Volunteer cleanups propel Subic Freeport tourism

Hundreds of volunteers from the various community organizations, schools and government agencies converged here on Sunday to clean up the beach along the popular Boardwalk Park here in preparation for the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay triathlon event here on June 2.

The volunteers from the Philippine Coast Guard-Subic, its auxiliary PCGA 111th Squadron, the Philippine National Police, Ramon Magsaysay University in Subic, Zambales, and local schools Aura College and Gordon College, scoured the coast for trash, and bagged them for sorting and eventual disposal.

But this was nothing extraordinary, said SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, who takes pride in a strong culture of volunteerism among stakeholders of the Subic Bay Freeport.

“This Freeport may have its natural attractions to thank for being a major tourist destination in the country today, but it is the culture of volunteerism here that keeps the local tourism industry moving forward,” Eisma said.

“Without the cooperation and support of the Subic Bay area community, the SBMA would not be able to make Subic the top tourist destination in Central Luzon for the last six years,” she added. “Volunteers help keep Subic tourism alive.”

The initiative of stakeholders that include SBMA employees, Freeport business locators, socio-civic organizations, residents, and even visitors to volunteer in clean-up activities here is a result of Eisma’s call for “malasakit” or concern for the common good.

This summer, as Subic prepared to host a mix of sports, entertainment and religious events, volunteer groups led by various SBMA departments buckled down to work to keep beaches, river banks and vacant lots clean and pleasing to the eye.

Today, members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Subic Station, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) 111th Squadron, and the Subic Bay Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SBMPC), conduct monthly coastal clean-up along Malawaan Park and Boardwalk area.

“PCGA is mandated to support and assist the community in the protection of the marine environment and its resources, so we are happy to volunteer in cleaning our beach areas, especially in Subic Bay,” said Commander Eduardo Mabita Jr., director of the PCGA division in Subic.

Other groups such as Toyota Avanza Pilipinas (Olongapo Chapter), Lions Club of Olongapo, Gordon College and Aura College, the Police Regional Maritime Unit (Subic) are among the regular participants of the beach clean-ups along the Boardwalk Park here.

The Boardwalk Area is a favorite place for outdoor concerts, and will be the venue for several beach and water sports events in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games that Subic will host on November 30 to December 10.

Jem Camba, manager of the SBMA Tourism Department, noted that with 1.7 million guest arrivals last year, the Subic Bay Freeport continues to hold its position as the best tourist destination in Central Luzon based on the Department of Tourism’s 2018 report.

“With the help of our Subic Bay stakeholders, we are able to provide excellent customer service and create worthy and enjoyable events, and thus make Subic Bay a perfect getaway destination,” Camba also said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

Various stakeholder groups participate in the clean-up along the Boardwalk Park in the Subic Bay Freeport in preparation for the Ironman 70.3 triathlon on June 2. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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PCGA Gift-Giving Benefits 1,155 SBMA Contractual Workers

SOME 1,155 contract of service (CS) workers of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) were this year’s beneficiary of the annual gift-giving of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) 111th Auxiliary Squadron.

SBMA’s CS workers do not receive bonuses, allowances and other benefits, which is why we want to cheer them up a little bit in the spirit of the holiday season,” said PCGA Captain Randy Escolango, Director of the 111th Auxiliary Squadron and OIC SBMA Administrator.

PCGA officers and members attended to the CS employees who trooped to the Subic Gym on Thursday (December 15)  between 4PM to 8PM.

“We started the PCGA 111th Auxiliary Squadron gift-giving last year and we decided to make it an annual event,” Escolango said. “This year, we have more than doubled the number of beneficiaries and with God’s grace, we hope to keep on doing this in the many more years to come, he added. (subicbaynews)

PHOTO:
Members of the PCGA 111the Auxiliary Squadron based in Subic Bay distributes 10 kilos of rice each to the more than 1,000 contract of service employees of the SBMA.

http://subicbaynews.net/?p=15759

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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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Earth Day 2016: Subic Bay stakeholders undertake mangrove, reef restoration projects

Stakeholders in this free port banded together on Friday for mangrove and reef restoration projects in celebration of Earth Day 2016.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia said more than 500 representatives from various groups in the Subic community volunteered to collect talisay seedlings and mangrove saplings and planted them at the Apaliin Mangrove Trail inside the former naval magazine here.

“We are doing this not for ourselves, but for our children and the future generations,” Garcia said as he joined a tree-tagging project organized by the SBMA Ecology Center.

Garcia said that the successful Earth Day activities here “only show that more and more people are getting involved in protecting and preserving Mother Earth.”

Aside from SBMA employees, those who participated in the mangrove project included representatives from the Olongapo City Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) Squadron 111, workers from locator-companies and students.

On Wednesday, the PCGA also constructed six artificial reef units in Subic Bay to fulfill its commitment to the protection of the marine environment and its resources here.

The artificial reefs were installed approximately 15 meters deep and 100 meters from the shoreline of the SEA Beach Resort (former Dungaree Beach) inside the free port.

PCGA National Director Vice Admiral Valentin Prieto Jr., who witnessed the “Build-A-Reef” Project along with other senior officers of the auxiliary group, lauded the officers and members of Squadron 111 headed by its captain, Randy Escolango, who is also SBMA deputy administrator for legal affairs.

“Very impressive,” Prieto described the project, adding that the artificial reef will not only help boost the eco-system in the area, but also the local tourism industry.

At another site nearby, the non-government organization Sangkalikasan Producers Cooperative, with full support from the management of the All Hands Beach and Resort here, also implemented a project to revive corals that were dying or damaged by pollution and other destructive human activities.

A group of divers from Sangkalikasan began doing the government-funded Reef Restoration Program in Subic Bay in August last year in an attempt to restore coral fragments.

Jose Rodriguez, project leader of Sangkalikasan, said that they are managing four coral nursery units (CNU) near Grande Island in Subic Bay, but had to transfer them to All Hands Beach for accessibility.

Each CNU is designed to hold at least 500 attachments of “corals of opportunity” which are a collection of dislodged live coral fragments for quick recovery and regeneration to increase survival rates upon transplantation in degraded coral reef sites.

“The management of All Hands Beach is dedicated to make this program successful and we are hoping that other beach resorts and coastal communities will follow suit,” Rodriguez said. (30)

Trash-to-Cash initiative

Meanwhile, A retail chain mall in Olongapo City joined other malls nationwide in the celebration of Earth Day through a simultaneous Trash to Cash Project.

In partnership with Earth Day Network Philippines (EDNP) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the activity aims to encourage people to protect and respect Mother Earth though recycling and proper waste disposal.

The project was started five years ago by SM Olongapo through its Trash to Cash Recycling Market, which invites and encourages local government and the community, haulers, recycling groups, social/environmental recycling project groups and private companies to bring their trash in the mall and exchange them for cash.

They could exchange for cash the following waste: plastic and PET bottles, tin and aluminum cans, cartons, papers and more.

However, batteries, car batteries, ink cartridges, computer, television and other electronic wastes are not accepted due to their hazardous content. (SNL)

PHOTOS: (Clockwise from left)

[1] SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia joins a tree-tagging activity at the Triboa Mangrove during the Earth Day celebration in the Subic Bay Freeport on Friday, April 22.

[2] Women volunteers planting mangrove seedlings at the Triboa Mangrove Park.

[3] A volunteer is reflected on the water as he plants a mangrove seedling.

(Photos by Jun Dumaguing, MPD-SBMA)

Other sources:
http://www.mb.com.ph/subic-bay-marks-earth-day-2016-with-reef-projects/
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=878712

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SBMA employees pay last respects to former Chairman Salonga

Officials and employees of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on Wednesday night paid their last respects to a former chairman of the agency, RAdm. Feliciano G. Salonga, PCGA, who passed away last January 29 at the age of 86.

In a necrological service held at SBMA Gym here, SBMA officials led by Chairman Roberto Garcia paid tribute to Salonga who headed the Subic agency from 2006 to 2011.

Former SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza, who served with Salonga, was also there to recall fond memories of the former official who was known among SBMA employees for his punctuality and colorful language.

Former Zambales governor Vicente Magsaysay and his son, former SBMA director Jesus Victor, also attended the ceremonies.

Gerard Salonga, conductor, musical arranger, orchestrator, as well as founder, musical director and conductor of FILharmoniKA, also paid his last respects to his father and, along with his symphony orchestra, offered a musical tribute to the former SBMA Chairman.

On Monday night, SBMA Deputy Administrator Randy Escolango, who is also commander of the 111th Squadron of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), also led PCGA officials in a necrological mass to honor their former comrade.

A graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, Salonga held the rank of a Rear Admiral in the PCGA, and organized the PCGA 103rd Squadron (Zambales) in Subic and became its commander.

Among the PCGA officials who gave their final salute to their former comrade were Commodore Gerry Reyes, who read a poem in Salonga’s honor, Vice Admiral Jose Lito Aseniero, VAdm Joseph Dy and VAdm Valentin Prieto.

Salonga’s wife, Luz, received the Philippine flag presented by PCGA officials.

Salonga served as the fourth SBMA chairman and head of agency and was credited with steering the agency towards further development of its maritime business sector.


Prior to his appointment to the SBMA, Salonga served in various capacities for other maritime-related companies: president and general manager of Philippine Shipyard & Engineering Corp.; vice chairman of the Bataan Shipyard & Engineering Co., Inc.; managing director of Marine Consultancy Division of B.P. Mata & Co., Inc.; marketing director of MLD & Associates, a marine consultancy firm; and executive chairman of Sabah Shipyard Philippines, Inc.

He also became chief of the Aids-to-Navigation Group, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) National Command; and a commissioned officer (LT. SG) of the Philippine Navy who at one time served as TF-04 Intelligence Officer, Patrol Force Staff Engineering Officer, and Division 21 Chief Engineering Officer.

In 1998, Salonga was named "Outstanding Professional Achievement Awardee for the year 1998" by the alumni group of his alma mater, the United States Merchant Marine Academy Alumni in Kings Point, New York.

In 1994, he was also awarded a presidential citation by President Fidel V. Ramos for the successful privatization of the Philippine Shipyard & Engineering Corporation in Subic, Zambales.

In 1989, Salonga was named an adopted son of Subic in recognition of his service to the community. A similar honor was bestowed on him on October 24, 2015, when he was made an adopted son of Zambales for his goodwill and support to the people of the province "with the common vision for excellent service and development of the (Subic Bay) Freeport and the Zambales Province.”

After the wake at the SBMA Gym, Salonga’s remains were brought to San Felipe, Zambales, where he was buried at the Fiñones Memorial Garden Cemetery on Friday, February 5. (RAV,HEE/MPD-SBMA)

VIDEO:

IN MEMORIAM: A video tribute in memory of former SBMA Chairman Salonga, produced by the Media Production Department of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (DMS,FLP/MPD-SBMA)

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Former SBMA Chair RADM Feliciano G. Salonga passes away

Rear Admiral Feliciano G. Salonga, PCGA, Chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) from 2006 to 2011, passed away Friday evening, January 29, 2016.

Former Chairman Salonga, who is also father of Broadway star Lea Salonga, was 86.

On her social media accounts, Salonga, who is currently in New York for the Broadway run of the musical "Allegiance," posted a screenshot of the obituary of her late father that appeared in the Philippine Star.

"To be completely honest, I didn't know even half of what's he's done in his professional or military life. All I know is he has now joined the rest of his ancestors that went to the Great Beyond before him. Rest in peace, Dad," she wrote on Facebook.

His remains can be viewed at the SBMA gym and will be buried at the Finones Memorial Garden Cemetery, San Felipe, Zambales at a still-unannounced date.

Feliciano G. Salonga was a graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York where he was consistently awarded with the Scholastic Star until he finished his Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Engineering in 1953. He attended the MBA program in the University of the Philippines in 1959-60, and is a graduate of the United States Mine Sweeping Course in 1956 and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Intelligence Specialist Course in 1954.

Salonga was also vice chairman of Bataan Shipyard & Engineering Co., Inc.; managing director of Marine Consultancy Division of B.P. Mata & Co., Inc.; marketing director of MLD & Associates, a marine consultancy firm, chief of the Aids-to-Navigation Group, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) National Command; director of the O.B. Montessori Grassroots Leadership Foundation, Inc.; and president of the Mt. Pinatubo Hidden Temple Shrine & Community Foundation.

Prior to his chairmanship of the SBMA, Salonga was the president of Ganda Energy & Holdings, Inc., an independent power producer from 1997-1999.

Other positions he held were executive chairman of Sabah Shipyard Philippines, Inc. (1994-1999); president & general manager of Philippine Shipyard & Engineering Corp. (1987-1994); vice president for marketing of the Philippine Shipyard & Engineering Corp. (1984-1987); commercial manager of PNOC Marine Corporation (1981-1984); chairman of Traders Industrial Supply Co., Inc. (1980-1983); marketing director of Dynamarine Corporation (1966-1980); president and general manager, B.B. Fischer & Company, Inc. (1973-1980); senior department head for Research & Development Department of the Philippine Packing Corporation (1960-1963); Commissioned Officer (LT. SG), Philippine Navy, TF-04 Intelligence Officer, Patrol Force Staff Engineering Officer, Division 21 Chief Engineering Officer (1953-1960)

In February 2006, Salonga was awarded the Blue Falcon Award by his alma mater, the V. Mapa High School, for his achievements and contributions in maritime industrial management.

He was made an adopted son of Zambales, on October 24, 2005 in recognition of his goodwill and support to the people of the province "with the common vision for excellent service and development of the Freeport and Zambales Province."

In 1998, Salonga was named "Outstanding Professional Achievement Awardee for the year 1998" by the United States Merchant Marine Academy Alumni in Kings Point, New York.

He was also awarded a presidential citation for Successful Privatization of the Philippine Shipyard & Engineering Corporation by President Fidel V. Ramos in 1994 and "Adopted Son of Subic" for Service to the Community in 1989.

He is also former commander of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, 103rd Squadron (Zambales); former first vice president & director of the Philippine Shipbuilders & Repairers Association (PHILSAR); former president of the Shipbreakers Association of the Philippines, former president of the Philippine Independent Power Producers Association, Inc.; and former chairman & governor of the Chamber of Maritime Industries of the Philippines.

He was a member of the East Asia Committee of Lloyd’s Register of Shipping, London from 1996 to 1998, and the Technical Committee of the American Bureau of Shipping in 1982.

Chairman Salonga is a licensed 3rd Assistant Engineer of the United States Coast Guard and currently Rear Admiral of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, Aids-to-Navigation Group. (Manila Bulletin)

PHOTOS:

[1] Rear Admiral Feliciano G. Salonga, PCGA. 1930-2016 (AMD/MPD-SBMA) 

[2] Announcement photo courtesy of Lea Salonga’s twitter account

http://www.mb.com.ph/lea-salongas-dad-passes-on/

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Coast Guard and auxiliary group hold Subic environment run

A helicopter flew overhead, raining down confetti on the assembled crowd as the fun run for a cause organized by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) kicked off on Saturday here.

Aiming to preserve the wellness of both the participants and the environment, the “Takbo Para sa Kaligtasan at Kalinisan ng Karagatan at Kalikasan” gathered close to 600 registered runners, both young and old, for the three kilometer-length categories — 10k, 5k, and 3k.

Philippine triathlete John Leerams Chicano led the first finishers in the 10k category, breaking the finish line with determination in his eyes. Chicano was followed by Christian Carl Denotua and Redgeth Linen for the second and third place, respectively.

In the 5k category, meanwhile, Clyde Supnet controlled the pace, trailed by Jimuel Patilan and Ruperto Dela Cruz Jr.

The 3k event was topped by Roel Bada, Rolly Innovero and Jason Villaruz for first, second, and third place, respectively.

All the top three finishers in each category received token cash and gift prizes. The third placers got P500 cash, second placers P750, and first placers P1,000.

The event was considered a success, as there were no losers — only runners who wanted to make a difference for the environment and for themselves.

Chicano, who was sick a week earlier, said he joined the run “to improve my health.”

A young boy echoed the motivation, saying “Para po makatulong sa kalikasan at upang makapag- ehersisyo na rin.”

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Deputy Administrator Randy Escolango, who helped organize the event as commander of the PCGA in Subic, said all the proceeds from the fun run would go to the group’s environmental projects for the preservation of the seas and coast, including shore clean-up drives, sea protection awareness campaigns, and other related projects.

“Events like these are being encouraged by SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, because he wants to emphasize that Subic Bay Freeport can better maintain its reputation as a sports capital if we maintain a clean environment to better attract sports enthusiasts," Escolango added.

All the top 3 of each category received cash and gift prizes - P500 for third place, P750 for second place, and P1,000 for first place. (ADP/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Runners take part in “Takbo Para sa Kaligtasan at Kalinisan ng Karagatan at Kalikasan” organized by the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary at the Remy Field in Subic Bay Freeport Zone on Saturday. The run aims to raise funds for the local PCGA chapter’s future shore clean-up drives, sea protection awareness campaigns and other related projects.

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SBMA officials, staff spread early Christmas cheer

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), a government owned and controlled corporation (GOCC), is composed of employees with an employment status of either plantilla or contract of service (CS).

Most of those CS employees are the old ladies who sweep the streets and some building inside this premier Freeport. And being CS means that their bonuses are incorporated in their salaries, leaving almost no spare to save on a rainy day.


With most of them under “Salary Grade: 3,” expect that their monthly pay to stay within P7,000, not really enough to send their children to college. Now that the Yuletide season is upon us, these elderly women will be celebrating Christmas and New Year with only their usual monthly salary.

But the SBMA is not without any kind-hearted employees among its rank-and-file and executives. In a simple yet meaningful early Christmas gift-giving, employees and their bosses dug deep into their pockets and gave their less-fortunate workers of the SBMA food packs last weekend.

Spearheaded by the agency’s Legal Affairs Department, around 300 rank-and-file employees were given food packs by their fellow SBMA workers and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary’s 111th Squadron.

PCGA 111th Squadron Commander Randy Escolango said that these are just small tokens for the services rendered by the less-fortunate workers to the SBMA. Escolango, a deputy administrator of the SBMA, said that both the Legal Affairs and the PCGA chipped-in to give these workers some Yuletide cheer. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
GIFT-GIVING — (From left) Captain Henric David, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) director, and PCGA 111th Squadron Commander Randy Escolango distribute a food pack to an employee of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority in their early Christmas gift-giving event last Friday.

http://www.mb.com.ph/sbma-officials-staff-spread-early-christmas-cheer/

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