Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary holds 32nd National Convention in Subic Freeport

Around 1,200 members of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) trooped to Subic Bay Freeport for the 32nd National Convention of the country’s sole uniformed volunteer organization, with no less than the Philippine president as the guest of honor.

The event, which likewise hosted the very first PCGA Exhibit, was organized by the group’s prime district, the Coast Guard Auxiliary District National Capital Region-Central Luzon (CGADNCR-CL) headed by its Director, Commodore Salvador G. Tiangco Jr.

The PCGA NACON was graced by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Rear Admiral William Melad, Coast Guard District NCR-CL Commander and PCG Deputy Commandant Commodore Athello Ibañez and Las Piñas Representative Cynthia Villar. It is attended by some of the PCG leaders, District Commanders, and their Auxiliary counterparts.

The Convention is a yearly event of Coast Guard Auxiliaries that gather its members from all 12 districts all over the country. It serves as an annual forum for its members to review the previous year’s performance and further develop strategies aimed at helping the PCG accomplish its mission in promoting safety of life and properties at sea, and protecting the marine environment.

During the two-day event from May 27-28, the National Auxiliary Management Office (NAMO) updates its members on the latest developments and guidelines regarding its four functional areas – the Maritime Safety (MARSAF), Maritime Search and Rescue (MARSAR), Marine Environmental Protection (MAREP), and Community Relations (COMREL).

Aside from providing the participants the opportunity to meet and connect with fellow PCGA members from other districts, the NACON’s highlight was the turn-over of leadership and management to the new National Director.

The PCGA is currently headed by businessman, Vice Admiral Valentin B. Prieto Jr. assisted by his two deputies Rear Admiral Hilarion Dimagiba and Rear Admiral Geronimo Reyes.

At present, there are about 8,000 PCGA members around the country most of whom have floating and air assets. Many of its members are experts in fields of services that are useful to the PCG in meeting its mission requirements as a multi-mission maritime agency. (PCGA)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2131464520975/philippine-coast-guard-auxiliary-holds-32nd-national-convention-in-subic

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Lyceum of Subic Bay and APG inaugurate new learning facility

Lyceum of Subic Bay in partnership with APG International Aviation Academy Inc., one of the best in Asia, inaugurated its new facilities here, Wednesday, May 18 with SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business, Investment and Development Stefanie Saño as guest of honor.

The 34,196 square meter lease area with seven major structures in Cubi-Triboa District Subic Bay Freeport was turned over to Lyceum Subic Bay by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on April 27, 2016. The simple but historic ceremony was led by no less than the Honorable SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia. The property is now named, Lyceum of Subic Bay Annex.

In his turn-over message, Chairman Garcia expressed his confidence that Lyceum, together with APG is able to develop and preserve the facilities and make them the Freeport’s Center for Educational Excellence.

Mr. Alfonso E. Borda, Founding President and CEO of Lyceum of Subic Bay, accepted the challenge and noted that the momentous event marked the beginning of a real difference in education as LSB and APG, commit themselves to the exacting test of excellence of establishing a world-class institution producing a globally competitive workforce.

Senior Deputy Administrator Saño said that the inauguration of the new LSB and APG facilities was an additional achievement for the Freeport community.

Mr. Borda envisions that with the highly qualified, responsible, committed and dedicated management and staff of LSB and APG, this property shall be a home for the best in K to 12 basic education and internationally recognized curriculums in aviation and aeronautics.

Also present during this event were, APG President and CEO Cpt. Arnel Miguel, Ms. Emaline Guadez, LSB Executive Vice President, Ms. Concepcion T. Borda, LSB VP for Administration, Mr. Jeru Joseph T. Borda, LSB VP for Academic Affairs, Dr. Diena B. Oroceo, Dep Ed officials headed by Dr. Bernadette F. Tamayo, Schools Divisions Superintendent and the teaching and non-teaching staff, and students of both LSB and APG.

PHOTO:
APG President and CEO Capt. Arnel Miguel (3rd from left) LYCEUM of Subic Bay President and CEO Alfonso Borda and former Zambales Congresswoman 1st District Mitos Magsaysay (2nd right) lead the ribbon cutting ceremony during the inauguration of the Lyceum of Subic Bay in partnership with the APG International Aviation Academy, Inc. last May 18, 2016. Others in photo are (from left) SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business Investment and Development Stefanie Sano, Ms. Emaline Guadez and LSB Executive Vice President Conception T. Borda.

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US carrier strike group arrives in Subic

A carrier strike group of the US Navy arrived in Subic Bay on Friday (May 20) and will be in Manila on Saturday, the US Embassy announced.

The arrival of the carrier strike group came two days after the Pentagon announced that two Chinese fighter jets had intercepted a US surveillance plane over the South China Sea.

Nuclear-powered supercarrier, the USS John C. Stennis while en route to the Philippines (photo from USS John C.
Stennis Facebook page)

The strike group led by the USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), a nuclear-powered supercarrier that can carry at least 90 fixed-wing aircraft, will be in the country for a "routine visit".

Escorting the supercarrier are guided-missile destroyers USS Stockdale, USS Chung-Hoon and USS William P. Lawrence and guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay.

“We are excited to visit Manila and Subic Bay. This is a great opportunity for our Sailors to see the sights and experience the warm hospitality of the Filipino people,” said Rear Admiral Marcus Hitchcock, strike group commander.

“Many of our Sailors look forward to reconnecting with family and friends in the local area.”

While in the Philippines, strike group personnel will conduct cultural exchanges with the people of the Philippines by participating in community relations projects (COMRELS). Sailors plan to visit local elementary schools, cemeteries, memorials, and a medical center. (GMA News)

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/567054/news/nation/us-carrier-strike-group-arrives-in-subic

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Indian Navy fleet to make port call in Subic Bay

The Indian Navy has deployed its Eastern Fleet to the South China and North West Pacific for a period of two-and-half months in an attempt to demonstrate its commitment towards the Act East policy.

As part of this long operational deployment, the warships of the Eastern Fleet are scheduled to make port calls at Cam Rahn Bay in Vietnam, Subic Bay in the Philippines, Sasebo in Japan, Busan in South Korea, Vladivostok in Russia, and Port Klang of Malaysia.

Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet sailed out last May 18 for a two-and-a-half month long operational deployment to
the South China Sea and Northwest Pacific.

The warships sailed out under the command of the Eastern Fleet flag officer, Commanding Rear Admiral SV Bhokare.

The ships that have been deployed include the indigenously built 6,200t Shivalik-class guided-missile stealth frigates INS Satpura and INS Sahyadr, which are equipped with supersonic anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles; the 27,550t Deepak-class fleet tanker INS Shakti, which is a sophisticated surface warship; and the 1,350t Kora-class guided missile corvette INS Kirch, which is equipped with sub and super-sonic anti-air and anti-ship missiles.

INS Satpura and Sahyadri are commanded by Captain AN Pramod and Captain KS Rajkumar respectively; INS Shakti by Captain Gagan Kaushal; and INS Kirch by Sharad Sinsunwal.

The visits to each port have been scheduled for four days and are aimed at bolstering bilateral ties, as well as inter-operability between the navies.

In a press release, the Defence Ministry stated that the fleet will also carry out passing exercises (PASSEX) with other navies.

The operational deployment will end with the fleet's participation in Exercise Malabar, a naval exercise held with the US Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

Headquartered at Visakhapatnam in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, Eastern Naval Command's Eastern Fleet has 60 vessels.

http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newsindia-deploys-eastern-fleet-to-south-china-and-north-west-pacific-4898617

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MNTC to invest P2B for SCTEx 2016 makeover

THE tollways arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. is investing P2 billion to implement a makeover program for the Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), making it at par with its sister, the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex).

The amount will be spread over a period of three years, Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) President Rodrigo E. Franco said, and will help modernize the expressway.

“After SCTEx was turned over to us last year, we slated several modernization works all aimed at making the SCTEx at par with the Nlex,” he said.

At the top of the list are the recently completed integration of the two thoroughfares which amounted to P758 million, and the ongoing pavement improvement of the SCTEx from 2016 to 2018, which costs P1 billion.

The integration project unified the toll collection systems of the two expressways, thus continually creating a faster and seamless traveling experience for motorists going to and coming from the North.

The integration project also modernized SCTEx’s toll collection system by making available to SCTEx electronic-toll collection through EasyTrip.

The SCTEx pavement repair includes three-year asphalt overlay and road patching of the 94-kilometer expressway to make the SCTEx’s pavement as smooth as that of the Nlex.

Also part of the enhancement program is the installation of modern traffic and telecommunications systems worth P266 million.

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and emergency call boxes are currently being installed along the expressway to ensure the security of motorists. The roadside emergency-call boxes will aid distressed motorists to directly and quickly connect to the SCTEx traffic control room.

The CCTV cameras will enable real-time monitoring of the entire stretch of the expressway which, in turn, will allow expressway teams to respond faster to motorists who may need assistance.

Variable message signs that provide motorists with useful and updated traffic information are being put up along the expressway as well. These signs will be located in Concepcion, Tarlac, and Porac and Floridablanca, Pampanga.

To further guarantee the safety of motorists, high-risk slopes along the expressway are undergoing repair through slope restoration using gabions and geosynthetics reinforcements and adding drainage lines for P22 million.

MNTC has also allotted P47 million in capital expenditures for system and software, traffic devices and facility enhancements.

Toll booths in all SCTEx toll plazas are also up for rehabilitation which will include repainting and replacement of equipment.

“Once these improvements are fully implemented, our motorists can surely expect a smoother and safer travel at SCTEx,” Franco said.

The infrastructure giant is the largest toll-road operator in the Philippines. The conglomerate also has significant shareholdings in expressways in Vietnam and Thailand. (BusinessMirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/mntc-to-invest-p2b-for-sctex-2016-makeover/

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Honeywell eyes additional investment for its Subic Bay operations

Honeywell Aerospace, the world's largest manufacturer of aircraft engines and avionics, may increase investments across Asia Pacific, including the Philippines, as it anticipates higher air traffic in the region following the ratification of the ASEAN Open Skies agreement.

Honeywell Aerospace Asia Pacific president Steven Lien said in an email, the company expects growth in both regional and domestic air traffic with the ratification of the ASEAN Open Skies policy by all 10 member states.

“As the aviation industry continues to grow in Asia Pacific and in the Philippines, Honeywell is committed to supporting the needs of the industry and is confident that this will translate into increased investments across our Asia Pacific facilities, including Subic Bay,” Lien said.

Honeywell’s Philippine facility in Subic Bay provides maintenance, repair and overhaul services for commercial aviation wheels and brakes. Its facility at the Subic Technopark opened in 2003 as Honeywell Ceasa (Subic bay) Company Incorporated.

Lien said the Philippines has played an important role in Honeywell’s operations as the Subic Bay facility has enabled the company to strengthen network support.

In particular, the Honeywell Subic Bay facility has been working closely with local distributors and dealers to offer products and services to airlines operating in the Philippines and around the Asia Pacific region.

The ASEAN Open Skies agreement allows designated carriers of ASEAN countries to operate unlimited flights between capitals.

With growth in both regional and domestic air traffic expected, Honeywell is prepared to pour in funds to address the demand of the aviation industry.

Honeywell is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing company providing aerospace products and services, control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; turbochargers; and performance materials.

The company’s aerospace unit develops innovative solutions intended to make more fuel efficient airplanes, more direct and on-time flights, as well as safer flying and runway traffic.

It is likewise engaged in providing advanced aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity services and logistics. (The Philippine Star)

PHOTO:
Honeywell Ceasa (Subic Bay) Co., Inc. was recently conferred the Mabuhay Business Award by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as among 15 business locators in Subic Bay that have strengthened the local economy and contributed significantly to the growth of the country’s gross domestic product. Honeywell Subic is a P435-million firm providing repair and overhaul of aircraft wheels, brakes and other aircraft equipment.

http://www.philstar.com/business/2016/05/19/1584543/honeywell-eyes-more-investments-asia

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SBMA, Taiwanese port firm sign MOU to better utilize Kaoshiung port

The Taiwan International Port Corporation (TIPC) has signed in April a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in the Philippines on the transit or transfer goods at Kaohsiung Port.

The Philippines has seen phenomenal economic growth in recent years and the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, with 15 piers, is a focus for economic development by the Philippine government as it is close to Clark International Airport, as well having its own international airport, all of which makes Subic Bay a valuable investment target, state-run TIPC said.

Huang Yi-ming, senior supervisor of TIPC’s Kaohsiung branch, said the Subic Bay Freeport Zone houses 1,300 companies from around the world, including Taiwanese firms Wistron Corp, Hitachi Taiwan and Tong Lung Metal Industry Co.

These companies need logistics warehouses, and the partnership agreement between the two ports could motivate more manufacturers in the zone to consolidate their products at Kaohsiung Port before shipping them to the US, elsewhere in Asia and to other nations, he said.

Subic Bay has seen 50 percent growth in cargo handled since 2013, and the SBMA has forecast growth of 30 percent this year, Huang said.

TIPC spokesperson Stephen Liu said the long-distance shipping business, particularly to the North America, has been Kaohsiung Port’s strong suit. "Through Kaohsiung, one can also go on to ports in China,” Liu added.

Compared with ports in Hong Kong and Singapore, Kaohsiung offers competitive rates for transit goods containers, Liu said, adding that the exchange between the seaports would draw more investments in both seaports. (Taipei Times)

PHOTOS:
[1]  SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia (right) exchanges pleasantries with members of the Taiwanese trade delegation led by TIPC Chairman Chih-Ching Chang in a meeting held early this year as part of the delegation's visit to Subic Bay. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] TIPC Chairman Chih-Ching Chang (left) presents SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia with a memento during the visit of Taiwanese investors to the Subic Bay Freeport in January this year. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read more: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2016/04/27/2003644944

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Subic Bay hosts leg 4 of Paddles Up! The Philippine Dragon Boat Tour

Living up to its reputation as the country’s sports mecca, this Freeport proved to be an ideal venue for Paddles Up! The Philippine Dragon Boat Tour, as teams from all over the Philippines participated in the 4th leg of the competition last Saturday (May 14).

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto V. Garcia welcomed the delegates of the Philippine Dragon Boat Tour, saying this is another milestone for the Freeport years after it hosted its last dragon boat competition.

“We are glad that dragon boat is back in Subic,” Garcia said, adding that local and international water sports and sailing enthusiasts have already made Subic Bay their home.

Leg 4 kicked off at the Subic Park Hotel. The gruelling 300- meter competition featured three classes: Women’s 10 seaters (small boat), Mixed Masters 10 seaters (small boat) and Men’s Open 20 seaters (full boat).

Conquering the waters of Subic Bay were delegates from the Philippine Navy winning the Women’s class and the Mixed Masters class. Meanwhile, Sagwan Tanauan ruled in the Men’s Open class.

The Paddles Up! Philippine Dragon Boat Tour is composed of five different legs with more than 20 clubs consisting of collegiate and elite crews.

The first leg was held at Manila Bay in Pasay City November last year, while the second leg was at the Sampalok Lake in San Pablo City, Laguna held last January 9.

The Subic leg came at the heels of the competition’s third leg held at Taal Lake in Tanauan, Batangas last March 5.

Paddles Up! was organized by the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragonboat Federation (PCKDF), in cooperation with Solar Sports Channel. (RBB/MPD-SBMA)


PHOTOS:
Competing teams paddle their craft on Subic Bay during the Paddles Up! The Philippine Dragon Boat Tour held at the Subic Bay Freeport over the weekend. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[Top left] Kahna Versoza, of the Subic Park Hotel, dots the eye of the dragon to start the Subic leg of Paddles Up! The Philippine Dragon Boat Tour over the weekend. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport school eyes P8-M expansion program

Quiz Bee School, Inc., an educational institution offering private pre-elementary, elementary and secondary education in this free port, has committed to invest P8 million worth of development within the next six years under its expansion program.

According to a lease development contract signed recently by Quiz Bee President Gloria P. Tayag and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto V. Garcia, the school management will invest a total of P3 million under Phase 1 of its development program.

(L-R) Quiz Bee Directress Pachie Tayag, Quiz Bee President Gloria P. Tayag, SBMA Chairman
Roberto V. Garcia and SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Stef Saño.

This will be followed by P2 million for the second phase, and P3 million for the final phase of the program.

The new contract gives Quiz Bee School, Inc. a new lease term of 25 years for a property located at the Subic Gateway District in this free port.

The school, which was founded here in 2009 as the Quiz Bee Early Learning Center, initially offered only pre-elementary and Grades 1 to 3 courses under the Department of Education curriculum, but will now be offering from Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K to 12) basic education program.

Tayag said that aside from the P8-million development commitment, Quiz Bee will also provide a total of 24 scholarship grants annually to help provide for the education of youth coming from the Subic Bay community.

Quiz Bee President Gloria P. Tayag discusses the firm’s development program with SBMA
Chairman Roberto V. Garcia during the signing of a new lease development contract for the
Subic school.

These will be composed of eight “tuition fee only” scholarship grants per year, starting school year 2016-2017 open to qualified students; 15 “tuition fee only” scholarship grants open exclusively to SBMA employees’ dependents enrolling under the K to 12 Program; and one scholarship grant for the Ayta community in a different educational institution.

Garcia said the scholarship grants to be provided by Quiz Bee “would be a huge contribution to SBMA efforts to promote inclusive growth to stakeholders of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.”

“We have been encouraging business locators in Subic to give their share in uplifting the quality of life of the people in the Freeport area, and your scholarship program will be a generous support to this collective effort,” Garcia said. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, partner-orgs provide 10-day lifeguard training

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Redondo Peninsula Energy, Inc. (RPEnergy), in cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard, Brent International School Subic, and Zambales Lifesaving Inc. (ZLI), have started a 10-day lifeguard training course for young adults and indigenous residents from the municipality of Iba, Zambales, Olongapo City, and Sitio Pastolan in Hermosa, Bataan.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto Garcia said the lifeguard course would equip participants with the necessary aquatic safety knowledge and skills, which they may consider as a future profession, while they aid calamity-stricken areas in the country.

“Swimming can both be fun and dangerous, but with the presence of trained and skilled lifeguards in swimming areas such as pools and beaches, and especially during times of strong typhoons and raging floods, it can prevent the loss of lives,“ Garcia said.

Litz Santana, Meralco PowerGen’s vice president and head of External Affairs, added, “Not only does this training create the feeling of a safer and more secure community; it also creates job opportunities for certified graduates.”

Meanwhile, Roger Bound, ZLI president and program director said, “It is a great privilege for us to be able to share our expertise with those who are willing, able, disciplined, and passionate to help localities especially during calamities, which take lives and leave families heartbroken from missing love ones.”

ZLI is a non-stock, non-profit organization that was established in 2015 to promote and educate interested residents in coastal communities about lifesaving activities and drowning prevention.

Redondo Peninsula Energy, Inc. (RP Energy) is a consortium composed of Meralco Power Gen (MGen), Aboitiz Power Corporation, and Taiwan Cogeneration International Corporation, which will soon operate a 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant at the Redondo Peninsula in Subic, Zambales.

The lifeguard training course will run from May 10 to 19, 2016 here in Subic Bay Freeport.

Successful candidates will be given certificates that will qualify them to serve as professional lifeguards here and abroad. The graduation ceremony will be held at Crystal Beach, San Narciso, Zambales. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
Philippine Coast Guard members train young adults to become certified lifeguards equipped with the knowledge and skills to save lives during times of strong typhoons and raging floods in the locality.

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Firm turning abandoned Subic hotel-casino into BPO, support center for online gaming

After a decade of neglect, the former Legenda Hotel and Casino here is now being transformed by an online-gaming company into an offshore support facility.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia said the once-popular Subic attraction for high-rollers has been taken over by Tele Empire, a company that will engage in business-process outsourcing (BPO) and support services for online gaming.

The Legenda Hotel and Casino in Subic Bay in its glory days

The new operator will pay rent for the whole property at an appraised value of P3.6 million a month, Garcia said.

“We got a very good deal here because for a long time, the Legenda Hotel has been a huge eyesore right in the middle of Subic’s business district,” Garcia said in a recent media briefing.

“Now we’re getting rid of this eyesore and getting good money for it, at the same time,” he said.

The former haven for high-rollers sits on one whole block of prime land along the Waterfront Road, right next to Building 229, which houses the main offices of the SBMA.

The Malaysian-owned Legend International Resorts Ltd. Co. (LIRL) started operating the casino-hotel in 1993 with a $130-million investment.

However, the state-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) padlocked the Legenda casino in May 2006 for nonpayment of arrears amounting to P365 million.

The LIRL claimed its casino has been operating at a net loss, but Pagcor said its special audit team discovered Legenda was charging expenses in its non-casino operations to its casino operation.

The SBMA has worked on a debt-restructuring scheme with the LIRL management, but the firm did not comply with it, thus, ending up with unpaid obligations to the SBMA amounting to P850 million, records indicated.

After the last employees left in 2009, the hotel building was left to the elements. Last year its derelict façade became the backdrop of a Halloween costume-show organized by SBMA employees.

As of now, the new operator has stripped the facility bare of the furniture and fixtures that remained in the abandoned building.

“It’s already being repaired,” Garcia said.

The SBMA official said while the new operator will provide support services for online gaming, no actual gambling will be done at the Subic premises.

“I will not allow it,” Garcia said. (Henry Empeño, BusinessMirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/firm-turning-abandoned-subic-hotel-casino-into-bpo-support-center-for-online-gaming/

Looking back: Legend Resorts

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First PH micro-satellite Diwata-1 to be launched into space tonight

Following its historical delivery to the International Space Station (ISS) last month, Diwata-1, the first Philippine micro-satellite, will be driven to space to start its mission on April 27, Wednesday, 7 PM (Philippine time).

Diwata-1 is expected to be in orbit for approximately 20 months and will be imaging the country twice daily.

Diwata-1, the Philippines' first micro-satellite (wikipedia photo)

Along with the micro-satellite development is the installation of the satellite ground receiving station called PEDRO or the Philippine Earth Data Resources Observation. Located in Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales, Pedro is tasked to receive Diwata-1 imagery, including other images from selected commercial satellites.

According to the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), the micro-satellite will be released by the JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer at an altitude of 400 kilometers from the earth’s surface.

The deployment of Diwata-1 marks the first foray of a 50-kg class satellite from the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) nicknamed “Kibo”, the National Research and Development Institute of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in Tsukuba Space Center said.

Acknowledging this historical milestone, JAXA noted that “the deployment of the micro-satellite combines the only air lock and robot arm in the ISS used in Kibo operations, which, in the future, is expected to be one of the important means to meet the launch needs of micro-satellites.”

Diwata-1’s mission is to capture photos and images from its main payload consisting of high precision telescope, spaceborne multispectral imager, and wide field camera. The telescope produces high-resolution imaging for observing large-scale weather patterns while the imager is used for monitoring bodies of water and vegetation. Meanwhile, the camera is used in observing large-scale weather patterns.

According to DOST secretary Mario G. Montejo, Diwata-1 is historic as it is designed, developed, and assembled by Filipino scientists. “Aside from the micro-satellite’s use in disaster-response mechanisms, agriculture, tourism, and others, it also marks a milestone in the country’s developing space program and a testament that local scientists can make our own micro-satellite,” he said.

Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said that the launch of Diwata-1 is “not only a giant leap for Philippine science and technology. It could also provide Philippine policy makers with the scientific data and information needed to formulate policies relating to disaster mitigation, agricultural productivity, and management of land and water resources.

Another space-related facility under construction is the UP Diliman Micro-satellite Research and Instructional facility which will be the hub of training for future space technology research and development activities.

Diwatas 1 and 2, and the ground station called (Pedro) are part of a three-year, P840.82-million microsat program.

The space launch can be watched live at youtube.com/user/jaxachannel. (Newsbytes.ph)

http://newsbytes.ph/2016/04/26/first-ph-micro-satellite-to-be-released-into-space-on-april-27/

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Japanese helicopter carrier docks in Subic Bay for goodwill visit

Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Hyūga-class helicopter destroyer, JS Ise (DD-182) arrived today at the Alava Pier here in Subic Bay Freeport for a four-day goodwill visit.

This marks the third time a Japanese naval vessel docked in the Philippines. Commanded by Captain Masaki Takada, JS Ise is one of the most modern ships of the JMSDF.

The goodwill visit aims to strengthen maritime relationship between the JMSDF and the Philippine Navy and promote regional peace and stability.

JMSDF delegates are set to visit the San Antonio, Zambales-based Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) which is commanded by Rear Admiral Renan C. Suarez.

Visiting navy personnel will engage with their Filipino counterparts, particularly those assigned at NETC through shipboard tour on the Japanese ship and visit at NETC facilities.

The ship was built by IHI Marine United and commissioned into service on March 16, 2011. It is the second ship to be named Ise, the first being the Imperial Japanese Navy World War II-era battleship Ise. (SNL)

PHOTOS:

[1] The JS Ise (DDH 182) a Japanese helicopter carrier of the Japan Maritme Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is being towed by tugboats as it approaches the Alava pier of Subic Bay Freeport zone Tuesday morning (April 26) for a four-day goodwill visit to the Philippines. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] Japanese chopper crew gamely lifts a lady reporter with the rescue hoist of a Seahawk SH60K-ASW helicopter aboard the JS Ise during a shipboard tour for covering media while the ship is moored at the Alava pier of Subic Bay Freeport. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Filipino dock workers await the Japanese helicopter carrier JS Ise (DDH 182) as it approaches

the Alava pier in Subic Bay Freeport Tuesday morning (April 26) for a four-day goodwill visit to

the Philippines. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Japanese carrier on goodwill visit to PHL

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The arrival here of the Japanese helicopter carrier JS Ise (DDH 182) on Tuesday is purely a goodwill visit to the Philippines and is not connected in any way to the growing tension in the West Philippine Sea because of Chinese claims over disputed islands and shoals.

This was the message stressed by Capt. Masaki Takada, commanding officer of the Japanese ship, during a media interview after the naval destroyer warship and helicopter carrier docked at the Alava Pier here.

Masaki denied that the visit was meant to counteract the growing presence of China in the disputed areas. He added that they are just here for a goodwill visit, along with some “rest and relaxation.”

The ship was welcomed by the Philippine Navy, led by Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) Capt. Samuel Felix, who said that the ship officials will make a courtesy call on Rear Admiral Renan Suarez, commander of the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) in San Antonio, Zambales.

Felix, who is also the deputy commander of the NETC, will lead the interaction between Philippine Navy men and their Japanese counterparts, which aims to strengthen the relationship between the two maritime forces.

Felix said that crewmen of Ise would visit the NETC facilities in Zambales, while NETC sailors would have a shipboard tour of the JS Ise.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Robert Garcia also welcomed the arrival of Japanese sailors, saying that he hopes they enjoy their visit to Subic.

Garcia said the Subic Bay Freeport is fast becoming a tourism site as well for military personnel, as more foreign military forces arrive for routine port calls.

“Subic Bay is not just a staging area or port of call for foreign forces; it is also one of the top tourist destinations in the country. Here, visitors — whether civilians or military — always enjoy their stay,” he added.

The Subic Freeport was once a “rest and recreation” area for American military forces when it was still the biggest US military installation outside of continental United States.

Areas such as the Grande Island and the All Hands and Dungaree beaches were usually full of US military men who spent their free days relaxing under the sun.

The visit of JS Ise marked the third time that Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels made a port call in the Philippines this year. Previous visitors were the Minesweeper Division 51 on March 2 and the submarine Oyashio (SS-511) along with two destroyer ships on April 3. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

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BoC-Subic holds steel bars from China

Almost 5,000 metric tons of deformed steel bars are entering the Philippines from China, but may not be on a par with the Philippine national standards and “pose a threat to security and safety.”

In an April 21 alert order forwarded to the media on Monday, the Bureau of Customs reported deformed steel bars in bundles were aboard the MV Well Faith was supposed to have docked in Subic port last Thursday.

Steel bars from China (File photo by Reuters)

The 4,929.38 MT of deformed steel were consigned to a certain Mannage Resources Trading Corp.

The alert order noted the shipment was red-flagged in the absence of an appropriate import permit, potentially in violation of Section 2503 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines which lists imported properties “subject to forfeiture.”

In a letter to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) office in Zambales, the Philippine Iron & Steel Institute (PISI) wants the Subic and trade authorities to move against the shipment based on the Customs alert order. "...[W]e request for your assistance in holding the processing of the import entry of Mannage Resources Trading Corp. until the Bureau of Philippine Standards has conducted a complete inventory, thorough examination and testing of physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the product...” Roberto Cola, PISI president, said in the April 21 letter.

“We ask for your assistance on this matter to ensure that these imported reinforcing steel bars are in conformity with the Philippine National Standards and do not pose a threat to the security and safety of our Filipino consumers,” he added. (Kristyn Nika M. Lazo, The Manila Times)

http://www.manilatimes.net/boc-holds-steel-bars-from-china-in-subic/258348/


'THOU SHALT NOT [DUMP] STEEL' | BoC tags China cargo for 'lack of permit' but strong lobby is on

MANILA - A group of stakeholders in the iron and steel sector is asking local Customs officials in Subic to hold processing of a shipment of steel bars from China, which the BoC's Intelligence Group had earlier tagged for "lack of permit."

The Philippine Iron and Steel Institute has written the District Collector of Subic, Atty. Emelito G. Aquino, asking for help in holding the processing of the import entry of Mannage Resources Trading Corp., for 4,928.38 metric tons of what are called "deformed steel bars," and asking authorities to first ensure these comply with Philippine National Standards. It's important to ensure the bars from China -- which in recent days has been accused by several countries of dumping steel products as it deals with a glut -- do not pose a threat to the "security and safety of Filipino consumers," said the Iron and Steel Institute's president, Roberto M. Cola, in the letter to Subic district collector Aquino.

The consignee, Mannage Resources Trading Corp, lists its address at Unit 1203-1204 One Global Place in Bonifacio Global City.

The appeal from Cola's group was lodged amid information that certain "well-connected" Filipino-Chinese businessmen have lobbied the Department of Trade and Industry to give the shipment a clean bill of health in order to facilitate release. InterAksyon sources said local steel manufacturers are subjected to some 200 tests for every 5,000 mt of steel products, and they expect a "level playing field" with respect to the imported steel bars from China.

So-called "deformed steel bars" are not necessarily sub-standard, but are categorized as such because they are not as polished as the others. Still, they need to be subjected to tests to ensure consumer safety. Â The Iron and Steel Institute has asked Subic collector Aquino to hold release of the cargo until the DTI's "Bureau of Philippine Standards has conducted: a complete inventory; a thorough examination; and testing for physical, chemical and mechanical properties" of the steel bars.

It was learned that on April 21, Deputy Customs chief, retired general Jessie Dellosa, had issued an "alert order" for the shipment from Hangzhou for "lack of permit," in violation of Sec. 2503 in relation to Section 2530 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.

The 2,461 bundles from the Hangzhou CIEC Group Co. Ltd. were loaded on the Well Faith vessel, with registry number OPL 0005-16, which left the port of Shanghai April 14.

Sources said the steel bars have since been unloaded from the Chinese boat, but are stored in Subic, while the influential Filipino-Chinese businessmen are lobbying DTI to fast-track the clearances from the Bureau of Product Standards. One source said it had been issued already an import commodity clearance. (InterAksyon.com)

http://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/national/thou-shalt-not-dump-steel-boc-tags-china-cargo-for-lack-of-permit-but-strong-lobby-is-on/ar-BBsd9Si#image=1

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Seaoil builds P350-million station along SCTEX route

Competition of oil industry players along tollways onward to North Luzon is expected to intensify as independent player Seaoil Philippines, Inc. is now advancing to completion its P350 million mega-station along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) route.

The company is one of the ‘independents’ given the permit to put up a new gasoline station within the SCTEX stretch.

A portion of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX)

While other gasoline stations – generally by the oil industry majors – serve the expanse of proximate North Luzon Expressway, it is anticipated that the contest on cornering customer patronage will eventually converge among all tracts of these so-called fast travel-designed roads, including that of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).

According to Seaoil, its SCTEX station is targeted for full commercial operations by the last quarter of this year.

This venture is its collaboration with Double Dragon Properties Corporation of Tony Tan Caktiong of the Jollibee Foods Corporation fame.

Seaoil president for retail and chief finance officer Mark L. Yu noted that the SCTEX mega-station “will be the company’s banner station that will greatly improve our brand presence.”

He added that this shall also be the oil firm’s new network “to serve more motorists, especially those travelling from Northern Luzon and cities like Baguio.”

It has been indicated that one of the distinguishing and striking amenities of the service station would be a mall within its compound, courtesy of its property developer-partner.

“The full service filling station will have an array of restaurants and convenience stores, and will feature spacious rest rooms, parking spaces and relaxation areas for travellers,” the oil firm said.

It was some sort of a prognostic vision for Seaoil, which sounded off years back, that it wants to be “the fuel of choice” – in some way parallel to “the fast food of choice matrix” that its partner’s food venture affiliate is known for.

For the longest time, the expressways had been confined to the petroleum retail service of the traditional players, but with the downstream oil industry’s deregulation, even these segments of the market also opened up for wider competition. (Myrna Velasco, Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/seaoil-builds-p350-million-station-along-sctex-route/

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