LOOK: The Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers of 2016

The winners of the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers pose for a souvenir photo during the awarding ceremony held at the Ayala Harbor Point Mall in Subic Bay Freeport zone.

Dennis Pablo, from an Aeta community of Iram in Olongapo City and works at Cresc Inc., proudly shows his plaque after being recognized as one of the awardees of the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers.

Dennis Pablo joins his family for a souvenir photo.

SBMA Office of the Administrator Officer-in-Charge Randy B. Escolango (6th from left) and Senior Administrator Ramon O. Agregado (9th from left) joins the winners of the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers for a souvenir photo. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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2016 ten outstanding Subic Freeport workers awarded

An Aeta tribal member and a school paper adviser complete the ten workers in this freeport who were recognized Friday (Nov. 25) for their exemplary performance and contributions in their respective workplace.

The Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers, also known as “Ten-O,” is an annual event initiated by the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. (SBWDFI), a non-government entity established by Freeport-based locators and investors, in partnership with the Labor Department of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

SBMA Labor Department manager and concurrent SBWDFI president Atty. Severo Pastor, Jr. said that the ten awardees are the epitome of the best Filipino workers in the country.

The “Ten-O” were selected among more than 100,000 freeport workers, hundreds of which were nominated to undergo a battery of interviews, performance appraisal and screening by the board of judges.

The selection focused on the advocacy of welfare and values of workers, to honor and recognize the “best among the best” for their discipline, dedication and commitment to excellence.

Officials from the SBMA and TESDA led the Freeport workers and executives in the recognition of the ten outstanding workers.

Among the ten awardees is a member of the Aeta tribal community and a school paper adviser who, because of their passion and dedication to their jobs, have performed exceptionally in their own field.

Dennis Pablo was a high school graduate from the Aeta tribal community of Iram and currently works as maintenance leader at Cresc Incorporated whose dedication to work and his knowledge in technical matters contributed to increase productivity. Cultural differences did not hinder him from contributing ideas that improved the company’s products;

Sergio Ontuca, a respected professor, program head and moderator of school organ of the Mondriaan Aura College, unselfishly gave his precious time in the curriculum development area, particularly in languages and social sciences and inspired students who found themselves gifted with the power of pen. Ontuca, who started as a part-time college instructor, is also well-loved by faculty members, non-teaching personnel and students.

Other awardees include Mark Dwin Alqueza, a Spare Parts Interpreter at DunBrae Subic who provides timely and efficient service to customers and service technicians in Australia in the sourcing and provision of spare parts. He has been consistently rated as an excellent customer service provider who stays true to the company’s core values and vision;

Jeaneth Alvarez, Quality Controller at Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation. She monitors the quality of the fuel being received, stored and delivered by checking the certificates of analysis, making sure that all parameters are within specifications. She also acts as adviser to the Operations superintendent and manager, providing recommendations concerning fuel quality;

Catherine Bondoc, Document Controller Supervisor at FBM Systems and Electronics, Inc. who continually performs document control, internal and external audit, ISO certification maintenance, among others, and for six years has been an excellent asset for the company. Persistent and with positive attitude, she influences her co-workers and promotes good teamwork—qualifications that made her an Excellent FBM Employee 0f 2016;

Mark Henson Calunod, is a dedicated and highly deserving employee who serves as the head butcher at the Subic Duty Free Shop Inc. (Meatplus Café). Serving for 12 years, he exuded dependability, efficiency and consistent punctuality;

Engr. Rolinda Escaño, Process Shift Engineer for SubicWater. Engr. Lyn moved her peers and colleagues to work and thrived in an environment where culture of competence, honesty professionalism and teamwork have been exemplified.

Riza Gallardo works at Wistron InfoComm Phils. Corp. as function leader, Gallardo has a strong knowledge in materials management such as planning, purchasing, controlling and monitoring of material inventory, and has system control over activities of over 60 different warehouses of the company. She also helped the company attain two major audit certificates: ISO 9000, an international standard related to Quality Management Systems and ANSI ESD S20.20, an international standard related to the global need of electronics industry;

Albert Manuel works at the Mega Subic Terminal Services Inc. as information and document personnel and concurrently pollution control officer. Manuel is a consistent outstanding employee because of his honesty, dedication and enthusiasm to his job, and a leader who serves as source of inspiration among peers to get the best out of their duties; and

Nhoel Pulido, a Management Information System (MIS) Engineer II at Nicera Philippines whose main task as database administrator manages the company’s whole logistics, production and financial database records. His competency earned him the management’s trust to administer the company’s file and application servers, as well as its application systems. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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GQMC recognizes SBMA’s quality management system

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently was given recognition by the Government Quality Management Committee (GQMC) for attaining ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems Certification which led to achieving successful years for the agency.

The GQMC annually recognized government agencies, including government-owned and controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, and local government units whose quality management systems (QMS) have attained ISO 9001 Certification from January 2012 to October 2016.

In a communication sent to SBMA, GQMC chairman and Budget Sec. Benjamin Diokno stated that the conferment was in recognition of the established QMS of SBMA in conformity with the ISO 9001 Standards.

ISO 9001:2008 Certificate is awarded by International Standard Organization (ISO) certified Registrars to an organization which meets specified quality system requirements to be able to consistently provide conforming products, either material or services to meet customer's expectations.

In the Philippines, ISO certification and quality management in government institutions was required through Executive Order 605 and Administrative Order 161, respectively, signed by then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

SBMA obtained the ISO Certificate since January 2013 and was re-certified on June this year, according to SBMA OIC-Total Quality Management (TQM) Office John Aquino, who received the certificate in a ceremony held at LBP Auditorium in Manila.

The First Surveillance Audit was conducted by AJA Registrars Inc. which resulted in the “zero major non-conformity, zero minor non-conformity and nine observations”. This, according to Aquino, was considered a legacy in the history of government offices.

“This is the fruit of an all-Agency effort and utmost commitment to QMS and good governance by the dedicated men and women of the SBMA headed by Chairman Martin Diño,” Aquino said.

Aquino said that SBMA started working to meet with the requirement based on standards specified on ISO 9001:2008 since October 2012 with AJA Registrars.

All departments of SBMA had conformed to the ISO 9001 resulting to the issuance of ISO 9001:2008 Certification last April 2013, he said.

These offices include the Internal Services Group with 10 offices/departments; Maritime, Business and Investment Group with seven offices/departments; Regulatory Group with six offices/departments, and Chairman and Administrator-CEO Group which composed of six offices and departments.

The GQMC is being co-chaired by Trade Sec. Ramon Lopez with members DILG Sec. Ismael Serena and Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) Pres. Antonio Kalaw. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Martin B. Diño poses with other officials as he presents the GQMC certificate recognizing SBMA's attainment of the ISO 9001 QMS during the agency's flag ceremony Monday. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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USS Comstock arrives in Subic Bay

USS Comstock (LSD 45) with embarked Marines of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, docked in Subic Bay Thursday (Nov. 17) to provide the crew and Marines an opportunity to rest and recuperate after nearly a month and a half at sea.

Subic Bay marks the second port visit for the Comstock after departing Naval Station San Diego on October 14. Several Filipino-American Sailors and Marines will also spend time with their families and experience the local culture while learning about their own heritage.

"I am very proud that my first port visit as the Commanding Officer of the Comstock was to my birthplace, Guam, and I'm even more honored that our next port visit will be to the country where my mother and father were born - the Philippines,” said Comstock Commanding Officer Cmdr. Gervy Alota. “It will be a fantastic opportunity for my crew to enjoy and learn about the history and culture of the Philippines and to strengthen the already close ties between our two nations. I look forward to reuniting with my family and forming new friendships with the people of Subic Bay."

The Comstock and embarked 11th MEU, part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, have been conducting training together for nearly a month and a half at sea. Comstock and other ships of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group are currently on a routine patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the region. The Comstock is based out of Naval Station San Diego, Calif. The 11th MEU is based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. (U.S. Embassy, Manila)

PHOTOS:

The US Navy ship USS Comstock (LSD-45), a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship, docked at the Alava pier of Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales province for a replenishment port call Wednesday (Nov. 16) afternoon as joint US and Philippine special operations forces begins its annual combat exercise dubbed “Balance Piston” in the western province of Palawan. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings released

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT: Ninety-six Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings, a seriously endangered species of sea turtles, slowly crawled their way to the sea after they were released at the beach here last Saturday.

Amethya dela Llana Koval, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Ecology Center manager, said the ritual is a tradition these turtles must follow for them to remember their footprints when they decide to come back to the same place years later to nest and lay their eggs.

The All Hands Beach, like most other coastal areas in this former US naval base that is now a bustling freeport and economic zone, regularly hosts turtles on its shores and the owner of the beach has ensured that they return to their nesting ground without being “disoriented” and the eggs laid will be protected until they hatch and are ready to make their trip to the open sea.

According to experts, these turtles have a very small chance of survival once they are in the sea and only a mere one percent of them are likely to survive the perilous journey.

“There are actually 105 in this batch of turtle eggs but six did not make it that’s why only 96 are being released now,” says Nick, a turtle expert at the beach who watches over the eggs throughout their hatching period.

According to him, female turtles lay about a hundred eggs but may nest up to three times in a year.

The nesting season starts somewhere in the latter half of the year and lasts until December.

Aside from SBMA Ecology Center officials and other Subic investors, beach goers joined in releasing the hatchlings.

Koval said more people should be encouraged to help in preserving the endangered pawikan turtles as well as other sea creatures by avoiding the use of plastics and throwing them in the sea.

“These turtles sometimes mistake the plastic for jellyfish and ingest them, resulting in their death,” she added.

The Olive Ridley, which has a lifespan of up to 50 years, feeds on jellyfish, snails, crabs, shrimp and occasionally eat algae and seaweeds. (Patrick Roxas, Manila Times)

PHOTO:
newly-hatched baby turtles scurrying their way to the sea at the All Hands Beach in Subic Bay Freeport (photo from Ameth DL Koval's FB page) 

http://www.manilatimes.net/olive-ridley-turtle-hatchlings-released/296541/

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Subic Bay Port’s Container Freight Station now open for business

More ships are expected to call on the port of Subic with the opening of the first Container Freight Station (CFS) that caters to the Central Luzon market.

This, as the Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation (SBITC), in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Bureau of Customs Subic (BOC-Subic) inaugurated early this week the newly-built CFS located at SBITC’s New Container Terminal at the Port of Subic.

SBMA Chairman Martin B. Diño stressed the importance of the CFS in this port as this will boost more trade in the region. "This new facility will definitely encourage our importers and exporters in Central Luzon to regularly ship their cargoes through the port of Subic," Diño said.

In the meantime, SBITC President Roberto R. Locsin thanked the SBMA and the BOC for supporting the completion of the CFS, adding that the project is clearly a good example of an effective public-private partnership. "We are one with SBMA in ensuring the growth of businesses inside the Freeport, particularly in the shipping business,” Mr. Locsin said.

Subic Bay's CFS will be utilized to consolidate into, or de-consolidate goods from containers for transport to their next destination for Less-than-Container Load (LCL) shipments.

With eight loading bays capable of stripping and stuffing eight containers simultaneously, the facility has an initial storage space of 840 square meters, expandable up to 1,860 square meters. It also features state-of-the-art equipment and a 24-hour CCTV system.

SBITC has tapped ECU Worldwide (through ECU-Line Philippines, Inc.), one of the country’s top consolidators, to cater to exporters and importers’ LCL requirements.

SBITC is a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), which is engaged in port operation, management, and development. ICTSI’s portfolio of terminals and projects spans developed and emerging market economies in the Asia Pacific, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. (NBM/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO: 
The newly-built on-dock Container Freight Station of the SBITC at the Port of Subic. (SNL)

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New SBMA investments reach P111.5 B in Jan-Sept

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has approved P111.5 billion in new investments in the first nine months of the year.

These new investments are expected to create more than 55,000 new jobs.

Read more here: http://www.philstar.com/business/2016/11/11/1642430/new-sbma-investments-reach-p111.5-b-jan-sept

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Subic Bay to be highlighted at the 1st Sports Tourism Awards, NorthPhil Travel Expo

Subic Bay is among the country’s sports tourism venues vying for the coveted Destination of the Year at the 1st Tourism Sports Awards to be held at Resorts World Manila on November 22.

Charles Lim, founder of the Philippine Sports Tourism Award, in a letter addressed to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department manager Mary Jamelle Camba, said the Subic Bay Freeport Zone has been shortlisted as a nominee in three categories: Destination of the Year, Event Sponsorship of the Year and Organizer of the Year- Government.

Subic Bay hosts some of the biggest sports competitions in the region like the 5i50 Century Tuna Triathlon, Asian Duathlon Championships, Subic Adventure Race, Bike Festival Asia, SMART Subic International Marathon, Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT), among others.

It recently received high ratings as a venue of some of the top triathlon events in the world. At the 2015 Ironman 70.3, Subic Bay garnered a superior rate of 85.80% in APAC overall satisfaction score and was placed at number 6, along with Cairns in Queensland, Australia, among the best triathlon venues in Asia-Pacific.

In the meantime, the SBMA expressed support to the NorthPhil Travel and Tourism Expo to be spearheaded by the Department of Tourism Central Luzon in Clark on November 11.

SBMA Chairman Martin Diño and OIC-Office of the Administrator Atty. Randy Escolango will head the Subic Bay delegation composed of hoteliers, event organizers and theme parks executives in the said affair. They will also lead the opening of SBMA Tourism Booths that will showcase the sounds, colors and tastes of Subic Bay.

Chairman Diño said the travel expo will help boost even more the tourism industry of the region by recognizing, promoting and marketing the unique elements of tourism each province has.

“It should be noted that Subic Freeport was named as the region’s most visited tourism destination since 2013 and as the Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon by the Department of Tourism (DoT) regional office for obtaining the highest number of local and foreign travelers who visited the region,” he said.

The three-day tourism expo, which will present the “Seven Days in Central Luzon” tour package promoting the unique strengths and potentials of the seven provinces and two economic zones of the region, is a project of DOT Central Luzon director Ronnie Tiotuico to be launched on November 11.

“Tourists will discover how they would enjoy surfing in Aurora, agri-tourism in Nueva Ecija, heritage culture and arts in Bulacan, culinary journey in Pampanga, pilgrimage in Tarlac, adventure in Bataan, beach and nature in Zambales, and MICE (meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibits) events in Clark and Subic, all during the Seven-Day Tour Package,” Tiotuico said.

Tiotuico also lauded the Association of the Tourism Organizations of Central Luzon (ATOCEL) for its active participation in designing tour packages showcasing the accessibility and the diversity of the region in terms of tourism products, activities and experiences.

Expected to grace the travel exposition are DOT Directors Helen Catalbas of Region 6 (Western Visayas), Judy Gabato of Region 7 (Central Visayas) and Mary June Bugante of Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula).

Also invited were DOT regional directors Martin Valera (Ilocandia), Marie Venus Tan (Cordillera Autonomous Region), Virgilio Maguigad (Cagayan Valley), Rebecca Labit of (Southern Tagalog) and, Dir. Tiotuico for Central Luzon, to open the NorthPhil. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Subic Bay provides the ideal environment for various sports competitions (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Shoe manufacturer now in Subic Bay Freeport Zone (updated)

Construction of a manufacturing facility that will produce branded shoes for export is now in progress in this freeport.

Datian Subic Shoes, Inc. will have its 42,800-square meter area shoe facility located at Phase II of the Subic Bay Gateway Park.

A statement from Datian Subic said the company was established in Taiwan in 1972 and in China in 1992 and is now expanding its scale of business to suffice the capacity of production and comply with international trends.

The statement said the company has chosen the Philippines "thru Subic Bay Freeport Zone, being a strategic location as it is near the (sea) port and airport."

"Its secured environment, accommodating, friendly and well-educated workforce are the key factors why Subic was the choice among the rest of location that was studied for," it added.

Datian Subic will produce branded vulcanized shoes for export and is expected to generate additional jobs for communities around the freeport zone.

Datian Subic President Vincent Chen said the company is looking forward for a strong and harmonious relationship with the Freeport and its community.

"The company’s philosophy is to meet customers need, seek excellent quality service and primary welfare to all employees," Chen said.

"This will be a good start for the year 2017 with the new Freeport Leaders and will be the year for Datian Subic Shoes full operation," Chen added.


PHOTO:

A construction worker pushes his wheelbarrow in front of the building that will house the assembly line for Datian Subic Shoes, Inc. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic International Marathon slated this weekend

The longest running full marathon race in the country, Subic International Marathon (SIM), now on its 11th year, is set on November 12 to 13, 2016 starting at the Remy Field in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

SIM’s premium full marathon and half marathon categories (42.195km and 21km respectively) will fire off on the late afternoon of Saturday, giving the runners a unique feel and experience while tackling the scenic and challenging course of the freeport at night.

November 13 is the setting of the 10km, 7km, 5km and 3km no-frills fun run, capped in the beautiful, chill and relaxed atmosphere of a Sunday morning in Subic Bay. This is catered for everyone wanting a shorter, family friendly run.

With the expected 5000 runners, SIM continues on with its yearly commitment to support the beneficiaries: Dilaab Foundation, Inc., God Bless Our Cops Movement and the Subic Chapter of Bukas Loob sa Diyos Covenant Community.

SIM is organized eXtribe, Inc., supported by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Tekton Manufacturing Corp. makers of ProteinCare and Perfect Muscle, Salomon Philippines, Subic Bay Peninsular Hotel, Pacific Cross Health Care Inc., Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund Inc., Slimmers World Subic, Ambucore Ambulance Services, and Cycles & Brew by Hubble.

Further details on the event can be found more at www.facebook.com/subicinternationalmarathon or www.extribe.com.ph/sim

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Zoobic reopens famous night safari

The animal theme park Zoobic Safari has again opened one of its famous attractions, the Night Safari, at this premier Freeport on Saturday.

The Night Safari will give tourists a glimpse of how animals interact during night time. Zoomanity Group President and CEO Robert Yupangco led tourists and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials to a tour around the facility.

Howls and growls were the first greetings tourists got during their tour. The growling intensified during the Tiger Safari where they rode a reinforced jeepney inside a tiger enclosure.

“It was quite exhilarating to see tigers with their eyes glowing in the dark. Our guide even fed them, putting them face to face with us,” said SBMA Chairman Martin B. Diño who took part of the tour.

Aside from the Tiger Safari, they were also treated to a Greyhound Walk were they tried to maneuver themselves across a woodland path being led by greyhounds. Bred for races, these greyhounds are now guides at night here.

After a brisk walk, visitors were treated to a presentation by Aetas as they told how important the preservation of the environment is to humanity. They also told how they talked to the trees and the animals, showing that both humans and animals can coexist in nature.

Animals were also paraded to tourists while fire dancers and musicians rocked the crowd during a stage play at the amphitheater of the theme park. Workers of the theme park themselves performed live, teaching how to take care of the environment.

“It really is a wonderful experience, it does not only give you a thrilling ride, but will also teach you the importance of eco-preservation,” Diño stated.

The night safari is held only during Saturday nights and is open to everybody. Yupangco said that this is the time that many predators hunt and display their skills. He added that Night Safari has been an annual event, stressing that is a one-of-a-kind event in the country. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

Photo:
Zoomanity Group President Robert Yupangco with SBMA Chairman Martin Dino together with Ms. Tourism candidates as they feed a very rare white tiger cub during Night Safari. Chairman Dino highly recommends Night Safari as a must try unique experience in Subic.

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Subic-Clark cargo railway sees fruition under Duterte's massive infra push

The Subic-Clark corridor will finally have its cargo railway system that will link the port of Subic to Clark's international airport, boosting cargo transport efficiency in the two free ports and at the same time decongest traffic in Metro Manila.

This, as the Duterte administration is set to launch the biggest infrastructure push in Philippine history to propel economic growth in the next five-and-a-half years.

The Subic-Clark Cargo Railway Project under the Duterte administration's infrastructure plan

Big-ticket infrastructure projects, specifically roads and bridges, mass urban transport and alternative green city solutions are among the key investments to be made by the Philippine government. These will solve the problems brought about by traffic congestion, inadequate mass transport facilities, air pollution, and the lack of healthy, green liveable community spaces.

The development mantra is: build, build and build.

The Duterte administration sees increased infrastructure spending as key to move the country forward and improve the lives of the Filipino people by generating massive investments, creating millions of jobs and lowering prices of commodities.

The country's lead infrastructure agencies are working in close coordination to build new facilities. The National Economic Development Agency (NEDA), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) are crafting the Duterte Infrastructure Plan. In three to five years, new and better roads, bridges, railways, rehabilitated airports and a new metropolis are envisioned to benefit the Filipino people.

According to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) 2017 National Expenditure Program, in the first year of the Duterte presidency, infrastructure spending will represent 5.4 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product. This will be the highest since the Marcos era spanning 21 years when infra spending was at 3.2 percent of GDP.

Among the "game-changing solutions" of the DOTr that guarantee better transport and passenger experience are the Metro Manila Clark Railway which will assure one-hour travel from Metro Manila to Clark International Airport; the Metro Manila Bus Rapid Train System which will yield on-time trips along EDSA; and the Mindanao Railway which will provide the much-needed connection of people and goods across Mindanao.

For its part, the DPWH will build new linkages to ensure better connectivity between key destinations. These include the Santa Monica-Lawton-BGC Viaduct which will directly link BGC going to Ortigas; the UP-Miriam-Ateneo Viaduct which will cut down travel by 80 percent in Katipunan Ave at CP Garcia; and the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road which will reduce travel time to 30 minutes going to Alabang from Balintawak.

BCDA also eyes big-ticket projects in Central Luzon and Metro Manila. The Clark International Airport New Terminal Building is envisioned to be a world-class airport which will reduce traffic at the NAIA. BCDA also will continue to build a new city proximate to Metro Manila, a 9,450-hectare smart, green and disaster-resilient city that will be a long-term solution to traffic congestion in main urban centers.

Another project is the BGC to NAIA Bus Rapid Transit that will facilitate a 15-minute travel time from Fort Bonifacio to NAIA, preventing delays for passengers rushing to catch their flights whether for leisure or business.

The Philippines has been lagging behind its Asian neighbors in attracting foreign direct investments due to poor infrastructure, which has been traced to government underspending on such projects.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported: "At 21.8 percent of GDP [gross domestic product] in 2014, the investment rate in the Philippines is well below regional peers, as reflected in its low capital stock and infrastructure quality.”

Given the Duterte administration's development platform, a complete turnaround is expected in the next six years with bold solutions and swift action in responding to the pressing needs of the public through massive infra spending.

At present, feasibility studies are being done for the infra projects of the DPWH, DOTr and BCDA. These projects will be subject to public tender following stringent Philippine government procurement rules. In two years, these are envisioned to break ground, with a launch eyed in three to five years. (MARO-PCO)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2131478178859/build-build-build-duterte-to-launch-biggest-infrastructure-program-in-ph

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Ronda Pilipinas to hold qualifying races in Subic

The search for the country’s future cycling stars continues, as the LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2017 edition will hold its first of two qualifying races on November 6 that will also coincide with the LBC Giro de Pilipinas in Subic Bay.

A total of 30 riders will make it to the culminating event, the biggest cycling race in the Philippines slated to start up North in the Ilocos region on February 4 and end in Iloilo City on March 4 next year.

“The top 30 cyclists in the LBC Ronda Pilipinas Subic qualifying race will make it to the main Ronda event in February next year,” said Jingo Hervas, who is on his second year as race director.

Hervas said those who couldn’t make the cut could still qualify during the final qualifier in Bacolod City on Dec. 4, which will also be held simultaneously with the Dans 360 Beynte bike event.

The 60 qualifiers will then join the more or less 50-man pool that have already automatically qualified for joining last year’s race.

Hervas, however, reminded the outright qualifiers to register first to secure their spots.

“Those who are automatically in, they should claim their slots by registering,” said Hervas.

On its seventh edition, the 12-stage main event will give a whopping P1 million to the champion.

Ronda sports development head Moe Chulani said they’ve raised the stakes so that they could discover more promising young riders from the provinces just like Ranlen Maglantay, who brought a cheap, second-hand bike, an old pair of rubber shoes and a dream to get a chance to compete in an annual race of this magnitude.

“We believe that somewhere out there, there are gems in the rough waiting to be discovered like Ranlen Maglantay,” said Chulani.

“LBC Sports Devt Corp. feels everyone should have the chance to join Ronda Pilipinas 2016, which is the fourth biggest race in the world in terms of distance covered, not just the elite riders,” he added.

LBC Ronda will officially start on February 4 with Ilocos Sur-Ilocos Norte Stage One and followed by the Ilocos Sur Stage Two criterium the next day.

Stage Three will go to Angeles City, Pampanga to Subic on February 8 and then the Naga-San Jose Stage Four individual time trial on Feb. 14 followed by the Pili-Daet Stage Five on February 16 and Daet to Unisan Stage Six on February 17.

Next are the Paseo Stage Seven is in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on February 19, Tagaytay-Batangas-Tagaytay Stage Eight on February 19, Calamba-Antipolo Stage Nine on February 23 and Antipolo Stage 10 criterium on February 24.

Iloilo City will then host Stages 11 and 12 on March 3 and 4.

http://www.manilatimes.net/ronda-pilipinas-hold-qualifying-races-subic/293927/

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Ocean Adventure announces its new bundle of joy

ON AUG. 7,2016, at around 12:55 p.m., one of Ocean Adventure’s resident dolphins, 14-year-old “Hali,” gave birth to the park’s newest bundle of joy.

Approximately a little over four feet in length and weighing around 15-20 kg., the dolphin calf gave Ocean Adventure another reason to celebrate its 15th anniversary.

14-year-old "Hali" and her calf

“We’re very happy for Hali and her calf and we will continue to provide the best care and attention to them,” said Arthur Tai, chief executive officer of Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium, Inc.

Aside from being excited about welcoming this newest addition to announces its new bundle of joy their family, the veterinary and animal care team of Ocean Adventure is also keeping a very careful watch over the progress of the dolphin calf through round-the-clock monitoring.

After surpassing the critical first 30 days of its life, Ocean Adventure considers the good health of the calf as more than just a blessing but a valuable testament to the welfare and the kind of care the dolphins receive in their facility.

Dr. Leo Jonathan Suarez, director of veterinary services, said: “Hali is a very good mother and she is doing a wonderful job in taking care of her baby.

The next challenge for us is to help the calf get through its first year of life. We have to ensure that both Hali and her baby continue to be healthy.”

Ocean Adventure enjoins everyone to take part in making the final decision on what to name this baby dolphin.

Until today (Nov. 3), participants of all dolphin interaction programs, park guests, Ocean Adventure employees and online followers have a chance to cast their vote via an online survey.

For more details on this “Naming the Calf,” just log on to
www.Facebook.com/OceanAdventureSubicBay. (BusinessWorld)

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LOOK: Subic Bay theme parks at Mardi Gras 2016

Different tourism destinations and theme parks inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone were showcased at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority-sponsored stage during the three- day Mardi Gras in Olongapo City.

The Freeport community regularly participates in the annual Mardi Gras held along historic Magsaysay Drive in Olongapo City.

The SBMA stage also featured top local bands, as well as music and entertainment hosted by the deejays of Subic Bay Freeport's official radio station, 89.5 FM Subic Bay Radio and organized by the SBMA Tourism Department. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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