Subicwater activates P50-M filtration facility

Private water-utility firm Subic Water and Sewerage Co. Inc. (Subicwater) activated on Wednesday a new filtration facility for its water-distribution system in Olongapo City with a capital expenditure of P50 million.

Subicwater Chairman Herbert Consunji, who led the inauguration ceremonies at the Mabayuan Water Treatment Plant (MWTP) in Olongapo, said the project will boost the water-treatment capacity of the Mabayuan plant by 36 percent, or about 10 million liters per day (MLD).

The plant, which supplies water to more than 18,200 water concessionaires in the northern part of this city, can now operate on a maximum capacity of 38 MLD because of the new filtration facility.

The service areas that will benefit most are the villages of Kalaklan, Mabayuan, East and West Bajac-bajac, Sta. Rita, Gordon Heights and Old Cabalan.

Consunji  inaugurated the Mabayuan facility with Olongapo Mayor James Gordon Jr., Director Anne Gordon of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Subicwater Director Graham Fairclough, Subicwater General Manager Edna Canlas and Assistant General Manager Jaime Garcia.

Consunji said that with more water being channeled into the distribution network, pressure in the pipes increases.

“This allows Subicwater to reach more households and establishments in MWTP’s service area of seven barangays, which are ountainous for the most part,” he said. (Henry Empeño, Business Mirror)

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Century Tuna triathlon unfolds in Subic

MANILA, Philippines - The Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon Series Philippines is set on June 24 at scenic Subic Bay.

Fred Uytengsu, president and CEO of Alaska Milk Corp., said it’s going to be the “biggest triathlon event in the country.”

Those present in yesterday’s press launch at Dusit Hotel couldn’t disagree with the young-looking CEO, a certified triathlete.

It’s the first 5i50 distance marathon (1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run) sanctioned by the World Triathlon Corp. or WTC in Southeast Asia.

And Uytengsu, who helped bring Ironman races to the country, is ecstatic that the WTC has chosen the Philippines as 5i50’s takeoff point in the region.

“It only shows that triathlon is alive in the Philippines,” beamed Uytengsu, who also thanked other sponsors like The Philippine STAR, Gatorade, David’s Salon. 2XU, Timex, Oakley, Intercare and Multisport Magazine.

The famous franchise owner in the Philippine Basketball Association was joined at the presidential table by Subic Bay Management Authority chairman Bobby Garcia and Century Tuna’s Greg Banzon.

Also present were foreign and local triathletes.

Uytengsu was asked why they chose Subic. Why not?

“We looked at the different landscapes for locations and considered what Subic has. It’s enclosed, safe and fully-maintained,” he said.

The SBMA chairman found the better answer.

“It’s more ‘fun-tastic’ in Subic,” he said, borrowing the country’s tourism slogan, and drawing laughter from the crowd.

“Subic is a fenced and gated community. Very secure. And it’s one of the very few places in the Philippines where people follow the stop signs.

“At Subic, we have a 911 (emergency management) and if you call, the phone doesn’t have to ring twice. In 10 minutes, we will get to you,” said Garcia.

The entire race will be held inside the former US naval base. The SBMA has inked a contract with Sunrise Events, Inc. for the staging of the event until 2014. (Abac Cordero, Philippine Star)

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SBMA sets to develop techno hub, eyes 20,000 new jobs in 5 years

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has bared a plan to develop a technology center patterned after the Ayala Techno Hub in Metro Manila, hoping to cash in on the growing proficiency of local workers in information and communication technology.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the agency is all ready to convert an area inside this premier free port into a business process outsourcing (BPO) center.

“The SBMA is already developing what we call the Subic BPO City, which will be similar to the Ayala Techno Hub. We believe can already provide BPO services here because we now have a workforce that’s well-trained in ICT,” Garcia said.

The Ayala Land Techno Hub is a 20-hectare information technology center located in Quezon City. It is listed as an IT Park by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), which gives incentives to investors in information and communication technology (ICT).

Garcia added that all technical infrastructure for the Subic BPO City “are all there already.” The SBMA will also provide housing for the ICT professionals and call center agents who will work in the center.

He added that the project could generate as many as 20,000 new jobs in the first five years.

Garcia said the idea of putting up a techno park in Subic started after the Philippines was ranked number one in business process outsourcing in the world.

“We have already surpassed India in the field of BPO, and because of this the future looks very bright for the Philippines,” Garcia said.

He pointed out that the country now has more than 700,000 seats for call center agent services and business processes outsourcing.

Garcia also pointed out that the BPO sector is growing by about 25 percent a year, remitting US$13 million to the Philippine economy and is fast catching up with the US$20 million remitted annually by overseas Filipino workers.

Garcia said the success of the BPO sector in the country can be attributed to the computer literacy and English proficiency of Filipino workers.

“This is readily available in the Subic Bay area — a well-trained workforce well-versed in ICT. This will be a big boost to our dream to build a BPO City here,” he concluded. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA chair urges youth leaders to contribute to economic dev’t

Chairman and Administrator Roberto Garcia of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) encouraged youth leaders to do their part in the economic development of the country by helping promote investor confidence in the local economy.

Speaking before an assembly of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chapters in Central Luzon here on Tuesday, Garcia said that Filipinos, especially the youth, must do their best to take advantage of the present economic upswing.

Garcia also commented on the summit’s theme, “Braving the Challenges of Unending Youth Empowerment, Dedication and Commitment to Good Governance,” saying that this choice was very timely in light of government efforts to restore investor confidence.

“Alam ninyo, ang Indonesia noong araw ay napaka-corrupt na bansa. But with their president who went on a very strong anti-corruption campaign, investors came back with confidence,” Garcia said.

In the 1960s, Garcia noted, the Philippines was second only to Japan. But it later slid down continuously because of corruption, inefficiency, lack of infrastructure and other problems, thereby earning the description as the “sick man of Asia.”

“But with President Aquino’s election last year, what has happened is that the Philippines is now among the VIPs (Vietnam, Indonesia and Philippines) that foreign investors are looking at,” the SBMA official said.

The Philippines, according to Garcia, is now heading for an economic upswing, with the stock market registering record highs —a sign of investors’ confidence.

He added that the Sangguniang Kabataan members should contribute their share in maintaining “good governance” as one way of helping in the programs of the President.

“As President Aquino has always said, ‘the future lies in the youth’. So we must do our best to contribute to the programs of the President to take advantage of economic opportunities so that we can provide more jobs for our countrymen,” he added.

Garcia also reminded the youth leaders that they have the appropriate skills and talent necessary for the Philippines to move forward continuously. “So, on your conference today, I hope you can address this,” he said.

More than 350 SK officers and members from provinces and cities in the region attended the three-day Second SK Central Luzon Youth Summit, which started on April 10 at Travelers Hotel in this Freeport.

Aside from Garcia, those who graced the opening ceremony were Olongapo City Mayor James Gordon Jr., National Youth Commission director for Luzon Asst. Secretary Georgina Nava, SBMA director Anne Gordon, and Zambales Vice Governor Ramon Lacbain III. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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Court stops VAT on imported fuel in Clark, Subic freeports

CLARK FREEPORT – A Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Angeles City has stopped the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) from imposing value-added tax (VAT) on all petroleum and petroleum products that are imported and/or brought directly from abroad via freeport and economic zones, including this premiere freeport.

The court has issued a writ of preliminary injunction, ordering the BIR, its agents, representatives, or assigns, and all persons acting in its place and stead from enforcing directly or indirectly Revenue Regulation No. 2-2012.

RTC Branch 58 Presiding Judge Philbert Iturralde said in his seven-page resolution that the regulation contradicts Republic Act 7227, the law that created Subic and Clark Freeport Zones. Republic Act 9400 later amended RA 7227.

“This Court, in the exercise of its sound judicial discretion, finds the prayer for the issuance of the writ of preliminary injunction to be impressed with merits and hereby grants the same,” the decision said.

Iturralde ordered petitioner, Pampanga 1st District Representative Carmelo Lazatin, to post a P15-million injunction bond to answer for any damage that may be suffered by the BIR in the event that the court should later determine that the lawmaker is not entitled to the relief prayed for. (Mark Anthony N. Manuel, Manila Bulletin)

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PLDT expands data center network to Subic

PLDT’s data center PLDT Alpha Enterprise has expanded its network of world-class data centers with the launch of Vitro Data Center Subic.

The new Subic location will allow PLDT Alpha Enterprise to deliver top class, end-to-end IT infrastructure solutions to large corporations north of Luzon as well as provide Manila-based companies with a highly secure backup site for its business continuity requirements.

Eric Alberto, PLDT executive vice president and head of Enterprise and International and Carrier Business of PLDT and Smart, said the launch of Vitro Subic is another step toward fulfilling PLDT Alpha Enterprise’s role as the true trusted expert partner for building globally competitive businesses.

“Vitro Subic provides our enterprise customers with another data center option north of Luzon,” he added.

Vitro Subic delivers redundant and high-capacity connectivity around the globe, with a robust telecommunications infrastructure powered by PLDT.

The building employs top of the line systems for power supply, security, cooling, fire protection, and monitoring to ensure the smooth operation of the data center as well as the servers housed in it.

Vitro Subic offers 24/7 assistance through a team of experienced technical support personnel, who can be dedicated to any account.

The Subic data center carries the Vitro guarantee of security, stability and conformity to best practices and international standards. Danessa O. Rivera

VITRO Pasig, VITRO’s main data center, is the first Internet data center in the country to be certified for the ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System and ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System standards.

It is also certified for the ISO 27001:2005 Information Security Management System standard.

As with VITRO Pasig, VITRO Subic provides data center services such as collocation, server hosting, business continuity, facilities management, virtual private servers, data security, network management, and other managed IT services.

Jovy Fernandez, PLDT Vice President and Head of ALPHA Enterprise, noted that VITRO’s range of services enable their clients to focus on their core business and assured that the management of their IT infrastructure is secure in their expert hands. (The Daily Tribune)

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Subic Bay Freeport goes WiFi

This premier free port is now a WiFi Zone after the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) initiated a pilot project for a wireless local area network here.

Starting April 5, visitors and tourists can now enjoy wireless Internet access powered by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT)-SubicTel.

Engr. Vergil Joseph Lansangan, manager of the SBMA Business and Investments Department for Information and Communications Technology (BID-ICT), said the pilot WiFi Zone Project was intended to welcome visitors for the Holy Week with selected commercial and tourism areas as WiFi access points.

“Free WiFi access will run until May 5, as we anticipate more visitors this summer,” Lansangan said.

He added that the SBMA and PLDT-SubicTel intend to turn the entire Subic Bay Freeport into a WiFi Zone.

For the first phase of the project implementation, however, WiFi access will be available within 100 meters from the following: Lighthouse Marina, Pier One, Bayfront Hotel, NetWorx, Subic Freeport Exchange, MeatPlus, PLDT main office, Remy Field, Subic Bay Yacht Club, Royal Subic, Eastern and Petron gas stations, All Hands Beach Resort, and Zoobic Safari.

WiFi access pins will be available at designated booths in Pier One, NetWorx, and All Hands Beach.

Lansangan said that more establishments have expressed their intention to participate in the WiFi Zone Project and subscribe as access points so that more visitors and tourists can enjoy wireless Internet access anywhere in the free port.

Meanwhile, PLDT-SubicTel will be charging a minimal amount of P150 per month for an unlimited WiFi access to myDSL subscribers.

“Soon the Subic Bay Freeport will be completely a WiFi Zone,” Lansangan said. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

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800 triathletes converge in Subic

Close to 800 triathletes from here and abroad are set to converge at the Subic Bay Freeport to compete for honors and London Olympics qualifying points as the K-Swiss ITU Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) presented by Century Tuna fires off on May 5 and 6.

Now on its 19th year, the SUBIT is the nation’s longest running triathlon event and is organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and sanctioned by the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC).

Participants can choose to race in the standard distance course of 1.5 kilometer swimming, 40 Km cycling and 10 Km running (for Elite, Under-23 and Age-Groupers) or in the sprint distance (750M swim – 20 Km bike – 5 Km run for Juniors and adults at least 20-years-old). Also available is the mini-sprint distance course (350M swim – 9.8 Km bike – 3Km run) for participants age 13 to 15.

Interested parties are welcome to contact the TRAP via email (rreyes_upm@yahoo.com, fabiedavid@yahoo.com), or landline 710-8259. (Tempo)

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SBMA leads relief operations for 235 displaced families in Cawag, Subic

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has spearheaded the distribution of relief goods to some 235 families who were recently displaced in Cawag, Subic when the land they were occupying was claimed by a private corporation.

With the SBMA Public Relations Department in the forefront, the relief operation provided foodstuffs for the former settlers of Sitio Agusuhin, who have now temporarily camped out along the road going to the Hanjin shipbuilding facility.

The relief goods given by the SBMA included rice, sugar, coffee, milk, canned goods, and instant noodles.

Representatives from Hanjin also joined the relief operation and handed out some construction materials to help the displaced residents in building their shelter.

Armie Llamas, manager of the SBMA Public Relations Department, said the SBMA finds time to help out the dislocated residents as the said families used to be residents of Sitio Agusuhin before they were relocated to give way for the construction of the Hanjin shipyard.

Korean shipbuilder Hanjin is now the biggest business locator in the Subic Bay Freeport and the fourth largest shipbuilder in the world. It started full operations here in 2007.

Llamas added that in 2006, the original Agusuhin settlers were brought to a 14-hectare lot in the nearby village of Cawag, where Hanjin initially spent P2.7 million for the construction of a public school, church and other public facilities for the relocated families.

Two weeks ago, these residents were again displaced from their homes when Pamana Inc. claimed the land, which is apparently being eyed to be developed into a resort.

The residents lamented that after they have been relocated to make way for Hanjin, their supposed relocation site now turned out to be owned by another entity.

At present, the displaced families have built makeshift houses by the roadside at Barangay Balaybay, a village in Castillejos, Zambales.

Reports indicated that the municipal government of Subic have already identified another site for the relocation of the 235 displaced families, and that ground works have already started in preparation for their transfer. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Residents of Barangay Cawag in Subic, Zambales partake of relief goods provided by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority during a relief drive undertaken by the agency to help out the displaced residents.

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More than 33,000 book lovers visit M/V Logos Hope in Subic

The crew of M/V Logos Hope, the world’s largest book fair, said they are happy that Filipino book lovers keep on visiting their ship since its arrival here in Subic on March 16.

The vessel, which is currently berthed at the Alava Pier here, has received more than 33,000 visitors who browsed through some 5,000 available book titles on board, and viewed interactive displays like “Life X-perience,” which is about HIV.

More visitors are expected to flock to the book fair each day until it closes on April 8, which is Easter Sunday. Until then, the book fair remains open every day, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., except on Holy Thursday and Good Friday in observance of the Holy Week.

Tom Dyer, captain of M/V Logos Hope, said that it has always been a pleasure for them to be in the Philippines.

“I like being in the Philippines. You have a very positive cheerful spirit,” he said. “Anywhere in the world that you go, when you find a Filipino community, there is so much joy. We are very thankful to be here.”

Dyer also thanked the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority for providing assitance to the ship’s crew. He also praised the Freeport’s port facilities.

“It’s nice when we come in to a berth and we’re not moving because of the swell and the tide,” Dyer said. “In some ports we have to actually leave the berth because there’s just too much motion. But we feel very secure here and we feel very welcome here, so thank you.”

Apart from making books available to the public, the crew of M/V Logos Hope also conducted offshore volunteer services in communities surrounding the Freeport.

“We have been working in prisons and schools. We have been in places where we can provide books,” said Naomi Armstrong, one of the Logosvolunteers. “Our dentists have also gone out doing work in the communities.”

Armstrong also said that after the book fair closes on April 8, the ship will stay in Subic for dry-docking for about two months. Then the ship will be sailing out of Subic on June 25 and head off to Indonesia, their next book-fair stop.

Asked if M/V Logos Hope would be returning to Subic, Armstrong said she is positive about it.

“The M/V Doulos (the predecessor of M/V Logos Hope) has been here in Subic six times before, so we will definitely return. When will that be, we don’t know,” Armstrong said.

In any case, Armstrong said the crew really enjoyed Subic Bay. “The people here have been very friendly, and we have enjoyed our visit here in the Philippines generally. It’s been a lovely country to visit,” Armstrong added. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Earth Hour goes beyond switching off lights

A full complement of environment-friendly activities marked the observance of the global Earth Hour in this free port, as stakeholders here tried to instill environmental protection in the community beyond the call to switch off lights to symbolically focus attention on climate change.

Residents, business locators, and community groups here joined the global program to save Mother Earth through a ceremony at The Lighthouse Marina Resort, which signalled the hour-long switching off of lights and other electrical appliances, particularly in the Central Business District here.

Before this, however, the Subic Bay Freeport community also participated in a beach clean-up, the opening of the Kicksand Beach Football Luzon leg at the Boardwalk Park area, and the re-launch of Ocean Adventure’s high dive event.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia said the various activities before the Earth Hour indicated the support to the global call for sustainable development and conservation not only from his agency, which manages the free port, but also from the various sectors in the community.

“Everyone here in the Subic Bay Freeport – employees, investors, business locators, workers, and residents – we all do our share in our own little way. And with these little efforts, we hope to make a big difference in protecting the environment,” Garcia said.

Earth Hour, which is organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), is held annually from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the last Saturday of March.

According to WWF, this year’s Earth Hour focused on establishing commitments to bring down greenhouse gas emissions and help slow down climate change.

The Earth Hour project in Subic was jointly spearheaded by the SBMA Ecology Center and the Redondo Peninsula Energy Incorporated (RPEI), in cooperation with the Lighthouse Marina Resort Hotel, where the symbolic switching off of lights was held. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
Stakeholders in the Subic Bay Freeport undertake a beach clean-up prior to the observance of the global Earth Hour on Saturday.

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Mitsubishi Motors Philippines inaugurates Carworld Subic

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) one of the country’s top automotive brands recently inaugurated another world-class showroom in Subic Bay Gateway Park. Carworld Subic Inc. is strategically located on a 3,286 square meters lot with a 2,220 square meter two-storey building in Lot C-8 Subic Bay Gateway Park, Phase I Commercial Area, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The inaugural ceremony was well attended by MMPC and Carworld Inc. (CWI) executives, local public officials, valued clients, banks and other affiliates.

Present during the ceremony were MMPC executives headed by its President and CEO Mr. Hikosaburo Shibata, Executive Vice President Mr. Taizo Furuhashi, EVP, CFO and Treasurer Mr. Kazuki Sugino and Laus Group of Companies Chairman and CEO Mr. Levy Laus, Director Tess Laus and CWI President Franco De Jesus.

Local public officials Hon. Roberto Garcia who is the Chairman and Administrator of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Olongapo City Mayor Hon. James Gordon, Jr. also attended the inauguration to express their trust and confidence on the brand and on CWI.

“We at Mitsubishi Motors Philippines congratulate Carworld Inc. for bringing in to Subic, Northern Luzon’s highly urbanized region a closer reach to quality Mitsubishi vehicles, genuine parts, and total customer service satisfaction thru the opening of this dealership”, Mr. Hikosaburo Shibata, MMPC President and CEO said.

“With its great tourism industry and excellent economic profile, and being situated on one of the premier and fastest growing markets in the region I am confident that CWI will continue to attain its remarkable sales and service performance”, Mr. Shibata added. (www.mmpc.ph)

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Subic Bay hosts 2012 Commodore’s Cup Regatta on April 10-14

Thirty international yachts will set sail in Subic Bay on April 10-14 to vie for glory in the Fifth Commodore’s Cup Regatta 2012, one of the most prestigious sailing events in the Philippines.

The event, which is under the auspices of the Philippine Sailing Commission, will involve international yachting teams from the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and host country Philippines.

The Commodore’s Cup this year was officially commissioned recently with the signing of a memorandum of agreement for sponsorship between the organizer Subic Bay Yacht Club (SBYC), represented by general manager Jose Maria Vargas, and sponsors PLDT, represented by vice president Renato Castañeda; Subictel and Clarktel, represented by president Dennis Magbatoc; Lighthouse Marina, represented by president Jesus Avecilla, who is also chairman of the Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen Sailing Club; Watercraft Ventures, represented by president Federico Sandoval II; and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), represented by deputy administrator for tourism Raul Marcelo.

Prior to the Commodore’s Cup Regatta, the prestigious Rolex China Sea Race 2012, which is Asia’s top blue-water racing offshore sailing event, will finish at the Subic Bay Yacht Club on April 8. The race is a 565-nautical mile race from Hong Kong to Subic Bay.

Sandoval said that the two events will showcase the Philippines with its clear waters and fine sand beaches, as among the world’s top sailing destinations.

Meanwhile, Marcelo said that the regatta will not just be about sailing, as organizers have also lined up more on-shore activities in the Subic Bay Freeport.

“Of course, we will start with the required registration, and skippers’ briefing. But after that, participants and crew will be treated to a welcome party,” he said.

After the race on April 11, evening socials will be held at the SBYC, while the daily race awards and socials nights will take place at the Lighthouse Marina Resort here.

The perpetual trophy will be awarded to the over-all winners and to the champion in each racing class, including the IRC Racing Class, IRC Cruise/Racing Class, IRC Premier Cruising Class, and Cruising Class. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Organizers launch the Commodores’ Cup Regatta 2012 at the Subic Bay Yacht Club: (from left) Jesus Avecilla, president of The Lighthouse Marina Resort; Dennis Magbatoc, president of Subictel and Clarktel and PLDT North Luzon Corp.; Jose Mari Vargas, general manager of Subic Bay Yacht Club; Renato Castañeda, PLDT vice president and head of corporate relationship department; Federico Sandoval II, president of Watercraft Ventures; and Raul Marcelo, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority deputy administrator for tourism.

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Subic Bay Freeport all set for Holy Week

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and business locators and community organizations here have pooled resources to put up a week-long program for visitors coming over for the Holy Week this year.

“Just as we have traditionally done for the past several years, we have lined up week-long activities in observance of the Holy Week,” said Raul Marcelo, SBMA deputy administrator for tourism. “But this year, we have doubled our efforts to pack in more events because we anticipate more visitors starting April 1.”

Marcelo said that aside from traditional Lenten activities, the SBMA and its community partners have also included new and contemporary activities in the Holy Week program.

Marcelo also emphasized the major participation of the Greater Subic Bay Tourism Bureau (GSBTB), which will be conducting a trade fair for different concessionaires of Central Luzon products. This will run from April 4 to 8 (Holy Wednesday to Easter Sunday).

GSBTB will also stage an acoustic night on April 4 and 5, and “Hataw Sayaw” dance competition on Black Saturday, April 7.

Holy Week activities in Subic will kick off with the Blessing of the Palms on April 1, and will be followed by the traditional “Pabasa” at the Subic Chapel. The “Pabasa” will run until April 7.

On Holy Wednesday, a grand procession will be staged around the Central Business District of the free port, while the re-enactment of the “Last Supper” and mass will be on April 5.

On April 6, tourists and devotees may participate in the Lenten rites of the Walk to Calvary, the Stations of the Cross, and Veneration of the Cross. There will also be the Good Friday grand procession and a “healing concert” by the Bethesda Springs of Hope Healing Ministry.

Meanwhile, Black Saturday will feature a “Healing through the Way of the Cross Meditation,” as well as the Paschal Mystery, and Black Saturday concert at Subic’s Boardwalk Park.

The Holy Week observance will end with the traditional “Salubong” and Easter Mass, which will be followed by an egg-hunting activity for children and the release of Easter banners and balloons.

Marcelo said that tourism information kiosks manned by the SBMA Tourist Department staff will be put up along major routes for the convenience of tourists seeking tourism-related information.

Emergency response team, traffic and law enforcers will also be on standby along Subic Bay Freeport roads throughout the Holy Week. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

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MNTC provides dedicated lane for Subic-bound motorists this Holy Week

To ease the traffic going to the Subic Bay Freeport this Holy Week, the Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) will provide a dedicated lane for motorists bound to this free port beginning Holy Wednesday, April 4, up to Holy Thursday, April 5.

The dedicated Subic lane will begin at the Balintawak toll plaza and the Mindanao Avenue link of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) toll plaza in Dau, Tipo Exit, and the Tipo Expressway toll plaza.

Under this scheme, motorists would only make a one-time payment of P408 at the Balintawak toll plaza, which would cover the toll fees for the rest of the trip. They will be given stubs which will be collected at each successive tollway exit.

However, the dedicated Subic lane will only be good for a one-way trip to the Subic Bay Freeport. Normal toll rates will apply for trips going back to Manila.

According to Raul Marcelo, deputy administrator for business and tourism of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), this scheme initiated by the MNTC will save motorists’ time.

“When you pay P408 at the dedicated Subic lane in Balintawak, you get your stubs, and when you exit at Dau, you simply hand back the stub. So there’s no need for you to pay, there’s no need for you to wait for change, and there’s no need for you to get your receipt. You just hand over the stub. This would save you a lot of time,” Marcelo elaborated.

Marcelo also said that the unified toll fee will help ease traffic congestion at Subic, which has long been recognized as a tourist destination.

“The MNTC is now focused on the problem regarding motor vehicle traffic to Subic… meaning they know that Subic is a major destination especially during holidays and long weekends. The dedicated lane in Balintawak is ample proof that Subic, as a summer getaway, is really a certified hit,” he added.

Marcelo also said that although the unified toll fee plan for Subic is a new development, he is hoping that this would be made a permanent arrangement.

“I’ll definitely be pushing for this, especially when we have major events in Subic,” he stressed.

He pointed out that last year, close to 30,000 motor vehicles came to Subic via the SCTEX, bringing in some 120,000 tourists during the Holy Week. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Philip Morris starts medicine supply program for Ayta tribe in Subic Freeport

In a gesture of its commitment to support the community service program of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Philip Morris International (PMI) provided the indigenous Ayta tribe in the Subic Bay Freeport with medicines worth P125,000, the first batch to be given under the firm’s medicine donation program.

Philip Morris, which operates its regional leaf tobacco warehouse in this free port, turned over several boxes of various medicines and vitamins to the Aytas of Pastolan Village here through Atty. Wilma Eisma, manager of local regulatory affairs and community relations of Philip Morris Phils. Manufacturing Inc. (PMPMI).

The donation was received on behalf of the tribesmen by Armina Belleza-Llamas, manager of the SBMA Public Relations Department.

Belleza said that Philip Morris also committed to replenish the medicine supply on a quarterly basis for the next five years.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said that the PMI medicine donation clearly manifests the continuing commitment of the company, in partnership with local delivery service provider Air21, to help the indigenous people living inside the Freeport area.

“Philip Morris, along with the Air21, has always been a partner of the SBMA in its many community service projects that seek to expand health and educational assistance to the communities around the Subic Bay Freeport,” Garcia noted.

Eisma said meanwhile that the donation “is only part of our commitment to the community in support of the health and wellness program of the SBMA for the Ayta tribal community in Pastolan, especially the children.”

In August 2011, some 200 children and 100 mothers in the Pastolan Ayta village received free medical check-up and medicines during the launching of a medical clinic program initiated by the SBMA, Philip Morris Philippines Inc., Air21 and Jaycees International.

In January 2008, PMPI also donated textbooks and computer sets to public schools in Pastolan, as well as barangay Kalalake in Olongapo City in partnership with the Knowledge Channel .

PMI has established a multi-million dollar PMPMI regional warehouse in the Subic Bay Freeport in an area which is recognized as a part of the Ayta ancestral domain. The warehouse stores 25 million tons of the best-quality tobacco leaf harvests for distribution to other Asian manufacturing facilities in Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia, among others. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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SubicEnerzone renews ‘adoption’ of SBMA ambulances

Power provider Subic EnerZone Corp. (SEZ), under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, has renewed its commitment to sponsor the maintenance of all eight ambulance trucks of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to ensure their availability at all times.

The “adoption” of SBMA’s ambulance fleet was made through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed by SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia and EnerZone senior vice president and chief operating officer Dante Pollescas in a simple ceremony held at the SBMA board room.

SEZ started its Adopt-an-Ambulance program with the SBMA in 2007. It allocates P100,000 each year for the maintenance of the eight emergency vehicles.

In the recent signing of a new MOA, Garcia described the “adoption” as a clear manifestation of how effective the public-private partnership works, and where a private corporation assists a government agency in the implementation of a program that benefits the general public.

“Our ambulances are an integral part of the SBMA’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program that deploys emergency response teams to any area within the Freeport zone and to any neighboring province whenever there is any given emergency situation,” Garcia said.

“As such, they are vital to public safety, which is a priority mission of the agency,” he added.

Meanwhile, Pollescas expressed hope that Subic Enerzone’s Adopt-an-Ambulance program would be much appreciated by the entire Freeport community.

“We believe in the primary responsibility of the SBMA EMS and how important it is for the agency to ensure that these ambulances would be available anytime they are needed,” Pollescas said.

He added that while the P100,000-assistance will never be enough to fully maintain the ambulance fleet, it will help fast-track the purchase of much needed vehicle spare parts.

“Through our corporate social responsibility, we are offering assistance to ensure the steady and reliable availability of serviceable ambulances at all times,” Pollescas also said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA))


PHOTO:
SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto V. Garcia (second from right) and Subic EnerZone senior vice-president and chief operating officer Dante Pollescas sign a memorandum of agreement for the firm’s adoption of the SBMA’s fleet of ambulances. Witnessing the signing are Dr. Solomon Jacalne, head of the SBMA Public Health and Safety Department (right), and Subic EnerZone general manager Warell Kern Sario.

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PPP to boost land prices

MANILA - Real estate advisory firm CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) Philippines is expecting the government’s public-private partnership (PPP) to spur the growth of the property sector in the country, saying that it will boost land prices in areas covered by the PPP program.

In its recent Metro Manila market view report, CBRE said that the construction industry will be the direct and main beneficiary of the PPP projects that will greatly influence the growth and expansion of the Philippine property sector.


CBRE cited an increase in land values between Clark and Subic from P30 to P50 to P300 to P500 per square meter since the P21-billionSubic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) was completed in 2007.

The SCTEx is a 93.77 kilometer flagship project seen to help convert the central and northern Luzon regions into a "super region" of economic growth.

Similarly, a significant increase in land prices from Alabang to Calamba were also seen over the last two years with the completion of the SLEx Toll road 3 and the SLEx-STAR link.

The firm said that developed residential lot prices increased from P8,000 per square meter to as much as P21,000 per square meter in the areas.

As a result, according to CBRE, industrial parks are also pressured to raise their rents due to rising land prices.

The SLEx Toll road 3 from Calamba,Laguna to SantoTomas,Batangas is an extension of the Toll road 2 from Alabang to Calamba which connects the expressway to the Southern Tagalog arterial road going to Batangas City.

TheSLEx-STAR link, meanwhile, is a 7.3-kilometer toll road from South Luzon Expressway in Calamba City, Laguna to the STAR Tollway in Sto Tomas, Batangas.

"As the roll out of PPP projects are underway, investors and developers are very aggressive in their efforts to acquire raw lands suitable for new property developments," CBRE noted.

"All this will sustain business activity for the Property Sector in the Philippines in the short and long term," it added.

The government aims to bid out eight to sixteen PPP projects this year worth P142-billion.

According to CBRE, the priority PPP projects are the LRT 1 Cavite extension, the NAIA expressway phase 2 and the NLEX-SLEX connector road. (Richmond Mercurio, Malaya)

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Subic firm offers renewable energy solutions

A Subic-registered company is now producing cost-efficient and environment-friendly energy and lighting solutions touted to address growing concerns of rising energy costs and degraded environment.

BandaSolar, which traces its roots to Bandacorp PI Inc. that was established here in 2006, is now offering Filipino consumers the benefits of renewable energy with its solar panels and light emitting diode (LED) lamps that could cut down power bills by more than 50 percent.

This has prompted Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto V. Garcia to call for a study on the installation of solar panels for all street lights in the free port and the use of 250-watt LED lamps instead of the standard 1,000-watt halogen lamps.

Bob Silvers, president of BandaSolar, said that his company addresses the concerns of consumers on the seemingly relentless power rate hikes, and seeks to meet growing demand for solar solutions in the Philippines, as well as internationally.

“The first question in the mind of Filipinos is ‘How am I going to cut on my power bills?’ And the answer is: turn to sun and use its energy,” Silvers said during an exhibit of products here. “Solar energy will cut your electric bills up to half or more,” he added.

Silvers said that historically, the use of solar power was limited only to those living in remote locations with no other choice but to device a solar power generator with a cost equivalent to P100 per watt, or P100,000 per kilowatt, enough to light a small house.

Having an average of a 25-year lifetime, solar panels are being sold mostly in China, Japan, India, Australia and South Korea, which accounted for 3.3 gigawatts of demand in 2011, with Japan and China leading in the Southeast Asian region.

“But that was before the solar panels were in mass production in such a volume where it became part of the energy economy competing with more expensive petroleum and other forms of energy,” Silvers pointed out.

He said that, as of last year, the cost of solar panel went down to P50 per watt or P50,000 per kilowatt, “that’s why people really can afford solar power in place of the regular electricity generated by the electric companies.”

Silvers said the cost of using solar power “may sound high, as the first five years after purchasing and installing the solar panel, you are like paying the cost of the solar panel. But after five years, the electricity is free within the period of 20 years or more,” he added.

Industrial users also benefit a lot from solar power because by producing some or all of the needed electricity with solar power, they can eliminate a portion of that variable cost and insulate their businesses against the inevitable rising cost per kilowatt hour of electricity, Silvers said.

He explained that a company using 100 pieces of 150-watt sodium bulbs has to pay an average of P413,870 for power consumption and maintenance cost in 4.38 years of the bulbs’ lifetime. On the other hand, if the same company uses 100 pieces of 100-watt LED lamps, it will only spend P13,699 for maintenance expenses in the 13.7 years of the lamps’ lifetime.

Silvers also said that BandaSolar is offering free consultation to those who wish to know more about solar power, and an introduction to a line of energy-saving devices ranging from air-conditioning system to solar street lights, solar water heater, and even home and industrial solar-lighting solutions.

In Subic, the company has already convinced several companies to shift to solar power or LED lamps to save on energy costs. Its clients here include the Ocean Adventure marine theme park; gastight plastic storage manufacturer GrainPro; packaging manufacturer Pactec; global testing, verification and certification firm SGS; and ink solution provider Printing Images CtC, Inc.

BandaSolar has also installed renewable energy systems for some residences at the Kalayaan and Binictican housing complexes here, as well as for other clients in Pampanga, Batangas, Ilocos Sur and Zambales. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)
PHOTO:

Bob Silvers, president of BandaSolar, explains the advantages of using a solar energy system.

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Judge halts VAT collection on econzone oil imports

Business locators in this free-port zone rejoiced after a regional trial court (RTC) issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) stopping the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) from implementing additional taxes on petroleum products imported into special economic zones.

The order, which was issued on Friday by RTC Branch 58 in Angeles City, Pampanga, directed Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and BIR Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares “to cease and desist from implementing/enforcing the assailed Revenue Regulation No. 2-2012 for the duration of 20 days.”

Presiding Judge Philbert Iturralde also set a hearing on a plea for a writ of preliminary injunction for March 21, and presentation of the petitioner’s evidence on March 29.

The court issued the TRO on a petition filed by Rep. Carmelo Lazatin of the First District of Pampanga and found merit in the motion because of its urgency as the assailed regulation would have taken effect 15 days after its publication.

Danny Piano, president of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC), said Subic Bay Freeport businessmen objected to the imposition of additional tax on petroleum products because the new regulation was in conflict with the tax-free regime in Subic under Republic Act (RA) 7227.

If implemented, the new regulation would have increased gasoline pump prices here by about 12 percent and also resulted in a bureaucratic nightmare, Piano added.

“The good news, albeit temporary, is that there is now a temporary restraining order on the revenue regulation,” he told SBFCC members in a letter on Friday. “The chamber will continue to work to have the revenue regulation rescinded or revoked permanently.”

The Subic chamber wrote a letter to President Aquino on March 7 expressing its opposition to the BIR regulation, saying that RA 7227, which created the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, specifically provided that the Subic Special Economic Zone shall be operated and managed as a separate customs territory.

This provision ensured the “free flow or movement of goods and capital within, into and exported out of the Subic Special Economic Zone, as well as provide incentives such as tax and duty-free importations of raw materials, capital and equipment,” the SBFCC said.

It added that RA 7227 stated that aside from the 5-percent tax on gross income, “no taxes, local and national, shall be imposed within the Subic Special Economic Zone,” and that, “in case of conflict between national and local laws with respect to tax exemption privileges in the Subic Special Economic Zone, the same shall be resolved in favor of the latter.”

The Subic chamber also told the President that RR 2-2012’s provision calling for a “joint supervision over the facilities with the BIR, through the assignment of revenue officers,” simply adds another layer of bureaucracy, which has the potential for more corruption. (Henry Empeño, Business Mirror)

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Brazil's Vale offers spot iron ore from Subic Bay, Philippines

SINGAPORE - Brazilian miner Vale has offered spot iron ore for tender Monday, sailing from its Floating Transfer Station at Subic Bay, Philippines, market participants said Monday.

Previously, most of Vale's spot offers have been for cargoes loaded on vessels passing through Singapore within two weeks from the date of sale, but the shipment sailing from Subic Bay will be able to reach the Chinese port of Qingdao in a shorter time span of four-and-a-half days.

Vale is offering a 175,000 mt cargo of 65%-Fe Brazilian sinter feed Carajas fines in a tender closing Monday, 1730 Beijing time (0930 GMT) on a CFR China basis. The cargo will load from the Floating Transfer Station at Subic Bay by Wednesday.

China's Ministry of Transport in January applied stricter administration procedures for large dry bulk vessels. Those with a capacity of more than 350,000 dwt have to go through new demonstration-appraisal-approval procedures before they can call at Chinese ports.

Sources said the Carajas fines spot cargo offered was probably unloaded from Very Large Ore Carrier, or Valemax, vessels at Subic Bay before being loaded into smaller Capesize vessels prior to sailing for China.

"It is the first time I heard Vale offering an iron ore spot shipment that sails straight from Subic Bay," a Hong Kong-based trader said.

Another Singaporean trader said: "Shorter traveling time between the Philippines and China will be popular among steel mills who need very prompt loading cargoes, but it may not be equally popular with traders who have a shorter time to sell their cargoes."

Vale wasn't immediately available to comment. [Melvin Yeo, (Platts) Singapore]

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Environmentalist is SBMA’s 2011 Employee of the Year

An environment conservation officer who is so passionate about her work bested five other finalists and was chosen by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as Employee of the Year for 2011, the highest recognition given by the agency to its employees.

Rhea Jane ”RJ” Pescador, a 28-year old environmentalist Management specialist at the SBMA Ecology Center, was conferred the honors under the agency’s EOY program, which recognizes exemplary employees through a monthly selection process that culminates in the selection of the year’s “best of the breed.”

SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia said each of the monthly finalists sustained high quality and quantity of work delivered on time, manifesting the quality customer service the SBMA would like to uphold to ensure that ‘malasakit’ and honesty always come first for the good of one’s department and the Authority.

“That is why we are very delighted that these employees are part of the SBMA team,” Garcia said.

Pescador was particularly recognized for the Ecology Center's “Adopt-A-Giant Clam Program” that she conceptualized and initiated in December 2010 to encourage Subic Freeport stakeholders to help seed giant clams (Tridacna Gigas), considered a highly endangered species, in the waters of Subic Bay.

Ecology Center manager Ameth Dela Llana-Koval said that Pescador who became Employee of the Month (EOM) in June 2011, sees to it that every project she handles is excellent, not just ‘Ok’. “RJ makes it sure that the project becomes successful and more than exceeds expectations,” she added.

Pescador’s division chief, Lilia Alcazar, also pointed out that the conservation officer also thought of a way to raise funds to be used in purchasing giant clam seeds. This became the “Takbo Para sa Taklobo” fund-raising and awareness campaign that successfully involved various sectors of the Subic community.

The first edition of the “Takbo” in December 2010 was joined in by more than 1,500 runners from around the Freeport area and raised some P54,000. The second “Takbo” in December last year drew more than 2,000 participants and raised more than P84,000.

Aside from Pescador, the SBMA also honored five other winners. They are EOY first runner-up Sheryll Rose Santiago (Business and Investment Department–Leisure) who was cited as one of the top account officers of the Business and Investment Group and handles mostly large and complex accounts, like the Ayala Harbour Point mall account; second runner -up Marilou Dungog (Public Relations Department) who, aside from her administrative functions in her department, does community relations work at fisher folk communities; third runner-up Elizier Martin (Special Project Group supervisor, Maintenance and Transportation Department), who was noted for his resourcefulness and competence in completing construction work despite lack of funds; fourth runner-up Conrado Gareno (Data Comptroller, Legal Department), who was cited for epitomizing the SBMA core value and work virtue; and fifth runner-up Edgardo de Leon (Harbor Master from the Seaport Department), who ensured the safety of every vessel entering Subic Bay to load or unload cargoes.

Under the SBMA’s EOY program, two SBMA employees have been conferred the Pag-Asa Award by the President of the republic. These were SBMA printing machine operator Randy Canlas (EOY 2009) who was Pag-Asa awardee in 2010, and SBMA security officer Joel Viray (EOY 2007) who received the award in 2008.

SBMA EOY 2008 Edmund De Jesus, meanwhile, made it all the way to the Pag-Asa Awards regional finals in 2009. (RAV/MPD-SBMA))

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia, SBMA director Anne Gordon, and SBMA deputy administrator for regulatory group Joy Alvarado join SBMA 2011 Employee of the Year Rhea Jane Pescador (fourth from left) and other finalists in the competition: Sheryll Rose Santiago, Marilou Dungog, Elizier Martin, Conrado Gareno, and Edgardo de Leon.

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World’s largest floating book fair visits Subic

The world’s largest floating book fair, M/V Logos Hope, has arrived in this free port on Friday (March 16) for a three-week book bazaar and cultural interaction with the local community.

The ship, which replaced the decommissioned floating bookstore M/V Doulos, features greater space for visitors and a more comfortable browsing experience with its air conditioned book fair and café area.

The book fair has an expanded selection of over 5,000 titles available at affordable prices, said Rahel Von Rotz, project coordinator of the visit.

The ship also has a Visitor Experience Deck, which will be open for the public to explore, and the International Café, which will serve ice cream, drinks and snacks.

M/V Logos Hope will be open to the public from March 17 to April 8. Opening hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday and from 1:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sundays.

Entrance fee is at P20, but children under 12 are free of charge. However, they must be accompanied by an adult.

Aside from the book fair, the ship will also have cultural performances by the ship’s crew, which consists of 400 volunteers from 45 countries.

Von Rotz said that the new ship remains faithful to its predecessor’s mission of bringing knowledge to people.

“We have three purpose statements: to bring knowledge, help and hope,” Von Rotz said. “It’s knowledge not just through books, but also through programs on board the ship.”

Von Rotz explained that they have educational programs designed for primary school children. These they can watch at the ship’s 400-seat theater.

She added that on the ship’s first Sunday in Subic, visitors will have a chance to interact with the crew and visit other areas on the ship.

“That is quite a unique opportunity where we can bring children and expose them to international people,” she added.
- more -
M/V Logos Hope is operated by GBA Ships e.V., an international, charitable organization registered in Germany. The visit of Logos Hope is conducted in partnership with Operation Mobilisation Philippines.

GBA Ships have visited Subic seven times, with the most recent visit in December 2007, seeing 60,000 visitors on board the M/V Doulos. (FMD/MPD-SBMA))

PHOTO:
Members of the international community in the Subic Bay Freeport welcome M/V Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating book fair, as it docks at the Alava Pier on Friday.

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Cargo volume up 7.8% at underused NCT-1

Cargo volume at the New Container Terminal (NCT-1) operated by Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. ( SBITC) rose 7.84 percent to 27,671 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2011 from 25,661 TEUs in 2010.

SBITC, a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), has been promoting Subic to industrial locators and shipping lines to increase containerized cargo handling business in the freeport zone, as the port remains underutilized.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said the port’s average annual throughput from 2007 to 2011 was 24,275.90 TEUs, representing 8 percent of the total capacity.

The estimated handling capacity of NCT-1 is 300,000 TEUs per year.

SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto V. Garcia, in his State of the Freeport address, said NCT-1’s cargo volume in 2010 was 25,661 TEUs, up 17.14 percent from 21,906 TEUs in 2009, and 3.41 percent higher than the 21,184 TEUs recorded in 2008.

NCT-1 is a 14-hectare terminal with a 280-meter berth and a controlling depth of 13 meters.

As of December 31, 2011, SBITC had two post-panamax cranes, three reach stackers, five forklifts, nine prime movers, four manual spreaders and 15 chassis.

SBMA and ICTSI signed the contract for the operation and management of the NCT-2 for a period of 25 years on July 27, 2011.

NCT-2 is a 14-hectare terminal that includes a 280-meter berth with 13-meter depth and two quay cranes. The NCT-2 has an annual throughput capacity of 300,000 TEUs.

NCT-2, together with the adjacent NCT-1, is a primary component of the $215-million Subic port modernization program that was funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). (Genivi Factao, Malaya Business Insight)

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Hanjin to make steel frames for Petron plant

Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction-Philippines (HHIC-Phil) has secured a $38.39 million contract to manufacture steel frames needed by Petron Corp. to modernize its refinery plants in Bataan.

Hanjin signed an agreement on February 28 for the manufacture of the steel frames for the oil company’s refining plant being developed by Korea’s Daelim Industrial Co. Ltd.

The project is part of Petron’s Refined Master Plan Phase 2 (RMP-2) project. The steel frames will be built at HHIC-Phil’s Subic Shipyard.

HHIC-Phil said the steel frames project will take about 15 months to finish.

Daelim Industrial won an order to build for Petron a $2 billion oil refinery plant, the biggest project in Southeast Asia.

"The RMP-2 project, ordered by Petron Corp., is a mammoth project to produce high value-added oil products by extensively modernizing existing refinery plants located in Limay, Bataan, about 150 kilometers southwest of Manila," said Daelim.

HHIC said the severe economic slowdown in the domestic shipbuilding and construction industries and increase in overseas competition has prompted the company to diversify its business structure.

The company has accelerated its overseas plant development business by improving its competitiveness in bidding for construction projects.

Hanjin has also taken advantage of the strength of its Subic shipyard. It plays the role of a steel manufacturing factory with perfect facilities and environment for the manufacture of steel frames, spools and pressure containers.

HHIC is capable of manufacturing high-quality steel frames using state-of-the-art cutting, welding, plating and painting facilities.

It also plans to manufacture various equipment and facilities that will be used in oil refineries, power plants and petrochemical factories that will be constructed in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

The company has two bulk carriers that can transfer goods from Subic to their destination, making the operation very cost effective. HHIC said it is highly competitive in terms of manufacturing costs and transportation costs in the Philippines compared with Korea and China.

"The HHIC-Phil’s Subic Shipyard will be a future growth engine in the shipbuilding sector and strategic base for overseas plant business at the same time," an official from HHIC said.

"We would be able to overcome the current economic slowdown if we keep expanding our overseas business through the Subic shipyard," the official said.

HHIC plans to focus on maximizing synergetic effects in the shipbuilding and construction sectors.

Its Subic Shipyard has maintained competitiveness and productivity with state-of-the-art automation facilities and skilled labor. (Genivi Factao, Malaya)

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Taiwan firms set Luzon expansion

Rep. Raymond L.S. Wang, of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, met last Tuesday with Taiwanese firms in Central Luzon on their expansion plans amid government moves to perk up the economy.

President Jeff Lin, of Subic Bay Development Center, and Freeport locators discussed loans, tax measures and rental issues at the economic zone.

Ambassador Wang said he would take up their concerns with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

Vice president Huang Ming-Meng, of Tong Lung (Phils.) Metal Industry Co., said the firm ranked fifth worldwide among companies producing locks, earning NT$3.17 billion or around 4.6 billion pesos in 2011 with 850 workers at the Freeport alone.

In Zambales, Johnson Huang introduced organic farming at his Green Gardens on an 11-hectare property turning out fresh produce for a high-end clientele.

Robert Leng, TECO economic director, also joined the visit that included the 560-hectare watermelon farm of Victor Peng in Angeles City.

Known in the community as “King of Watermelons”, he employs technology and plant stock from Taiwan on fertile Pampanga soil to grow sweet, juicy and seedless varieties.

Last month, the Department of Labor and Employment said the Republic of China has extended the cumulative stay of migrant workers in the island.

In a statement, Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said Filipinos allowed to work for a period of nine years will now be given up to 12 years stay.

“The extension of stay as approved by Taiwan’s legislative branch provides a reprieve to our OFWs, whose work in Taiwan are ending but are still desired by their employers,” she said in a statement.

About 83,000 Filipinos are employed variously as caretakers, maids, factory workers, nursing aides along with those in the fishing industry.

Labor Attaché to Taipei Reydeluz Conferido said the extension did not mean that more migrant labor would be taken in as a result of relaxing the staying period.

“The policies for employing foreign workers have not been eased,” he said.

Last February, Wang met with Baldoz for policy updates. They discussed future cooperation on alleviating placement fees, online recruitment for direct hiring, and attracting more Taiwanese investors. (Manila Standard Today)

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SBMA mulls redevelopment of Subic airport into world-class tourism facility

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is considering the possibility of turning the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) into a major world-class tourism destination.

According to SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, the operation and maintenance of the Subic airport cost SBMA huge money, leading the SBMA to think of sustainable alternatives like converting it into an integrated family-oriented tourism facility.

Garcia said there are compelling reasons behind the idea to redevelop the SBIA, which he admitted is the most challenging concern the SBMA is facing.

“The Subic airport is superfluous because of Clark, and it is losing. And lastly, it is one of the last remaining prime real estate assets of SBMA,” he reasoned out.

“Huge problems require huge actions for huge solutions. The plan is very bold and very ambitious, but with the support of everyone, this plan will come through,” Garcia added.

The SBMA official also noted that the agency will not spend a single peso on the project because it will be implemented through a joint venture where SBMA will use the value of the land, currently occupied by the airport, as capital.

Since the project requires a big amount of money, the SBMA is hoping to bid the project internationally to attain international standards for the plan and design, he said.

Garcia explained that the basic idea is to turn the airport into something like Sentosa, a popular family-oriented resort in Singapore. The redeveloped SBIA will still be accessible because Subic is now just 45 minutes away from the international airport at the Clark Freeport because of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

The planned leisure complex will house at least two or three international theme parks, a new golf course, duty free shops, hotels and casino, an entertainment complex, a promenade, and a new marina and yacht club, among others.

“The opportunities that exist today are very tremendous, believe me,” Garcia said. “And with the help of every hand, our ambition of turning our airport into a major international tourism destination will come true.” (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA seeds more ‘taklobo’ in Subic Bay

More giant clams or “taklobo” have found their way into Subic Bay through a marine resources conservation program of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the active participation of various stakeholders in this free port.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the agency recently seeded the Ilanin Bay here with 200 taklobo seedlings for this year’s clam-seeding project, as part of the agency’s vision to make the Freeport an eco-urban center which merges industrial development with eco-tourism.

The SBMA purchased the giant clams from the UP Marine Science Institute in Bolinao, Pangasinan with proceeds from this year’s “Takbo para sa Taklobo” fundraising project initiated by the SBMA Ecology Center.

“This is already some sort of a social responsibility project supported by the whole Subic Bay Freeport community,” Garcia explained.

“Everybody pitches in here — from students to workers at locator-companies, to SBMA employees and Freeport Zone residents. We’re very much happy to be involved because we know we’re helping make a better world,” he added.

Giant clams (tridacna gigas), which can live up to a hundred years, are considered an endangered species and serve an integral part of the coral reef system.

SBMA marine biologist Dorothy Joyce Ardiente said their decline could have an adverse effect on the biodiversity of the marine ecosystem, which is why the SBMA has decided on clam seeding as its cornerstone marine conservation program.

The clams, which measure an average of 15 centimeters in diameter when they are seeded, can grow up to 1.5 meters in diameter and weigh up to 258 kilos.

The “Takbo para Taklobo” conservation run has caught on the Subic Bay Freeport community ever since SBMA environment specialist Rhea Jane Pescador conceptualized it in 2010 as a environmental awareness project of the SBMA Ecology Center

The event has been attended by some 1,500 runners in the inaugural run, and by more than 2,000 participants last year. The project raised P54,000 in 2010 and P84,340 last year. (MPD/SBMA)

PHOTO:
A volunteer diver holds up a crate containing giant clams bound for seeding at Ilanin Bay in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The project is part of the SBMA’s marine resources conservation program.

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SBMA bares bold strategy to make Subic top trade & tourism destination

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has bared a five-year strategic plan designed to generate more employment and investment opportunities in this free port.

In his first State of the Freeport Address (SOFA), SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto V. Garcia said that for the next five years, the agency will implement an audacious development program to take advantage of existing opportunities and to maximize Subic’s potentials.

“Until the end of our term in SBMA, in the next five years, we will be working on this very exciting plan, a very ambitious plan that we believe will turn Subic into a place that we will be proud of,” Garcia said.

Among the strategies the SBMA will be implementing under this plan is the development of tourism niche markets, which is envisioned to turn the Subic Freeport into a major tourism destination in the Philippines.

Garcia said the SBMA will also exert all efforts to make Subic the Theme Park Capital of the Philippines, a top sports tourism destination, an eco-tourism attraction, and a cruise ship playground.

Garcia also cited as a good start the arrival in Subic last week of the London-based MV Spirit of Adventure, the first cruise ship to arrive here this year with 378 passengers on board, mostly Europeans.

“Tourism Sec. Robert Jimenez specifically told me that Subic will become a cruise ship destination. And that is true because all of the passengers expressed their happiness in coming here, especially after seeing our rich eco-tourism facilities,” Garcia said.

The SBMA official also said the SBMA will enhance the promotion of maritime businesses here by getting the support of the Department of Transportation and Communications to attract maritime logistics players to come to Subic, maximizing the Vale ore transshipment project, and developing Subic as home base for super yachts.

Garcia’s five-year plan also calls for the development of various residential types for specific markets, such as high-end residences, middle-class housing and workers’ dormitories.

The SBMA will also shift from merely being a landlord to being a developer, Garcia said, saying the agency will develop unutilized and idle properties, and will improve the ease and competitive cost of doing businesses in Subic.

Garcia said the most challenging strategy is the conversion of the Subic Bay International Airport into an integrated family-oriented tourist destination like the Sentosa, a family-oriented resort in Singapore.

“Basically, the idea is to turn the airport into world-class tourism destination with international theme parks, new golf course, duty free shops, hotels and casino entertainment complex among others,” Garcia explained.

“The opportunities that exist today are very tremendous, believe me. And our plan is very bold and very ambitious but with the support of everyone, this plan will come true,” he added.

The SOFA, an annual activity here sponsored by the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC), was attended by Olongapo City Mayor James Gordon, Jr. and city councilors, Zambales Vice-Gov. Ramon Lacbain III, SBFCC officials and members, members of the SBMA Board of Directors, SBMA employees, and officials and workers from various Freeport companies. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia stresses a point during his State of the Freeport Address recently, wherein he unveiled a bold Five-Year Strategic Plan to transform Subic into a thriving maritime, ecotourism and high-tech industrial center.

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Hi-Fi tops Boracay Regatta

THE CHALLENGING and excitement-filled Subic to Boracay and the grueling Boracay Regatta Cup finished off in the late afternoon of March 2, 2012 in the pristine and alluring beach front of the Boracay Island.

Any avid sailor or sailing teams that have the knack and yen for sailing in strong wind conditions should not miss the opportunity to enlist for these annual sailboat races. The organizer expects more participants in the annual sailboat races in the years to come with the increase of foreign and local entries in the past two regattas.

Subic and Boracay were recognized and marked in the international sailing community as "must venues" for sailing in Asia.

Neil Pride and his professional crew on the sailboat Hi-Fi with four wins in a row won the much-coveted Boracay Regatta Cup and with Jun Avecilla’s (Phl) Beneteau First 36.7 Selma Star C! Calibre ROX won in the Cruiser/Racer Class. Ray Ordoveza’s (Phl) Excel 53 Karakoa clinched the Racing Class award with the Capri Carib 31 Freewheeler, skippered by David Wheeler, grabbing the PY Cruising Class award.

The event was organized by the Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen’s Sailing (SAGS) Club of Subic Bay under the auspices of the Philippine Sailing Association, Subic Bay Yacht Club, Philippine Tourism Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Watercraft Ventures, Inc., Lighthouse Marina Resort, the Government of Aklan, SBMA and the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce and with the sponsorship of San Miguel Corporation, PLDT, Cebu Pacific Air, Tieza, Tanduay, Nigi-Nigi Resort and BusinessWorld as media partner. (BusinessWorld)

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