SBMA to institutionalize consultations on environment-sensitive projects

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will institutionalize public consultations for environmentally sensitive projects to give stakeholders a voice in determining development directions and ensure transparency in the Subic Bay Freeport.

SBMA officials made this announcement last week, as they concluded the three-day Social Acceptability Process (SAP) public forum on the prospects of putting up a coal-fired thermal power plant here.

Angel Bagaloyos, chief of the policy and monitoring division of the SBMA Ecology Center, said the public consultations initiated by the SBMA board of directors will be institutionalized for environmentally sensitive projects, in particular.

“This is just a start. In the future, all projects that will be identified by the board as environmentally sensitive will have to go through this process of consulting with the different stakeholders. So this process will be institutionalized,” Bagaloyos clarified.

SBMA director Norberto Sosa said in the same forum that the consultation for the proposed coal power plant was just the first implementation of the SAP, a policy that the new SBMA board had recently approved.

“It happens that this coal-fired power plant project has been declared as one of these environmentally sensitive projects. So it has to undergo SAP so that we can hear out the stakeholders, employees, and the local government units regarding this,” Sosa said.

He added that a project would have to be declared as environmentally sensitive before the SAP could be conducted.

“If there is any project regarded as environmentally sensitive, then it must be declared that it is so, and if it is declared so, then this process will be carried out, similar to what we have been conducting during the last three days,” he stressed.

Sosa said that the SBMA board decided to conduct public consultations to reach out to various stakeholders in the Subic Bay Freeport, since they are the ones being directly affected. “We have to reach out, to listen, so we can have some basis for a decision,” he added.

Sosa also noted that the SAP will be a way to ensure transparency in the projects being developed in the Freeport. “It’s difficult for the SBMA, or for the business locators and project proponents to be perceived as hiding something,” he said.

In the said forum, Sosa, along with director Philip Camara, met with different stakeholders around the Freeport to discuss the 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant that is proposed to be built by the Redondo Peninsula Energy, Inc., a business consortium formed by Meralco, Aboitiz Power Corp., and Taiwan Cogen Corp.

The consultation was attended by representatives from concerned local government units, business locators, socio-civic groups, and leaders of Aeta communities in the free port zone.

Also present during the forum were resource speakers Andre Jon Uchiaoco, a marine biologist; Dr. Visitacion Antonio, a noted toxicologist; and Dr. Rex Cruz, chancellor of the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, who discussed potential risks to health, marine life and the environment, in general, that may result from the coal plant. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO:
SBMA Directors Norberto Sosa and Philip Camara (center) answer queries from participants of the Social Acceptability Process (SAP) public forum on the proposed coal-fired thermal power plant at the Redondo Peninsula in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

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SBMA consults stakeholders on proposed coal power plant project

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) started a stakeholders’ consultation process in a bid to consolidate the opinion of various concerned sectors on the coal-fired thermal power plant being proposed for construction at the Redondo Peninsula here.

The agency formally launched the Social Acceptability Process Stakeholders’ Consultation last week under a policy to strictly review all environmentally-sensitive projects (ESPs) proposed for implementation in the Subic Bay Freeport.

SBMA Chairman-Administrator Roberto Garcia said the agency wanted to ensure that projects to be put up in the zone which the SBMA board had been declared environmentally sensitive, are acceptable to stakeholders.

“This way, the stakeholders are given a sense of participation in preserving and protecting the environment of the Freeport which is a mandated function of the SBMA,” Garcia said.

Facilitated by SBMA directors Philip Camara and Norberto Sosa, the stakeholders’ consultations drew the participation of local government officials from Olongapo City, the municipality of Subic, and Bataan province, as well as local businessmen, residents of the free port and neighboring communities, Ayta tribal leaders, and socio-civic groups.

Camara noted, however, that project proponent Redondo Peninsula Energy, Inc. (RPEI) declined the invitation to attend the consultation.

“They (RPEI officials) said that they are not going to participate because their (investment) contract was approved in June 2010 and the policy (on environmentally-sensitive projects) was approved only in 2011. So they feel that they are not bound by these proceedings,” said Camara, who chairs the SBMA board’s committee on good governance.

Camara said this was the first time for the SBMA board to implement a social-acceptability process that was aimed at getting organized inputs from different stakeholders.

“What we want from the chartered associations are formal resolutions stating their position, and more importantly, why and what specific issues and concerns (they have) after having heard from the resource persons. In the end they will be translated to conditions (that should be met) prior to the issuance of the permit,” he said.

Citing an example, Camara explained that in June 2011, the RPEI requested for a site development permit, which the SBMA Board disapproved because of some unfulfilled provisions in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between SBMA and RPEI.

Because of this, the SBMA issued only a site preparation permit to RPEI, Camara said.

Meanwhile, Freeport residents and locators lauded the new members of the SBMA board of directors for initiating the consultation in a bid to promote good governance and transparency.

“We really appreciate that for the first time, residents can approach and have open communication with SBMA directors. This is something we never had before, in particular before any project that may affect our community was started,” said Josephine Floresca, a real estate developer.

Floresca also said that one of the reasons why her company was able to convince their clients to locate in Subic was because of the eco-tourism attractions that that the SBMA has been promoting in the free port.

Olongapo City councilor Jong Cortez said that the consultation is a big boost to the government’s thrust of prioritizing the interests of the citizenry, whom President Aquino has described as “the true bosses” of public officials.

Zambales Vice-Gov. Ramon Lacbain II, former Olongapo City councilor JC Delos Reyes, and Greater Subic Bay Tourism Bureau chairman Jorge Lorenzana, among others, also thanked the SBMA for initiating the unprecedented process of consulting stakeholders for coal plant project. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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SBMA board continues “Project Unity’ outreach

SUBIC, Zambales – Members of the new board of directors of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) continue their landmark program to consult with stakeholders in the Subic Bay Freeport area in order to synergize development efforts with neighboring communities.

The SBMA directors who are members of the SBMA’s “Project Unity” committee lately met with Subic municipal mayor Jefferson Khonghun to discuss concerns in the local community, including the agency’s relationship with local government units.

“This is an opportunity to get to know you, and for you to get to know us as well,” SBMA director Bienvenido Benitez, who is Project Unity chairman, told Khonghun during the meeting.

Benitez added that the committee is hoping to synergize with the communities surrounding the Freeport by meeting with officials of local government units.

“The SBMA considers the local government units as its partners, that’s why we are doing this,” added director Philip Camara.

Khonghun, meanwhile, took the opportunity to air his concerns regarding the welfare of his constituents who are either working at the Freeport or are directly affected by the Freeport’s rapid development.

He also made suggestions for further improvement of the relationship between the SBMA and local government units.

Khonghun also extended his appreciation to the directors for sending out the agency’s emergency rescue team to help in clearing operations in Subic in the aftermath of typhoon Pedring.

SBMA director John Philip Chua-Chiaco regarded the meeting as an eye-opener for the directors about how the Freeport affects Subic residents.

He said the SBMA board of directors would consider all inputs from these meetings with government officials, so that the agency could best undertake efforts to help in the parallel development of neighboring areas.

SBMA directors Wilfredo Pineda, Alfonso Siapno, and Norberto Sosa were also present during the meeting with Mayor Khonghun. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO:
Members of the SBMA Board of Directors discuss concerns with Subic town mayor Jefferson Khonghun (center) during a courtesy call at the municipal hall.

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Subic Int'l Marathon: Run for fun, transformation

MANILA - The Subic International Marathon (SIM) is all geared-up in creating a different and more satisfying race event on Jan. 21-22.

Running on its sixth year, SIM forged new partnerships with CORPS Movement Foundation and Dilaab Movement, beneficiaries of the event, and eXtribe, Inc. the event’s co-producer and race organizer.

With running becoming one of the most popular fitness and recreation activities today and a means to support and raise funds for advocacies and special causes, the 2012 SIM will support development programs of CORPS Movement Foundation and Dilaab Foundation.

“Running has easily become a favored activity because it’s easy and accessible to anyone. But we would like to make a difference by making running a direct approach to push transformation of individuals and the community,” said Ret. Gen. Sammy Tucay, SIM founder and president. “With the discipline attached to running, members of the community tend to live healthy and clean to meet the demands of their running game.”

“The discipline and clean living fostered by running trickles down to how these individuals act in their community,” he added.

To further foster the Filipino community’s love for running, eXtribe, a multi-sports event company, is exploring all avenues to deliver a well-organized marathon.

The SIM race course is a break from the usual city runs, with its internationally endorsed race course in the sprawling, lush green Remy Field in SBMA, Subic Olongapo.

Runners will have access to rest facilities in the race course in every turn-around point for the 5,10, 21 and 42K race; committed hydrating station within every 1.5K; full medical support in case of emergency; RFID Accurate Timing System, and an uncrowded run with the split-schedule of the races.

The 3K and 5K races will be held Jan. 21 in the afternoon, while the 10-, 21- and 42-K races are set Jan. 22, Sunday morning.

Registration fees are P50 for the 3K, P150 for the 5K, P600 for the 10K, P700 for the 21K and P800 for the 42K. Participants of the 10K, 21K and 42K races can vie for cash prizes, amounting to over P100,000.

Registration: Nov. 22, 2011 to Jan. 15, at New Balance Glorietta, New Balance Shangri-La, and New Balance Trinoma. Registration at New Balance Marquee Mall Pampanga and in Subic start Dec. 8.

The 2012 Subic International Marathon is co-produced by eXtribe, Inc., in partnership with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and supported by PAGCOR, Casino Filipino, ABS-CBN Sports – the official TV partner of the 2012 Subic International Marathon, Discovery Suites, Total Fitness Magazine, Pinoy Fitness and New Balance. (The Philippine Star)

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2nd ‘Takbo para sa Taklobo’ in Subic slated on December 9

With the success of the “Takbo para sa Taklobo” fund-raising and awareness campaign in December last year, the second edition of the environment-oriented fun run will be held here at the Subic Bay Freeport on Friday, December 9.

Amethya Koval, manager of the Ecology Center of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), said the fun run will be held to raise fund for the “seeding” of giant clams in Subic Bay and to increase public awareness of giant clams and marine resources management here.

“Most importantly, this is to encourage stakeholders to participate in managing the natural resources of Subic Bay, including the protection and propagation of marine species like the endangered giant clams,” said Koval.

Giant clams (tridacna gigas), which are locally called “taklobo,” are considered as endangered species and are an integral part of the coral reef system that serves as habitat for diverse forms of marine life.

The taklobo is a colorful mollusk which becomes self-sustaining upon reaching adult size, because its mantle with brown symbiotic algae is capable of photosynthesis. It reproduces by mass spawning, releasing millions of sperm and eggs in the reefs and thereby attracting more fishes in the area.

SBMA Chairman & Administrator Roberto Garcia said the “Takbo para sa Taklobo” project is part of the agency’s vision to make the Subic Bay Freeport an eco-urban center that harmonizes industrial development with ecological tourism.

“Eco-tourism is one of our major businesses in Subic Bay, and the bay is one of the best dive sites in the country not only because of its historical ship wrecks but also because of its beautiful ecological biodiversity,” Garcia said.

He added that the agency’s advocacy for the protection and propagation of marine species like the endangered giant clams underscores SBMA’s thrust for balanced development.

“Takbo” and “taklobo,” according to Koval, are two important things that sustain life for both marine organisms and human beings.

“Joining the marathon will enhance a healthy heart and body and at the same time, give life to our ocean by supporting the giant clam seeding program in Subic Bay,” she said.

Project coordinator Rhea Jane Pescador of the SBMA Ecology Center said the first edition of “Takbo para sa Taklobo” attracted more than 1,500 runners from around the Freeport area and raised a total of P54,000.

The money was used to buy 72 giant clam seeds at P500 each from the Marine Science Institute in Bolinao, Pangasinan. Measuring 15 centimeters when they were brought into Subic Bay, the clams can grow up to 1.54 meters in diameter and weigh up to 258.55 kilos.

“We hope to surpass last year’s record (of runner-participants) so that we could purchase more giant clams to be planted in Subic Bay,” said Koval.

This year the “Takbo para sa Taklobo” project is co-presented by RP Energy and sponsored by PTT Bloom, with DML, Johan’s Dive Center, Boardwalk Dive Center, and the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group as partner-stewards.

The fun run is open to the public and runners may choose from three categories: 3-kilometer, 5-kilometer, or 10-kilometer runs. Interested parties may contact Rhea Jane Pescador of the SBMA Ecology Center at telephone number (047) 252-4656. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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Subic remains a favorite venue for MICE events

The biggest gathering of certified public accountants in the country again proved that the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) can deliver on its touted claim as a most ideal venue for all types of meetings and conferences.

According to Manuel Mapoy, chairman of the 66th Annual National Convention of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), the success of their group’s convention, which was concluded recently, was largely due to the attractiveness of the Subic Bay Freeport as a venue.

“The 66th Annual National Convention is the biggest event the PICPA has ever held,” Mapoy said, noting that some 3,000 certified public accountants who are either employed in the government or private corporations from all over the country joined the convention at the SBECC.

In particular, Mapoy said that the natural environment of Subic, including the lush forests, pristine beaches and clean surroundings, was a bestseller among PICPA delegates.

Moreover, the natural attractions are complemented by first class tourism facilities and quality services, he added.

Mapoy also told the PICPA delegates during the opening ceremonies at SBECC’s Plenary Hall 1 that the Subic Freeport is one attraction that the whole Central Luzon can be proud of.

For his part, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia described the SBECC as “the Pearl of the Freeport” as he welcomed PICPA delegates led by its national president and regional (Central Luzon) chair Josefina Chua.

“We are honored that you have chosen SBECC to be your venue for this annual convention, and we thank you for giving us the opportunity to become part of the achievements that you are to accomplish here,” Garcia said.

Garcia added that the SBMA constructed SBECC to comfortably sit up to 5,000 delegates in a bid to become a major destination for corporate meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) at any period of the year.

Considered as one of the biggest convention centers in the country today in terms of floor area, the fully air-conditioned SBECC boasts of a 2,456-square meter main convention hall, a 3,992-square dining hall, an indoor trade/exhibit area that can accommodate 64 booths, an administration building, and a large parking area.

Most importantly, Garcia noted, SBECC is located at the heart of the Subic Bay Freeport where most of the facilities, such as duty free shops, restaurants, hotels and health care centers, are no more than ten minutes’ walk from each other. Meanwhile, beaches, theme parks and other recreational and eco-tourism parks are just a short drive away.

Garcia said that these SBECC features fulfill the requirements for an ideal MICE venue — a one-stop tourism destination that has the capability to host local and international events that require indoor and outdoor venues to guarantee a remarkable for delegates to enjoy during their stay. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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ACTA to boost Subic’s cruise destination bid

Subic Freeport’s bid to become the next cruise ship playground received a fresh boost recently with the formal launching of the Asian Cruise Terminals Association (ACTA), a group seeking to provide a unified marketing platform for the cruise ship industry in the Asian region.

According to Raul Marcelo, who is deputy administrator for business at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), cruise ship operators are expected to turn to Asian destinations as economies in Europe and the United States falter.

Marcelo, who represented the SBMA at the ACTA inauguration in Singapore, said that SBMA’s membership in the cruise terminal group would set the stage for Subic’s eventual establishment as a cruise ship destination.

“We have a very good reason to be optimistic about this, because not only does Subic have deep harbor and ports, it also has tourism facilities and tourism attractions. Then, Subic’s connectivity to other destinations in Luzon would also boost its potential as a good cruise terminal,” Marcelo said.

“With the formal launching of ACTA, Subic would have the network to bank on for support. We’d grow as ACTA grow,” he added.

Subic became a founding member of ACTA when it was organized last year by Singapore Cruise Centre Pte Ltd. (SCC) and other terminal operators in China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka and India — the lone port to represent the Philippines.

The SBMA said that Subic’s entry into ACTA was a strategic move because the agency was targeting major players in the industry to make Subic part of their cruise itinerary.

After Subic has been established as a cruise ship destination, the economic impact will trickle down to local businesses in terms of providing supplies, fuel, food, and even manpower, the SBMA said.

Marcelo said the SBMA has made a strong impression for Subic when SCCPL vice president Ivan Ng and other ACTA officials visited Subic early this year and determined that it has all what it takes to be a cruise ship destination.

In particular, the cruise ship terminal operators noted Subic’s port infrastructure, deep natural harbor, support facilities, security, and tourist attractions.

With the launching of ACTA, Marcelo said that Subic stands to get a windfall from the cruise industry, which also eyes the growing number of wealthy Asians as a “source market.”

He added that other ACTA members have already announced plans to expand their facilities because of the expected inflow of more tourists. This is especially true with the Singapore Cruise Centre, which is in the midst of a S$14-million upgrade; Shanghai Wusongkou (WSK) International Cruise Terminal, which forecasts a passenger throughput of 300,000 in 2012 and 800,000 in 2016; Taiwan’s Port of Keelung, which sees a 460,000 throughput by the end of 2011 from 116,300 in 2006; and the Japanese port of Sakai, which has increased its passenger traffic by more than 10 times.

“With this optimism, we are more determined now to convert Subic into a destination for these Asian customers,” Marcelo said.

ACTA, which was initiated by SCC and WSK last year, is primarily expected to provide members with a platform for regional cooperation in terminal development, operations and management.

As a regional organization, ACTA is also geared to provide best practices in the cruise industry; promote the exchange of cruise-related data and information; upgrade the skills and knowledge of cruise terminal personnel; promote cooperation in marketing, operations and management; and develop and maintain close relationships with other organizations in the cruise industry. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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Garcia named SBMA administrator

MANILA - President Aquino has appointed Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman Roberto Garcia as the concurrent administrator, Malacanang announced.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press briefing the Office of Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. confirmed the appointment of Garcia as the new SBMA administrator in concurrent capacity.

Last April, the President appointed Garcia as SBMA chairman and Rafael Reyes as administrator and chief executive officer.

Garcia is a business executive and entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience in the manufacturing, food and leisure industries. He was the president and chief operating officer of Oriental and Motolite Corp. when he retired in 2004.

During his 34 years in the battery manufacturing industry, the Palace said Garcia played a pivotal role in growing OMC into the largest battery manufacturer in ASEAN and one of the most technologically advanced companies in Asia. The company also became one of the most fully integrated battery manufacturers in the world.

The SBMA is the operating and implementing arm of the government for the development the 262 square mile (670 square kilometer) area of Subic Bay Freeport in Subic Bay into a self-sustaining tourism, industrial, commercial, financial, and investment center to generate employment opportunities. (Aurea Calica, The Philippine Star)

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