Hanjin Subic shipyard donates P4-M rice for “Yolanda” victims

Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction-Philippines (HHIC-Phil), a South Korean shipbuilder based in Subic Bay, has donated 2,041 sacks of rice for the victims of typhoon “Yolanda” in the Visayas region.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia said the rice donation, with an estimated value of P4 million, was transported by Hanjin to Pasay City where it was formally turned over to representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Last Monday, Garcia formally launched a campaign to gather donations from Subic-registered companies and their employees for typhoon victims in Tacloban and other areas devastated by Yolanda.

First to heed the call was the SBMA Fire and Rescue Team, which donated P10,000 of the cash award they recently received for winning the 2013 Kalasag Awards in the national level for urban search and rescue.

“Hanjin has responded to our call for donations to help our government in the relief efforts. Other locators here are also having their own way of collecting goods that they may send to the typhoon victims,” Garcia said.

Meanwhile, HHIC-Phil managing director Joong Gyu Kim, on behalf of his company, commiserated with the Filipino people in the wake of the typhoon which killed thousands in the Visayas.

“We express our deepest sympathy to those affected by this great human tragedy,” Kim said in a statement.

“We join hands with the Filipino nation in this hour of need to at least ease the suffering of the people hit by such disasters of immeasurable proportions,” Kim added.

As a business locator here, HHIC-Philippines has been actively pursuing corporate social responsibility projects and initiatives which focus on the improvement of public infrastructure, education, health, disaster response, employee welfare, and human resource development.

On November 5, HHIC-Phils received a Certificate of Recognition and Plaque of Excellence from the Philippine Board of Investments (BoI) for its outstanding efforts in implementing various CSR programs in local communities. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport stakeholders set monthly river/coastal clean-up

Thousands of volunteers joined on Saturday the kick-off ceremony for the monthly river and coastal clean-up, a multi-sectoral project that aims to maintain beauty and biodiversity of rivers and coastal areas in the Subic Bay area.

The activity is a joint project of the Subic Bay Metropolitan authority (SBMA), the city government of Olongapo headed by its Environment Sanitation and Management Office (ESMO), the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc., the Department of Education (DepEd), and other volunteer organizations.

The first activity drew around 2,000 students, company workers, government employees and members of community organizations from the Subic Bay Freeport and Olongapo City, who undertook clean-up in various areas of assignments.

These included the beaches of Subic Bay, and the coastline of two main channels of freshwater from the city of Olongapo that empties into Subic Bay: the Kalaklan and Kalalake river channels.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the project is part of a comprehensive program of the agency, in cooperation with stakeholders, in maintaining the cleanliness and healthy eco-system of all water bodies that flow into Subic Bay.

“These channels bring into the bay whatever is carelessly thrown into them. Some of these debris are snagged along the river banks during low tide, so we’ll pick them up before they reach the beaches,” Garcia said.

Garcia explained that a large part of tourists coming down to the Subic Freeport and Olongapo City go to the beaches either for swimming or some form of water sports.

“A vacation in Subic or Olongapo will never be complete without the sea and the beach. These are our major attractions here,” he said.

That is why, Garcia added, stakeholders here are putting great effort into maintaining and preserving Subic Bay by conducting coastal clean-up drives regularly.

SBMA Labor Department manager Severo Pastor, Jr. said that after this weekend’s kick-off clean-up, the activity will regularly take place every second Saturday of the month.

“People are joining because we will not only be cleaning our rivers and beaches; we will also be ensuring a better future for our children, their communities and their livelihood here,” Pastor said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Participants in the river/coastline cleanup comb beaches in the Subic Bay area during the kick-off of a monthly cleanup program initiated by stakeholders in the Subic Bay Freeport area. The project is being supported by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, the Olongapo City government, as well as various locator companies, schools and community organizations in the Subic Bay Freeport and Olongapo City.

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SBMA sends multi-awarded rescue team to Tacloban; launches help campaign

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has dispatched its multi-awarded Search, Emergency and Rescue Team (SERT-SBMA) to assist in search and rescue, as well as clearing operations in typhoon-stricken areas in the Visayas.

SBMA Fire Chief Ranny Magno said that ten members of the SERT-SBMA were flown from Clark Freeport via a C-130 military aircraft to Cebu City. From there, they will be transferred to ships that will deploy them to Tacloban City.

The SBMA rescue workers were joined by some members of the Philippine Red Cross 143rd Volunteer Group from Olongapo City.

Magno said the team brought all their equipment and communication gear to ensure effective operations in areas devastated by super typhoon Yolanda, which has reportedly killed thousands of residents in the affected areas.

At the same time, SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the Subic agency has launched a collection drive for food stuff, water and used clothing for the typhoon victims.

“The people of Tacloban need our help,” Garcia told SBMA employees on Monday, as he implored them to give what they could donate.

“Sa pinsalang kanilang dinanas, matatagalan pa po bago malubos ang rehabilitasyon ng lugar na iyon kung kaya sana, matulungan pa natin sila,” he said.

Garcia also announced the decision of SBMA-SERT members to donate a part of their P100,000 prize money from the recent “Gawad Kalasag” Awards.

The SBMA team received last month the 2013 “Gawad Kalasag” for being chosen as the best in Urban Search and Rescue (URBAN SAR) in the national level.

It was the team’s second such award since 2009. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA recognition of Kalasag Awardees

MAKING SUBIC PROUD: SBMA Fire Chief Ranny Magno and other members of the SBMA Emergency Rescue Team present SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (second from right) with a citation that they received for being the Best in Government Emergency Response Management at the 2013 Gawad Kalasag Awards. It was the second such award for urban search and rescue that the SBMA team had won since 2009.

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Subic Freeport, Nayong Pilipino turning in profits

CLARK FREEPORT—The financial viability of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Nayong Pilipino sa Clark Expo (Nayong Pilipino) appears to have turned for the better lately in spite of prevailing global economic uncertainties brought about by slow-downs in First World markets (the US and Europe) and political turmoil besetting the Middle East.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia reported that the country’s first free-port zone sustained a profitable operation this year that began in 2012 ending a losing streak since it opened for business in 1992.

But due to increased expenditures, this year’s SBMA gains would somewhat be lower than last year’s P800 million on the back of projected year-round total operating revenues of P1.476 billion. In 2012 operating revenues reached P1.151 billion.

On the other hand, the losing Nayong Pilipino also began posting moderate gains beginning in 2012, when gross revenues soared to P24 million.

Nayong Pilipino trustee and Executive Director lawyer Apolonio B. Anota Jr. said the facility is now stronger financially both in gross and net revenues.

Anota traced the turnaround in the cultural-cum-resort venture of Nayong Pilipino in this free port to increased visitor arrivals in the past 20 months from a measly annual number of 20,000 to 300,000 as a result of improved management and introduction of new attractions.

Both Garcia and Anota were guests in Friday’s double media forum “Balitaan,” hosted weekly by the Capampangan in Media Inc. at its headquarters at the Bale Balita (House of News) here.

Garcia reported that locators’ committed investments in the SBMA this year could hit P24.8 billion, a hefty jump from the preceding year’s P2.3 billion.

The SBMA’s current 1,000 locators, which provide some 89.921-percent employment opportunities, are forecast to register a 33-percent dip in export receipts to $650 million this year from $963 million the previous year due to the global economic slowdown.

But there’s excitement in the Subic free port, Garcia said, brought about by the rising number of prospective locators, as well as those that have actually implemented their plans, led by the rising P20-billion complex of Resom Resort City Subic and the expansion of the floating terminal of Vale Holding Shipping Pte. Ltd., which services major iron-ore suppliers to China.

The SBMA, together with this free port, has been picked to host the senior ministerial meeting of next year’s scheduled Apec summit the Philippines is hosting, which could trigger the realization of the planned Subic-Clark business corridor, Garcia said.

As envisioned, the land on both sides of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway connecting Clark and Subic is to be developed into commercial-industrial areas to attract more local and foreign business locators.

“We’re also looking forward to generating fresh revenues from the prospective transfer of some of the operation of the Philippine Air Force to Subic,” Garcia said.

With its improving financial muscle, Garcia expressed optimism that the free port could finally pursue the programmed upgrading of its port and other facilities, as well as an increase in the compensation of SBMA personnel.

Sources said that the SBMA management has submitted to the Office of the President its proposed P65-million wage-hike package for SBMA employees. (Ashley Manabat, Business Mirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/economy/22632-subic-freeport-nayong-pilipino-turning-in-profits

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Subic Freeport business locators march for breast cancer awareness

Business locators in this free port lent a hand in raising breast cancer awareness by holding the Second Breast Cancer Awareness Fun Walk recently at the Subic Techno Park.

The event, now on its second year, is organized by the the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM) in cooperation with the Subic-Olongapo Cancer Foundation, Inc. (SOCFI). The stakeholders also joined a slogan-making contest as part of the activity.

During the event program, Daisy Lorenzana, a breast cancer survivor, shared her experience in her battle with breast cancer.

“The key to my survival was early detection and a healthy lifestyle,” Lorenzana told employees who joined the march. “We have to share to other people what we have learned in order to save lives.”

According to Charo Simmons, vice president of SOCFI, the event was held to honor breast cancer survivors, as well as those who lost the fight to the illness.

She said that SOCFI aims to educate people that the threat of cancer is real and should not be taken for granted.

Simmons recalled that SOCFI was founded 10 years ago by two doctors dealing with cancer: Dr. Jaime Roco, an oncologist, and Dr. Resty Acosta, himself a cancer survivor.

According to the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women in the Philippines.

The country is said to have the highest incidence of breast cancer in the Asian continent. An estimated three out of 100 Filipino women contract the disease before age 75, and one out of 100 die before age 75, studies indicate.

The campaign on breast cancer awareness in the Subic Bay Freeport is actively supported by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Workers from various business locators at the Subic Bay Freeport march for a good cause during the 2nd Breast Cancer Awareness Fun Walk at the Subic Techno Park recently.

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SBMA opens ID processing center at Hanjin shipyard

Thousands of workers employed by Hanjin Heavy Industries Corporation (HHIC-Phil) will now benefit from extension services provided by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) after the agency opened on Monday an ID Processing Center (IDPC) right at the main gate of the South Korean shipbuilder’s shipyard.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the center will cater to nearly 20,000 personnel working 24/7 on three shifts at HHIC-Phil’s US$1.6-billion facility at the Redondo Peninsula here, which is now the fourth largest shipbuilding facility in the world.

“This project will provide workers of Hanjin and its affiliate companies added convenience when it’s time to renew their SBMA ID’s and gate passes. Now, they don’t have to cross the bay just to avail of SBMA services — we brought the processing center to their doorstep,” Garcia added.

The newly-opened IDPC located at the HHIC main gate is maintained by personnel from the SBMA Labor Department, Law Enforcement Department (LED), and Office Services Department (OSD), which are all tasked to facilitate the issuance of new SBMA IDs.

Atty. Ramon Agregado, who is SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations, said the IDPC project translates to more efficient service by the SBMA and less foot traffic at its main ID processing center.

“This cuts both ways,” Agregado noted. “On one hand you ease the difficulty for nearly 20,000 workers having to cross Subic Bay only for badging. On the other hand, we make it less chaotic at the SBMA badging office.”

OSD Manager Gerardo Hermoso said the center is expecting to process an average of 200 ID applications and renewals each day, prioritizing those that have already expired.

Hermoso said that to avail of badging services, the workers would have to visit the IDPC only once to have their photographs taken. Payment will then be made through salary deduction, and the new IDs will be released by the HHIC-Phil Human Resource Department.

He added that SBMA is also considering the possibility of extending IDPC operations for two more hours to accommodate workers whose shift ends at 5:00 p.m.

“This may seem to be a just a puny effort on the part of the SBMA, but with this scheme we eliminate the need for workers to be absent from work because they can have their photo taken right here at the shipyard. After work, they can drop by the IDPC, have their photos taken, then after just a few minutes, exit the gate and head for home,” Hermoso said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado (left) and HHIC-Phil Deputy Managing Director Kim Joong Gyu cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the satellite ID Processing Center for employees at the Hanjin shipyard in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The satellite office was established to provide convenience to nearly 20,000 workers of Hanjin and its affiliate companies.

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S. Korea’s Philippine investments reach $3.8B

CLARK FREEPORT – South Korean investments in the Philippines have reached an estimated $3.8-billion, an official from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea shared Wednesday.

South Korean Minister and Consul General Min Kyong- Ho said that amount includes the Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co. based at the Subic Bay Freeport and a thermal power plant based in Batangas.

Kyong-Ho also said that trade volume between the Philippines and South Korea has reached $11.5 million as of October.

He explained that the amount exceeded the expected $10-million trade volume between the two countries.

Kyong- Ho added that the Korean Consulate now expects a total of $12-million in trade volume before the end of 2013.

“I would like to thank the Filipino people for welcoming and helping Korean communities here. We would be happy to see a lot of your countrymen to participate in our cultural events,” Kyong- Ho said.

Aside from investing, Kyong-Ho added that Philippines is one of the favorite vacation destinations of Korean, most especially during their winter season.

“It is now winter in Korea hence the Philippines should expect more Korean tourists to arrive in the country,” he said. (Mark Manuel, Manila Bulletin)

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/s-koreas-philippine-investments-reach-3-8b/

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Tsunami warning system installed at Subic Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has announced the installation of a tsunami alert system at the Sueste Point in this free port, thus beefing up Subic Bay’s capability in disaster preparedness.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the Tsunami Early Warning System (TeWS) here forms part of a string of early warning systems installed in selected high-risk coastal communities in the country.

The sensors in the system communicate signals to alerting sirens strategically located at five designated areas in the Subic Bay area—one at Bldg. 657 in the Subic Bay Freeport, two at Barangay Wawandue in Subic town, and another two at Barangay Barretto in Olongapo City.

Maj. Vicente Tolentino, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) coordinator of the SBMA, said the Subic authority is now gearing up for a tsunami-preparedness program after systems installation has been completed.

“As of now, we are currently in the stage where we are coordinating with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) regarding the training and education of stakeholders, employees and residents on how to utilize the system and how to respond properly during tsunami emergencies,” said Tolentino, who is also chief of the Special Reaction Division of the SBMA Law Enforcement Department.

He added that the TeWS sensor here would be particularly helpful due to the presence of the Manila trench subduction zone, which is an active convergent plate margin between the South China Sea and the northern Philippines. The oceanic trench located west of the islands of Luzon and Mindoro, is responsible for the belt of volcanoes on the west side of Luzon including Mount Pinatubo.

Tolentino also explained that the TeWS sensor system is designed to detect wave abnormalities in the coastal waters of Subic Bay.

The tsunami detection equipment is composed of a platform with a pole equipped with different sensors. These include an ultrasonic tide sensor, dry sensor, and wet sensor at specific heights of one meter, five meters, and ten meters.

Tolentino added that the SBMA may eventually press for installation of additional sirens for better coverage of warning signals from the sensor, as the lone siren in the Subic Bay Freeport would not be enough.

The installation of the tsunami alert system in the Subic Bay area was contained in a memorandum of agreement signed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and its Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), the city of Olongapo, municipality of Subic, and the SBMA in November 2012.

The agreement also required the SBMA, Subic, and Olongapo to prepare and produce community-based evacuation plans.

Aside from Subic Bay, the PHILVOLCS-ASTI of the DOST has also completed installation of TeWS in Lingayen Gulf, Albay Gulf, Manila Bay and Batangas Bay. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Members of Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) and Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) under the DOST, and the SBMA Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee installs the Tsumami Early Warning System – Subic Bay Detection Station at Sueste Point in Redondo Peninsula.

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De Leon, Rana rule Tri United

UNILAB Active Health’s triathletes Benjamin Rana Jr. and Ani Karina de Leon-Brown ruled their respective events the Elite division even as new faces Juan Carlos Abad and Christianne Nicolle de Vera shone the Teens division in yesterday’s l TRI United 3 held at the Dungraree Beach in Subic.

Rana won the 1.5-km swim, 40-km bike and 10-km run pulling away as he timed two hours, five minutes and 37 seconds to beat out UAH teammates Mark Anthony Husana (2:11:00) and Philip Atento (2:13:58).

The win was Rana’s first victory since 2011 in triathlon races held in Subic.

De Leon- Brown, however, needed to sweat in out in the run leg to ward off the challenge of Kristina Beckendorf the title.

“I really thought it was going to be more of a relaxing race for me until I noticed that Kristina was slowly gaining on me in the run, so in the end, I really needed to work hard for it,” said De Leon-Brown, who clocked in at 2:33:05.

Beckendorf had the second best time at 2:34:33 but she competed in the 35-39 age group to claim the gold medal.

Joining the four individual winners was Team Santy Barley which dominated the Team competition with accumulated time of 27 hours and 15 minutes.

Billed as the Elite and Age Group Championships, the race organized by BIKEKING which is headed by Raul Cuevas, and supported by Unilab Active Health, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department (SBMA), Enervon Active, Enervon HP, I-ON Energy Drink, Hydrite, AboitizPower, Pocari Sweat, TIMEX, Crystal Clear Purified Water, Corima and Orbea, attracted 464 participants.

Meanwhile, Abad and De Vera banked on their impressive showings in the swim to anchor their victories in the Teens division which was held half the distance of the Elite. (Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/de-leon-rana-rule-tri-united/

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Canine competition set in Subic Freeport

Dog lovers will have something to look forward to as the 1st Subic Bay Dog Agility Championship kicks off on October 26 at the Remy Field here in this free port.

The two-day event will feature the country’s top competitors in events such as the popular DiscDog, or Frisbee and Super Weave competitions.

The competition, organized by the Philippine Dog Athletics Association (PDAA), will be the first agility competition in the Philippines to be sponsored by the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA).

On October 25, meanwhile, a dog show that featured tricks, training, and agility and obedience events held at the Harbor Point activity center here.

According to George Baker, one of the organizers of the agility championship, the event aims to provide novel, highly entertaining and enriching activities for all participating dogs and their owners, as well as spectators.

“Through this event we hope to build a regional community of dog owners and sports enthusiasts and forge lasting relationships among them,” said Baker, a long-time dog trainer.

Baker also said the event was organized so that the country will be able to compete for the World Dog Agility Championship.

“It’s now sponsored by the USDAA and it’s one of the last hurdles to enable the Philippines to compete,” he added.

Baker said that for the past seven years, PDAA members have been holding dog agility competitions across the country.

“Just last year, a PDAA competition was held in Cebu where an estimated 2,000 people were in attendance,” he said. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

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PBA players set charity game for Olongapo leptospirosis victims

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Basketball fans will get the chance to watch their favorite players in action during a charity game to be played here on October 25 for the benefit of leptospirosis victims in Olongapo City.

The event, dubbed as “Thriller Time”, will feature several active players from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and will be held at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Gym in this free port.

The SBMA, which is supporting the charity project, will provide free use of the sporting venue.

Apart from the PBA players, the event will also feature players from the SBMA and Lyceum of Subic Bay, who will clash in an exhibition game.

According Willie Miller, the event organizer, “Thriller Time” aims to raise funds for the benefit of leptospirosis victims in Olongapo City, as well as to raise public awareness on disease prevention.

He added that they are also hoping to donate enough medicines to the local government to prevent another outbreak of the flood-borne disease.

Miller, who is currently playing for the Global Port Batang Pier, hails from Olongapo City.

The city recently suffered a leptospirosis outbreak after heavy monsoon rains resulted in severe flooding in all but one of the 17 barangays in the city.

Eleven victims died in the aftermath, while close to 500 people were hospitalized due to the outbreak of bacterial infection. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

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2013 Olongapo Mardi Gras to bid for simultaneous street-dancing record

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Revelers from Olongapo City, Zambales and Bataan will fill the entire stretch of Magsaysay Drive in Olongapo to groove to party music at this year’s Mardi Gras, which will run from October 23 to 25.

The street party will attempt to break the Philippine and world records for the most number of street party-goers on the last day of the event.

Dubbed as “Galaw ‘Gapo”, the event will have people dancing simultaneously to party music for one hour along the entire stretch of Magsaysay Drive, the city’s main entertainment venue.

The Philippine record is currently held by Manila with 8,000 street party-goers, while France holds the current world record with 10,000.

Meanwhile, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will be joining the festivities by featuring performers from different tourism-business locators inside the Subic Bay Freeport during the event’s first day.

The SBMA tourism office said that local bands Vanity and Versus will play on the SBMA stage located in front of Casino Filipino-Olongapo.

The three-day street party will also be broadcast live online by DWSB 89.5 Subic Bay Radio, SBMA’s official radio station.

Other performers from Manila, as well as local artists, will provide entertainment during the upcoming street party.

Local and Manila-based DJs will make sure the party will never stop by providing dance music for three days, organizers said.

The Olongapo Mardi Gras is an annual street party organized by the city government of Olongapo and Metro Olongapo Chamber of Commerce, and supported by the SBMA. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA tax break guidelines out

THE SUBIC Bay Metropolitan Authority yesterday released the registration guidelines for aviation and logistics companies in the economic zone that are seeking import tax breaks.

According to Resolution No. 13-05-4772 published yesterday, locators in Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) “shall be allowed admissions of TEDFA (tax-exempt and duty-free aircraft), engines, parts and accessories on the premise that the units shall be used primarily in support of and in furtherance to the business operations of the locator in the SBFZ.”

“The minimum condition set by SBFZ is that the units are principally based in SBFZ ... and that these TEDFA return [to], stay [in], and use SBFZ as their core base of operations such that at the end of each flying sortie, these TEDFA return [to], stay [in], use and maintain physical presence at the SBIA (Subic Bay International Airport),” read the notice.

If these conditions are not met, locators will have to pay duties and taxes for their aircraft, engines, parts and accessories.

Another condition is that locators should have “sufficient, reasonable hangar space [to] justify the need for admission of aircraft units in relation to their business operation in Subic.”

Otherwise, locators will have to prove that they have put up actual investment of at least P100 million, read the notice.

Locators are also prohibited from transferring ownership of TEDFA within three years of admission.

Those who fail to observe the guidelines will have to pay P250,000 as well as duties and taxes if TEDFA units were sold to an entity not entitled to tax incentives. Another fine of P250,000 will also be charged to those who fail to prove active hub presence in Subic.

The SBFZ, 110 kilometers north of Manila, was established in 1992 as the country’s first freeport zone after the closure of the American naval base there. (Daryll Edisonn D. Saclag, BusinessWorld)

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=SBMA-tax-break-guidelines-out&id=78263

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SBMA rescue team wins 2013 Gawad KALASAG

Emergency rescuers from Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will again receive the highest honor in the national disaster management recognition program after being chosen as first place in the Urban Search and Rescue (URBAN SAR) category for this year.

This will be their second award in the said category since 2009.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said this was announced by the office of Undersecretary Eduardo del Rosario, administrator of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and concurrent executive director of National Disaster Risk-Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

According to the announcement, the SBMA Fire and Rescue Team will receive award for Best Government Emergency Response Management (GEM) for Gawad Kalasag Private/Volunteer Organizations, Government Emergency Response Management.

The SBMA Fire and Rescue Team is headed by Ranny Magno, one of the country’s acknowledged experts in disaster and emergency operations, who is constantly invited by various rescue teams to give lectures and share experiences on disaster management.

The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) presents the annual Gawad KALASAG, an acronym for “KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan; SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan”, in recognition of individuals, groups or institutions that have shown extraordinary courage, heroism, self-sacrifice, and bravery against all odds in times of emergencies and disasters.

Other winners in the same category are: 2nd Place - Team Isulan Fire Fighters, Sultan Kudarat- Region XII; and 3rd Place - Special Operations Coast Guard Southern Tagalog- Region IV-A.

The SBMA Fire and Rescue Team, together with other winners for various categories, will receive the award on October 25 at Camp Crame in Quezon City. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Members of the SBMA Fire and Rescue Team, along with other civilian volunteers, carry the body of a landslide victim during a retrieval operation in Castillejos, Zambales on September 24.

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Philippine Tamaraws face Thailand in Rugby League Asian Cup

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Philippine Tamaraws are set to defend their title as Asian rugby league football champions as they face Thailand in the first match of the 2nd Asian Cup at the Philippine Marine Merchant Academy (PMMA) in San Narciso, Zambales on Monday, October 21.

The Tamaraws, the country’s national rugby league football team, are conducting training camps in this Freeport in preparation for their upcoming match.

Apart from the Asian Cup, PMMA will also stage the Zambales 9’s rugby tournament featuring local rugby football teams on October 19.

According Tamaraws head coach Clayton Watene, the team is aiming to qualify for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup in Australia.

“The Asian Cup is being started so we can have teams in Asia that will eventually be qualified for the World Cup, and we wantto be the first team from Asia to compete,” Watene said.

He added that last year, the Tamaraws won the 1st Asian Cup title against Thailand.

Watene said that the team was formed a few years ago after they scouted players with Filipino heritage in Australia and began training them for international competitions.

Watene also explained that the Tamaraws, a rugby league team, should not be confused with the Philippine Volcanoes, which play rugby union football. Rugby league football is played with 13 players, while rugby union is played with 15 players.

Watene said that the team is looking forward to visiting their relatives and touring the rest of the country. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
The Philippine Tamaraws train at the Remy Field in the Subic Bay Freeport.

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SBMA mounts photo exhibit for Ayta scholarship program

In observance of Indigenous People’s Month, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has mounted an exhibit of photographs of Ayta tribesmen in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone to help fund its Ayta scholarship program.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the exhibit has been put up by the SBMA Public Relations Department as a fund-raising project to benefit 10 Ayta children currently on full scholarship at the Olongapo City National High School.

“We’re enjoining the public to support in this worthy cause,” Garcia said during the opening of the displays on Monday.

“The exhibits are designed not only to raise funds, but also to raise consciousness about our Ayta brethren and how we can help uplift them to be part of the mainstream society,” he added.

The IP Month celebration organized by the agency will also serve to emphasize how both the SBMA and the indigenous people in the Subic Bay Freeport have looked after each other through the years, Garcia said.

SBMA public relations manager Armie Llamas said the photographs will be on display and be available for bidding at Harbor Point Ayal Mall’s Zen Garden until October 28.

The photographs were taken at the Ayta villages of Pastolan in Hermosa, Bataan and Kanawan in Morong, Bataan by SBMA information officer Carlos Andres and Alan Fabricante of Vantage Point Photography in Olongapo City.

The two photographers donated their collection of work for the project.

Llamas said that bidding forms will be available at the exhibit area during the two-week exhibit. The minimum bid will be P1,000 per photograph.

Bidders should write down the number of the photo, bid price, name of bidder, and contact details on the bidding form and place the filled up form in the drop box provided at the exhibit area.

Winning bidders will be notified on October 29 so that they can collect their photographs at the SBMA-PRD office, Llamas added.

Aside from the fundraising exhibit, the SBMA has also scheduled several other activities for the IP Month.

The opening activities included a special flag-raising ceremony led by the Pastolan Ayta community on October 14, followed by a community breakfast among Ayta leaders and officials of the SBMA, and free movie-viewing for Grades 3 and 4 pupils of the Pastolan Elementary School at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on October 14.

On October 16, the SBMA scheduled a radio interview with Pastolan tribal chieftain Conrado Frenilla and tribal elder Bonifacio Florentino to help promote community awareness of the Ayta culture. The following day, October 17, a drug prevention seminar will be held by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for secondary school students at the Pastolan village.

The month-long celebration will be capped by a visit by Grades 5 and 6 pupils of the Pastolan Elementary School at Zoobic Safari on October 22; a feeding project and children’s hour at the Kanawan Elementary School on October 24; and a feeding project for pre-elementary children and Grades 1 and 2 pupils at the Pastolan Elementary School on October 25. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
An Ayta tribesman demonstrates fire-making techniques to foreign tourists at the Pamulaklakin Ayta Village in the Subic Bay Freeport where a month-long program has been organized by the SBMA to celebrate the Indigenous People’s Month.

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World’s only five-star cruise ship visits Subic Freeport

The world’s only five-star cruise ship is here in the Subic Bay Freeport as part of its tour of the country, strengthening Subic’s position as a preeminent tourism destination.

MS Hanseatic docked at the Alava Pier of the Freeport Monday (Oct. 14). Prior to its arrival here, the cruise ship toured the Hundred Islands in Pangasinan. It arrived in the Philippines yesterday (October 13).

According to the Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships, it is the only five-star expedition-cruise ship worldwide.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia said this is first time that the luxury cruise ship has docked in Subic.

He said passengers of the ship are scheduled to visit tourist attractions in the Freeport during the ship’s one-day stay.

The ship has a capacity of 184 passengers, aside from its crew of 125.

MS Hanseatic was built in 1991 as the Society Adventurer, but was renamed when she was purchased by Hanseatic Tours, now owned by marine transportation giant Hapag-Lloyd. The ship specializes in trips to the Antarctic.

SBMA deputy administrator for business Reuel Kabigting said the arrival of the Hanseatic is a very welcome development, as it would boost the Freeport’s thrust of becoming a premier tourist destination in Asia.

The SBMA has been preparing the Freeport to be a top cruise-ship destination after it became a founding member of the Asia CruiseTerminal Association, Kabigting added. (FMD. RAV/MPD-SBMA) 

PHOTO:
Members of a school band presents passengers with leis upon disembarking from the MS Hanseatic cruise ship at the Subic Bay Freeport on Monday.

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Subic Bay hosts PH duathlon on Dec. 1

PHILIPPINE Team berths are at stake in the Philippine National Duathlon Championships 2013, firing off at 6 a.m. on Dec. 1 at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Philippine Olympic Committee chair Tom Carrasco, the president of the organizing Triathlon Association of the Philippines said, “We will send a strong team to 2014 Asian Duathlon Championship in Sri Lanka that is capable of bringing back the crown to the country after 10 years.”

Ryan Mendoza of the Philippine Air Force clinched the men’s title when the country hosted the continental championship at the Clark Special Economic Zone in 2004. Mendoza followed up his feat with another gold-medal showing at the duathlon’s debut in the 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Pattaya, Thailand.

World Duathlon Championship 2013 veteran Mirasol Abad and the Philippines’ top duathlete Robeno Javier banner the tough field of the race sponsored by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department, Standard Insurance, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Inc., Gatorade, David’s Salon, Fitness First, Lifestyle Subic Bay and Green Triathlon.

Expected to crowd out Javier are the other PH team members who are also seasoned internationalists, namely Carlo Pedregosa, Jimmuel Patilan and Bigboy Robinson Javier.

In the distaff side, Mary Pauline Fornea is expected to hound Abad throughout the standard 10-kilometer run/40-km bike/5-km run grind.

Also expected to dish out fine performances are triathletes John Chicano, Nikko Huelgas and Justine Chiongbian so with budding duathletes Joey Delos Reyes, Jeric Buhian and Baltazar Valencia.

Last year’s Asian Duathlon Championship’s challenging technical course with Remy Field as the transition area will test the mettle of the elite competitors and age-groupers. Post-race activities will be held at the nearby Subic gymnasium.

The Junior participants (16-19 years-old) and age-groupers aged 16 and above will take a stab at the sprint distance course of 5-km run/20-km bike/2.5-km run.

A 2.5-km run/12-km bike/2.5-km run course for the Youth Mini-Sprint category is also on tap.

Currently, entry fees for standard distance is P2,000 and for Sprint and Mini-Sprint P1,500. Effective November 1, rates will appreciate to P2,500 (Standard) and P2,000 (Sprint/Mini).

TRAP-registered athletes can avail themselves of 10% discount while students and senior citizens are entitled to 20% discount.

Entry forms may be downloaded at www.triathlon.org.ph. The TRAP office at the Philsports Complex, Pasig City, at BIKE KING store c/o Raul Cuevas at Bonifacio High Street and SPEEDO Concept Stores (Alabang Town Center, SM Megamall, The Podium, Glorietta 4 and Bonifacio High Street) are the registration centers. (MST Sports, Manila Standard Today)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/10/14/subic-bay-hosts-ph-duathlon-on-dec-1/

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Olongapo eyeing Miss World venue

OLONGAPO CITY — Mayor Rolen Paulino said Miss World organizers paid a courtesy visit in his office on Saturday with Miss World Megan Young as part of her homecoming and victory celebration.

Paulino said franchise holder Cory Quirino and Miss World Organization president Julia Morley brought up the idea for the city to host the next pageant.

Paulino said tourism sites and facilities in Olongapo and adjacent Subic Bay Freeport would be the venues of several activities for contestants representing over 120 countries across the globe.

“It will be great boost for both Philippine Tourism and Olongapo as the host city if all plans will push through,” Paulino said.

In a short program for the homecoming and victory celebration of Young held at Harbor Point-Ayala Mall, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman Roberto Garcia also batted for Subic Freeport as a suitable venue for preliminary galas and dinners.

In her reply, Quirino vowed to work on the request for the hosting of Miss World contest here.

“Since there is an invitation for us to bring Miss World, here we will work on it to make it happen,” Quirino said.

Aside from raising funds for charities around the globe under the banner of its “Beauty with a Purpose” program, Miss World is also credited with directly influencing a dramatic increase in tourism in all of host cities since it started in 1951.

In Young’s victory parade, thousands of residents lined up on the streets to welcome the first Filipina ever to win the Miss World title, and luckily she is from Olongapo.

Clad in white long sleeve knee-cut embroidered dress, Young waived to the rousing cheers of the crowd.

“You really don’t know how much happiness you all have given me this day,” teary-eyed Young said, including a visit to James L. Gordon Hospital to cheer up patients.

The motorcade passed Magsaysay drive, Rizal and Gordon avenues to the streets of Barangay Pag-Asa and East Tapinac before heading to the City Hall. (Cecille Garcia, Manila Standard Today)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/10/14/olongapo-eyeing-miss-world-venue/

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'BATANG GAPO' | Pride, joy and charity in Miss World Megan Young homecoming

OLONGAPO CITY – Not letting the rain dampen their enthusiasm, proud Olongapenos welcomed the Philippines’ first Miss World during her homecoming in this city at the weekend. Her visit was a respite from the difficult days of coping with the aftermath of record floods and landslides that hit the city and parts of Zambales two weeks ago.

Megan Young, who bested 126 ladies to capture the elusive “blue crown” almost two weeks ago in Bali, Indonesia, was all smiles as she arrived at the Harbor Point Mall where she was welcomed by Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino, SBMA Chairman Bobby Garcia and Mayor Jose Dominguez of Castillejos where Young spent her childhood.

“I’m trying my best not to be emotional kasi iyakin talaga ako. Young told the crowd. “I used to walk around these areas - this mall on such a low profile and now I have this.”

The 23-year-old actress and film student said that it’s a great feeling to be home because of the opportunity to see family and friends.

Aside from the cheers, Young was also awarded with certificates of recognition by Mayors Paulino and Dominguez for “bringing pride to the Philippines and shining a spotlight on the beauty of Olongapo and Zambales.”

When the skies cleared, a motorcade was also held to celebrate her victory where she was accompanied by Miss World chairperson Julia Morley, Miss World Philippines licensee Cory Quirino, and her mother Vicky Young.

Young also visited the James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital to check on those affected by the Leptospirosis outbreak in the city brought about by the severe flooding several weeks ago.

Even during the peak of pageant activities in Bali, Young had expressed concern over the devastation suffered by her native Olongapo and Zambales, beset by record flooding and landslides that killed nearly two dozen people a fortnight ago.

Young came directly from Metro Manila after a whirlwind of activities that included a motorcade in Makati City and is expected to return to the Metro to do more charity work for the Tuloy Street Kids Foundation in Muntinlupa – a beneficiary of the Miss World Organization.

She is also set to fly back to London where the MWO is based where she will focus on charitable activities including one for clean drinking water in some areas in Haiti.

When asked about her beauty secrets, Young advised everyone that “it is all about feeling beautiful. Don’t mind it if other people tell you you’re beautiful or not. Knowing that you, yourself, are beautiful is enough. (Ramon Angelo Britanico, Special to InterAksyon.com)

PHOTO:
Megan waves to the crowd from her float at the homecoming parade in her native Olongapo City.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/72667/batang-gapo--pride-joy-and-charity-in-miss-world-megan-young-homecoming

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SBMA, Aytas, NCIP sign joint management agreement on ancestral land

The Ayta community inside this Freeport has more reason to be joyous in celebrating the Indigenous People’s Month this October, as the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the joint management agreement (JMA) covering the use by investors of tribal lands inside this free port has been signed on Thursday, October 10.

The signing of the JMA coincided with the celebration of the National Indigenous Peoples Month, which was declared in 2009 for the purpose of heightening peoples’ awareness and participation in celebration and preservation of indigenous people’s communities.

The agreement is designed to safeguard the rights of the Ayta Ambala tribe over parts of their ancestral land inside Subic Bay Freeport, while recognizing the management mandate of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) over the free port zone.

The JMA-IRR was signed by SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, tribal chieftain Conrado Frenilla of the Tribong Ayta Ambala sa Pastolan, and Region 3 director Ronaldo Daquioag of the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP).
The simple but historic ceremony was held at the SBMA Boardroom and witnessed by members of the Ayta tribal council, SBMA officials, and representatives of the NCIP.

Frenilla said that the JMA- IRR, which was written in Tagalog for easy understanding of the tribal members, will protect their rights and guarantee that all their benefits will be given the tribe for allowing investors in the Subic Bay Freeport to use their ancestral lands.

“Marami sa mga Ayta, lalo na iyong matatanda, ang naiyak dahil ngayon lamang magkakatotoo ang aming pangarap na magkaroon ng tunay na karapatan sa aming lupang ninuno,” Frenilla said.

The Aeta Ambala tribe of Subic Bay holds a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT), representing ownership of more than 4,280 hectares of land. This covers parts of the Kalayaan and Binictican housing areas, and the tourism areas of Apaliin, Pamulaklakin and El Kabayo.

In September 2011, the SBMA and the Ayta tribal council signed the JMA, which authorized the SBMA to provide systematic management and development of the ancestral land to help uplift the economic, cultural and social life of the tribe based on programs implemented by the government.

With the signing of the JMA, the Subic Ayta tribe will collect 5 per cent of the gross income paid by investors for lands within their ancestral domain that have been leased starting May 12, 2009 when the CADT was registered. Above this, each qualified Ayta family will receive P20,000 a year in livelihood assistance.

Other benefits include priority hiring of able Aeta workers, implementation of community development assistance programs, construction of clinic and schoolrooms for the community high school, and an annual donation of P100,000 to the Pastolan village every fiesta time and Christmas.

Meanwhile, NCIP’s Daquioag said that the success story of Ayta Ambala in pursuance of their rights over their ancestral land will be used as template for other indigenous tribes all over the country.

“Ang agreement na nilagdaan ng SBMA at Tribong Ayta Ambala sa Pastolan ay magsisilbing template o pagkokopyahan ng mga kasunduan na isasagawa ng iba pang tribong katutubo kaugnay sa paggamit ng kanilang lupang ninuno,” Daquioag said.

For his part, Chairman Garcia thanked the Subic Ayta community for their support and assistance in formulating the joint management agreement.

“Nagpapasalamat tayo dahil ang IRR na matagal nating inaasam ay tinanggap na ng ating mga kapatid na katutubo upang lalong lumaki ang kanilang pakinabang sa lupain at mapabilis ang pag-unlad ng kanilang kabuhayan,” Garcia said (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia signs a joint management agreement covering parts of the Ayta ancestral domain in the Subic Bay Freeport with Pastolan Ayta chieftain Conrado Frenilla (right) and NCIP Region 3 director Ronaldo Daquioag.

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Olongapenos welcome Ms. World 2013 Megan Young back home

Ms. World 2013, Megan Young will be greeted by his fellow Olongapenos tomorrow as the city prepared a hero’s welcome for the recently crowned queen from this city.

photo courtesy of www.nripulse.com

The activity will kick of with her presentation at Ayala mall in Subic Bay Freeport, after which a motorcade along the main road of the city and a courtesy call to Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino in the morning.

After the courtesy call, Young will go straight to a feeding program at Holy Spirit in Barangay Sta. Rita for the affected flood victims.

She will then proceed to James L Gordon Hospital to visit the leptospirosis patients.

The 23-year-old actress and TV host is the first Filipina ever to win the crown of being the most beautiful woman in the World during the September 28 coronation night held in Bali, Indonesia.

“Proud na proud ako kay Megan, para sa kanya talaga at para sa Olongapo ang panalo, sa kabila ng trahedya na dulot ng baha, Olongapo pa rin ang nanguna,” Olongapo Mayor Rolen Paulino said.

Megan symbolizes hope to Olongapenos who was hit by heavy flood and an outbreak of leptospirosis. (Olongapo City PAO)

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DOH: Olongapo leptospirosis outbreak under control

OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines – Department of Health Secretary Enrique Ona visited this city Thursday, October 10, after the death toll from leptospirosis rose to 8, and number of infected residents climbed to nearly 300.

In a press conference after talking to patients and staff at the James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital, however, Ona said the outbreak was under control.

He cited the fact that there was only one additional patient admitted to the hospital, compared to droves the past few days.

The DOH “expects it to go down,” he said. “I'm glad to say that everything is under control here.”

(We reported that it was DOH Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag who would check on the patients, based on an earlier advisory to the city government.)

The outbreak was caused by the slow cleanup of the city after it was heavily flooded and was placed under a state of calamity 3 weeks ago.

The health secretary said what caused the leptospirosis infections were “urban rats that are the carriers.” He said: “These are different from field mice. They are around our houses, and [ sewers], where they usually hide.”

He said that the rat infestation was probably caused by “poor garbage disposal and collection.”

Given the many storms still expected to hit the country, however, Ona said leptospirosis outbreak can be prevented by controlling the rat population, “especialy the carriers.”

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino contradicted Ona's statement, saying he believed the rats were washed down by the flashfloods from an abandoned mine in Mt. Redondo.

In a Facebook post, Paulino said that the abandoned Pili mine had “a million rats,” which presumably brought the lepto bacteria.

While Ona sought to allay concerns that more residents would be infected, the Philippine Red Cross had erected tents to house incoming patients since the hospital was already congested.

Edward Buena, Red Cross Olongapo City chapter administrator, said: “The hospital is already crammed with patients. They are already in the corridors. So we decided to erect at least two tents here, where we could tend to the patients.”

Buena said the Red Cross provided the Gordon memorial hospital with an additional 100 beds. Since the outbreak started on Monday, the Red Cross has deployed more than 20 volunteer nurses. (Randy V. Datu, Rappler.com)

PHOTO:
URBAN RATS. These brought the leptospirosis outbreak following poor garbage collection after the heavy flooding in Olongapo, says Health Secretary Ona (in blue) during a visit at the James Gordon Memorial Hospital. (Photo by Randy Datu/Rappler)

http://www.rappler.com/nation/41058-doh-olongapo-leptospirosis-under-control

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JICA officials in Subic to gauge funded projects

Officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and other Japanese financial institutions visited this free port recently to assess the status and financial and economic potentials of projects funded by the financial institution.

The group, led by JICA chief representative Takahiro Sasaki, was welcomed by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Roberto Garcia, together with several officials from the SBMA seaport department.

Sasaki said the group’s visit to Subic was part of their two-day tour of the Philippines to understand the actual financial and economic potential of the country and also to introduce JICA’s projects and programs here.

During the meeting, Garcia and seaport officials briefed the visitors on the seaport facilities available within the free port, as well as the performance of the New Container Port Terminal.

The terminal project, along with the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway that connected the two former bases of Subic and Clark, was completed with funding from JICA’s Official Development Assistance (ODA).

Last month, a group composed of members of the House of Councilors from Japan also visited Subic and commented that the Philippines has a huge potential and that it needs to take advantage the growing manufacturing sector.

The group added that the Philippines and Japan have a lot in common and that continuous communication and information exchange is very important for mutual development.

The group also stressed the importance of Subic port in decongesting the port of Manila. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (right) confers with JICA chief representative Takahiro Sasaki during a consultation meeting regarding the status of projects funded through JICA-ODA in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

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Safeguard 5i50 Triathlon in Subic a success

Subic again asserted its place as a sporting capital in Luzon after successfully hosting the Safeguard 5i50 Active Triathlon last Sunday, attracting triathletes from around the world.

The race was the second 5i50 triathlon event that was held in this free port this year after its being the venue once again of the Century Tuna 5i50 triathlon last June with over 900 participants.

The Subic Freeport has lately been the preferred venue for international races due to its challenging course set against a natural scenic background.

In the October 6 event, Australian Mitchell Robins topped the men’s pro division after completing the course in two
hours, five minutes and 22 seconds.

Robins was closely followed by Csaba Kuttor from Hungary who clocked in at 02:06:17 while third placer Peter Bajai, also from Hungary, finished with 02:08:18.

Another Hungarian, Ezter Dudas topped the women’s pro division after finishing the race in 02:21:32.

Filipino triathlon champion John Leerams Chicano proved once more his dominance in the local triathlon scene after topping the men’s Filipino elite division with 02:14:35. Chicano also finished sixth overall.

Employees from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) tourism department also did well in the men’s relay after the SBMA Team placed 11th with 03:12:29. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Local bet John Leerams Chicano emerged as the top Filipino finisher in the inaugural Safeguard Active 5150 Triathlon held in the Subic Bay Freeport last Sunday. Chicano, a precious Zambales find in triathlon, finished sixth overall with a time of 2:14:35.

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'911' FOR MARINE MAMMALS | Stranding Network volunteers meeting in Subic

MANILA - With its famously long coastline, the Philippines is, not surprisingly, one of the places where stranded marine mammals end up and are rescued each year.

From Wednesday to Friday (Oct. 9-11) the network of volunteers and supporters that has made a vocation out of responding to stranded mammals is meeting at Subic.

Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network (PMMSN) will hold its first national symposium on Wednesday to Friday at the Camayan Beach Resort Hotel and Ocean Adventure, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, to gather its members and supporters who have been involved in responding to stranded marine mammals for eight years now.

Around the same time last year, three whales were found stranded in Zambales, La Union, and Zamboanga, all in one week, eventually dying, or already dead.

The symposium aims to “share knowledge and experiences” in marine mammal stranding, to “discuss relevant data and issues” particularly on these creatures as “valuable sentinels of ocean and human health”, and to broaden the network while addressing the issues related to its functions.

They are composed of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the University of the Philippines Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, local government units, coastal communities, and private individuals who have responded to strandings, said PMMSN.

It added that the network was established because of the Philippines’ “long coastline”, the threat faced by marine mammals, and the number of strandings in the country which involve live animals (seven out of ten stranders are alive).

It has certified over 2,500 responders in the country, especially since Regions 1, 3, 5, and 7 are noted as “stranding hotspots”, where more marine mammals are stranded than in other regions.

The symposium involves “hands-on stranding response training”, as well as talks on such topics as the techniques in the initial response to stranding, veterinary medical issues, and the rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals, said PMMSN.

There will be discussions on “Necropsy Procedures and Precautions for Marine Mammals”, “Impacts of Dolphin Watching on Dolphin Behavior and Dolphin Watching Protocols”, and “Special Case Studies of Stranding Response in Region 2”. (Tricia Aquino, InterAksyon.com)

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/72356/911-for-marine-mammals--stranding-network-volunteers-meeting-in-subic

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United States Provides Assistance to Monsoon Victims in Central Luzon

Manila -- The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Embassy Manila’s United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing Php4.3 million ($100,000) to assist in the Philippine Government’s relief efforts for victims of flooding and landslides in Zambales and Bataan.

The two provinces suffered massive damage due to the southwest monsoon intensified by Typhoon Odette (international codename: Usagi).

Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr. said, “On behalf of the U.S. Government and the American people, we extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to those who have lost their loved ones, homes and livelihoods. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected.”

The assistance will provide for immediate relief items including hygiene kits and water purification supplies for up to 10,000 displaced and other affected people.

“I would like to commend the “bayanihan” spirit demonstrated by the communities in helping those in need. We will work with our Philippine Government counterparts to boost their relief efforts and help the victims overcome this tragedy,” the Ambassador remarked.

Over the past five years, the United States, through USAID has provided Php 3.4 billion in humanitarian assistance to help the Philippines cope with the effects of disasters through mechanisms to adapt, respond to, and prepare for these incidents. (http://manila.usembassy.gov/)

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Government plans to hire private company to dredge rivers to alleviate flood situation in Subic

MANILA - The Aquino government, through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), plans to hire a private company to dredge the rivers in Subic, Zambales in an attempt to alleviate the worsening flood situation a Palace Official said on Tuesday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte assured during the regular press briefing in Malacanang that the DPWH is now addressing the concerns of the Subic communities that were hit by Super Typhoon Odette.

The monsoon rains, enhanced by Odette (international name Usagi), poured incessantly over the weekend, swelling rivers, causing floodings and triggered landslides in Subic and other areas in Zambales.

Calaclan River and other rivers that pass through Subic were heavily silted and overflowed, causing the floods.

"Apparently, there is already a dredger from DPWH that is on standby in Olongapo. But it has not been operational since August of 2011 because there is a certain part -it's called a converter module, na sira. It's not working because of that and there are no available parts in the market. That's why Secretary (Rogelio) Singson said that they are already considering contracting out the dredging to a private company," Valte said.

Aside from dredging the rivers, Valte said the DPWH also plans to widen watersways to address the massive floodings.

"It's not just the dredging kasi that is the solution. Siguro the knee-jerk solution to any siltation in a river would be desiltation and dredging. But, as what always Secretary Singson says, 'yung widening also of the waterways a kailangan," Valte said.

"And, normally, the widening is hampered by the presence of some structures along those rivers—or, at least, in this particular river—and the DPWH is dependent also on the local government to help in clearing the structures along the waterways," she said. PND (js)

Press Briefing by Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, 24 September 2013 (VIDEO)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPR1GVQr5W0&feature=player_embedded
PCOO EDP

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SBMA rescue team shift action to flushing flood debris

After helping out in search, rescue and retrieval operations as floodwaters submerged a large part of the Subic Bay area, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Fire and Rescue Team have now shifted their operations to clearing and flushing mud and other debris left by the receding waters.

“Our job never stopped in rescuing and retrieving. After the flood, SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia has asked the SBMA Rescue Team to help fast-track the removal of debris, so we are now assisting in clearing activities,” SBMA Fire chief Ranny Magno said.

Using SBMA fire trucks, the agency’s volunteer operators continue to see action and are now working in Olongapo City—helping clear the mud from the public market, schools, churches, and streets.

“Everyone has volunteered to extend operations for several hours beyond their regular schedules,” Magno said.

Prior to this, the SBMA Rescue Team had been dispatched to flooded areas since Monday after rivers overflowed in Olongapo and the neighboring town of Subic, Zambales.

The job took them to the villages of Barretto, Sta. Rita, West Bajac-Bajac, and East Bajac-Bajac in Olongapo; Wawandue and Santa Monica in Subic town; Balaybay in Castillejos, Zambales; and in Dinalupihan, Bataan— rescuing residents who were stranded or trapped in flooded areas and bringing them to safety.

“It’s the worst flooding in local history, and in some areas the floodwater was ten feet deep,” Magno noted.

In Balaybay, Castillejos, and in Wawandue, Subic, the rescuers helped retrieve the bodies of landslide victims who were buried under tons of mud.

A total of 19 persons were killed in three separate landslides in Subic, while five perished in Castillejos.

The tragedy was caused by heavy monsoon rains, locally known as “Habagat,” which was enhanced by Typhoon “Odette.” The combination dumped a record volume of rain in the Subic Bay area, resulting in the flooding of low-lying barangays and coastal areas.

Despite the long hours of work, the SBMA rescuers remained in high spirit, Magno said. “Nobody complained, and all were willing to serve beyond the call of duty,” he added.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the agency’s rescue operators are acknowledged to be exemplars of malasakit and volunteerism, which are among the core values of the agency.

The SBMA Rescue Team was the recipient of the 2009 Gawad KALASAG Award: Special Citation and Special Recognition for Best Support Organization/Institution in the national level “for the extraordinary courage, heroism, self-sacrifice, and bravery against all odds in times of emergencies and disasters.”

The award was for the assistance provided by the SBMA team in recovering and retrieving trapped miners in Itogon, Benguet in September 2008.

In January 2011, Magno was conferred the 2010 KALASAG Award by President Aquino for being the best disaster manager in the country. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA firemen help clear mud left by the flood at Canda Street in Barangay East Bajac-Bajac, Olongapo City on Sunday. The SBMA Fire and Rescue Team also participated in the massive rescue effort to free residents trapped in their houses in Olongapo City during heavy flooding brought about by monsoon rains last week.

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