Subic company completes first-ever luxury yacht

Australasia Marine Alliance Corp. (AMAC), a unit of Mustang Marine Australia Services Pty. Ltd., said it has completed the first-ever leisure yacht to be built in Subic Bay Freeport.

The 28-feet Mustang Marine 2800 Sports Cruiser worth A$120,000 was built by Filipino boat craftsmen. It is one of the smallest boats under the Mustang brand name.

AMAC is an "alternative manufacturer" of recreational boats of Mustang Marine Australia Services Pty. Ltd., the flagship company of Australasia Alliance Corp., the oldest and second-largest boat builder in Australia.

The leisure yacht is powered by a MerCruiser 5.0L MPI Bravo 3 260-horsepower, 300-liter gasoline engine. It went as fast as 30.4 knots or 35 miles an hour during sea trials in Subic Bay.

With technical assistance from Mustang Australia, it took five months to finish the first boat, which is now ready to be shipped to a Thai buyer, Mr. Co said.

"We have to train people step by step, so production of the first boat took quite long. But by the end of the year, we will gear up to about two to three units a month of this size," he added.

"[This] is practically a livable boat with superb craftsmanship and elegant designs found in its kitchen, toilet, bedroom and lounge," Mr. Co. said. (Rey Garcia, Businessworld Online)

Photo Caption: The first Filipino-made Mustang 2800 Sports Cruiser maneuvers in Subic Bay. The boat clocked 30.4 knots per hour during recent trials.

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SBMA cited for timely action on drug case

Two government agencies cited the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) vigilance in the seizure of over 700 kilos of shabu from a locator and now suspected drug trafficker Anthony “Anton” Ang, even as freeport industry leaders described the SBMA officials’ conduct in the seizure as an example of integrity in government service.

In the latest hearing by the Congressional committee investigating the attempted smuggling of over 700 kilos of shabu through the Subic freeport, the chief of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Dionisio Santiago cited SBMA’s vigilance resulting in the seizure of the illegal drugs.

“Had the SBMA personnel relaxed their guard in this case, billions of pesos worth of shabu would have flooded the streets,” Santiago said.

Earlier in the same hearing, Presidential Anti- Smuggling Group (PASG) chief Undersecretary Antonio Villar Jr. expressed the same recognition of SBMA success in thwarting the smuggling attempt. The seizure is the biggest haul ever in the illegal drug trade.

Armand Arreza, SBMA administrator, gave the credit to SBMA personnel, saying their dedication and honesty in their job paid off, adding that “our boys did not waver in the face of deceit even as they exercised determined caution in giving locators the respect they deserve.”

“Our boys stood their ground, insisting on getting the shipping documents on the boxes that later turned out to contain shabu,” Arreza said, adding that “no inch was given in the demand for the shipping documents. They were protecting the interest of government after they were told by Ang the boxes contained sensitive computer parts.”

Ang, then being a known locator in SBMA, claimed that the cargo contained sensitive computer parts and requested it should not be opened while he promised to bring to the SBMA the required shipping document even when the boxes passed the dog sniffing screening to detect contraband.

Ang failed to return with the shipping documents on the promised time. The SBMA law enforcement team then called PASG, the government’s anti-smuggling group to open the boxes. It was only then that they found out the boxes contained crystalline substance that was suspected to be shabu.

The PDEA later confirmed the substance is shabu. The packaging of the shabu in boxes was intended to deceive sniffing dogs.

According to Arreza, three employees in the team that led the seizure of shabu boxes earned the “Gantimpala Agad” Awards of the Civil Service Commission while the rest were given commendations. This award is the reward component of the CSC’s “Mamamayan Muna, Hindi Mamaya Na” program. (Franco Regala, Manila Bulletin)

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Independent panel starts investigation of Ang disappearance in Subic drug bust

Manila - The three-man independent panel that investigated the Alabang Boys has started its investigation into the questionable disappearance of suspected international drug-lord Anthony Anton Ang after he was caught in possession with some P5-billion worth of high-grade shabu at the Subic Freeport Zone.

The panel, headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Carolina Grino-Aquino with San Beda Graduate College of Law Dean Fr. Ranhilio Aquino and retired Sandiganbayan Justice Raoul Victorino as members, would look into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the drug suspect and determine possible liabilities of prosecutors and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) and of the Subic Freeport authorities.

Solicitor General Agnes Deva-nadera, whose office is providing legal assistance to the probe panel, said the investigation would zero in on the administrative aspect of the case and as well as on the alleged bribery angle.

Bribery may come in, but the focus is whats going to be the accountability of the public officials, the solicitor general said.

She said the objective of the investigation is to establish some facts, and to inquire on the reaction of the officials when all things happened.

It could be lapses. It could overt act. It could be intentional acts. It could be none. It could be regular action, she added.

A congressional committee is also investigating the drug case. In its latest hearing, both the PDEA and PASG have virtually exonerated the Subic Freeport authorities, saying that Had the SBMA [Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority] personnel relaxed their guards in this case, billions worth of shabu would have flooded the streets.

Armand Arreza, SBMA administrator, gave the credit to SBMA personnel, saying their dedication to and honesty in their job paid off, adding, "Our boys did not waiver in the face of deceit even as they exercised determined caution in giving locators the respect they deserve."

Ang, then being a known locator in SBMA, claimed that the cargo contained sensitive computer parts and requested it should not be opened while he promised to bring to the SBMA the required shipping documents even when the boxes passed the dog sniffing screening to detect contraband.

Ang failed to return with the shipping documents on the promised time. The SBMA law enforcement team, then called PASG, the governments anti smuggling group to open the boxes. It was only then that they found out the boxes contained crystalline substance that was suspected to be shabu.

The PDEA later confirmed the substance-contained shabu. The packaging of the shabu in boxes was intended to deceive sniffing dogs. (William B. Depasupil, Manila Times)

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Antonio is solo leader in Subic chessfest

Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. outsmarted Le Quang Liem of Vietnam in 59 moves of the Sicilian to vault into the solo lead after the ninth round of the 2009 Asian Continental individual chess championship Thursday at the Subic Exhibition and Convention Center in Subic Bay Freeport.

Flashing the form that made him the country's top player only several years ago, the 47-year-old pride of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro finished off his sixth-seeded Vietnamese rival to claim his fourth win in the last five rounds.

The win enabled the 28th-seeded Filipino to grab the solo lead with seven points on five wins and four draws with only two rounds remaining in this prestigious, 11-round tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) in cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Half a point behind Antonio are two Indian and two Chinese player – Grandmasters Chanda Sandipan and Surya Shekhar Ganguly and Grandmasters Hou Yifan and Zhou Weiqi.

Sandipan drew with Hou, while Ganguly and Zhou halved the point in 39 moves of the Sicilian to remain within striking distance.

Grandmaster Wesley So also made his presence felt, beating Elshan Moradiabadi of Iran in only 33 moves of the Ruy Lopez to keep his hopes alive.

The 15-year-old So capitalized on a blunder by his Iranian rival – a queen push to h4 on the 26th move – to turn a difficult, middle game struggle into a resounding victory with the white pieces.

When the end came, So is threatening to mate Moradiabadi’s king with either his queen on g8 or his knight on d6.

Overall, So has a nine-round total of six points on four wins, four draws and only one loss. (c/o Manila Bulletin)

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Young Chinese GM stamps class in Subic chessfest

THIS 15-year-old girl is competing, as she puts it, “for the experience” in the open division of the 8th Asian Continental Championship at the Subic Bay Free Port.

But grandmaster Hou Yifan of China is in a group of 12 players—which includes Filipino GM Joey Antonio and international master Richard Bitoon—just half-a-point behind the four leaders after Sunday’s fifth round.

That could mean trouble for the men’s against Hou, who was second in the 2008 world’s women’s chess championship, as Bitoon found out Sunday.

Bitoon, playing black in a Sicilian Defense, was on the ropes against Hou, but in time trouble the advantage shifted to Bitoon’s side. Hou dug in despite having a bishop against a rook in a queen endgame and the game ended in a draw in 80 moves.

“She is friendly, with a smile on her face,” said Bitoon of his 5’5” rival in a phone interview with Standard Today. “But she is malupit [accurate] and has an all-around style.”

Her first Filipino victim was national master Edgardo Garma who did not survive the opening. “He [Garma] made a mistake and it was exploited quickly,” said Bitoon.

In answers to e-mailed questions given to her by Standard Today through FIDE deputy president for Asia Toti Abundo, Hou said the tournament has made a good impression on her. “Fresh air, good environment. This has been an excellent tournament. Hopefully chess will have a bright future in the Philippines.”

The tournament selects the Top 10 regional qualifiers to the next stage of the championship. Hou, having finished second in the 2008 women’s championship, has earned her ticket and is playing in the open division for experience.

Chinese chess officials are pinning her hopes that Hou will be a superstar. The daughter of a magistrate and a former nurse, Hou became the youngest woman to become a grandmaster at 14 years and six months in 2008.

Hou said she goes to a regular school, but stays with the national team in Beijing.

One of her coaches said Hou has all the qualities to become the world’s top woman chessplayer, a distinction held by Judit Polgar of Hungary for nearly a decade (c/o Manila Standard Today)

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SBMA backs free port perks for Olongapo businesses

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is now working out a scheme whereby qualified investments based in the neighboring city of Olongapo may receive some incentives enjoyed by companies registered in the Subic Bay Freeport.

According to SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza, the perks may include fiscal incentives like sales tax and five-percent gross income tax.

“We are now in the process of formulating the implementing rules,” Arreza said.

“We are working it out with Olongapo City officials so that businesses located in Olongapo would qualify for some incentives under Executive Order 675,” Arreza added, referring to the order signed by President Arroyo that expanded the area where tax- and duty-free privileges for free port zones would apply.

Under EO 675, the tax- and duty-free privileges within the Subic Special Economic and Free Port Zone (SSEFPZ) “shall apply within the secured area consisting of the presently fenced-in former Subic Naval Base and such other areas that may be identified, fenced, secured or declared as additional secured area by the SBMA.”

But Arreza said that because the planned expansion area in Olongapo is not yet fenced in, duty-free privileges cannot be applied.

“Our main concern is merchandise control,” Arreza said. “That is why we’re initially thinking of giving incentives on sales tax and the five-percent gross income tax.”

He added that under the planned set-up, businesses wanting to avail of the perks would have to be endorsed by the Olongapo city government to the SBMA.

The system would be similar to that employed by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) which registers and grants perks to investors in privately-owned economic zones, Arreza said.

Among the incentives the SBMA offers to investors registering in the Subic Bay Freeport are tax- and duty-free importation; exemption from all local and national taxes, with only a 5 percent corporate tax on gross income; unrestricted entry of foreign investments; no foreign exchange control; visas for foreign nationals; and

expanded allowable deduction and higher percentage of income allowable from sources within the Customs territory for regional enterprises.

The SBMA official revealed the planned incentives for Olongapo companies after calling for the further development of the Subic-Clark growth corridor and pushing for the creation of additional industrial estates to sustain Central Luzon’s economic momentum.

Arreza said earlier that if the areas between Subic and Clark were developed into industrial estates, the SBMA could push through with its expansion program that is projected to create 150,000 new jobs.

He also said that the SBMA’s expansion plan likewise considers the development of areas in the nearby communities of Olongapo City, Subic town in Zambales, and Morong, Hermosa and Dinalupihan in Bataan.

According to Arreza, new investors who will locate beyond the fenced-in area of Subic, but still within the Subic Special Economic and Free Port Zone (SSEFPZ), will nevertheless enjoy certain privileges as provided for under EO 675, signed by President Arroyo on November 5, 2007.

He added that one investor, the Subic Neocove Corp., which is putting up a golf resort complex in Subic, Zambales, will be the first major investor to locate outside the former base land.

The development project, which will be financed by the Heung-A Property Group (HAPG) of Korea in partnership with Westgate Resorts Asia Ltd. and the Trump Organization, will incorporate hotel and vacation complexes, a 54-hole golf course and leisure-sports facilities, an eco-park, spa and therapy centers, as well as an international hospital and an international school in a 457-hectare beachfront property in Subic town.

The project, Arreza said, received the SBMA’s full incentive package upon endorsement from the governments of Subic town and the Zambales province.

As of now, the SBMA is finalizing its master plan that would increase connections between the Subic Bay Freeport and outlying areas, particularly Olongapo City, its nearest neighbor.

The plan also calls for the widening of bridges linking the free port to Olongapo, Arreza said. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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Lessons from shabu-smuggling incident: Modern surveillance system to heighten Subic security

With last year’s Subic drug-smuggling case under investigation for possible administrative lapses by law enforcers and other concerned parties, authorities in this free port allayed fears of more smuggling attempts and said remedies are now in the offing.

In particular, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will be relying on modern surveillance equipment like radars and closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems to build a virtual security cloak around Subic’s 14 piers and docks, said SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza.

“Whatever administrative lapses may have been in the shabu smuggling case, these are being addressed already,” Arreza said in a media interview on Friday.

“Even policies, like those on the classification of cargoes, are being looked into,” he added.

The SBMA executive said the close monitoring of Subic’s port “is basically our key requirement.” “That’s why we want a modern maritime surveillance setup,” he explained, adding that the SBMA would like to acquire a complete system of monitoring equipment as mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Arreza disclosed the SBMA’s initiative to upgrade security in Subic’s maritime port as an independent investigating panel created by President Arroyo began last week, looking into the foiled attempt to smuggle some P5 billion worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, into the Subic Bay Free Port in May.

The suspected mastermind, a business locator in Subic named Anthony Ang, managed to escape after promising to secure documents for his yet-undocumented cargo that later turned out to be shabu.

Arreza said a similar scenario is unlikely in Subic today as the SBMA begins streamlining the maritime traffic-management system in this free port and subjecting its seaport personnel to an exhaustive training in port operations.

The primary objective, he added, is to prevent the undetected entry or exit of small watercraft like yachts, rubber boats and bancas that could be used in smuggling activities.

“Unlike ships, tankers and other vessels which are equipped with an automatic identification system that registers their presence in port control stations, small vessels are harder to monitor since they only appear as small dots on radar screens,” said Arreza.

Arreza explained that once a vessel is suspected to have departed without notice, the protocol is to immediately contact the SBMA Harbor Patrol or the Philippine Coast Guard to intercept the boat.

“When all else fails and the craft escapes interception, our safety net is we can go after the ship’s agent,” he added.

Arreza said, however, that the projected installation of modern radars and CCTV systems would make the port of Subic safer and less prone to smuggling attempts.

“Once the closed-circuit cameras are installed, all vessels berthed in Subic Bay Free Port’s 14 piers and wharves can be monitored 24/7 in one control room,” Arreza said.

Arreza said the upgrading of Subic’s port security system was actually contained in the $215-million Subic port-modernization program that includes the construction in two phases of Subic’s new container terminal. (Henry Empeño, Business Mirror)

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Woo dominates Subic triathlon but local bet Catiil also shines

Hong Kong’s Daniel Lee Chi Woo won his fifth Subic Bay International Triathlon Championship title with another dominating show in the men’s elite of the 2009 edition on Sunday from Dungree Beach to Waterfront Street inside Subic Bay Freeport.

But local bet Neil Catiil also got his share of the spotlight as he gave the Philippines its first Top 5 finish in the tough competition in a long while.

The 32-year old Woo, a two-time Olympian who also won the gold at the 1st Asian Beach Games last year, leaned on strong a showing in the three disciplines to retain his crown.

Prior to these back-to-back titles, Woo emerged champion in the 2000, 2001 and 2006 editions.

“I have been racing for the past three weeks and I’m in my best shape and really expected to win," said Woo, who clocked in at one hour 58 minutes and 30 seconds in the 1.5k swim, 40k bike and 10k run.

Woo was actually a distant second to China’s Zheng Yi Ming in the swim but gained much headway in the bike stage, joining hands with Zheng and Australian Dane Robinson to maintain their lead against the chase group.

With running as his best asset, Woo started to pull away after the first of four loops for a solo finish in the event organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines.

Playing in his first tournament this year, China’s top triathlete Zhang took the silver medal with 1:59:55 while teammate Li Wei Sun outsprinted Robinson for the bronze medal with 2:00:26.

“It was a tough race especially in the bike where half of the course was done in hilly portion. But I worked hand in hand with Zheng and Dane to keep our lead against the chase group before I made my move in the run which is my strength," Woo said.

Robinson clocked in at 2:00.58 for fourth place, ahead of Catiil, who crossed the finish line in 2:03.57 for fifth place.

This is the first time in the past years of the Subic meet that a Filipino landed inside the top five of the men’s elite.

Catiil made heads turn with a blazing show in the bike as he emerged as the fastest among the participants with 1:04:32 time.

“Naiwan ako sa swim pero tinuhog ko sila sa bike. Kung mahaba-haba pa nga sana ang karera ay naabutan ko yung Australiyano (Robinson). Pero masaya ako dahil ito na ang best time ko sa standard distance," said the 23-year old, Cagayan de Oro native who was the champion in the Under-23 division last year.

Woo, Zhang and Li netted P30,000, P20,000 and P10,000, respectively, for topping the race.

Woo and Zhang also joined Catiil in receiving a bonus prize of $100 for submitting the best time in splits. Woo was the fastest in the run with 1:58:00 while Zhang finished ahead of everybody in the swim at 20 minutes and 38 seconds.

The other Filipino participants, George Vilog and Fil-Am Arland Macasieb, settled for 9th and 10th spot with 2:08:25 and 2:13:52, respectively.


Hong Kong’s triathletes also swept the top three places in the Under-23 with Ivan Lo Ching Hin winning the gold with 2:07:26, Jam Joe Dickson getting the silver with 2:11:46 and Ricco Chan ye Ko bagging the bronze with 2:15:46.

Rowel Odonio was the best Filipino participant in this category at fourth place with 2:17:17 before another Hong Kong entry Fun Ho Kong took fifth with 2:19:21. (c/o GMANews.TV)

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Yun leads China’s 1-2 finish in Subic triathlon (Women's)

China’s Yun Lu would forever remember the year 2009.

Competing for the first time in the Philippines, Lu out-sprinted teammate Zhang Yi to claim her inaugural title in Saturday’s 2009 ITU Subic Bay International Triathlon female elite which started at Dungeree Beach and finished at the Waterfront Road inside the former American Naval Base in Olongapo City.

A total of 13 triathletes saw action in the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP)-organized race, which is also sanctioned by the International Triathlon Union (ITU).

Lu proved to be the best conditioned triathlete in the 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-k bike and 10-k run race submitting the fastest time of two hours, 10 minutes and 34 seconds. She struck hard in the third of four loops in the run event to leave behind Yi, a Beijing Olympian and is China’s top ranked female triathlete.

Yi fell short by 23 seconds at 2:10:57 for the silver medal.

“This is my first win after six years in triathlon and it came in my first race this year and I’m very happy with my performance," said Lu, ranked third in China, thru an interpreter.

She admitted to have struggled especially in the bike course as she and Yi wound up fourth and fifth into the second transition behind Japan’s Hideko Kikuchi, Australia’s Michelle Wu and the country’s top bet Lea Coline Langit.

All three ladies however faltered in the run event with Langit suffering the most as she had bouts with stomach cramps that slowed her down.

“I was well within my game plan since I went along well with my rivals in the swim and bike. But stomach cramps started affecting me in the first loop and I had to walk-run in the next loops," said a dejected Langit who settled for fifth place (2:20:13).

Langit’s mark was way off her 2:08:09 national record she established at the I-Lan Blossom Lake Triathlon in Taipei last year.

Wu took the bronze medal with 2:11:59 while Kikuchi finished fourth at 2:12:04.

The top three finishers in the race received P30,000, P20,000 and P10,000 respectively.
Marion Kim Mangrobang, 18, gave the country something to cheer about after finishing third in the Under 23 (2:32:45).

Mangrobang, competing in her second Olympic distance race, was in a good position to take the top spot after coming out of the water second to Beijing Olympian Tania Mak So Ning of Hong Kong and was still within striking distance after the bike leg.

She however lost steam in the run leg allowing Mak the gold (2:24:27) while another Hong Kong bet Joyce Cheung Ting Yan bagged the silver (2:28:53).

Competitions were also held in the mini-sprint, junior sprint elite and adult sprint where top three finishers also went home with medals.

John Rommel Uy (38:23) and Singapore’s Joy Phan Young Ting (52:58) topped the mini-sprint, Johannah Pe Benito (1:34:18) and Hong Kong’s Tsz Hei Cheung (1:16:04) ruled the jr. sprint elite while Malaysia’s Stephanie Chok (1:36:22) and Jon Jon Rufino (1:25:21) took the Adult Sprint titles.

Competition ends Sunday with action in the male elite, junior elite, age groups and Inter-Club championships.

Doha Asian silver medalist Daniel Lee Chi Wu of Hong Kong leads 30 athletes including 24 foreigners, who will see action in the male elite.

The Philippines will be bannered by Fil-Am Arland Macasieb, Geroge Vilog, Neil Catiil, Rowel Odoion, Carlo Pedregosa and Brian Borling.

A total of nine countries are competing this year and joining host Philippines are China, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Republic of South Africa, Macau and Iran. (c/o GMANews.TV)

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SBMA urges community support on Influenza A (H1N1) prevention program

Amid growing concerns on the spread of swine flu in several areas abroad, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) conducted a public awareness community forum on this newest threat on public health and safety.

SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said the forum is the first step towards raising awareness and preventing the spread of the disease and its devastating socio-economic consequences.

“It is important for the entire community to understand how to prevent the spread of this disease, mainly because it poses a major health risk for all of us and also because it could have a devastating effect on businesses and eventually the economy,” Arreza said as he opened the forum.

Citing the experience of Mexico, where the swine flu outbreak began and more than a thousand confirmed cases have been reported to date, Arreza said, “Hotels, restaurants and other public establishments in Mexico had to be shutdown to prevent further spread of the disease.”

“We don’t want that to happen in Subic Bay,” he stressed.

Around 1,500 participants composed of employees, business locators, and residents of Subic and nearby communities joined the forum wherein SBMA health practitioners and other experts fielded questions from the public.

The panelists included Dr. Solomon Jacalne, manager of the SBMA Public Health and Safety Department; Dr. Joseph Macaraeg, assistant medical officer of the Subic Quarantine Station; Dr. Irene Canlas, officer in charge of the Department of Health’s (DoH) Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU); and Leni Carreon, a health education promotion officer (HEPO).

“This is a very important undertaking because of the growing global health concerns and the fact that the Subic Freeport is not only a tourist destination but also a port of entry with its own seaport and airport,” said Knette Fernando, SBMA deputy administrator for corporate communications, who coordinated the event.

“Although we may get some information from the media, including the Internet, it’s really necessary for us to discuss these health concerns and be educated about the Influenza A (H1N1) flu virus so we’d know what to do and not to do,” Fernando explained.

She added that Arreza, in support of directives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the DoH, has ordered the SBMA Health and Safety Group to formulate an SBMA Influenza A (H1N1) Contingency Plan for the Subic Bay Freeport.

In the recent forum, SBMA health experts said it is important for the Subic community to be aware and supportive of a common action plan that involves four components: information dissemination, coordination with health agencies, screening at points of entry and exit, and enhanced disease surveillance.

The experts added that as of May 11, WHO data confirmed more than 4,694 cases of Influenza A (H1N1) flu in 30 countries and 61 deaths.

In the Philippines, they added, there are only 10 probable cases reported that are currently being monitored, and no case of death has been reported.

“That does not mean that we can disregard taking precautionary measures to avoid getting infected,” Canlas warned.

Canlas said the Influenza A (H1N1) virus was developed in pigs, which served as the mixing vessel before the virus was passed on to humans, who could pass them on to others by sneezing and coughing.

She added the Subic community should be aware of probable cases of Influenza A (H1N1) with patients who have a history of travel to countries with confirmed cases or a history of exposure to people with history of travel to countries with confirmed cases.

Meanwhile, Jacalne explained that the Influenza A (H1N1) flu virus is also called “quadruple reassortant” virus because it is a combination of two strains of swine flu, avian flu and the human flu.

He, however, stressed that one cannot be infected with the Influenza A (H1N1) flu virus from eating pork or working with pork products, as long as pork meat is cooked well, leaving no pink parts.

Aside from this, Jacalne recommended three major preventive measures to avoid the virus: (1) thorough hand-washing – a person could be infected by touching surfaces that a virus carrier touched; (2) social distancing – as much as possible, avoid crowds, or at least maintain a three-feet distance from other people; and (3) cough etiquette – cover mouth when sneezing or coughing to minimize the spread of the virus.

Panelists also advised forum participants to report suspected cases where fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and sometimes, diarrhea and vomiting, are present.

According to health experts in the forum, vaccine for the Influenza A (H1N1) flu is still in the development stage, and that even vaccines for seasonal flu cannot prevent Influenza A (H1N1) flu.

“The best prevention, therefore, is knowledge,” SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga counseled everyone, as he reiterated SBMA’s appeal for cooperation among members of the Subic Bay community. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO: SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza urges participants in a community forum on swine flu to cooperate with health authorities in monitoring the disease and taking preventive measures.

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SBMA eyes modern radar, CCTVs for close monitoring of vessels

Subic authorities are banking on upgrading its port monitoring equipment with radars and closed-circuit television systems (CCTVs) to heighten security in this free port and prevent the furtive entrance or exit of small watercraft used in smuggling activities.

Administrator Armand Arreza of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said the agency would like to acquire a complete system of maritime surveillance and monitoring equipment as mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

“Close monitoring is basically our key requirement. That's why we want a modern maritime set-up,” explained Arreza who previously outlined the same plan to the House committee on dangerous drugs, which is investigating last year’s attempt to smuggle illegal drugs into this free port.

Arreza said the SBMA has anticipated these security concerns at the outset and has thus included the installation of monitoring systems in the $215-million Subic port modernization program, a flagship infrastructure project of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration.

He added that under the phased port development plan, the modern monitoring systems should be in place before the end of this year.

Prior to the acquisition of modern surveillance equipment, however, Arreza said the SBMA is streamlining the maritime traffic management system in this free port and subjecting its seaport personnel to an exhaustive training on port operations.

The primary objective, he added, is to prevent the undetected entry or exit of small watercraft like yachts, rubber boats and bancas that could be used for smuggling activities.

“Unlike ships, tankers and other vessels which are equipped with an automatic identification system (AIS) that registers their presence in port control stations, small vessels are harder to monitor since they only appear as small dots on radar screens,” said Arreza.

He added that there is a possibility that small watercraft can evade detection and leave the port’s premises without proper documents, since Subic port personnel for the meantime are relying on scheduled physical checks to ensure the presence of these crafts.

Arreza explained that once a vessel is suspected to have departed without notice, the protocol is to immediately contact the SBMA Harbor Patrol or the Philippine Coast Guard to make an interception.

“When all else fails and the craft escapes interception, our safety net is we can go after the ship’s agent,” he added.

Arreza said, however, that the projected installation of modern radars and CCTV systems would make the port of Subic safer and less prone to smuggling attempts.

“Once the closed-circuit cameras are installed, all vessels berthed in Subic Bay Freeport’s 14 piers and wharves can be monitored 24/7 in one control room,” Arreza said.

“In this case, our highly-trained port personnel, coupled with this surveillance system and complete radar equipment, can easily detect illegal departures and take the required actions and countermeasures,” he added. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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Subic 1st Qtr. exports hit $359.45 million

Exports by registered enterprises in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone reached $359.45 million in the first three months of the year, posting a 54.79 percent increase over the $232.21 million export record in the same period last year.

According to Armand Arreza, administrator and CEO of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), export production by Subic firms were recorded at $127.83 million in January, $58 million in February, and $173.59 million in March.

The surging exports in the first quarter this year led to a positive variance of $127.23 million over Subic’s export performance in the first quarter of 2008, he added.

Figures from the SBMA indicated that the bulk of first quarter exports, or a total of $328.29 million, were contributed by the top ten exporters in Subic Bay.

These leading exporters are: Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries Co.-Philippines, which posted a freight on board (FOB) value of $179.36 million; Hong Kong cell phone trader Lets Do Mobile Philippines, with $57.43 million; Taiwanese computer maker Wistron Infocomm (Phils) Corp., $36.13 million; Japanese ATM-maker Hitachi Terminals, $16.46 million; and Japanese micro-motor manufacturer Sanyo Denki, $16.23 million.

Also in the top 10 exporters list are: Japanese wood products manufacturer Juken Sangyo, with exports of $8.73 million; Danish eyewear manufacturer Lindberg Subic Inc., $6.38 million; Taiwanese lock maker Tong Lung (Phils) Metal Industry, $4.34 million; Taiwanese aircon maker Hitachi, $3.38 million; and Japanese electronics sensor maker Nicera, with $2.79 million.

Arreza said the increase in export production is a good sign that the Subic Bay Freeport remains economically healthy despite the ongoing global economic downturn.

“Recent indicators only show that Subic stays on top of the situation and the companies here remain resilient and productive,” Arreza said.

“This makes us all the more confident that hard work on the part of the SBMA and the business locators here would enable us to pull through these hard times,” he added.

Earlier, Arreza announced that the Subic Bay Freeport has increased its revenue remittance by 9.3 percent in the first quarter of 2009, compared to its 2008 record.

He said the combined collections generated by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Subic reached P1.29 billion in January to March this year, an increase of more than P100 thousand over the P1.18-billion total in 2008.

”Basically, Subic made some gains but experienced some losses as far as first quarter revenue collection is concerned,” Arreza said.

“Overall, however, Subic revenue generation posted a positive total and that is consistent with the SBMA's efforts to increase income in the Port of Subic,” he added.

Records indicated that BIR collections in Subic in the first quarter totaled P252.08 million, while the BoC reported collections amounting to P1.04 billion.

The BoC also reported that it was able to surpass its first quarter 2009 target by 55.9 percent since the agency’s first quarter target in Subic was pegged at only P669.5 million.

SBMA records indicated that the biggest annual revenue in combined collections by the BIR and the BoC was posted in 2007 at P5.32 billion, followed by last year’s combined collection amounting to P5.27 billion. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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Hanafil to start Subic golf course rehab in June

Construction of additional facilities to transform the 18-hole Subic Bay golf course here into an all-weather championship sporting venue will begin next month when the rainy season starts.

The course, a favorite among golfers from South Korea, will be closed to customers during the construction period, according to Hanafil Golf and Tour Inc. chief executive officer Benjamin John Defensor III.

”We have scheduled the reconstruction of the Subic golf course during the rainy season to take advantage of the period when a minimal number of golfers play here,” Defensor explained.

He added the construction is part of the company’s agreement with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), which awarded the operation of the facility to Hanafil late last year.

Hanafil, a Korean-Filipino joint venture backed by Hanatour, Korea’s biggest tourist agency, announced last year its $48-million commitment to redevelop the golf course at Subic’s Binictican area into an all-weather championship course, with full-blown country club amenities.

The firm said the six-year development program includes the construction of nine more holes, a hotel and some villas, and improving the driving range.

Defensor added that after building a new restaurant, acquiring new golf carts and other equipment, Hanafil is about to complete installation of a new irrigation system and establishment of a nursery.

“All these are just preparation for the reconstruction of the golf course. The nursery is necessary because the greens and fairways of the whole golf course will be replaced,” he said.

A typical 18-hole golf course consumes approximately 500,000 gallons of water every day, but the new irrigation system installed by Hanafil is eco-friendly and is designed to use wastewater for the greens and fairways.

“There is absolutely no impact on the underground rivers in the area and will not affect the supply of fresh drinking water in Subic Bay,” Defensor said, adding the expansion of the fairways was meant to eventually turn the Subic course into a venue for international tournaments, as well as to accommodate the increasing number of golfers visiting Subic Bay.

Since the firm’s takeover of the facility last year, the Subic Bay golf course has become the favorite of thousand of Koreans who were brought to Subic under “golf junket” flights organized by Hanafil in January to March this year.

He said the 18 trips from Incheon, Korea, had helped project Subic Bay as “the next big thing” in adventure tourism among big Korean groups.

”The new Subic golf course is just one of the many attractions Hanafil intends to build inside this premier free port. The company is currently making plans to build a five-star hotel and several luxury villas,” Defensor added. (Henry Empeno, Business Mirror)
IN PHOTO -- Hanafil President and CEO Benjamin Defensor III (right) is spearheading the redevelopment of the Subic Bay golf course into an all-weather facility.

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Subic Freeport posts 9.3% increase in 1st Qtr. revenue

Duties and taxes remitted to the National Treasury by the two revenue collection agencies in this free port showed an increase of 9.3 percent in the first quarter of 2009 when compared to records in the same period last year.

According to Administrator Armand Arreza of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the combined collections generated by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Subic reached P1.29 billion in January to March this year, an increase of more than P100 thousand over the P1.18-billion total in 2008.

”Basically, Subic made some gains but experienced some losses as far as first quarter revenue collection is concerned,” Arreza said.

“Overall, however, Subic revenue generation posted a positive total and that is consistent with SBMA efforts to increase income in the Port of Subic,” Arreza added.

Based on reports submitted by the BIR, cash receipts derived from income and profit taxes, value-added taxes, percentage taxes and other taxes paid for by some 956 registered enterprises and port users in Subic totaled P252.08 million in the first three months of 2009.

The BIR, however, reported that cash receipts dropped by 23.61 percent from last year’s first quarter receipts amounting to P329.99 million.

On the other hand, the BoC reported that duties and taxes collected during the same period increased by 21.99 percent from P855.7 million last year to P1,043.85 million this year, or a positive variance of P188.15 million.

BoC cash receipts were sourced from importation duties and taxes on oil, motor vehicles, general merchandise, as well as the last two months of operation of cargo giant FedEx that transferred its Asia-Pacific hub from Subic to Guangzhou, China last February.

In the same period, the BoC also reported that non-cash collection through deferred payments and government-to-government transactions reached a total of P848.3 million, or 41.21 percent more that last year’s P600.7 million.

These receipts were obtained from importations by the National Food Authority (NFA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The BoC also reported that it was able to surpass its first quarter 2009 target by 55.9 percent. The agency pegged its first quarter target at P669.5 million and posted P1.04 billion in cash collection alone.

Meanwhile, Arreza said the SBMA is confident of sustaining the economic growth in this free port with the entry of 30 new investment projects in the first quarter.

He said that the new projects are projected to infuse some P1.5 billion in fresh investments and initially generate close to 600 new jobs, thereby contributing further to tax collections in the Subic Freeport.

SBMA records indicated that the biggest annual revenue in combined collections by the BIR and the BoC was posted in 2007 at P5.32 billion, followed by last year’s combined collection amounting to P5.27 billion. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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500 vie in Subic int’l triathlon

Close to 500 local and foreign triathletes, men and women, young and old, competitive and recreational athletes, including world-class competitors from Japan, South Africa, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, great Britain, New Zealand and Singapore are expected to be at the starting line of the ITU Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) set May 16-17 inside the Subic Bay Freeport Area.

Now on its 16th year, SUBIT is the country’s longest running major international triathlon even and is recognized as one of Asia’s best organized triathlon races despite its limited budget. It has attracted the two-time world Ironman Female champion Chrissie Wellington, former ITU world champions Takumi Obara, Haruna Hosoya and Daniil Sapunov.

Heading the cast this year is four-time SUBIT winner and Doha Asian Games silver medalist Daniel Lee Chi Wo of Hong Kong and female defending champion Tenoko Sakumoto of Japan, the latter to be challenged by strong contenders from Hong Kong, Australia and South Africa.

“Right now we already have over 250 entries, including those entered in the mini spirit (13-15 yrs. old), sprint event for juniors (16-19 years old) and beginning adults, inter-club and team relay competitors and a large bunch of age groupers, all vying for glory of their own categories” declares TRAP president Tom Carraso.

The race, sponsored by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Speedo, Vitwater / Sunkist, David’s Salon, Globe Telecoms and supported by Gatorade, Fitness First, Rudy Project, Asian Center for Insulation Phils. And Legenda Hotel, is sanctioned by the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC). (c/o The Philippine Star)

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SBMA bats for development of areas between Subic and Clark

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is actively promoting the further development of the Subic-Clark growth corridor, saying that only an outward push from the two neighboring economic zones to nearby areas would maximize their effects as growth catalysts.

In a meeting with members of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) recently, SBMA officials explained the agency’s concern about the limited land area for development in Subic and said an expansion into nearby areas is crucial.

“Our concern about the limited area for industrial use in Subic can be resolved if we start developing additional industrial estates along Subic-Clark corridor,” said SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza.

He also said that the SBMA is continuously receiving investment proposals, but some of these had to be turned down because of limited space in the Subic Freeport.

Arreza added that if the areas between Subic and Clark were developed into industrial estates, the SBMA could push through with its expansion program that is projected to create 150,000 new jobs.

“Our chances of getting more and more investments depend on the development of the areas between Subic and Clark,” Arreza pointed out. “If you happen to drive along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), you would see so much land there, and a large part of them are idle.”

He also said that the SBMA’s expansion plan also considers the development of areas in the nearby communities of Olongapo City, Subic town in Zambales, and Morong, Hermosa and Dinalupihan in Bataan.

Arreza pointed out that these areas, as well as those along the SCTEx, would be ideal for manufacturing firms, which would also create the volume of goods needed for Subic and Clark to really become globally-competitive logistics centers.

However, Arreza stressed the need to put more exits along the expressway before any developments can start, pointing out that as of now, the nearest expressway exit from Subic Freeport is the Hermosa Exit that actually leads to the Layac junction in Dinalupihan, Bataan.

He also cited the case of the Hermosa Industrial Park, which boasts of more than 400 hectares of cheap lands, but had not realized much investment because of the need for a separate exit.

“Whether you like or not, manufacturing facilities should be along expressways where the working population is, and where cheap lands are available,” Arreza said.

He also clarified that new investors who will locate beyond the fenced-in area of Subic, but still within the Subic Special Economic and Free Port Zone (SSEFPZ), will nevertheless enjoy tax- and duty-free privileges as provided for under Executive Order No. 675, signed by President Arroyo on November 5, 2007.

Arreza likewise said that the SBMA expansion calls for the development of more parks and leisure resorts in the coastal barangay of Minanga in Morong, the Cawag area in Subic town, and barangay Barretto in Olongapo City, as major tourist resort destinations.

The SBMA expansion plan also takes into consideration the need for further improvement of water and power utilities, development of housing facilities, reforestation and conservation activities, and the promotion of indigenous peoples’ rights and welfare. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO: Surrounded by mountains and the sea, the Subic Bay Freeport has little area available for business expansion. The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority is now calling for the development of areas between Subic and the Clark Freeport to maximize the opportunities for economic growth.

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Demand for skilled workers still growing in Subic

Noticing that the local labor market continually leans toward specialization, officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) have urged students in the Subic Bay area not to scorn technical and vocational trainings, but instead try out non-traditional courses that promise better employment opportunities in this free port.

“There is still a consistent demand for highly skilled workers in the Subic Bay Freeport,” said SBMA Labor Department chief Severo Pastor Jr.

He pointed out, however, that most of the companies that continue to expand or choose to invest lately despite the current recession require specific skills that cannot be acquired from traditional schooling.

”This is a clear indication of where the Subic Freeport is headed in terms of job creation and employment, so we must act accordingly,” Pastor said.

The SBMA official also revealed that the employment generation trend in Subic now appears to revolve around five major investment areas that have displayed growth amid the global slowdown. These are logistics, manufacturing (other than electronics), tourism, business process outsourcing (BPO), and other knowledge-based industries that made up most of the 30 new investment projects worth P1.5 billion that signed in during the first quarter of 2009..

“The top two biggest investments in the first quarter that are worth P975.2 million and P201 million, respectively, are maritime-related,” said Pastor, pointing out that one of the new investors, HYS-Yacht Phils. Ltd. Co., needs 100 workers for its yacht restoration operations.

“Now, is there a four-year course that teaches you yacht restoration?” he pointed out.

Pastor added that Subic’s booming maritime sector is constantly in need of skilled workers as the shipbuilding industry here is on full-scale production, and dry dock operations increased when shipping lines found Subic Bay an ideal place to lay up vessels.

Stressing that various maritime facilities are mushrooming in Subic, Pastor advised students and job-seekers, as well as parents and teachers, to closely monitor labor developments and thus prepare themselves by acquiring the needed skills.

“It is the task of the SBMA to always look ahead, and we advise everyone concerned to do the same,” added Pastor.

Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga, a graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy and a commodore in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, also cited the need for specialized courses aimed at producing marine engineers knowledgeable in naval architecture, design and construction.

Salonga said the SBMA is intent on further developing the Subic Bay Freeport as a full-blown maritime logistics and service hub, as mandated under President Arroyo’s 10-point development program.

“We’re undoubtedly getting there, so those who plan to seek employment in the Subic Freeport should make themselves more competitive,” he added.

Pastor said students who would try out technical and vocational courses will find adequate support from schools in the Subic Bay area that offer trainings in foreign language proficiency (English, Korean, Mandarin, Nihonggo), aeronautical engineering, airplane maintenance, metal works, call center operations, information and communications technology, cellphone repair, practical nursing, care-giving, massage therapy, housekeeping, cooking, bartending, and other service-oriented programs.

The development of most of these courses came as a result of the SBMA’s partnership with concerned government agencies and the academe, as well as the annual “Congress on Job-Skills Mismatch” that his department launched in 1995 to address gaps in the industry-workforce-academe linkage.

Salonga and Pastor also urged local investors to set up business enterprises in response to the emerging industries so that they could exploit the growing opportunities open to pioneering firms.

Among the areas to look into, they said, are the growing community of foreign retirees in this free port, and the BPO industry where the SBMA now steps up capability-building. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO:
Trainees learn welding skills that are much in demand in maritime industries at the Subic Bay Freeport.

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SBMA kicks off livelihood training program

Seeking to head off further effects of the global economic downturn among the labor force in the greater Subic Bay area, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) launched the first installment in a series of livelihood training-seminars to educate displaced workers and unemployed residents on how to start micro businesses of their own.

The seminars which are being organized by the SBMA in cooperation with Sipag at Tiyaga Foundation, Divine Mercy Apostolate, Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU), and the 132nd Squadron of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), will be conducted for free, said SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga.

“Our target participants are workers and heads of families who have been displaced, or whose income have been severely reduced by the present economic slowdown. And we won’t be charging them for these. We just intend to help provide them with some new means of earning a living to cope with the crisis,” Salonga further said.

The first training sessions, which were held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), were conducted by technical experts from the BPSU and lasted for three hours each.

Armie Llamas, manager of the SBMA Public Relations Office, said that the training focused on candle making, as well as the production of powder detergent, dishwashing liquid, and fabric softener.

“This is actually the start of a series of seminars that we have lined up. In the next seminar, we will be teaching participants basket making, stuffed toy making, fruits and meat processing, and baking,” she said.

Among the more than 350 participants who joined the first seminar were residents of the Nagyantok fishing community in barangay Cawag, Subic, Zambales, Llamas said.

The training was also attended by members of the SBMA Landfill Recyclers Association who were economically affected by the recent closure of the landfill in the Subic free port; indigenous people from Kanawan village in Morong and Pastolan village in Hermosa, both in Bataan; and members of the Pro-Poor Livelihood Project.

As was intended by the SBMA, the project was well received by the beneficiaries and community leaders in the Subic Bay area.

“Maganda itong proyekto ng SBMA dahil nahihikayat ang lahat na magsimula ng negosyo mula sa maliit na puhunan, gaya ng candle making na mabiling-mabili para pang-regalo o pang-dekorasyon,” said Laureano Artagame, chairman of Subic Municipal Federation of Aquatic Resource Management Committee (MFARC).

Luz Estandian, chairman of the SBMA Landfill Recyclers’ Association, lauded the SBMA for coming up with a scheme to help participants earn while staying at home.

“Napakaganda ng ideyang ito. Marami sa mga miyembro namin ang hindi naman puwedeng mag-apply ng trabaho sa factory. Dito, pwede kaming kumita kahit nasa bahay lang,” she said.

Last month, the SBMA also facilitated the grant of full scholarship benefits to some 1,000 displaced workers from the Subic free port through the Pangulong Gloria Scholarship Program in cooperation with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said that displaced free port workers who qualified for the scholarship grants available in many TESDA-accredited schools in the Subic Bay area also received allowances to help them pursue further training.

Among the courses available under the grant are: computer hardware servicing, food and beverage service, building wiring installation, baking and pastry production, house keeping, healthcare services, and bookkeeping. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga expresses appreciation to project sponsors for the successful launch of the SBMA livelihood training program for displaced workers and unemployed residents in the Subic Bay area.

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OSG lauds SBMA’S full support in drug case probe

The Office of the Solicitor General has lauded the management of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for providing full support to the fact finding panel that is investigating the smuggling of more than 700 kilos of shabu into the Subic Bay Freeport a year ago and the circumstances leading to the escape of the principal suspect, Anthony Ang.

Solicitor General Agnes VST Devanadera said that since the SBMA has jurisdiction over the places where the P5-billion worth of drugs were seized by SBMA law enforcers, the agency should lead them to the places mentioned in the reports.

“And we are getting the very best support,” Devanadera said, adding that the support they have received from SBMA is better than what they expected.

Devanadera heads the fact finding teeam of the Malacañang-appointed panel headed by former Supreme Court Associate Justice Carolina Griño-Aquino, with former Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Raoul Victorino and San Beda Graduate School of Law Dean Ranhilio Aquino as members.

“The role of the OSG is really to gather the materials so that it will be easy for the panel to conduct its investigation. For example, now we’re getting names, we’re getting places. The next days, some of the members of the panel will come over. And by Monday, the panel is ready to start the hearing,” she said.

Before arriving in Subic, Devanadera admitted that they thought the SBMA officials would not be available to accompany them. SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza, however, who is on an official business trip in the United States, called her up assuring her of SBMA’s all-out assistance.

“Iyon bang extra efforts na ganoon, syempre nakita namin yung suporta and that we really appreciate,” she noted.

Earlier on, SBMA officials said they welcomed the investigation and expressed hope that “it would bring out the facts of the case so that speculations could finally be set aside.”

During their inspection, the team was welcomed and assisted by SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado, who has been designated officer-in-charge while Arreza is abroad; Law Enforcement Department Manager Gen. Orlando Madela (ret); Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs Atty. Bob Ongsiako and other SBMA senior officials.

The team inspected the different areas mentioned in the reports submitted by the PASG, the SBMA and the police, as well as other documents pertinent to the case.

“So tiningnan namin kung saan nagdock, paano iyong movement nung shabu, and then how they got to the different places - like the 60 boxes that went into this warehouse, but there is no record of how these boxes got in here,” Devanadera said.

Senior Deputy Adminstrator for Support Services Ramon Agregado, meanwhile, said that SBMA is fully supporting the Griño Panel or any investigating body that is looking into the case of Anton Ang.

“SBMA is providing the physical requirements for the ocular inspection of the (Griño) commission. Basically, we’re providing for the needs of the Commission in terms of documentation, the testimonies of the SBMA witnesses and access to the places where the drugs were seized,” he said. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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Subic schools urged to produce more “green graduates”

Educational institutions in the Subic Bay Freeport area have pledged their support to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) after the agency urged schools to participate in its “adopt-a forest program” and help produce more “environmentally-sensitive” graduates who care for the planet’s future.

The call for more “green graduates” was made by SBMA Ecology Center manager Amethya dela Llana-Koval following the recent conference held here by the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PCFTF), which was attended by officials of the SBMA, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and representatives from non-government organizations (NGOs), the private sector, and the academe.

Talking about the causes and ill effects of global warming, Koval stressed that the environmental situation “has reached a state of urgency” and that environmental protection activities, like the agency’s reforestation program at the 140-hectare Mt. Sta. Rita, must be stepped up.

“This means that more people must be involved, so we turn to one sector here which churns out thousands of capable people annually— the colleges and other educational institutions,” said Koval.

In the same meeting, Mondriaan Aura College, which had supported the SBMA’s environmental projects since its relocation to this free port in 1999, immediately rose up to Koval’s challenge and “adopted” two hectares of land for reforestation at Mt. Sta. Rita.

Last week, Aura’s faculty and staff, headed by college president Edgar Geniza, planted “monumental trees” — symbolic precursors of the more than 2,200 trees that they pledged to plant in the school’s adopted reforestation site.

Geniza said the SBMA’s adopt-a-forest program is “an excellent hands-on approach to instill social and environmental values” among students, who will make up the bulk of the project manpower through the college’s National Service Training Program (NSTP).

“Aside from instilling environmental concern, the adopt-a-forest program provides an avenue for social awareness as we will work hand-in-hand with government personnel (SBMA) and our indigenous brothers— the Pastulan Aetas who make up the Pastulan Forest Conservation Group (PFCG),” Geniza also explained.

“This is the start of a new relationship — among different sectors of the society, and with nature. We are glorifying God through nature,” Geniza also said.

Aura professor Albert Layug, who also serves as NSTP coordinator, said they have conducted community immersion projects with the Pastulan community in February this year to prepare for the reforestation project.

“Our Aeta brothers will ensure our safety, given their intimate knowledge of the forest,” Layug said. “We have lots to learn from them,” he added.

As in other “adopt-a-forest” setup involving Subic business locators, agencies and civic organizations here, the SBMA will provide the seedlings to Aura, and, together with PFCG, will provide technical assistance to the college throughout the three-year reforestation program, Koval said.

“With this first adoption by Aura, we expect other schools to follow soon,” she added.

Koval also said that concerted efforts by various stakeholders in Subic have yielded a total of 152,713 new trees under the SBMA reforestation program since 1996.

The successful implementation of the “adopt-a-forest” program, which boasts a 100 percent survival rate, had so far yielded a total of 4,345 trees since it was initiated by the Ecology Center in 2005, Koval said. (SBMA Corporate Communications)


PHOTO: Aura College faculty members and Aeta forest conservators plant a tree at the school’s “adopt-a-forest” reforestation site.

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Another Subic firm undertakes expansion amid crisis

Another manufacturer in the electronics industry here is now undertaking facilities expansion to boost its competitive edge in face of the economic slowdown that affects economies worldwide.

Koryo Subic, Inc., which has been producing high precision plastic molding for electronics products here since 1996, recently sought the approval of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to construct a new building adjacent to its factory at the Boton logistics area.

The expansion project, which will include building construction and acquisition of new machines, will cost P180 million, said SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza.

According to Shin-Ichi Suzuki, factory manager of Koryo Subic, the new building would be used as a “clean room facility” for the painting of molded plastic products.

“As the global recession still continues, this new facility will be part of our strategy to attract more clients and additional jobs from our current customers,” Suzuki said.

“This new painting facility will be a controlled environment and the features will be somewhat more advanced than our current painting process,” he added.

Suzuki said that their company has set the completion date of the new building before the audit to be made next month by Sony Corp., one of their biggest clients, which shall be evaluating their suppliers to determine who gets the contract for the production of components for the upcoming 2010 model of its digital camera series.

“This is the main reason why we can’t afford to delay the construction of the new building,” Suzuki said.

Initially, Koryo will not be requiring additional manpower once the new building becomes operational, as the current recession has left the firm with “a lot of excess manpower,” Suzuki said.

But when the expansion project starts to bring in more clients, the firm will eventually increase its manpower, Suzuki said.

The expansion project by Koryo is so far the second to be announced this year by a Subic Freeport firm involved in the electronics industry, one of the sectors hardest hit by recession, said Administrator Arreza.

Last week, Japanese firm Hitachi Terminals Mechatronics Philippines Corp. (HTMP), a leading manufacturer of automated teller machines and terminal card reading machines, inaugurated its new warehouse here despite the ongoing global economic slowdown, said Arreza.

The firm, which is located at the Subic Techno Park, constructed a new 3,564-square meter warehouse that will be used in receiving of goods, stocking, warehouse controlling, keeping and materials handling, picking or withdrawal of parts, delivery of picked parts to production, as well as for shipping.

Like Koryo’s planned “clean room”, Hitachi’s new warehouse was designed as part of the firm’s business strategy to control cost and improve its efficiency to be able to compete strongly, said HTMP president Kiyotaka Adachi.

Arreza, meanwhile, has described HTMP’s establishment of a new warehouse facility as “a sign of the company’s business foresight and continued competitiveness.” (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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Subic Hitachi opens new warehouse despite global downturn

Japanese firm Hitachi Terminals Mechatronics Philippines Corp. (HTMP), a leading manufacturer of automated teller machines and terminal card reading machines, has inaugurated its new warehouse in this free port despite the ongoing global economic slowdown.

The firm, which is located here at the Subic Techno Park, unveiled its new 3,564-square meter warehouse last Friday — an indication of how HTMP workers envision bigger and brighter operations for the company, said Hitachi Asia Ltd. general manager Hitoshi Goto.

“Success should be attributed to the deeply committed and hardworking workers and officers of the HTMP. We believe this will promote operational efficiency to meet the vision towards global competitiveness,” Goto said during the inauguration.

Goto also proudly noted that the firm’s workers and management see a clear direction for the company, despite concerns on the global financial crisis that has affected even the HTMP and other Hitachi facilities world-wide.

HTMP president Kiyotaka Adachi, meanwhile, described the new warehouse as part of HTMP’s business strategy to control cost and improve its efficiency to be able to compete strongly.

The warehouse operation involves receiving of goods, stocking, warehouse controlling, keeping and materials handling, picking or withdrawal of parts, delivery of picked parts to production, as well as for shipping.

“The inauguration of this new warehouse marks the start for HTMP to compete in the global market despite worldwide financial difficulties,” Adachi said.

“In order to improve efficiency, companies like the HTMP need to introduce change in the job process. This warehouse will enable us to conserve our resources and also improve our production output,” he added.

Meanwhile, SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza praised HTMP’s expansion project, noting that it was pursued at a time when most businesses were starting to cut back on operations.

“Those who understand the dynamics of business cycles know very well that this daring business decision of HTMP is what will give Hitachi an edge over other companies when economy or market bounces to stand,” he said.

Hitachi, Arreza added, has already proven itself as a dynamic firm when it became one of the biggest exporters in the Freeport for 2008 with a total export value of US$76 million, and setting a new benchmark for itself by outdoing its own 2007 record-breaking export of US$22 million.

Arreza added that the opening of HTMP’s new warehouse facility “is a sign of the company’s business foresight and continued competitiveness.” (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO:

SUBIC EXPANSION PROJECT: Officials of Hitachi Terminals Mechatronics Philippines Corp. (HTMP) and guests inaugurate the firms’ new warehouse at the Subic Bay Freeport, which is designed to make the Subic-based ATM-maker more competitive. In photo are (left to right): Miyafumi Midorikawa, president and chairman Hitachi Kai of Hitachi Cable Philippines Inc.; Kiyotaka Adachi, HTMP president; Jun Ishihara, chairman of Manila Int’l Freight forwarders Inc.; Hitoshi Goto, general manager of Hitachi Asia Ltd.; Takashi Jinguji, managing director and chief executive for Asia of Hitachi Transport System (Asia) Pte. Ltd.; and Hiroki Nakazawa, executive vice president and general manager of CCT Constructors Corporation.

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Subic locator pledges P.54 million for Olongapo scholars

A Korean firm engaged in property development in this free port has committed more than a half million pesos to support “financially-constrained but intellectually capable” students in the neighboring city of Olongapo.

The financial assistance from Neorex Philkor, a registered business locator in Subic, was announced by Olongapo City mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. to a cheering audience of government officials and employees at the city’s public park recently.

Expressing his appreciation on behalf of his constituents for Neorex Philkor Inc.’s support of the city’s educational program, Gordon said the financial assistance “would enable more youth in Olongapo to continue with their education.”

Gordon, representing the city, has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Neorex Philkor president Hong Sik Park on March 31, 2009 for the provision of the financial assistance from the Subic firm.

Under the agreement, Philkor has pledged to provide a monthly assistance of $1,000 or its equivalent in Philippine currency for a period of one year. In one year, the assistance would total $12,000 or about P540,000.

The city government, meanwhile, agreed to furnish Neorex Philkor with a list of students to be benefited by the firm’s educational sponsorship..

Gordon said that through the city’s scholarship program, financially constrained but intellectually capable young Olongapeños will receive full scholarship grants in elementary, high school and college levels.

He added that the college-level beneficiaries can avail of full scholarship for any two- or four-year academic courses at Gordon College in the city.

The scholarship assistance by Neorex Philkor to the Olongapo City government was praised meanwhile by officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), which has initiated community outreach projects involving business locators in the Freeport.

SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said Neorex Philkor’s “involvement in local community development is commendable, and mirrors the SBMA’s commitment to serve as a catalyst for growth in the Subic Bay area and beyond.”

“It’s a good example that we hope would inspire other locators to do the same,” he added. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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Subic retooling scheme: Scholarship open to 1,000 displaced workers

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has launched a retooling program to help out displaced workers in the Subic Bay Freeport whose companies were affected by the global financial slowdown.

SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said that some 1,000 workers affected by the recession will be able to avail of full scholarship grants through the Pangulong Gloria Scholarship program, which is being administered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

To avail of the scholarship grant, displaced Freeport workers should secure a recommendation from the SBMA Labor Department which shall then be presented for verification at the provincial offices of TESDA or the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

“Any Freeport worker who lost his or her job, because either the company was forced to reduce its workforce or had to close shop because of the economic crisis, can avail of the grant and enroll in any participating school,” Arreza said.

He added that the grantees are also qualified to receive allowances, aside from the opportunity to enroll in any of the available livelihood and skills-training seminars that suit their interests.

The allowance, Arreza said, start at P60 per day, but if the scholar obtained a recommendation from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), he or she will receive and additional P91, making the allowance P151 a day.

Arreza clarified that not a single centavo will be collected by the school from the scholar because TESDA, through its Pangulong Gloria Scholarship Fund, will directly pay the school for the tuition or training fees, training allowance and the assessment fees of the scholars.

Meanwhile, SBMA labor department manager Severo Pastor Jr. said that among the courses that Subic applicants may choose from are: computer hardware servicing, food and beverage service, building wiring installation, baking and pastry production, housekeeping, healthcare services and bookkeeping.

These course offerings, Pastor explained, are designed to provide displaced workers with other skills that are in demand at the Subic Freeport or abroad, thereby helping the workers “retool” themselves for better competition.

“Each course may last for from 45 to 120 days and are being offered in TESDA-accredited schools in the Subic Freeport, Olongapo City and Zambales,” Pastor said.

The SBMA labor official also announced that a total of 120 former workers will be graduating this month after taking housekeeping courses at Mondriaan Aura College in the Freeport and trainings in baking at the Central Luzon College of Science and Technology in Olongapo.

The graduates will receive a training certificate from the school, as well as a certification from TESDA that gives the bearer preference when applying for jobs abroad.

“The skills that these displaced workers learned from the training will be their key in applying for a new job, or in putting up a business of their own,” Pastor also said. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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Subic records all-time high in Holy Week tourist arrivals

More tourists and visitors have chosen to spend the Holy Week here in the Subic Bay Freeport this year, resulting in record-breaking increases in both the number of tourist arrivals and hotel occupancy rates posted from April 5 to 10.

SBMA administrator Armand Arreza said that based on the vehicle count of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), a 74 percent increase in visitor arrivals was recorded here during the recent Holy week, when a total of 43,984 vehicles were monitored to have entered the Freeport through the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), compared to only 25,300 in the same period last year.

“Using the standard multiplier of four persons per vehicle, this year’s vehicle tally translates to a total of 175,936 persons — a significant number of tourist arrivals to be recorded in a week’s time,” Arreza said.

On the other hand, hotel occupancy rates in Subic also jumped to an unprecedented level as 20 hotels and housing operators out of the 32 existing establishments in Subic reported 99.5 percent occupancy, Arreza also said.

The occupancy figure recorded in the same period last year was only 84 percent, he added.

The growth in Holy Week tourist arrivals, SBMA officials said, mirrors the growing popularity of Subic as tourist destination, especially in summer when schools close for a two-month break.

In February, tourist arrivals here reached a total of 124,503 and represented a 198 percent increase over the 41,815 total recorded in January.

In March, Arreza said that SBMA-operated facilities alone have recorded 25,957 visitors — a figure that excluded the arrivals recorded at hotels and private facilities wherein the bulk of Subic tourists register.

Arreza attributed the growing tourist traffic here during the Holy Week to Subic’s accessibility via the SCTEx, as well as Subic’s increasing popularity as a holiday haven that offers a wide range of natural and man-made attractions.

“Of course, Subic also has the reputation of having retained the best in Filipino culture, like the Lenten “pabasa” and “salubong” rites that attract a huge number of visitors,” Arreza pointed out.

SBMA deputy administrator for tourism Raul Marcelo said that among the Lenten traditions that attracted a huge audience in the weeklong Holy Week program here include the re-enactment of Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry to Jerusalem, a ceremony celebrated by Filipino Catholics as Palm Sunday; the “pabasa” chanting, which revolved around the life, passion and death of Jesus; and the grand procession and 14 Stations of the Cross.

Aside from these, Subic visitors were also treated to more contemporary Lenten events like the “Heal Me Lord” musical concert held at the Boardwalk Area on Good Friday. The religious musical featured singers and stage actors like Karylle, Christian Bautista, Ricky Davao, Iza Calzado, Jacky Lou Blanco, Kyla, and Yvette Ocampo, among others. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO: A religious procession ambles past Subic’s iconic Spanish Gate as part of the Good Friday celebration at the Subic Bay Freeport. The weeklong Lenten program in Subic attracted at least 175,000 visitors, SBMA officials said.

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SBMA seaport income surges to P130.21-M in 1st Qtr.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has reported an income of P130.21 million for the Subic sea port in the first three months, topping the P67.21-million target for the first quarter by 193.7 percent and posting an all-time record for the agency.

Calling the unprecedented record “a silver lining amidst the global recession,” SBMA seaport officials said the January to March sea port income surged to record high as actual collections from various revenue sources all exceeded first quarter targets.

“This is really record-breaking for the Seaport Department,” said SBMA senior deputy administrator for operations Ferdinand Hernandez, whose office oversees the Subic sea port.

“Historically, Subic seaport’s highest first quarter income was recorded in 2005 when we collected P51.6 million. But this year, our March revenue alone was already more than P51 million,” Hernandez explained.

He added that with the January-March revenue, the SBMA Seaport has already accounted for 41.17 percent of the agency’s P316.29-million revenue target for the whole 2009.

Capt. Perfecto Pascual, manager of the SBMA Seaport Department, meanwhile pointed out that the total of P130.21 million does not include accounts receivables in the amount of P17.2 million.

“Theoretically, therefore, Seaport’s first quarter income is P147.41 million,” Pascual added.

According to Hernandez, two new accounts this year boosted Subic’s seaport revenue collections: rental from the Subic Bay International Terminal Corp., which operates phase 1 of Subic’s New Container Terminal (NCT-1), and the additional income on vessel lay-ups.

The SBITC rentals already accounted for P12 million in the first quarter, while the running income this year from idle vessels parked at Subic Bay has reached P23.68 million, he said.

Another factor that helped increase the seaport revenue was wharfage fee for petroleum products, fertilizer, and grains like soya and wheat, said Hernandez.

Pascual also said that even without the two new accounts, the SBMA Seaport Department would still have posted a first quarter income of P94.53 million — still the biggest record for the department ever since the creation of the SBMA in 1992.

He said that SBMA Seaport’s six revenue sources all contributed positively to the rising revenue, with actual collections of P48.8 million for vessel charges, or an increase of 263.8 percent over the first quarter target; P38.15 million (173.7 percent increase) for cargo charges; P9.18 million (277.8 percent increase) for processing fees; P13.13 million (125.8 percent increase) for SBMA shares in port-related services; P16.38 million (128..9 percent increase) for lease/rentals; and P4.46 million (1,687.5 percent increase) for other charges.

Comparative figures from the SBMA meanwhile showed that despite the global recession, the Subic sea port has completed 83.5 percent of its first quarter target for containerized cargo volume — or 6,041 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) out of the goal of 7,236 TEUs. This is broken down into 2,087 TEUs for January, 1,832 in February, and 2,122 in March.

Pascual said that to capture the much needed volume of cargo, the SBMA continues to strengthen its marketing efforts to entice shippers, importers, brokers and forwarders to use the Port of Subic.

Meanwhile, non-containerized cargo that passed through the Subic Bay Freeport in January-March reached a total of 679,153.16 metric tons, or 139.3 percent over the first quarter target of 487,698.81 metric tons.

In the same period, a total of 508 ship calls were made in Subic as more idle vessels were laid up in Subic Bay. This figure represented a 102.2 percent increase over the first quarter target of 497, SBMA data indicated. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO: A cargo vessel unloads containers at the New Container Terminal-1 in the Subic Bay Freeport.

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SBMA approves P1.5-B new investments in 1st Qtr.

The global business outlook this year may be bleak, but officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) are counting on this free port’s strong domestic base to further economic growth during the global financial crisis.

According to SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza, the agency signed up a total of 30 new projects worth P1.5 billion for the first quarter this year, topping by 13.6 percent the recorded volume of new investments in the same period last year.

The new projects brought to 966 the total number of registered investors here, Arreza said during the mass contract signing held at the Subic Gateway Park here.

Some 580 workers are expected to be employed by the newly-registered Subic companies, he added.

With the continued influx of investments here despite the global economic slowdown, Arreza said the SBMA is optimistic that Subic will weather the current crisis.

"A 13.6 percent growth despite this global crisis indicates that the Subic Bay Freeport has achieved an excellent level of economic resiliency," said Arreza.

This is because the SBMA "has created a self-sustaining business environment for the Subic Bay Freeport, which, through the years, was directed towards various industries that require less, if not total dependence, on foreign markets," he added.

Arreza also pointed out that tourism has become a major economic driver for Subic Bay, and that the growing support industries for this sector, such as hotel construction, keep the local economy afloat.

He added that the maritime industry here still has a lot to offer, as proved by Filipino-owned Tountzis Shipping Inc. that committed a P975.3 million investment, the biggest among the investment projects approved in the first quarter this year.

According to Stef Saño, the SBMA senior deputy administrator for business, the biggest projects proposed by new Subic investors are related to the maritime and logistics industries.

Aside from Tountzis Shipping, which will engage in the buy-and-sell of shipping vessels and in other shipping services like logistics and warehousing, two other big investments are in maritime and logistics.

These are the 7,107 Islands Shipping Corp., which has made the Subic Bay Freeport as its home port, committing P201 million for its cruise ship operations; and Eastern Subic Fuel Depot Corp, which committed P50.8 million for the establishment of gasoline stations and retail outlets for petroleum products.

Saño also identified the other new investor-firms sharing the top ten list as: Subic Mobymix Concrete Industries Trading, Inc., which will invest P49.7 million for the production and supply of ready-mix concrete products, warehousing, import/export and trading of construction materials, equipment and machinery; R.A. Geigl Realty Construction Corp., P41 million, for the development of housing facilities; and Westcoast Automotive Corp., P39 million, for the sale and distribution of motor vehicles, spare parts, accessories and other related products, as well as repair, maintenance, and leasing of vehicles.

Also among the biggest projects are: HYS-Yacht Phils. Ltd. Co., P36.1 million, for the construction, development and operation of a marina restaurant, resort operation and yacht restoration facilities; Fuso Kasei Philippines Inc., P30.1 million, for the manufacturing of plastic products; Hankook Networks Philippines Corporation, P19.3 million; and Bongture Corporation, P18..2 million, `for real estate development, subleasing, management and marketing operations. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO: Representatives of new investor-firms in the Subic Bay Freeport pose with SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga, SBMA administrator Armand Arreza, and SBMA senior deputy administrator for business Stef Saño (8th, 9th and 10th from right, respectively) after the mass contract signing ceremony at the Subic Gateway Park.

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