SBMA Targets $800-M 2013 Investments

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) expects $800 million in investments this year, a strong turnaround from an estimated $200 million in 2012, with two new shipbuilding facilities to be established by EU firms and major tourism projects.

SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto V. Garcia said this year would be a turnaround year from the poor investments performance last year.

"We expect $800 million in new investments this year because more investors are coming in. Last year was poor because all we have were mostly inquiries from foreign investors," Garcia said at the sidelines of the Philippine Port and Shipping Conference.

SBMA has no official report yet on the investments inflow in 2012, but Garcia estimated it at only $200 million.

Of the $800 million projected investments this year, $600 million are expected to come from the two new shipbuilding facilities which will manufacture small crafts for the exports market. The rest of the investments projection would come from the tourism and gaming projects of major hotel and casino operators.

Garcia, however, refused to identify the company but said they are European investors, which are expected to locate within the year in the freeport.

At present, Subic Freeport hosts the $2 billion shipbuilding facility of Hanjin of Korea.

While SBMA was a laggard in investments generation in 2012, Garcia earlier reported that the freeport achieved the highest profit last year in its 20-year history.

The freeport posted a record profit of P789 million in 2012. This is a drastic turnaround from the P1.2 billion loss in 2011.

Garcia said that the turnaround was due to increased revenues, reduced operating expenses and a favorable exchange rate.

The revenue increase of 16 percent versus 2011 was brought about by new major projects in seaport operations such as the Vale ore transshipment project and the start of commercial operations of the Phase 2 of the new container port.

Coupled with an aggressive collection campaign on existing accounts, new revenue streams were created through increased admission fees on importations and the imposition of fees to defray municipal expenses that were previously subsidized.

Operating expenses decreased by seven percent versus 2011, as the Agency implemented a comprehensive austerity program. Salaries similarly dropped by seven percent. as a freeze hiring policy was implemented and manpower count decreased. Repairs and maintenance likewise decreased by 46 percent and advertising was slashed by 35 percent versus 2011. As a result, earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation (EBITDA) jumped from P329 million in 2011 to P629 million - a 91 percent increase.

Due mainly to favorable exchange rates, unrealized foreign exchange posted a gain of P1.1 billion in 2012 from the previous year's FOREX loss of P566 million.

In the meantime, the SBMA's 2013 Strategic Planning session focused on developing new initiatives to sustain and improvefurther SBMA's financial position in the coming years.

New strategic initiatives concentrating on the seaport, airport, tourism, and commercial and industrial leases were formulated, targets were set and detailed plans of action were submitted and approved by the SBMA Board. (Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat, Manila Bulletin)

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Patillan, Echauz Top YOG Elims

Olongapo bet Jimuel Patillan outlasted Cebu's Justin Liam Chiongbian in a wild rush to the finish to rule the second Youth Olympic Games (YAG) qualifying tournament yesterday at the Dungaree Beach in Subic.

In topping the event, Patillan summoned his remaining energy in the final 200 meters to beat out his rival.

Organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department, the race was staged in a new distance of 500-m swim, 20-k bike and 2.5-k run with Patillan posting 55 minutes and 12.32 seconds.

Chiongbian, who settled for third in the Batang Pinoy National Finals last December in Iloilo behind Patillan and gold medal winner Sixto Louie Lalanto, clocked 55:12:79 while Mandaluyong City bet Samuel Ranque took third with 55:37.00.

Magali Bernasconi Echauz stamping her class anew in the women's with 1:01:25. A far second was local bet Victoria Deldio at 1:02:22 while Laguna's Jessica Salazar took third in 1:08:05 time.

Patillan was ahead after the swim and bike leg but Chiongbian and Ranque made their moves in the run event to make the contest more exciting. (Manila Bulletin)

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USS Cheyenne arrives in Subic Bay

USS Cheyenne (SSN 773), a Los Angeles-class submarine, arrives in Subic Bay today (February 1st) for a routine port visit.

This stop in Subic will permit the Cheyenne to replenish supplies as well as offer its crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation.

The USS Cheyenne, named after the town of Cheyenne, Wyoming, is assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet.

It is home-ported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The Cheyenne, commissioned in 1996, is the last Los Angeles-class submarine to be built by the United States. (U.S. Embassy Information Office)

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2 European firms to invest $600M in shipbuilding

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman Roberto Garcia yesterday reported that two European companies will invest $600 million building small ships in Subic, encouraged by the success of Hanjin Heavy Industries.

Garcia declined to elaborate further, saying that inquiries were made last year. Garcia said during a break in the Philippines Ports and Shipping Conference at the Manila Peninsula yesterday that Subic has become an ideal investment destination for maritime and tourism.

He also reported that SBMA was able to turn around from 2011’s losses of P1.2 billion to profit of P789 million last year.

Garcia attributed the turnaround to increased revenues, reduced operating expenses and a favorable exchange rate.

SBMA raised 16 percent more in revenues last year than in 2011 on the entry of new major projects in seaport operations such as the Vale ore transshipment project and the start of commercial operations of the Phase 2 of the New Container Terminal.

Coupled with an aggressive collection campaign on existing accounts, new revenue streams were created through increased admission fees on importations and the imposition of fees to defray municipal expenses that were previously subsidized.

Operating expenses decreased by 7 percent versus 2011, as the SBMA implemented a comprehensive austerity program.

Salaries similarly dropped by 7 percent as a freeze hiring policy was implemented and the manpower count decreased. Repairs and maintenance expenses likewise fell 46 percent and advertising expenses were slashed by 35 percent from 2011 levels. As a result, earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation (EBITDA) jumped from P329 million in 2011 to P629 million – a 91 percent increase.

Due mainly to favorable exchange rates, SBMA registered an unrealized foreign exchange gain of P1.1 billion in 2012, versus the previous year’s forex loss of P566 million. (Irma Isip, Malaya)

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Subic Hosts SEA Marine Symposium

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT - With the frequent stranding of whales and dolphins in the country, many wildlife conservationists will be holding the first-ever Southeast Asian Marine Mammal Stranding Network Symposium and Workshop here.

Slated in the first week of February, the two-part event is made possible by the Ocean Adventure, Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong and Wildlife in Need in collaboration with the University of the Philippines, Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology and the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network.

An officer of Ocean Adventure said the symposium and workshop aims to engage stakeholders and experts from the academic community, government, industry and non-government agencies in an exchange of knowledge about the current and future affairs of marine mammal stranding incidents in the region.

He added that it is also to advance a One World Health view in recognition of marine mammals as valuable sentinels of ocean and human health.

The tentative list of participants include marine mammal stranding experts, scientists and networks from the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan.

This event comes in two parts: the Symposium that will be held on February 4-6; and the Training Workshop that will be held on February 7-9. Participants have an option to attend both.

"The objective of the symposium is to share knowledge and experiences in marine mammal stranding activities from all over the region. It also aims to discuss and plan the formation of a Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Network/Association whose purpose would be to disseminate knowledge, best practices, and shared experience of marine mammal strandings, to advance a One World Health regional view and recognition of marine mammals and their strandings as valuable sentinels of ocean and human health," he said.

He added that the objectives of the training workshop are to impart knowledge about the various aspects of marine mammals strandings, including anatomy, biology, causes of stranding incidents, first response, rehabilitation, decision-making, and public concerns, among others. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

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International sailing races return to Subic Bay

Subic will again host prestigious international regattas this year when the Subic Bay to Boracay Race kicks off here in February and the Commodore’s Cup promises to wow spectators and sailors alike in April.

The Subic Bay to Boracay Race, which is followed by the Boracay Cup Regatta, will be held on February 15-22. The two races are jointly organized by the Saturday AfternoonGentlemen Sailing (SAGS) group based at The Lighthouse Marina Resort here and the Boracay Cup Organizing Committee.

Organizers said the Subic Bay to Boracay Race and the Boracay Cup Regatta are acclaimed as among the best sailing competitions in Asia today. Both attract Grand Prix yachts and top-notch local and foreign sailors vying for the prestigious “Asian Yachtsman of the Year” and “Yacht of the Year” titles.

The Subic Bay to Boracay Race is a gruelling 210-nautical mile International Sailing Federation (ISAF) category 3 offshore race. It will start at noon on February 16 and will take between 17-40 hours, depending on the size of the boat and the sea and wind conditions in the route.

On the other hand, the Boracay Cup Regatta is expected to provide sailors with four glorious days of windward-leeward races and offshore races around the beautiful and exotic island of Boracay from February 18 to 22.

Overall winners in each class (racing, cruiser racing, and cruising class) of the combined Subic Bay to Boracay Race and the Boracay Cup Regatta series will bring home an impressive handcrafted solid brass trophy designed by Ferdinand Cacnio, a multi-awarded visual Filipino artist, which was officially commissioned by the provincial government of Aklan.

Last year’s overall winner of the combined regattas was Filipino businessman Ray Ordoveza on Karakoa. To give Ray a run for his money in this year’s foreseen tight race are former Yachtsmen of the Year Frank Pong on Jelik, Sam Chan on Free Fire and Neil Pryde on Hi-Fi.

Veterans and multi-titled Geoff Hill on Antipodes, Judes Echauz on his new boatCentennial II, Martin Tanco on Centennial III and Jonathan Mahoney on Zanzibarcomplete a formidable list of veterans to battle for the top division.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia said the two races boost Subic’s claim as one of the best sports tourism venue in Southeast Asia today.
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“Undoubtedly, Subic is now ranked as among the premier sporting places in the world frequented by top-caliber athletes. These two regattas continue to put Subic on the sailing map, so these are very welcome events for the SBMA,” he added.

The Subic Bay to Boracay Race and the Boracay Cup Regatta are organized in conjunction with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, The Lighthouse Marina Resort, the municipal government of Malay, the Philippine Coast Guard, the provincial government of Aklan, and Watercraft Ventures Corp. under the auspices of the Philippine Sailing Association.

The competitions are supported by Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation (SBITC), Standard Insurance Company Inc., Cebu Pacific, San Miguel Corporation, Tanduay, Recreational Outdoor eXchange (R.O.X.) and the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Sailors race against the wind in the Subic Bay Freeport during the Subic Bay to Boracay Race last year.

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Budget allocation eyed for locators’ subsidy

The government will seek budget allocation to continue the subsidy enjoyed by three big projects in Clark and Subic.

Outgoing Trade Undersecretary Cristino Panlilio said the government is preparing a program that would effectively continue the industry competitiveness fund (ICF), providing it with a strong legal support like including it in the succeeding general appropriations act (GAA) of the country.

The ICF, which expired in March 2011, was granted to Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp. Philippines in Subic Freeport, Texas Instruments Philippines in Clark Freeport Zone and Phoenix Semiconductors Philippines Corp.

Panlilio said the program is very specific to these projects and is not open-ended.

The subsidy was a quid pro quo and as an incentive for these big projects which hired a lot of workers.

One of the companies, Phoenix Semiconductors, is entitled up to 2020.

He said the plan is to allocate it in the GAA.

Panlilio added that government is trying to negotiate a rate acceptable to both parties. The suggested rate has to be approved by the Department of Budget and Management, after which it would have to be approved by President Aquino.

“The reason why we are (extending) that is because we want to ramp up manufacturing,” Panlilio said.

The three were given cheap power under the ICF support under executive orders signed by then President Arroyo.

The government is now looking for other hydropower plants like Bakun and Casecnan to source fuel from on a subsidized rate following the privatization of Angat. These two operate more expensively than Angat per reports from the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management and the National Power Corp.

But the government still finds these two power plants as liable for the ICF but the power that they would produce would be more expensive than if the power is sourced from Angat.

This means government would have to shell out more to continue the ICF.

Based on computations, with Angat as the source of power, all-in cost would be below P5 per kilowatt-hour and above P5 for the two other hydropower plants.

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Subic solar energy firm gets DOE accreditation

A company based in this free port is gearing up to become a leading player in the country’s renewable energy program after receiving accreditation from the Department of Energy (DOE).

Bandacorp Solar, Inc., a registered locator here in the Subic Bay Freeport, was granted a DOE accreditation that entitles it to avail of incentives such as zero-percent value added tax rate, tax- and duty-free importation of components and parts and materials, and income tax holidays.

The accreditation was granted after a stringent evaluation and site validation by the DOE. It is valid for three years.

Bob Silvers, president of Banda Solar, said the company is the first small-business enterprise dealing on alternative energy projects in the Philippines that was granted such an accreditation.

This would help the firm promote its products better and in the process make alternative energy systems more accessible and affordable to the public, he added.

Silvers also said that the DOE certification will allow affordable products to be manufactured in the country, since the bulk of these products used in the Philippines are being imported from China, Germany and the United States.

“These incentives will be passed on to our customers to encourage them to use solar-powered products, thus helping in the improvement of renewable energy industry as well as achieving additional advantageous effects to the environment,” he added.

Banda Solar is also look at promoting the use of renewable energy in the Subic Freeport by working with Subic Enerzone, the local power distributor, and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in the Tipo Expressway lighting project.

The company is also promoting alternative energy awareness among residents of local communities by installing a one-kilowatt power station in Iram, an upland village populated mostly by Ayta tribesmen.

Established here in 2010, Banda Solar focuses on the development of solar energy and has supplied renewable energy products across the country. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO: 
Bob Silvers, president of the Banda Solar Corp., proudly shows his company’s accreditation certificate from the Department of Energy.

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SBMA posts record profit

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority has disclosed that the agency achieved last year the highest profit in its 20 year history.

Based on preliminary figures presented at the SBMA’s Strategic Planning conference last week, the Agency posted a record profit of P789 million in 2012. This is a drastic turnaround from the P1.2 billion loss in 2011

Chairman & Administrator Roberto V. Garcia said that the turnaround was due to increased revenues, reduced operating expenses and a favorable exchange rate.

The Agency revenue increase of 16% versus last year was brought about by new major projects in seaport operations such as the Vale ore transshipment project and the start of commercial operations of the Phase 2 new container port.

Coupled with an aggressive collection campaign on existing accounts, new revenue streams were created through increased admission fees on importations and the imposition of fees to defray municipal expenses that were previously subsidized.

Operating expenses decreased by 7% versus 2011 as the Agency implemented a comprehensive austerity program. Salaries dropped 7% as a freeze hiring policy was implemented and manpower count decreased.

Repairs and maintenance likewise decreased by 46% and advertising was slashed by 35% vs 2011. As a result earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation (EBITDA) jumped from P329 million in 2011 to P629 milliona 91% increase.

Due mainly to favorable exchange rates, unrealized foreign exchange posted a gain of P1.1 Billion from previous years forex loss of P566 million.

The 2013 Strategic Planning session focused on developing new initiatives to sustain and improve further SBMA’s financial position in the coming years. New strategic initiatives concentrating on the seaport, airport, tourism, and commercial and industrial leases were formulated, targets were set and detailed plans of action were submitted and approved by the SBMA Board.

SBMA wanted to ensure it was ready and able to take advantage of the present upsurge in the country’s strong economic performance especially in attracting foreign investments. (SBMA)

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Lions, SBMA partner for eye exam and free cataract operation project

Some 200 cataract patients from Olongapo City will be operated on for free by international team of doctors under a project organized by the Lions Clubs District 301-D1-Philippines and the Lions Clubs District 19-C, a counterpart district in Washington, USA.

Around 3,500 residents also benefited in the five-day optical examination and screening project jointly undertaken by the Lions International Foundation and the Olongapo City New Horizon Lions Club in cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Some 2,000 pairs of eyeglasses were also distributed to residents of the city’s 17 barangays during the five-day project held from January 8 to 12 at the covered court of Barangay Pag-Asa.

The activity was funded by the Lions Club International Foundation and hosted by Barangay Pag-Asa, Olongapo City New Horizon Lions Club, Subic Tambuli Lions Club, Primera Lions Club, SR Executive Lions Club, Golden Heights Lions Club and Subic Bay Lions Club.

Jimmy Pasag, chairman of Brgy. Pag-Asa and Lions Club member, said the project is an important activity for the Lions Club because it is one of the major concerns of the group.

The Lions Club has several areas of service, namely: restoring sight, providing disaster relief, supporting youth and addressing other humanitarian needs such as health and disability.

During the screening, doctors, some of whom flew in from the USA, screened cataract patients inside a customized mobile eye-care clinic.

Organizers said the cataract patients will be operated on at a hospital in San Marcelino, Zambales.

Alex Tinagan, a councilor of Brgy. Pag-Asa, said they also reached the target for patients who availed of refraction glasses donated by the Lions groups. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
A patient undergoes an eye examination during an optical and cataract screening project jointly undertaken by the Lions Club in Olongapo City with the cooperation and support of the SBMA Public Relations Office.

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Hanjin Subic Shipyard Delivers 2 Bulk Carriers To UK Company

South Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction - Philippines (HHIC-Phil Inc.) welcomed the New Year with yet another milestone when it unveiled simultaneously two newly-built DWT 205,000 Bulk Carriers in its 300-hectare state-of-the-art shipyard facility recently.

The vessels, purchased by England-based Rio Tinto Shipping Limited, were named M/V "RTM Cabot" and M/V "RTM Drake", respectively. The ships, named after two renowned British explorers, will have London in the United Kingdom as their homeport.

The event was attended by HHIC-Phil senior officials led by President Jin Kyu Ahn, Rio Tinto top executives and representatives from classification society Lloyd Register.

Since 2008, HHIC-Phil has successfully delivered to various clients abroad a total of 48 vessels with an estimated value of US$2.9 Billion, thereby boosting the Philippines' export portfolio.

Last year, Hanjin delivered four vessels to Rio Tinto, including "RTM Dampier" and "RTM Zheng He", which was named after a British explorer and a Chinese navigator respectively, the M/V RTM Cartier, named after a French explorer , and the M/V Cook, a 204,000 deadweight metric tons bulk carrier.

The M/V "RTM Cabot" and M/V "RTM Drake are the latest addition to the vessels delivered to shipping magnate Rio Tinto.

But despite these succeses, the shipbuilding industry is already bracing itself for a very challenging year this 2013 as "The world shipbuilding market is really depressed since last year and this has already created cut-throat competition among shipbuilders", according to HHIC-Phil managing director for External Trade Team Taek Kyun Yoo.

Yoo said that " The European-debt crisis and the slowing down of the world economy continue to plague the global shipbuilding industry, which is still reeling the ill effects of a very low shipbuilding demands last year due to fewer maritime activities. Many pundits believe that these economic uncertainties may result to huge drop in sales for new commercial vessels this year, as many international shipping companies still remain conservative on business expansion, and incessantly look for modern and highly cost-efficient vessels to revitalize their fleet just to keep their business afloat amid the looming crisis. "

He said that " due to Hanjin's vast experience and high-technology, the Philippines currently ranked 4th among the largest shipbuilding countries in the world as per the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). The country's unprecedented leap from a virtual unknown nation in building massive ship is also widely credited to Hanjin shipyard's 19,000 highly skilled and in-house trained local workers. (Manila Bulletin)

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PLDT-Abap national boxfest set in Subic

The Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (Abap) has lined up two major local competitions to start the year, including the national championship, leading off to the Asian Youth tournament in March at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone gym.

The Capitol Grounds in Iba, Zambales, in cooperation with the provincial government led by Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., will be the site of the PLDT-Abap National Capital Region-Luzon Area tournament on Jan. 22 to 26.

A total of 70 to 80 boxers coming from 15 boxing clubs and associations are expected to compete for slots to the PLDT-Abap National Championships next month.

That will be in Maasin, Southern Leyte on Feb. 17 to 23 where the best in the country will trade ring savvy and from which Abap will recruit talent for the national team.

The best performers of the other regional tournaments held last year in Bago City (Visayas) and General Santos Coty (Mindanao) will lock horns with the qualifiers from the Zambales tourney.

Notable products of Abap’s grassroots development program are London Olympian Mark Anthony Barriga, 2011 World Junior champion Eumir Felix Marcial, World Series campaigner Charly Suarez, and World Youth bronzer medalist Jade Bornea.

“We are picking up from where we left off,” said Abap president Ricky Vargas. “This is our way of starting the year with a bang. We’re seeing to it that our program is active and robust, leading up to the major tournament of the year, the Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar this November.”

The Asian Youth Boxing Championship is set March 10 to 17 in Subic Bay with entries from 20 top 25 countries flying in.(Daily Tribune)

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US vessel arrives in Subic for port call

The United States Embassy in Manila said that another one of its navy ships, USS Guardian, arrived on Sunday for a routine fuel stop.

In a statement, the embassy said that the USS Guardian, a US Navy Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship, arrived in Subic Bay.

“This visit will allow the ship to replenish supplies as well as give the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation,” the embassy said.

After an overnight visit in Subic, the ship will proceed to Puerto Princesa City in Palawan “for another brief visit.”

The USS Guardian is assigned to the US Navy’s seventh fleet and is forward deployed to Sasebo in Japan.

The vessel’s crew of some 80 officers and enlisted personnel includes eight Filipino Americans.

Notably, the ship’s highest-ranking enlisted sailor on board is a Filipino-American originally from Olongapo City.

Vessels of the US Navy have made over a dozen port calls to the Philippines since 2012.

Reports have indicated that the unusual number of port calls by the United States to the Philippines was influenced largely by the Obama administration’s Pacific Rim repivot.

The repivot is the United States refocus on the Asia-Pacific region after it has been preoccupied on its war against terrorism campaign in the Middle East for over a decade.

This strategy comes amid China’s increasingly enormous political, economic and military power in the region.

China and the Philippines are currently embroiled in territorial disputes over the resource-rich West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) islands. (Bernice Camille V. Bauzon, The Manila Times)

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Air ambulance takes good care of Subic residents

Subic proved to be an ideal site for an air-ambulance service when a severely injured man, from Pohnpei, Micronesia, was airlifted to the Unihealth-Baypointe hospital at the former American naval base recently onboard a reconfigured twin-engine Westwind business jet.

The Westwind jet was converted into a mini intensive-care unit ward complete with hospital staff, an oxygen system and ventilators because patients are usually too sick or injured to fly in a commercial flight.

Officials of air-ambulance firm, Carejet Assist, said they could not release other details about the patient but said the injury was sustained from a work-related accident.

“He is now recuperating in the hospital. I think he will be released soon,” Scotty Watson, program director of Carejet Assist and a 20-year veteran of the air-ambulance industry, said.

Watson added that during it’s first six months, Carejet has conducted nine air-ambulance missions, plus several other medical and repatriation activities.

The hospital operates 24/7 through the Aviation Concepts Logistics Center in Makati City, where their clients, mostly insurance and assistance companies from South America, the United States and Europe, coordinate the medical missions.

Besides medical ambulance and assistance, the company also assists other emergency needs like commercial repatriation. A few months ago, they repatriated Filipinos from Copenhagen and London, bringing them back to Manila.

The country’s only air ambulance-service provider will add another aircraft early next year in response to a growing demand for their services in the Asia-Pacific region.

The first aircraft, an eight-seater Westwind jet operating from Subic Bay International Airport, has been busy moving patients from one part of Asia to another. To date, its longest run was a Subic Bay-Dhakar (Bangladesh)-Nagoya (Japan) and back mission.

Chairman Robert Garcia of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority welcomes the expansion program, pointing out that the move fits snugly into their plan.(Recto Mercene, Business Mirror)

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Subic issues ban on plastics in retail establishments

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) through its Ecology Center has implemented the “no plastic” policy applicable to retail establishments inside the Subic Bay Freeport zone.

In a memorandum issued by the Ecology Center dated December 27, 2012, the SBMA said that no retail establishment in the Subic Bay Freeport shall provide to any customer at the point of sale plastic bags as packaging material on dry goods. Instead, a reusable bag or the brown paper bag shall be used or provided.

The policy took effect on January 1.

It added that retail establishments dealing with wet goods may use plastic materials as primary packaging material only.

However, alternative primary packaging materials, such as old newspapers, scrap papers, banana leaves, reusable microwaveable containers, among others shall be used whenever possible.

Styrofoam and other similar materials as containers for food, produce and other products have also been banned.

“We hope that the neighboring communities around the Freeport can implement the same policy, besides it will be nice for people to back to the habit of using brown paper bag, reusable bags or even the trusty bayong instead of using plastic and other non-biodegradable materials,” said Angel Bagaloyos of the SBMA’s Ecology Center.

Bagaloyos explained that anyone caught using plastic or other banned materials will be meted with penalties ranging from a simple warning for the first offense or a fine of P5,000 for the second offense and a P10,000-fine and suspension of operation for the third and final offense. (Anthony Bayarong, Manila Times)

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Subic Bay welcomes 2013 with street party

Up to 13,000 people crammed the Waterfront Road and Boardwalk Park in this free port on New Year’s Eve to usher in 2013 and bid 2012 goodbye.

The revelers brought food for their traditional New Year’s feast, pitched tents and set up tables in the seaside venue, heard Mass and watched a mini-concert while awaiting what appeared to be the best fireworks display since the tradition started here in 2001.

“The New Year Countdown is our way of giving thanks for all the blessings in the ending year, as well as welcoming the coming new year,” Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chair Robert Garcia said.

“This has become a tradition for the Subic Freeport community, a thing that also attracts visitors to the Freeport this time of the year,” he added.

Dr. Mariano Ridon, owner of a restaurant near the Boardwalk Park, said the New Year Countdown at Subic’s Boardwalk area began in 2000 during the Y2K craze, and was later adopted by the SBMA as an official activity under the Freeport Festival Executive Committee (FFEC).

Ridon, who was the founding chairman of the FFEC, added that the countdown also introduced the “potluck” tradition and sharing of food for the New Year’s feast when the SBMA, under then Chairman Felicito Payumo, prepared five roasted pig and three roasted calf to be shared among all the revelers.

“Since then, people brought food to the countdown to share with others, like Filipinos did during fiestas,” Ridon explained.

Light and Sound Show


Aside from the fireworks display that the SBMA puts up as the highlight of the New Year program, various establishments along the Waterfront Road had since adopted the custom, with the Lighthouse Marina Resort offering the grandest show along the strip, including music festivals as part of its holiday presentations over the years.

Other hotels along Subic Bay’s famous Waterfront Road have cashed in on the visitors surge, offering dinner buffets and a front-row view of the New Year’s Eve lights and sound show.

“I am sure it would attract more people if the other establishments shared some fireworks also,” Emmy, a countdown regular and resident of San Juan, Metro Manila, said.

Even families living in Olongapo City have begun bringing their sparklers and horns to the Subic countdown after the local government banned fireworks within the city limits.

“Most of our neighbors are here,” explained Josephine Cruz, a resident of Gordon Heights in Olongapo City. “We bring our food here and enjoy a grand fireworks display that we otherwise cannot afford on our own.”

Themed Parties

Others bring their parties and costumes into the scene, making the six-hour wait for the New Year countdown as colorful and as entertaining as the midnight fireworks.

“Because we’ve done this for 11 years, deciding what the theme is and what costumes to wear is tough. This year, we decided to have an activist theme,” Carrie Aspa-Empeño, a journalist, said.

Armed with toys guns made of wood and plastic, the Empeño family, together with their friends, set up camp along the Waterfront Road and put up a “picket line” that greeted other revelers with placards and banners.

One placard had an “OUST 2012!” call, a dig at Filipino activists’ penchant for calling for the ouster of every elected president.

Another read “Maki-New Year! ‘Wag matakot!” which was a parody of the local leftist chant of “Makibaka! ‘Wag matakot!” (Struggle! Don’t be afraid!)

Banner Year for Tourism


It is precisely because of these types of events that Subic Bay has become a tourist magnet.

Raul Marcelo, SBMA deputy administrator for tourism, said that the number of tourist arrivals in 2012 increased significantly as compared to the previous years.

And the uptrend is expected to continue well into the next years, he added.

“Next year will be basically the same (as far as major tourism events are concerned),” Marcelo noted. “But we still hope to improve on our record in terms of the number of visitors, and create more attractions to generate more arrivals in Subic Bay,” he added. (SBMA)

PHOTO:
A huge crowd awaits the New Year Countdown at the Subic Bay Freeport

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Subic Bay to host Asian Triathlon Championships

Subic Bay Freeport will once again be the nation’s hot spot for triathletes as it will host the K-SWISS Subic Bay ASTC Asian Triathlon Championships 2013 on April 27, 28 and 29.

A joint project of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines, the International Triathlon Union, the Asian Triathlon Confederation and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department, the three-day event marks the 20th edition of the longest running and premier standard distance triathlon in the country as well as the third time the Freeport will host the Asian Triathlon Championships.

In the event sponsored by K-Swiss, Speedo, David’s Salon, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Gatorade, Fitness First and the Philippine Sports Commission, Elite participants as well as those under the U/23, Elite Juniors, age-group sprint (750 M swim – 20 Km bike – 5.4 Km run) and mini-sprint (350 M swim – 9.8 Km bike – 3 Km run) categories will race on April 27.

The next day will have age-groupers and Inter-Club competitors racing the standard distance (1.5 Km swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run).

Finally, the Asian Mixed Team Relay championships and the debut of the Paratriathlon competition will take place on April 29.

Over $12,000 in total prize money are at stake for winners in the Elite, U/23 and Junior Sprint categories, while medals and trophies will be awarded for the Top 5 finishers of the standard distance age-group categories, the Top 3 finishers for sprint distance categories, and for the five members of the Top 3 teams in the Inter-Club competition.

The TRAP’s first two events slated are the PSC Aquathlon on Jan. 27 and the opening leg of the National Age-Group Triathlon series at Dungaree Beach, Subic Bay Freeport on Feb. 3.

Interested parties are welcome to contact the TRAP via email (rreyes_upm@yahoo.com, fabiedavid@yahoo.com), landline 710-8259 and 399-6598, mobile phones (0916-5046513, 0921-9954764, 0915-6394233) or by visiting triathlon.org.ph. (Manila Standard Today)

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90,000 Workers Go Back To Work At Subic Bay Freeport

After a long and stress-relieving holiday hiatus, almost 90,000 employees working here are returning back to work.

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia, the 89,372 employees make up the current workforce inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and have kept the economic zone afloat despite the economic crises that has affected most of the Western world.

“Each and every one of these employees has my respect. They have made great contributions in ensuring that Subic Bay Freeport remains the flagship of the Philippines in terms of economic growth,” Garcia said.

He said that the SBMA has given said workers the moniker, “Bayani ng Freeport” or “Heroes of the Freeport” due to their apparent commitment in giving their best in their respective jobs while paying taxes and making the Freeport an investor’s haven.

Currently, the services sector has the most number of workers here with a total of 38,459 or 43.16 percent, the biggest in the workforce sector. This is followed by the shipbuilding or maritime industry sector with 27,310 workers or 30.65 percent, with the manufacturing sector, with a total of 15,183 workers or 17.04 percent of total workforce in the Freeport.

These are followed by the construction sector with 7,614 workers or 8.54 percent of the workforce, and lastly domestic helpers, taking up one percent of the same workforce. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

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SBMA sees fruitful year for Subic Bay tourism

The year 2012 is expected to end on a high note for the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in terms of tourism as the agency became more aggressive this year in promoting and drawing more visitors to the Subic Bay Freeport.

Marking a year of outstanding growth in its tourism promotions program, the Subic Bay Freeport received a certification from the Department of Tourism (DOT) affirming it as the "Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon, with the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) as the centerpiece.

Another highlight for 2012 was the inclusion of Subic among the top ten tourist destinations in the Philippines for this year.

“All things considered, this has been a productive year for Subic tourism,” said SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia.

“The distinctions earned by Subic in the national level only show how much passion the SBMA and the tourism stakeholders in Subic have put up to make this free port a great place to be,” he added.

SBMA deputy administrator for tourism Raul Marcelo echoed the observation that 2012 has been a very fruitful year for the SBMA as far as tourism was concerned, pointing out the opening of a major shopping mall in the Freeport’s central business district and the arrival of a cruise ship, the M/V Spirit of Adventure, as indicators of Subic’s emergence as a major tourism destination.

Marcelo also noted that sports tourism has given Subic much attention, with the recent Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon and the NCAA Beach Volleyball games leading the various sporting events that were held here this year.

“We had our first Century Tuna 5i50, and it was very well-attended by elite athletes. What makes this good news even better is the fact that we have also signed a three-year contract with the organizers, making Subic the official venue of this big international triathlon in the next two years,” he said.

Because of these developments, Marcelo said that the number of tourist arrivals this year increased significantly as compared to the previous years. The uptrend is expected to continue well into the next years, he added.

“Next year will be basically the same (as far as major tourism events are concerned),” Marcelo noted. “We just want to improve on our record in terms of the number of visitors, and hopefully create more attractions to generate more arrivals in Subic Bay,” he said.

Marcelo stressed that the SBMA is planning to promote Subic Bay further as a major sports destination.

“In fact, we are already promoting Subic Bay as a sports destination; we just want it validated," he said, noting how the DOT certified the Subic Freeport as a major destination for conventions, exhibitions, meetings and incentive travels.

Early this year, SBMA Chairman Garcia said that tourism will be given priority in the agency’s master plan and has repeatedly stressed the importance of making Subic Bay a premier destination for eco-tourism and sports. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

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DOLE, SBMA sign deal to protect Subic Freeport workers

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) vowed to ensure the safety and safeguard the health of workers in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone amid complaints of abuse, mistreatment and even death of workers contracted by Korean company Hanjin operating inside the area.

Labor Sec. Rosalinda Baldoz and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority [SBMA] signed the memorandum of agreement last week that “maintains industrial peace and enforce labor and occupational safety and health standards in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.”

 “I am pleased of this convergence of the DOLE and the SBMA to strengthen and sustain industrial peace, promote compliance with labor and occupational safety and health OSH standards, and capacitate SBFZ locator-employers and workers, all for the purpose of enhancing competitiveness, productivity, and growth in private enterprises which are the generators of decent jobs,” said Baldoz immediately after signing the MOA.

The agreement allows DOLE to regularly conduct inspection inside the SBMA to ensure compliance to the labor standards and occupational safety and health standards as well as industrial peace in the SBFZ.

The agreement also requires SBMA to submit to the rules of DOLE in labor dispute settling mechanism.

“In instances of notices of strike and lockout and preventive mediation cases, the DOLE, through the NCMB, shall provide conciliation and mediation services in accordance with the existing rules and regulations in the handling of labor disputes,” the agreement stated.

“Both parties shall also use social dialogue, such as consultation meetings among workers and locators, to further achieve industrial harmony in the free port zone,” the agreement said.

Filipino workers staged protests inside the SBMA amid complaints of abuse, mistreatment such as lack of meals and rest for those employed by Korean shipbuilder Hanjin that caused sickness and even death due to accidents by workers.

The complaints prompted the labor department’s cancellation of Hanjin’s permit to operate until all the issues on settlement and fair labor rules have been addressed.

The MOA agreement also requires SBMA to “educate” foreign employers on Filipino work culture and values, on labor laws, rules and regulations, and other labor and employment legislation, as well as on DOLE conciliation-mediation programs to promote better labor-management relations.

The SBMA is the operating and implementing arm of the BCDA for the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, which has now become one of the country’s premier tourism, industrial, and commercial center in the region. (Estrella Torres, BusinessMirror)

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Subic Investors Unite For Tourism

In an effort to push the current status of this premier Freeport’s tourism, hotel and tourism companies here unite to come up with the “Stay in a Hotel in Subic, Play a round of golf for free!”

Subic Leisure World Inc. President and CEO Benjamin John Defensor III said all tourists who stay at their accredited hotels can play a free round of golf at the Subic Golf Course.

“It’s a simple, yet effective way, of enticing tourist golfers to take their families in Subic Bay Freeport and enjoy the many tourism sites here. It would also give those golfers a chance to try out the new golf course,” Defensor added.

Accredited hotels that give out free round of golf are Venezia Hotel, White Rock Waterpark, Subic Homes Apartelle, Mango Valley, The Terrace Hotel, Bayfront Hotel, Seorabeol, and Playa Papagayo Beach Inn.

Subic Bay Freeport was hounded by controversies such as the alleged “toxic waste” dumping that has lessened the usual number of incoming tourists during peak season.

“We believe that investors such as we, can help in increasing the current number of tourists coming to Subic by creating a package not just for ordinary tourists but golf enthusiasts as well,” Defensor said.

The golf course formally reopened on January 1st upon the completion of the renovation of their fully functional nine holes and is currently in the process of completing up to the 18th hole. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

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Manila Ports’ Decongestion Moves Up

The Subic-Clark Alliance Development Council has thrown its support behind a new set of policy proposals aimed at decongesting traffic to and from the Manila ports, saying such policy mix will give a major boost to the underutilized Subic and Batangas ports to where spillover container cargoes would be rerouted.

The proposed policy mix is contained in a study funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and includes, among others, new pricing strategies such as reduced wharfage, berthing fees and vessel-related charges in Batangas and Subic ports; and a six-year delay in capacity-expansion investments at the South Harbor and Manila International Container Terminal (MICP).

“The JICA-funded study validates what we have been saying all along: That we should learn from Laem Chabang experience and that the already congested Manila ports should stop accommodating more shipments and allow the active use of both Subic and Batangas ports,” Felicito Payumo, SCAD Council chairman, said as he recalled the Bangkok port experience that led to the rise of nearby port of Laem Chabang.

Manila is equidistant at 110 kilometers from both Subic up north and Batangas down south, nearly the same distance between Laem Chabang and Bangkok.

“By way of comparison, the Laem Chabang port in Thailand was built to decongest the Bangkok river port – the same reason we built Subic port to decongest Manila. Both Bangkok and Manila ports were doing two million TEUs (20-footer equivalent units) then. Now, Laem Chabang with six berths is doing three million TEUs while Bangkok is limited to just one million TEUs,” said Payumo, a former chairman and administrator of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), which owns two container terminals in Subic freeport, and now board chairman of Bases Conversion and Development Authority.

“The policy mix that JICA study is endorsing to decongest port and road traffic in Metro Manila augurs well for both Subic and Batangas ports, the capacities of which are presently underutilized,” Payumo said. “If adopted and carried out, this policy mix can stimulate the development of Southern Tagalog and Central Luzon regions.”

The JICA-funded study, which was conducted by Transport and Traffic Planners Inc., said port usage in Subic in 2011 was 5.6 percent of its actual capacity and port utilization in Batangas, 4.2 percent. The Manila ports, it added, handled 98.2 percent of total volume of container traffic passing through these three major ports (Subic, Manila and Batangas).

Payumo noted that although both Subic and Batangas ports had begun adjusting their pricing strategies, there were still adjustments to be done, like changes in vessel-related charges.

“There is also a need for shipment consolidators as there are enough export volumes in the Subic hinterlands which still pass through the Manila ports. This is the only way to break the ‘chicken or egg’ situation for the Subic port, where few ship calls are attributed to lack of volume shipments, and where the lack of volume shipments is blamed on few ship calls,” he said.

JICA earlier estimated that the provinces of Pampanga, Zambales, Tarlac, Bataan, Bulacan and Pangasinan generated a combined cargo volume of 1,572 TEUs per week, which would total to 786,000 TEUs a year, a volume that exceeded the combined capacities of two container ports in Subic. (Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat, Manila Bulletin)

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Astro Air links Subic, Kalibo with Taipei

The high-ranking management team of Subic-based Astro Air International, the latest CAAP-certified air operator in the Philippines, paid a courtesy call to Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines (TECO) Representative Ambassador Raymond Wang to introduce their first flight, which will link Subic and Kalibo with Taipei, Taiwan.

Wang noted that he is looking forward to an increased tourist and business flow between the Philippines and Taiwan with this newly introduced flight route and is hopeful for an enhanced tourism, and trade and investment partnership between our two countries. (Manila Times)

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Subic Firm Producing Indoor Vegetables

A company inside this premier Freeport is producing Central Luzon’s only indoor-grown vegetables that are free from both fertilizers and pesticides.

Subic Amino Hightech Corporation has been growing vegetables thru an indoor hydroponics system a few months ago inside a 6 meter by 15 meter room where temperature is maintained at 22 degress celsius, cooler than most offices inside the Freeport.

The two hydroponic systems, with six levels each, provide the nutrients to rows of healthy Frillice Lettuce, Wasabe greens, and Arugula plants.

“The program is a sustainable and renewable farming technology. Our produce are pesticide-free, grown in a controlled environment, and fresh because we harvest based on demand,” Atushi Kadoi, Subic Amino general manger explained.

The project is run by the company which began growing the greens on its nutrient-rich water beds a few months ago.

A combination of LED and fluorescent bulbs are used, instead of direct sunlight, for the plants’ photosynthesis.

“Salad greens inside the Freeport come from Baguio or Tagaytay, meaning substantial travel time and the potential of mishandling. With hydroponics, we are assured that what we buy for our families or serve to our clients are grown in a safe and controlled environment,” Kadoi explained.

Subic Amino Hightech Corporation used to recycle CD and DVD casing into plastic pellets that may be used for new plastic-based products.

“Importation was a challenge in our plastics business, even if we are inside a Freeport zone. Since our company was in the business of renewables and environmentally-friendly technologies, we decided to put up the indoor hydroponics,” Kadoi said.

They are banking on the growing community of health conscious and the environmentalists at heart in Olongapo City and Subic Bay to give them the push that is needed to take the business into a higher level. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

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Thousands race in co-op advocacy run

Thousands of runners from some 300 cooperatives in the seven provinces of Central Luzon raced for a cause here on Wednesday during the “Cooperative Advocacy Run” that was held as part of the simultaneous nationwide celebration of the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC).

The event, organized by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in Region 3, drew around 17,000 registered runners who competed in two race categories.

CDA-Region 3 Director Manuel Mar said the activity “was intended to promote the four P’s: peace, prosperity, planet and people, in line with the theme of the IYC.”

He added that the advocacy run, which was part of the culminating activities of the IYC celebration, drew the active participation and support of all local government units in the region and proved rhe cohesiveness of the different cooperatives across the region.

Assistant CDA director Mildred Esguerra meanwhile said that they were very happy about the success of the event.

“The number of runners who participated in the advocacy run is a clear indicator of success,” she added, also noting that the activity served as a healthy bonding opportunity among cooperative officers and members.

Esguerra also thanked the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority for providing the facilities for the event.
She said that organizers chose the Subic Freeport as venue because of the tourist attractions that the participants can visit afterwards.

The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives, highlighting the contribution of cooperatives to socio-economic development, particularly their impact on poverty reduction, employment generation and social integration. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Runners from various cooperatives in Central Luzon kick off an early morning fun run at the Subic Bay Freeport as part of the simultaneous nationwide celebration of the International Year of Cooperatives.

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Kanawan Medical Mission

Patients line up for free medical check-up and medicine in the remote upland village of Kanawan in Barangay Binaritan, Morong, Bataan, during a medical mission conducted by PJ Lhuiller Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Cebuana Lhuiller, United Laboratories Inc., and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

Around 200 residents, mostly Aeta families, benefited from the project coordinated by the SBMA Public Relations Department. (Photo by Jun Dumaguing, MPD-SBMA)

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Subic online school donates 250 bags of rice for indigent families

An online language instruction company in this free port has turned over 250 sacks of rice to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for distribution to less privileged communities in Zambales.

Moon-kang Myung, president of MoonKkang Talk, Inc., told SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia during a brief visit at the latter’s office that his company would donate 250 50-kilo bags of rice under the firm’s corporate social responsibility program.

First established in Daegu, Korea in 1996, MoonKkang Talk, Inc. is a company dedicated to enhancing the speaking skills of Korean students by providing excellent English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction.

Myung said the online academy helps their students become more confident and competitive.

While continuing to strive not only for excellent work ethic through its passionate and enthusiastic teachers, MoonKkang Talk also participates in social activities to promote better working relationship with the community it serves.

Chairman Garcia said that the donation by MoonKkang Talk was very timely. He said the rice, together with other food items, will form part of Christmas gift bags that the SBMA will distribute to indigent families around the Freeport area.

Garcia thanked Myung and expressed hope that the company’s gesture of goodwill would be emulated by other companies in the free port.

Myung said his company is thriving in Subic because many Korean students are seeking help to keep abreast with the rapidly-evolving education industry.

“In this age of fast real-time communication, learning English has become more important than ever,” Myung said.

MoonKkang Talk started operating in the Philippines in 2007 with no more than 30 teachers during its first few months. After 5 years in the online education industry, it now has more than 200 employees and 12,000 academy students.

The company provides quality English lessons in the form of 10- to 20-minute phone and video classes, from Mondays to Fridays.

Myung alo said that MoonKkang Talk continues to aim for the best service for its students, and also seek to strengthen the ties between students and teachers and the local community. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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Decongest Manila: Cargo Diversion To Subic, Batangas Starts 1Q 2013

A new policy on how to decongest traffic to and from the Manila port by diverting container cargoes to the Subic and Batangas seaports will be in place by the first quarter of 2013.

This was disclosed by the consultants who made a study on the twin issues of decongesting Metro Manila traffic and making full use of the recently modernized alternate ports during a final consultation held at a hotel in the Ortigas business district in Pasig early this week.

The consultants were commissioned by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) late last year and were funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The consultants responded that the decongestion and diversion program will be finished by the end of this year and be ready for executive decisions by January.

A representative to the consultation from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) informed the group that the council of Metro Manila mayors has passed a resolution imposing a new truck band during the holidays.

The resolution, if not rescinded on time, will impose a trucking ban from the streets of the metropolis between 4 in the morning to 9 in the evening from December 3 to 26 or the height of preparations for the long Christmas to New Year holiday.

The MMDA said the mayors made the decision after the truckers failed to submit a route plan for truckers to decongest city streets of heavy traffic after they were given a six-month notice.

Even at this late time, some reservations were still brought out during the consultation as to how practical the consultants’ recommendations will be.

It was pointed out that as a destination for imports, Metro Manila remains the biggest market compared to any other region in the country. This would mean, most ships for imported goods will still prefer to call at the Manila Port.

Secondly, the shipping lines, in order to sail directly to and from Subic and Batangas, must be able to pick up or deliver bigger volumes of cargo to make additional ships call on those ports more than just one or two ships a week.

Thirdly, the truckers that bring cargo in and out the ports are mostly based in Metro Manila. (Edu Lopez, Manila Bulletin)

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Russia eyes closer economic ties with PHL, Subic Bay

The Russian Federation is eyeing to forge closer economic ties with the Philippines and the Subic Bay Freeport in particular, as it sets its sight on wider trade with countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Russian Ambassador Nikolay Kudashev, who visited this free port recently, told officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) that Russia seeks to forge more bilateral trade agreements with the Philippines.

“Right now there is much focus in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of economic growth and stability and we wanted to take advantage of that,” he told SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia during a meeting here on November 28.

He also said that they are looking at joint activities with Subic in terms of disaster-response management.

Kudashev, who was on his first visit to the Freeport, was accompanied by other Russian officials and some businessmen.

They received a warm welcome from Garcia, who gave them an overview of the developments in the Subic Freeport today and briefed them on the Freeport’s land area, lease rates, and tax incentives given to investors.

Garcia also pointed out that Subic is one of the top tourist destinations in the country, with both locals and foreigners trooping to the Freeport during weekends.

Likewise, Garcia expressed hope for some future partnership with Russia, saying it would be a great opportunity for Subic in terms of economic development and international relations. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Russian Ambassador Nikolay Kudashev (left) discusses developments in the Subic Bay Freeport with SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia during a visit to Subic recently.

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DENR gives go-ahead to Subic power plant

The Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. has finally secured an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural resources for its second 300-megawatt power plant inside Subic Bay Freeport.

With the ECC, RP Energy’s coal fired power plant has formally increased its 300MW plant to a total of 600-MW power plant which is expected to start commercial operations in 2016.

In a statement, RP Energy said it was issued an “amended” ECC, which it considered a “major milestone toward the completion of the project that we hope will ease the burden of Filipino consumers who need stable, reliable, environmentally responsible and cost-efficient power in their homes and businesses.” (Manila Times)

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