabita Jr., director of the PCGA division in Subic.

Other groups such as Toyota Avanza Pilipinas (Olongapo Chapter), Lions Club of Olongapo, Gordon College and Aura College, the Police Regional Maritime Unit (Subic) are among the regular participants of the beach clean-ups along the Boardwalk Park here.

The Boardwalk Area is a favorite place for outdoor concerts, and will be the venue for several beach and water sports events in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games that Subic will host on November 30 to December 10.

Jem Camba, manager of the SBMA Tourism Department, noted that with 1.7 million guest arrivals last year, the Subic Bay Freeport continues to hold its position as the best tourist destination in Central Luzon based on the Department of Tourism’s 2018 report.

“With the help of our Subic Bay stakeholders, we are able to provide excellent customer service and create worthy and enjoyable events, and thus make Subic Bay a perfect getaway destination,” Camba also said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

Various stakeholder groups participate in the clean-up along the Boardwalk Park in the Subic Bay Freeport in preparation for the Ironman 70.3 triathlon on June 2. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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20 new lanes to hike SCTEX toll capacity

NLEX Corp., the operator of the North Luzon Expressway and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, continues to conduct systematic repairs, upgrading and capacity expansion to ensure safe, reliable and seamless travel for the motoring public.

After rushing repair works on cracks and deformations on road pavements caused by the recent earthquakes that hit the Porac and Floridablanca portions of SCTEX in Pampanga, NLEX Corp. engineers are now focused on capacity expansion works.

Due to start in July is the construction of 20 additional lanes in various toll plazas along SCTEX, including vital construction at the Subic Freeport Expressway.

The additional toll plazas at SCTEX is aimed at improving the customer processing time at exit and entrance booths, the company said in a statement.

The toll plaza capacity expansion project, which is expected to be completed by November this year, covers Clark North, Clark South, San Miguel, Bamban, and Tarlac toll plazas.

One new toll lane each will be built in Clark North entry/exit and Clark South B exit. Two new toll lanes each will be added at Clark South A exit and Tarlac entry/exit to serve the growing number of motorists traveling in these areas.

NLEX Corp. will further increase the service capacity of San Miguel (Luisita) entry/exit plaza and convert it to a full interchange. This means that San Miguel will be more accessible to motorists, as those coming to and from San Miguel will now have complete entry and exit points from both northbound and southbound directions.

Meanwhile, two lanes each will be constructed at San Miguel northbound entry and southbound exit and another toll lane will be added to the northbound exit.

The soon-to-open Bamban Interchange will likewise have three entry and three exit lanes. The new interchange will become the direct connection to New Clark City, the main venue for this year’s Southeast Asian Games.

Luigi Bautista, president and general manager of NLEX Corporation, said “the additional toll lanes will help improve SCTEX’s connectivity in its areas, particularly in Clark, which is being positioned as Asia’s next aerotropolis and investment center.”

The new lanes aim to enable speedy toll transactions even during peak hours and holidays when traffic volume on the expressway rises sharply.

In previous years, the NLEX Corporation, together with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, implemented several enhancement projects along SCTEX’s 94-kilometer stretch. These projects include the NLEX-SCTEX electronic toll collection integration, the expansion of Tipo Toll Plaza and the Mabiga Interchange.

CCTV System, LED lights, emergency call boxes, crash cushions, and reflective delineator plates were also installed at the expressway to enhance the safety of motorists. A new traffic control room was also built in Dolores, Mabalacat City to track real-time traffic at SCTEX.

The NLEX and SCTEX are safe for expressway users despite some pavement cracks observed in bridge approaches along SCTEX, following the 6.1-magnitude earthquake that seriously affected Pampanga and other parts of Central Luzon last April 22.

Meanwhile, post-earthquake assessment results conducted by NLEX Corp. and its engineering consultant AMH Philippines, showed there was no major structural damage found in NLEX-SCTEX bridges and slopes following the temblor, except for cracks and deformations on pavements and bridge expansion joints that were immediately repaired and are now 100% safe for expressway users.

NLEX and SCTEX bridges performed and behaved well and the cracks and deformations caused by the quake were all within anticipated range of structural-design assumptions. Comprehensive repairs have already been accomplished to ensure the riding comfort of motorists.

Repaired were four bridges in SCTEX Porac (Pasig-Potrero, Babo Pangulo, Planas, and Porac) and two bridges in SCTEX Floridablanca (Caulaman and Gumain) that sustained minor pavement cracks while steel plates and expansion joints that became uneven were now levelled.

“Our Quick Response Teams are on 24-hour stand-by mode and ready to immediately assist motorists to assure the safety of the public plying our expressways,” Bautista noted.

New expressway lanes, bridges, and tunnel will also be constructed at the Subic Freeport Expressway as the NLEX Corporation and Sta. Clara International Corporation recently signed the agreement for the P1.6-billion SFEX Capacity Expansion Project.

The project ― which involves the construction of two additional expressway lanes, two new bridges at Jadjad and Argonaut, and a tunnel ― aims to better accommodate the growing number of vehicles going in and out of the Subic Bay Freeport.

In addition, expressway-standard LED lights will be installed to keep the SFEX safe and convenient for motorists, particularly for those driving at night.

The SFEX Capacity Expansion is seen to improve traffic in the area and promote road safety as the new lanes will segregate northbound and southbound motorists along separate carriageways. It will also complement the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s infrastructure development program which includes the improvement of airport and seaport, the widening of roads, and the construction of an SBMA Corporate Center.

Bautista said their structures, including those elevated ones, were designed and built in such a way that they do not collapse during an earthquake. He also stressed that the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10, the elevated expressway from Karuhatan, Valenzuela City to Caloocan Interchange in C3, Caloocan City, is earthquake-resistant and can withstand high magnitude quakes.

“Rest assured that our roads adhere to world-class standards as we use top grade materials and undertake regular road condition surveys,” he added. (Orlan L. Mauricio, Manila standard)

http://manilastandard.net/lgu/luzon/295744/20-new-lanes-to-hike-sctex-toll-capacity.html

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PRURide PH 2019 concludes with exciting Subic Bay races

THE 2019 edition of PRURide PH drew to a successful conclusion on Sunday with Marcelo Felipe being declared as the overall winner.

Taking place inside the Subic Bay Free Zone in Zambales, the event, hailed as the country’s largest cycling festival, gathered a large number of participants, both local and international, who took part in the various categories in the weekend of May 24-26.

Veteran cyclist Felipe of the Philippines, riding for 7-Eleven Cliqq Air21, raced to the top of the podium after just two stages before the International Cycling Union (UCI) and the organizers decided to scrap the third and final stage because of “extreme weather condition” brought about by heavy downpour.

Mr. Felipe rode a combined 295.8 kilometers for Stages 1 and 2 with a time of seven hours, 57 minutes and 15 seconds to bag the overall title.

Finishing second was South African Brendon Davids of Olivers Real Food, who clocked in with a time of 7:58:02, just 47 seconds behind Mr. Felipe.

Third was New Zealand’s Michael Vink of St. George Continental Cycling Team with a time of 8:01:27.

Other Filipinos who finished in the top 10 were Junrey Navarra at no. 5 (8:02:02), Jhin Mark Camingao at no. 6 (8:03:28), Jonel Carcueva at no. 8 (8:04:52) and Daniel Ven Carino at no. 9 (8:05:25).

Apart from topping the overall general classification race, Mr. Felipe earned 16 UCI points which were also up for grabs in the 2.2 UCI event, which he can use in trying to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

He was also named King of the Mountain and Best Filipino Rider.

“We are happy to finally hold one of the three UCI-accredited races here in our country… It’s been the [cycling] community’s goal to join the SEA (Southeast Asian) Games or the 2020 Summer Olympics and we are happy to help them achieve this,” said Allan Tumbaga, Pru Life UK Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Marketing Officer, as he spoke of the event which also had other activities catered to amateur cyclists.

PRURide PH 2019 kicked off in April with the successful staging of the Criterium race in Filinvest in Alabang. (Michael Angelo S. Murillo, Business World)

PHOTO:

Cyclists at the starting line of PRURide PH 2019 in Subic Bay Freeport (photo from Pru Life UK Facebook page)

https://www.bworldonline.com/pruride-ph-2019-concludes-with-exciting-subic-bay-races/

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Subic to develop system in cruise ship handling

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) plans to develop a cruise ship-handling protocol to sustain the growth of this booming industry.

SBMA chairman and administrator Wilma Eisma said she had instructed the agency’s cruise ship committee to produce a manual or guidebook for better management and sustainability of cruise ship arrivals.

“We have been successful so far in carving a new tourism niche in Subic with this booming cruise industry, and in order to sustain this growth we have to incorporate best practices into a structured system,” Eisma said.

“We also have to institutionalize the process of handling cruise ships so that we can provide quality service and effective assistance to the passengers and crew of the visiting vessels, as well as their ship agents,” she added.

According to the SBMA Tourism Department, a total of 19 cruise ship arrivals were recorded here last year, with the Italian-flagged Costa Atlantica setting the record at 14 visits. The rest were made by three other cruise ships: twice by SuperStar Gemini, which is operated by Star Cruises; once by Ovation of the Seas, which is owned by Royal Caribbean International; and twice by World Dream, operated by Dream Cruises.

Each of the arrivals brought in an average of 3,500 tourists who disembark in Subic and then go on tours of various destinations in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, as well as the neighboring communities of Olongapo City, Clark Freeport, and the provinces of Zambales and Bataan.

Last year, the Central Luzon Regional Development Council cited the SBMA for developing Subic into a premier cruise ship destination in the country and noted that cruise ship arrivals in Subic had generated more than P85 million worth of economic activity in the first eight months alone.

Meanwhile, 11 cruise ship arrivals have been recorded this year: seven for World Dream and four for Costa Atlantica. The latest was on May 16, when Costa Atlantica docked with 2,000 passengers and 800 crew and officers.

Eisma also said that the SBMA’s successful initiative to develop complementation programs with nearby communities to offer curated experiences to tourists now make it necessary to develop a protocol for handling cruise ship arrivals.

Marcelino Sanqui, SBMA senior deputy administrator for port operations who is also chairman of the SBMA Cruise Ship Committee, said that they will produce a handbook that will contain step-by-step procedures from the moment a cruise ship enters Subic Bay, drops anchor at Alava Wharf, disembarks its passengers, and so forth.

“The handbook may also help inform the passengers of the dos and don’ts in Subic, such as our No Smoking and No Littering policies. This will also include road directions and emergency numbers,” Sanqui added.

The handbook, Sanqui also said, may be uploaded on the SBMA webpage so that would-be visitors to Subic may get to know the attractions in and around Subic Bay area and learn how to conduct themselves while in the area. (Ric Sapnu, Sun Star)

PHOTO:

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority employees line up along Alava Wharf to welcome the arrival of the cruise ship Costa Atlantica. (MPD-SBMA)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1807146

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Ironman 70.3 goes to Subic

THE Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay Philippines continues to draw not only a stellar international cast but also another chief backer in Big Boss Cement (BBC) when it marks its fifth staging on June 2 in Subic Bay.

A new player in the industry specializing in production of environment-friendly cement in the country, Big Boss Cement comes in as the event’s presenter at a time when local triathlon is enjoying tremendous boom with top-notch endurance races held regularly across the country the last decade or so.

Sunrise Events Inc., organizer of the biggest, premier triathlon races in the land, recently inked a four-year pact with Big Boss Cement as presenting sponsor of the CT Ironman 70.3 up to 2022.

“The growth of triathlon in the country has considerably increased over the past few years. With Big Boss Cement’s support, we are assured of the sport’s continued advancement in line with our commitment to promote a healthy lifestyle among Filipinos,” SEI General Manager Princess Galura said.

“Big Boss Cement represents innovation and environment conservation by producing super strong premier cement that is eco-friendly,” said BBC Vice President and long-time triathlete Ishmael Ordoñez. “The CT Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay will be a test of human endurance but to be enjoyed in the surrounding nature which Big Boss Cement aspires to preserve through its products.” (BusinessMirror)

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/05/25/ironman-70-3-goes-to-subic/

IronKids spices up CT Ironman 70.3

The future of triathlon takes the spotlight on Saturday, June 1, as close to 300 kids dispute top honors in various age categories in the Alaska Fortified IronKids at the WOW Recreation and Activity Center in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

This marks the third time that the local junior version of the Ironman will be held as a swim-run event following the Davao City and Vermosa, Cavite competitions with the Subic cast to feature the sport’s regular campaigners in the 6-to-14 years old bracket.

Fresh faces are also expected to hog the spotlight as they seek to upstage the fancied names in the event starting at 6 a.m.

The IronKids serves as a fitting appetizer to the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay presented by Big Boss Cement which fires off Sunday with Seychelles’ Nick Baldwin setting out for back-to-back title feat in the country’s triathlon capital following his triumph in the first full Ironman last year.

Also lined up on Saturday is the Sun Life Bike Out and the Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay Expo at 9 a.m., the media conference at 3 p.m. and the Beliinda Granger race tips at 4 p.m., among others.

Launched a decade ago, the Alaska IronKids, then made up of a swim-bike-run event, has become one of the highlights of each Ironman competition. It is staged to promote a well-balanced lifestyle for kids and at the same time serves as venue for family bonding. It is also held to help kids develop the values of discipline, hard work, integrity and determination through a series of races.

The organizing Sunrise Events, Inc., however, decided to drop the bike leg from the usual 400m-swim, 9km-bike, and 3km event to lessen the competition’s barriers to entry of which purchasing a bike is a prime example. (Philippine Star)

https://www.philstar.com/sports/2019/05/28/1921603/ironkids-spices-ct-ironman-703

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