2 rescued dolphins in Subic marine park doing well (video)

Valentina and Scarlett, two spinner dolphins under the care of Ocean Adventure Marine Park here are showing signs of recovery.

"Valentina," a young adult spinner dolphin, was found beached on the eve of Valentine's Day with an old shark bite wound in Ilocos Norte; while "Scarlett", an adult dolphin, so named  because she was found beached and wounded in an area in Masinloc, near Scarborough Shoal.

Ocean Adventure marine operations director Carlo Magno said both dolphins suffered from acoustic trauma that caused impairment of navigational senses and loss of buoyancy. Both are believed to have been injured by blast fishing.

According to Magno, after almost three weeks in rehab, Valentina is doing very well and can swim on her own, while Scarlett has just been transferred from the round pool to join Valentina in the deeper sea pen. Scarlett’s blood picture and buoyancy has also improved.

Both dolphins were turned over to Ocean Adventure for rehabilitation because it is the only center in the entire country that provides 24/7 rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals in partnership with a Norwegian maritime training facility here, the International Development and Environmental Shipping School (IDESS).

Magno added that they are still in need of volunteers to look after the progress of the dolphins’ rehabilitation.

Early this week, an Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin they named “Phina” was added under the care of marine mammal health experts in Ocean Adventure after she was found stranded in Balanga, Bataan manifesting weakness, loss of buoyancy and appetite. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

video: DMS

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Subic Freeport all set for Holy Week

Subic is all set for the upcoming summer holiday, as it plays host to several events organized by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Freeport business locators to ensure a meaningful and enjoyable observance of the Holy Week here.

According to the SBMA Tourism Department, religious activities for the Holy Week will kick off with the “Blessing of the Palms” on April 13, to be followed the next day by the traditional “Pabasa”, which will run until April 16 at Subic By's San Roque Chapel.

A procession will be held on Holy Wednesday, while a re-enactment of the Last Supper will highlight of Maundy Thursday.

On Good Friday, devotees can join the guided “Way of the Cross” at the Holy Land Subic theme park in the morning and the “Veneration of the Cross” at the San Roque Chapel in the afternoon. There will also be the traditional Good Friday grand procession, which will go around the Freeport's central business district.

Meanwhile, the Bethesda Springs of Hope Ministry will hold its annual healing prayer and musical concert at the Boardwalk Park, featuring singers Karylle, Yael Yuzon, Gino Padilla and Jose Mari Chan. The event will also have actress Boots Anson-Roa and broadcaster Tina Monson-Palma as guests.

On Black Saturday, religious activities will include the “Blessing of Fire” and the Easter vigil mass at the San Roque Chapel.

Easter Sunday will start with the traditional “salubong” and Easter mass, followed by an Easter egg hunt at the San Roque Chapel grounds.

Apart from the usual religious activities slated for the Holy Week, visitors will also be treated to various contemporary fun events at the Subic Bay Freeport.

These include a group-dance competition at the Boardwalk Park on April 16, and a musical show headlining local bands and DJs until April 17.

On April 19, a concert featuring the Incre-T-Booms and Jireh Lim, as well as dance and acoustic band competitions will be held at the Boardwalk Park.

A food bazaar will also open to serve tourists visiting the Boardwalk Park area from April 16 to April 20. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

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2014 Commodore's Cup Regatta set on April 22 to 26

Big boats and ocean multihulls will set sail on April 22 to 26 to compete in this year's Commodore's Cup Regatta in Subic Bay.

The race is organised by the Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen Sailing (SAGS) Club, in conjunction with the Lighthouse Marina Resort, Watercraft Ventures, Inc. and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) under the auspices of the Philippine Sailing Association.

This year the Subic Commodore's Cup will include four days of racing for Flying Fifteens, dinghies, Hobie 16s and windsurfers simultanous with the Rolex China Sea Race fleet is en route Hong Kong-Philippines. Big Boats will take over for a further four days of racing in the sparkling environs of Subic Bay.

Organizers consider Subic Bay truly a first class spot for regatta, with its deep waters, airport, dockyards, and the presence of Subic Bay Yacht Club. Organisers hope that boats sailing in the Hong Kong to Subic Rolex China Sea Race will 'stay an extra day' and participate in the Commodore's Cup.

For more of this story: http://www.sail-world.com/Asia/Subic-Commodores-Cup-expands/120541

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Aviation Concepts adds a corporate 757 to its growing fleet in Subic Bay

Aviation Concepts Incorporated (ACI) is expanding its managed fleet at the Subic Bay International Airport with the addition of a Corporate 757 aircraft.

The Boeing 757 will be operated as a private category aircraft and will perform VIP flights. ACI will provide full operational support, with Aviation Concepts Technical Services, Incorporated (ACTSI) handling hangarage, maintenance, and cleaning for this aircraft.

Terry Habeck, Chief Excutive Officer of both companies said the addition of the Boeing 757 corporate aircraft is an exciting opportunity for ACI.

"We have the infrastructure and resources in place to safely support the operations and maintenance of this aircraft. Our Subic Bay, Philippines facility was once home to the United States Navy and then Federal Express. The 757 will fit easily in one fifth of our hangar, leaving ample room for additional aircraft. The close proximity to Hong Kong and lower costs has given Subic Bay a regional advantage over other airports," Habeck said.

Habeck pointed out that clients wanting an alternative to the overcrowded and expensive China and Hong Kong airports have found Subic Bay to be an aviation paradise and a great solution for their aviation needs. "The environment in Hong Kong and many Mainland China airports is corrosive due to pollution and acid rain."

The Group has seen continuous growth in both in operations and maintenance. "We have the only business jet facility in Asia that can easily house a large aircraft such as this Corporate 757. Our highly trained and experienced engineers and ground staff will perform the maintenance and cleaning onsite, which will save the owner a tremendous amount of time and money," Habeck added.

ACI/ACTSI currently has hangars in Guam, USA, Tokyo, Japan, and Subic Bay, Philippines, as well as operations offices in Manila and Hong Kong.

ACI anticipates further growth in both the private and charter fleets. The company moved its headquarters from Southern California to Asia nearly 15 years ago in anticipation of the regional growth.

ACI has managed aircraft based all over Asia and has formed relationships and partnerships that continue to support the company's vision for world-class service and in keeping with industry best practices. The company has a robust safety management system that underscores our commitment to keeping clients, staff and industry colleagues safe and secure.

ACTSI provides a level of service that is based upon proactive and preventive maintenance support that is difficult to obtain in Asia. ACTSI also offers long term hangarage for the ultimate in asset protection for less the cost of parking outside in Hong Kong and China. The cost of moving an aircraft to Subic Bay for maintenance or hangarage is often offset by pure saving alone.

http://www.einnews.com/pr_news/198518108/aviation-concepts-incorporated-adds-a-corporate-757-to-it-s-growing-fleet

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Shippers, carriers look at Subic port more closely. Lines enter into co-­loading arrangement; port volume up in 01

THERE is growing interest in the use of Subic container port following the imposition of the Manila truck ban in late February that led to massive delays in cargo deliveries.

A number of Philippine Exporters Confederation members from Region III (Central Luzon) visited the port on March 27 to take a closer look at the facility, according to PortCalls sources.

International shipping lines also seem to be paying the port more attention. Recently Japanese shipping line NYK entered into a co-­loading arrangement with APL, while Bengal Tiger Line will soon be co­-loading with Wan Hai.

Sources said the number of slots under the co-­loading arrangements is not yet fixed with NYK and Bengal Tiger still testing the waters.

APL, the container line of Singapore-­based NOL, and Wan Hai, a Taiwanese regional carrier, are the two carriers regularly calling Subic port.

A source from Bengal Tiger told PortCalls it is working on a co­-loading agreement with Wan Hai on the Subic­Kaohsiung sector.

Higher box throughput

Against this backdrop, Subic's New Container Terminal 1 (NCT1), operated by Subic Bay International Terminal Corp (SBITC), is showing strong growth in throughput.

From January to the third week of March 2014, NCT1 recorded a 17.63% uptick in volume to 8,448 twenty equivalent units (TEUs) from 7,181.75 TEUs year ­on ­year, according to data provided by SBITC.

For the full year 2013, NCT1 handled a total of 34,847 twenty equivalent units (TEUs) with an average monthly volume of 2,903.92 TEUs.

Based on an earlier Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) report, containerized cargo (both for NCT 1 and the other Subic terminal, NCT 2) rose 3.2% to 37,460 TEUs in 2013 from 36,304 TEUs in 2012. Non- ­ containerized cargo grew 8.6% from 2.21 million metric tons from 2.4 mmt in 2012.

NCT1 and NCT 2 each have an annual capacity of 300,000 TEUs. Savings for Clark shippers.

Meantime, SBITC said Subic port offers big savings for users. Locators and shippers from nearby
Clark freeport in Pampanga, for instance, can save as much as 53 % in arrastre charges if they use the facility.

In a presentation, SBITC said for import cargoes, the locators can save up to 52.93% or Pl,967.40perTEU and 53.05% or P4,536.64 per forty­foot equivalent unit (FEU) in arrastre charges versus the cost of similar services in Manila ports.

SBITC's arrastre charges for import cargoes are PI,749.60 per TEU and P4,014.36 per FEU compared with the P3,717 per TEU and P8,551 per FEU rates in Manila.

For wharfage of import cargo boxes, a TEU saves 3.57% or P20.77 while an FEU also saves 3.57% or P31.17. Wharfage of each 40­footer export container in Manila is P437.98 and in Subic, P422.33.

For exports, SBITC's PI,428.84 per TEU and P3,280.50 per FEU saves 53.05% or PI,614.16 per TEU and 53.06% or P3,708.50 per FEU on arrastre, compared with Manila's P3,043 per TEU and P6,989 per FEU.

SBITC also offers 10 days of extra free storage, five each for imports and exports, compared with Manila's five days of free storage.

The port operator also said Manila adds 12% value­-added tax on all its charges while SBITC does not. (Roumina M. Pablo, PortCalls)

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Looters may have first discovered shipwreck

Subic Bay’s diving community is aghast over what they claim is rampant looting in one of the unidentified and recently found shipwreck near the Grande Island.

The newly found shipwreck, some 200 meters from Grande Island’s shorelines, was being identified, measured and verified by the National Museum of the Philippines yesterday to confirm whether or not it is the sister vessel of Spanish Galleon San Quentin.

Five people from the town of Morong, Bataan were held this week PNP Maritime police on suspicion that they were looting the new found shipwreck but were later released due to lack of evidence.

The police filed charges against Manuel Casapao, Danilo Casapao, Michael Eduarte, Junel Rivera, and Armando Salazar for looting at the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Balanga City on Tuesday.

The police found equipment from the dive site such as compressors, hoses, barrels, and a diesel engine.

Meanwhile, divers from the National Museum of the Philippines gathered information of the newfound shipwreck and will file their report to the Ecology Department of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

According to Subic Bay Divers Association president Scott Sharpe, the find might be the oldest sunken shipwreck in Subic Bay.

He added that some divers discovered the looting on March 19, after they found looting equipment near the area.

There are more than 10 dive sites in Subic Bay that have mesmerized many scuba divers in the country. Shipwrecks such as Oryoku Maru, Seiun Maru, USS New York and El Capitan are some of the famous dive sites here. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/looters-may-have-first-discovered-shipwreck/

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German foundation donates Php2.5 million worth of medical equipment to Olongapo

The City of Olongapo recently received some P2.5 million worth of medical equipment from a German foundation in efforts to bring high value medical care to its residents.

26 units of medical equipment and instruments from Lotus Hilfsprogramme e.V. were inspected last March 4 at the Port of Manila by the German foundation led by its chairman, Heinrich Treutner, together with the city government representatives.

The equipment arrived in Olongapo City last week and were formally turned over by Toni Würkow of Lotus Hilfsprogramme e.V. to the James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital.

The donation was made possible through the initiative of Dr. Amy Sanchez, president of the Association for Differently Abled Persons Zambales Inc. and Architect Tony Karr Balde III of CPDO.

Dr. Jesse Jewel Manuel, administrator of James L Gordon Memorial Hospital said that the equipment would significantly improve the medical services of the Hospital.

“As you know the city is low in cash and purchasing this kind of equipment for the hospital would be difficult for us. We are very thankful for the donation from Lotus Hilfsprogramme e.V,” Dr. Manuel said.

The donated medical instruments include a mobile electro-cardiogram system, ten blood sugar measuring system instruments, three dialysis machines, two dental chairs, four breath-therapy devices, one lung function machine, and other hospital items like gloves and syringes.

“Kinukulang ang mga machines. Ngayon dahil sa mga na-donate mas maraming maki-cater na pasyente at yong mga dating gamit lumang-luma na tulad ng ECG, at least ito bagong-bago na magagamit ng mga pasyente,” said Dra. Lugie Lipumano, consultant on health services.

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino thanked Treutner and Würkow, adding that the donated machines would be of great help for patients, especially those who cannot afford to go to private hospitals.

“Tuloy tuloy po ang pagsasaayos ng ating hospital para po maserbisyuhan ng maganda ang ating mga kababayan at mga kapitbahay. Ito po ay dahan dahan nating aayusin at sa tulong po ng mga foundation tulad ng Lotus Hilfsprogramme ay maayos din natin ang ating pampublikong hospital,” Paulino said.

In addition, Paulino also implemented project SMILE since he assumed office last year.

“Simple lang yung project SMILE, sabi ko dapat lahat ng staff sa hospital laging naka smile, malaking bagay ito para sa mga pasyente. Hindi pwede yung naka simangot sa hospital, hindi magiging comfortable ang ating mga kababayan pag ganun,” Paulino added.

Lotus Hilfsprogramme is based in Germany and has been coordinating with the city since early April 2013 last year to bring the donations to the city.

PHOTO:
From left: Toni Würkow, Ronnie Dungog, Supply Officer of JLMGH Hospital, Dra Lugie Lipumano, Mr. Majarucon, Dr. Mendoza, Mr. Sanchez, Dr. Sanchez, Arch. TK Balde, Councilor Guerrero and Dr. Jewel Manuel.

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Subic Bay fisherfolk celebrate “Araw ng Mangingisda” with fund drive

More than 700 fun-run enthusiasts joined the “Takbo Para sa Pagmamahal sa Karagatan,” a fund-raising activity organized by fisher folks in the Subic Bay area in conjunction with the celebration of “Araw ng Mangingisda.”

The fun run was organized by the Subic Bay Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (SBIFARMC), which is celebrating its 13th year anniversary this month.

The run started and finished at the Boardwalk Park here and drew participants from various schools in the Freeport and Olongapo City, as well as members of the Olongapo City police force, the PNP Maritime Command, the local media, and employees of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), and various locator-companies in Subic Bay Freeport.

SBIFARMC chairman Restituto Del Rosario said the successful fund drive will benefit the group’s information and education campaign, which focuses on uplifting public awareness on the importance of protecting and preserving marine resources against illegal activities.

“The fund will be used for our mangrove planting and rehabilitation projects, coastal river clean-up, conduct of forum, and the drive against illegal fishing,” Del Rosario said.

He also lauded SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia for the agency’s continuing support of SBIFARMC in terms of various livelihood training and the P4-million Environmental Guarantee Fund (EGF), which the SBMA approved in October 2010.

The fishers group has used the EGF to produce 60 artificial reef modules that were installed in the coastal areas of Subic Bay, Morong in Bataan, and San Antonio in Zambales; as well as for projects that provide additional income to members, and scholarship grants for their children.

The SBIFARMCI also received two units of newly-built motorized bancas for its monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) program.

Del Rosario also thanked participants in the fun run, saying that each donation was crucial to the task of protecting the marine environment here.

“These steps are important to reach our vision of sustainable management of our marine resources and we hope that our efforts and commitments become successful to regain the bountiful resources of our municipal waters,” he added.

Aside from the SBMA, “Takbo Para sa Pagmamahal sa Karagatan” was supported by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Region 3 (BFAR-R3), Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, SM Olongapo, Subic Water, Subic Ads, Redondo Peninsula Energy, Inc., and One Meralco.

In the event, BFAR-R3 also donated five units of gasoline engines for bancas, 10 Coleman portable lights, and 30 life vests. These were distributed among the four FARMCs of Morong, Olongapo City, Subic and San Antonio. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Participants in the “Takbo Para sa Pagmamahal sa Karagatan” break out at the start of the fun run organized by the Subic Bay Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council, which is celebrating its 13th year anniversary this month.

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JPEPA talks focus on use of ports

The further utilization of the Subic and Batangas ports emerged anew as one of the key points pressed by Japanese investors in the Philippines.

The Philippines and Japan yesterday convened the 8th meeting of the Sub-Committee on Improvement of Business Environment convened under the Japan-Philippines economic partnership agreement (JPEPA). the embassy of Japan said in a statement.

The embassy said that during the meeting, both sides noted the progress made on issues such as refund of value-added tax, the common carriers tax and gross Philippine billings (CCT/GPB) among other issues.

So far, the budget department has allocated funds to refund the VAT paid by Japanese investors. A law has been recently passed scrapping the foreign carriers’ tax.

Also discussed were topics on consistency of tax-related issues, sustainability of affordable and reliable supply of electricity, further utilization of Batangas and Subic ports, additional surcharges introduced by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, development of the Philippines as Human Resource Development (HRD) hub, and other issues and initiatives.

Batangas and Subic ports, both funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation have remained under-utilized.

The meeting was led by Ambassador of Japan Toshinao Urabe, and Undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry, Adrian S. Cristobal, Jr. co-chaired the meeting.

Representatives from various Philippine government agencies, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) attended the meeting. The private sector was represented by Mr. Takashi Ishigami, President, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Inc. for the Japanese side.

Among the JPEPA framework, the Sub-Committee on Improvement of Business Environment is of significant importance because it provides a forum for dialogue between public and private sectors of both countries to discuss specific issues in order to ensure transparent, predictable and consistent business environment. This regular semi-annual dialogue with parties concerned is indispensable for further improvement of business environment which is constantly evolving.

The next meeting of the Sub-Committee is scheduled in September 2014.

JPEPA, which entered into force in December 2008, is an important framework for enhancing economic ties between the two countries.

Both sides noted that recent trade and investment figures had been very encouraging. The existence of JPEPA has successfully promoted Japanese investment to the Philippines.

The abundant, diligent, and English-speaking workforce in the Philippines are finding jobs in and out of the country. Such win-win relationship is expected to be further enhanced by the adoption of Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T) by the Philippines late last year, two and a half fold increase of bilateral air services including direct links to Haneda Airport, Japan’s on-going cooperation in Yolanda relief and rehabilitation projects, as well as other ODA projects. (Reuters)


http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/jpepa-talks-focus-use-ports

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Olongapo receives four rescue boats from sister city

Virgina Beach in the United States formally turned over four (4) rescue boats worth an estimated P1M to the City of Olongapo.

Olongapo City councilor Jong Cortez who is currently in the US to supervise the student exchange program between the partner cities, received the donation from officials of Virginia Beach lead by Councilor Jim Wood. Wood sponsored the ordinance authorizing the donation.

The boats were pledged by Virginia Beach during the official visit of Mayor Paulino and city officials for the sister city program following the September 2013 flood that struck Olongapo City.

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino said the donated rescue boats will boost the city’s rescue capability especially during the rainy season when floods are expected to happen in Olongapo.

“Currently we don’t have any budget to purchase new boats. The donation is expected to arrive before the rainy season. We here in Olongapo are very thankful for this help from our sister city.” Paulino said.

The donated boats include a 24-footer Boston Whaler with a twin-225 horse power engine, two rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIB) with 50hp and 75hp outboard motors, and an aluminum utility skiff, all conservatively valued at $25,000. All boats came with trailers, sirens, sonar/radar.

Virginia Beach officials said that the 225HP engine of the Boston Whaler was purchased for $18,000 and is only 3-4 years old.

Witnessing the turnover were officials from the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC led by Capt. Elson Aguilar, Naval & Defense Attache and First Minister Elmer Cato representing His Excellency Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia.

PHOTO:
Councilor Jong Cortez accepts the deed of donation and papers of the four rescue boats from Councilor Jim Wood. Behind them is the 24 footer Boston Whaler police patrol / rescue boat, equipped with two (2) X 225 horse power Mercury engine, radar, siren and trailer for easy transport & deployment.

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SBMA gives all-out support for Ad Summit 2014

A full month before the movers and shakers of the country’s advertising and marketing industry gather here to share insights on the global creative scene, officials of the organizing group as well as the host agency said it’s all systems go for the Ad Summit Pilipinas 2014.

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia, the agency which manages the free port will give its full support to what has been billed as “the event that will rock the ad and marketing industry this year.”

“We will leave no stone unturned to help make the event successful,” Garcia said on Monday during a press briefing conducted here by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines (4As), the event organizer.

The SBMA official also recalled that the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), which will serve as the venue for the upcoming occasion, has been especially designed to accommodate a similar advertising convention in 2007.

“That has been the mother of all conventions here in Subic,” Garcia explained, noting that since then the Subic Freeport has been drawing more convention-organizers and participants from all over the country.

4As Chairman Alex Syfu, meanwhile, said that “things are running smoothly” as well on the part of the organizers, who have scheduled the event on May 7 to 10.

Syfu said the Ad Summit is expected to draw from 2,000 to 2,500 participants, including “rock star” speakers who are icons in the advertising world.

These include industry pioneer Emily Abrera, now chairman of CCI-Asia, the content- production company behind Living Asia Channel; Omnicom Media Group CEO Cheuk Chiang, who was named by Internationalist Magazine as 2010 Agency Innovator of the Year; APAC CEO of JWT Tom Doctoroff, a sought-after speaker in the adverting circuit; and Dentsu Aegis Network Chairman Dick Van Moltman, author of two best-selling books on Chinese consumers.

Syfu said that with such global luminaries in the creative and marketing field, the Ad Summit Pilipinas will be “first and foremost a learning venue.”

On the same occasion, Ad Summit PR committee head Norman Agatep clarified that the upcoming convention will be a mind-opening event, as implied by the “Age of Enlightenment” theme.

“The principles of advertising remain the same, but the advertising industry is seeking to play a more valuable role in society today,” Agatep said.

He added that as the “Age of Enlightenment” theme implies, the advertising summit will challenge industry practitioners to make the world a better place, and provide hope and relevance in the brands and messages that they create. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
READY FOR AD SUMMIT: SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (center) gives a thumbs-up sign along with Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines chairman Alex Syfu (left) and Ad Summit PR head Norman Agatep to express readiness of the Subic Bay Freeport for the hosting of Advertising Summit Pilipinas 2014 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on May 7 to 11.

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Subic Bay Int’l Triathlon expected to lure big field

Organizers expect a loaded two-day weekend when the K-Swiss ITU Subic Bay International Triathlon is held on April 26-27 at the Subic Bay Freeport in Olongapo City, Zambales.

“This is actually a 5-in-1 event,” said Triathlon Association of the Philippines secretary general Ramon Marchand during a press launch yesterday at the Seafood Island Restaurant at the Mall of Asia.

Marchand said the SUBIT Elite Open for men and women on April 27 will remain the centerpiece event and forms part of the Asia Cup 2014 Series where the winners will get International Triathlon Union points for Asian and world rankings.

“These ranking points will serve as part of their qualification for major international competitions,” he said.

Also on tap during the two-day meet is the National Age Group Championships where the winners in the boys’ and girls’ divisions will earn the right to represent the country in the World Age Group competitions in Edmonton Canada.

The event also serves as national tryouts “where promising athletes will be scouted for the national pool,” including the junior, Under-23 and Elite Open classes.

To spice up the event, TRAP has included the Asian Paratriathlon Championships for the second straight year in the event also sponsored by Century Tuna, Speedo, Harbor Point, Ayala Malls, Canon, SBMA, PSC, Gatorade, Standard Insurance, SM City Olongapo and Travelers Hotel.

Marchand stressed the SUBIT “remains a green event so we encourage all of our participants and fans to curb waste and pollution before and during the event.”

Part of entry fees during the two-day event will go to the TriGiving program supporting athletes in the national development pool. (Malaya)

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/sports/subic-bay-int%E2%80%99l-triathlon-expected-lure-big-field

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USS Michigan arrives in Subic Bay

The USS Michigan (SSGN-727), an Ohio-class guided missile submarine of the United States Navy, is towed by tugboats as it arrives in Subic Bay Tuesday morning (March 25). The ship's routine port call will allow the 150-man crew an opportunity for rest and recreation and to conduct humanitarian projects in nearby communities.

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Olongapo ready for influx of tourists this holy week

The City of Olongapo is now ready for the influx of tourists during the holy week and summer vacation after it established Oplan Sumvac 2014 or the Olongapo Incident Management Team (IMT) to ensure public safety.

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen C. Paulino activated the group to minimize untoward incidents due to the influx of both local and foreign tourist in Olongapo and Subic Freeport.

Olongapo City is well known for its rescue team that can handle any situation. “Hindi po natin kaya mag predict ng accidents pero ang gusto natin mabilis natin itong marespondihan, pero sympre mas gusto natin na walang mangyari para safe lahat at makapag enjoy ang ating mga bisita pati na rin ang mga residente.” Paulino said.

Olongapo’s use of Incident Command System provides a systematic and functional command organization which will increase the effectiveness of the operation, Carlo Elepongga, Research and Planning of DRRMO said.

Aside from the rescue team, the Olongapo Traffic Management and Public Safety Office, the local PNP, health department, James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital, volunteer groups and other government agencies will assist the IMT to be located at strategic locations in the city. (PAO Olongapo City)

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USS Michigan to arrive in Subic Bay

USS Michigan (SSGN 727), an Ohio-class guided-missile submarine, will arrive in Subic Bay on Tuesday, March 25, for a routine port call that highlights the strong historic, community, and military connections between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines.

This visit will allow the ship to replenish supplies as well as give the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation. While in Subic the sailors of the USS Michigan will visit a school that helps persons with disabilities, and visit the Olongapo City Museum to learn more about Filipino culture and history.

The USS Michigan is part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and is homeported in Puget Sound, Wash. The Michigan is commanded by CAPT. Erik A. Burian and crewed by approximately 150 sailors. USS Michigan was commissioned on 11 September 1982 and is the third United States Navy vessel to bear the name of the state. In 2003 the USS Michigan entered the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Wash. for conversion from a Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine into a Guided Missile Submarine. In June 2007, the new USS Michigan SSGN-727 was returned to service as one of only four SSGN's in the submarine fleet.

For more information about the USS Michigan, visit the ship’s webpage: www.michigan.navy.mil or Commander, Submarine Group 7’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/submarinegroup7 (US Embassy Manila Public Affairs).

PHOTO: File photo of USS Michigan (photo provided by US Embassy Manila)

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Ad Summit Pilipinas reveals ‘Rock Star’ speakers

The Age of Enlightenment begins as Ad Summit Pilipinas, touted as the event that will rock the ad and marketing industry this year, has announced the first batch of speakers who are set to share their insights on the ever-changing landscape of the global creative scene.

Scheduled from May 7 to 10 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, the summit promises to bring in “rock star” speakers, global land iconic luminaries whose works transcend creative boundaries.

First on the list is one of the pioneers of the industry, Emily Abrera, who is currently the chairman of CCI-Asia, the content-production company behind Living Asia Channel.

Abrera is also the president of the Foundation for Communication Initiatives, and chairs the boards of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Children’s Hour Philippines. She is a founding member of the Women’s Business Council and currently a member of the Edsa People Power Commission, to boot.

Another local speaker is Merlee Jayme, chairman and CCO DM9 JaymeSyfu. Jayme was Executive Creative Director for BBDO Guerrero before starting her own agency, DM9 Jayme Syfu, almost seven years ago.

Before this, she was vice president and executive creative director of Ace Saatchi & Saatchi. Now as head of DM9 Jayme Syfu, her creative shop has been ranked the Philippines’ number one in the 2010 Campaign Brief Asia Ranking and was awarded the very first Campaign Asia Pacific Creative Agency of the Year for the Philippines 2012.

Going global, Ad Summit will also bring in Cheuk Chiang, CEO of Omnicom Media Group APAC. Chiang’s experience is broad and eclectic, and his career to date spans across account management, strategy planning, and agency management roles in creative, direct marketing, digital, and media agencies.

Over the past 23 years he has worked on a number of high profile brands including Coca-Cola, Heineken, Heinz, Hennessy, HP, Holden, HTC, Kraft, Mars, Myer, Motorola, Nestle, Nikon, Tiger Beer and Unilever.

In 2010, the Internationalist Magazine named Chiang as the Agency Innovator of The Year. In 2013, he returned to Cannes to serve as an awarding judge at the International Festival of Creativity.

Other international speakers to impart their knowledge is Tom Doctoroff, APAC CEO of JWT Asia and Dick Van Motman, chairman and CEO of Dentsu Network Asia. Doctoroff is a sought after keynote speaker for events such as the International Advertising Association’s global symposium, and the University of Chicago’s Global Management Conference.

He has also authored two best-selling books on Chinese consumers; “Billions: Selling to the New Chinese Consumer” and “What Chinese Want”, which was published in 2012. Doctoroff, who was selected to be an Official Torchbearer for the Beijing 2008 Olympics, lives in Shanghai and speaks fluent Mandarin.

Dick Van Motman, on the other hand, has spent over 20 years in senior account and regional management positions at DMB&B, Leo Burnett, and DDB in various European & Asian markets.

Most recently he was president and CEO of DDB Group, Greater China. He began his career in 1989 in his native Netherlands. Van Motman is responsible for the Dentsu Network operations in the ASEAN and Oceania region. He will also be a member of its global Operating Committee.

Last of the first batch of speakers is Sandipan Roy, APAC Regional Strategy Director, who has gone on to be a multi-dimensional marketer with a passion for uncovering deep human insights and developing big business building ideas.

Roy is deeply experienced in developing brand, advertising, digital, CRM/data, and shopper marketing strategies.

He has also held senior leadership roles at global, regional as well as in-country levels in strategy, P&L responsibilities as well business leadership in agencies such as OgilvyOne, Y&R, Wunderman, DDB/RAPP and now, Isobar where he has played a lead role with a range of global, regional and local clients such as Citibank, McDonalds, Stanchart, P&G, Kellogg’s, Land Rover, Jaguar, Samsung, Unilever, American Express, and Singapore Tourism Board.

“It remains our vow to create a programming that will definitely enlighten our attendees on the things that they have been wanting to discover about the ad and marketing scene,” Ad Summit chair Matec Villanueva said.

“That’s why we are bringing in the movers and shakers of our industry, because we aim for the Summit to be a world-class gathering of the creative, the curious, and the wise,” she added.

Interested participants may contact the 4A’s secretariat at 813-4397 or 893-1205, or e-mail: 4asp@pldtdsl.net. Registration may also be done through the summit’s official website (www.adsummit.ph).

http://infochat.com.ph/2014/03/ad-summit-pilipinas-reveals-rock-star-speakers-early-bird-extended/

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2 injured dolphins treated in Subic marine park

Two rescued spinner dolphins turned over to the Ocean Adventure Marine Park here for treatment and rehabilitation are now showing signs of recovery under the care of animal health experts.

The spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris), both female, are believed to have been injured by blast fishing. One was rescued in Badoc, Ilocos Norte and the other in Masinloc, Zambales.

Ocean Adventure marine operations director Carlo Magno said both dolphins suffered from acoustic trauma that caused impairment of navigational senses and loss of buoyancy.

Aptly called "Valentina," the 1.7-meter-long and 50-kilogram spinner dolphin from Ilocos Norte was found beached on the eve of Valentine's Day with an old shark bite wound.

Valentina was transported to the Ocean Adventure rehab facility on March 1. Barely a week in the facility strapped with improvised floaters, Valentina began showing signs of full recovery including regaining buoyancy, according to Magno.

Meanwhile on March 5, "Scarlett", the other spinner dolphin, was found beached and wounded in an area in Masinloc where blast fishing was believed to have occurred.

The Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network (PMMSN) said that "Scarlett" was eating some of the dead fish after the blast when another blast came and injured her.

Scarlett was transferred to Ocean Adventure on March 8 with impaired navigational senses and loss of buoyancy. She was also strapped with an improvised floater but still remains under critical care, as she still cannot swim or stay afloat.

As of now, Valentina is already swimming in Ocean Adventure's open sea enclosure, while Scarlett stays in the round pool.

"We are giving both dolphins the necessary vitamins and food supplements to aid them into full recovery from their injuries and trauma," Magno said.

"We can only hope that Scarlett recovers from her injuries and trauma," Magno added.

Ocean Adventure houses the only center in the entire country that provides 24/7 rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals.

PMMSN said they intend to make the rehab center fully equipped to better nurse stranded mammals back to health. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Scarlett, a spinner dolphin believed to be injured from dynamite fishing blast, is being nursed back to health at the Ocean Adventure Marine Park in the Subic Bay Freeport.

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Grand Reunion of former Subic Naval Base Workers

[1] Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino (3rd from left), assisted by Architect Antonio Balde, inserts some memorabilia into a time capsule for a commemorative marker honoring former employees in the defunct Subic Bay Naval Base. Witnessing the event are SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia, (2nd from left), SBMA Director Cynthia Paulino, and Roberto Flores, co-chairman of the base workers’ grand reunion committee.

[2] SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia leads the ground-breaking ceremony for a commemorative marker honoring former employees in the defunct Subic Bay Naval Base, now the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The ceremony kicked off a week-long grand reunion of former base workers in Subic, which marked the first commemoration of the “Former US Naval Base Workers’ Week” set by the Olongapo City council for the third week of March.

(photos by Jun Dumaguing)

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Group wants Clark, Subic free ports fully developed

ANGELES CITY — A group led by a former Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief and an anti-poverty crusader is pushing for the full development and utilization of the Clark and Subic free ports to ignite and sustain economic development in Central Luzon.

Former LTO Chief Reynaldo Berroya and Alfonso “Sonny” Dobles of this city said their 10-million strong Guardians International Unified Command (GIUC) “is determined” to end poverty by asking the national government to “walk their talk” in connection with turning the Clark International Airport (CIA) at the Clark Freeport into one of the two main international airports of the country. Dobles was recently chosen as GIUC president while Berroya is the group’s director.

“Our group will be aggressive in pushing for the development of the two free ports in Pampanga and Zambales until the Filipino people are liberated from the bondage of poverty, ” Dobles said in an interview on Saturday. “It will be remembered by the children of tomorrow that the Guardians pushed for progress and sustainable and equitable development.”

Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia earlier said the Bureau of Internal Revenue was able to collect P1.39 billion, or 8.9 percent higher than the P1.27 billion collected in 2012 while the Bureau of Customs made an impressive lift in revenue collection from P6.32 billion in 2012 to P10.8 billion last year for an unprecedented combined cash collection of P12.2 billion. The collection, he added, attested to the sustained growth of Subic.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is the implementing arm of the government for the development the 262-square-mile (670-square-kilometer) area of Subic.

There are at last 89,500 workers at Subic while Clark has a work force of 72,000.

“We could have thousands more jobs if we can fully use Clark and Subic. We have to improve the surroundings such as the infrastructures,” Dobles said.

Business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan earlier released statements, urging the full development of the CIA as one of the premier international airports of the country. He cited the “congestion” at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) terminals in Metro Manila.

Pangilinan and his group are determined to pour billions of pesos for a terminal at the CIA. He also expressed interest in investing on a high-speed train that will connect the CIA to the Naia terminals.

The 32-year-old Naia Terminal 1 airport, tagged by several international groups as one of the worst in the world, is designed to handle at least 4.5 million passengers yearly but is forced to accommodate 8 million passengers a year. The terminals of the Naia, including Terminal I, had at least 32.865 million local and international passengers in 2013. There were 31.877 million passengers in 2012, according to data gathered by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

There are at least 3,027 passengers per day, or 96,823 per month, at the CIA.

In 2012, there were at least 1.3 million passengers. The Clark International Airport Corp. has yet to issue the total number of passengers for 2013 but reports said it could be lower compared to 2012.

Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Arnel Paciano Casanova is also calling for the full development of the Clark Freeport and its airport in Pampanga to help decongest Metro Manila.

Casanova, who spoke at the recent Clark Challenge: Stakeholders’ Summit at the Widus Convention Center here, said the development of the 4,500-hectare free port, including the ClA, is necessary to sustain the economic development of Pampanga and nearby provinces in Central and North Luzon.

Casanova said the 7-percent growth achieved by the country in 2013 could be sustained and improved if other cities such as Clark would be developed.

Casanova said, “Clark has the biggest airport in the country in terms of land area.”

The CIA sits on a 2,100-hectare area compared to the Naia’s 600 hectares of land.

CIA President and CEO Victor Jose Luciano said if the Naia is decongested, its operations will “max out” in 2018.

There are at least 168 flights per week at the CIA, including daily Clark-Dubai flights of Emirates and Doha-Clark flight via Qatar Airways. The other airlines operating at the CIA are Cebu Pacific, Tigerair, Asiana, Dragon­air and Jin Air.

Other GIUC officers in the recent meeting in Amsic, Angeles City, included Leborio Jangao, known as the founder and father of the GIUC, and GIUC advisor Reynaldo Pineda of Angeles City. (Joey Pavia, Business Mirror)

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Gapo health workers bring service to Aeta communities

OLONGAPO City - The local government of Olongapo City, in efforts to bring health service to its residents especially those in isolated places, recently conducted a medical and dental mission for Aeta residents in the mountains of Sitio Tralala in Barangay Gordon Heights, this city.

The medical mission headed by Dr. Lyod Bray Tubban and Dr. Leslie Palma and staff of the city health department and personnel from the Army reserve, trekked two hours to reach the tribal community.

There, the team gave multivitamins, amoxicillin, paracetamol, mefenamic acid, vitamin A, C, and vaccine for measles for the Aeta residents.

The medical mission is part of Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino's plans to bring health service to the needy in the city.

Just recently, the same group trekked to Sitio Mampueng and gave out medicines, held medical checkups and distributed mosquito nets to the Aetas.

“It is very hard for our Aeta residents to come down from the mountains. Imagine them bringing down small kids and babies to the city proper to get medicine.” Paulino said.

“That is why I have instructed our health workers to go to them, instead of them (Aetas) going to us,” Paulino added.

Aside from the medicines, the military reserve personnel also conducted free haircuts and gave out free tsinelas (flip flops) to the Aeta community. (Olongapo City Pao)

PHOTO:
A health worker gives a child anti-measles vaccine during their visit in Sito Tralala in Barangay Gordon heights, Olongapo City.

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Subic tourists to pay new fees

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines - Tourism establishments here were directed by officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to start collecting Environment and Tourism Administrative Fee (ETAF) from tourists as the new policy was officially implemented last March 4.

During a public forum held here last March 12, SBMA Chair Roberto Garcia reminded tourism establishments or facilities owners to follow guidelines on collecting ETAF to avoid being fined or penalized.

Garcia stressed that the fund from the collection would “defray the costs for the continued protection and conservation of the environment.”

The new policy imposes P100 per room per night for hotels and other accommodation facilities for the first 5 nights of stay, and P50 per room per night on the 6th night onwards.

Meanwhile, a P20 fee will be collected per head in theme parks, beaches, swimming pools, cinemas, museums, amusement and other tourism establishments or events with fixed entrance fees, or 10 % of the fixed entrance fee, whichever is lower.

Garcia reiterated that they have already carried out various information activities to properly inform tourists about the new fee. He added that they would provide tourism establishments with notices of the implementation of the guidelines.
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Investors who attended the forum, however, raised concerns related to losing clients and profit, saying the new fees would discourage tourists from visiting or staying inside the Freeport.

Hotels and theme parks owners said they are worried that ETAF collection might also create confusion among their patrons that might even lead to complaints concerning the fees.

Burden

Evelyn Renion, general manager of the Casablanca Hotel and Condominium here, said the new fees would be a “burden” to hotel guests who might be surprised to find additional charges in their hotel bills.

Danny Tan, President of Subic Bay International Hotel, also expressed apprehension over the collection of ETAF, especially because many locators like them were informed about its implementation just recently.

Tan said aside that from confusing tourists, the ETAF collection would also complicate their sales system since they were unsure how to add this new fee to their official receipts. (Randy Datu, Rappler.com)

http://www.rappler.com/nation/53086-subic-tourists-new-fees?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rappler+(Rappler)

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Conference helps strengthen REDD+ safeguards

With a conference on “Operationalizing REDD+ Safeguards in Southeast Asia and the Pacific,” held recently in Subic Bay Freeport, stakeholders from the Philippines and countries of the Asia-Pacific region made an important step toward safeguarding forests and the rights of indigenous communities and peoples.

The conference was organized by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and Climate Change Commission (CCC).

National experts from government agencies, non-governmental organizations and academe along with experts from Germany, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Vietnam, Fiji and the Pacific Islands, Mongolia and India exchanged insights on how to avoid unintended social and environmental risks that may arise due to REDD+, how to strengthen governance and how to achieve “co-benefits” for biodiversity conservation and improved livelihood.

A field trip to the ancestral domain of the Aeta Ambala tribe at Mount Santa Rita gave an additional practical example of a particularly successful conservation agreement—the joint management agreement with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority that combines effective participation, benefit-sharing mechanisms and transparent governance.

“Parties have to provide information on how they address safeguards before they can receive results-based payments from REDD+,” lawyer Alaya de Leon from the Ateneo School of Government said, summarizing the current challenge for countries emerging from the recent decisions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The conference took place within the framework of the international climate and forest protection mechanism “Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation” (REDD+) with cost-effective conservation, sustainable management of forests and the enhancement of carbon stocks.

With the decision to link finance to safeguards, there is a clear direction for countries to go for compliance.

The conference was opened by NCIP Commissioner Dionesia O. Banua, who pointed out that most of the forest areas in the Philippines are in ancestral domains.

DENR-Forest Management Bureau Assistant Director Mayumi Quintos-Natividad emphasized that the conference provided a relevant opportunity for sustainable development in the Philippines.

NCIP Executive Director Marlea Muñez said the event was a landmark for implementing the Philippine National REDD-Plus Strategy, an integral part of the National Climate Change Action Plan and a contribution of the Philippines to safeguard the world’s forests and climate, led by the DENR and CCC.

REDD+ was internationally adopted in 2007, and in 2010, the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC decided on related safeguards with the need to take local livelihoods and ecological aspects explicitly into account to fully benefit from REDD+ measures without negative impacts.

These safeguards need to be converted into national frameworks by the implementing countries. At the same time, this challenge gives early adopters like the Philippines the opportunity to shape the ongoing international discussion through exemplary solutions.

The conference focused on all three key aspects of the current debate with the Free, Prior and Informed Consent as a social safeguard; finance, benefit sharing and anti-corruption as governance safeguards; and biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services as an environmental safeguard.

All participants agreed to collaborate further on exchanging experiences and strengthening capacities of countries in the region for compliance with international standards to reap the benefits of REDD+. (BusinessMirror)

http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/features/biodiversity/28995-conference-helps-strengthen-redd-safeguards

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Subic to host 2014 National Festival of Talents

Over 1,900 of the most creative and skilled secondary students in the country will be in Subic Freeport from April 7-9 for the 2014 National Festival of Talents (NFOT), which coincides with the staging of the National Schools Press Conference.

“NFOT aims to provide opportunities for students to showcase their talents and learning in language, arts, social studies, and technology and livelihood education through an exhibition of their products and performances and provide parallel learning sessions for teachers and students to enhance their knowledge and skills in their respective fields of interest,’ Department of Education Central Luzon Regional Director Isabelita Borres said.

Carrying the theme “Optimizing Creativity and Innovation for Social Change and Development,” NFOT 2014 has six disciplines namely Technolympics, Television Broadcasting, Sining Tanghalan, Population Quiz, Tagisan ng Talino, and Foreign Languages.

“In Technolympics, students compete in mini cabinet organizer making, t-shirt printing and designing, steel baluster making, nail art with hand massage, coming up with casual children’s wear, hair styling with facial make-up, experimental fish dish, landscaping, experimental cookery from dressing to meal presentation, tarpaulin designing, web page designing, PC assembly with configuration and networking, and marketing of products,” Borres shared.

In Television Broadcasting, students of pilot schools with Special Program in Journalism shall come up with an actual newscast complete with an infomercial.

Moreover, Sining Tanghalan shall consist of Bayle sa Kalye (Modern Street Dance Parade), Likhawitan (Original Pilipino Music Songwriting Exhibition), Pintahusay (On-the-spot Painting), Sineliksi (Documentary Film Exhibition), and Manik-Aninong Dulaan (Scriptwriting and Shadow Puppetry Exhibition).

“Population Quiz shall test the knowledge of contestants on family life and responsible parenthood; gender and development, population and reproductive health; and population, environment, resources and sustainable development. It shall also have poster making, essay writing, and jingle writing and singing contests that is centered on a particular population-related theme,” Borres added.

Tagisan ng Talino, on the other hand, requires participating groups to come up with two-minute movie or television program trailers wherein two days will be allotted for development of script, shooting and editing.

Foreign Languages, shall pit students of Special Program in Foreign Language majoring in Spanish, German, French, Japanese and Chinese in quiz bee, extemporaneous speech, exhibition of nations and an Amazing Race-style contest where clues are written in various languages. (CLJD-PIA 3)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=561394299716

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Subic to host 2014 National Schools Press Conference

Around 260 of the best campus journalists in the country shall converge to Subic Bay Freeport next month to compete in the 2014 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC).

“NSPC aims to demonstrate understanding of the importance of journalism by expressing it through different journalistic endeavors and approaches, sustain advocacy on social consciousness, provide a venue for an enriching learning experience for students interested in pursuing journalism as a career, promote responsible journalism and fair and ethical use of social media, and enhance journalistic competence through health and friendly competitions,” Department of Education Central Luzon Regional Director Isabelita Borres said.

Carrying the theme “Campus Journalism and Transformational Leadership”, the April 7-10 event shall pit elementary and secondary representatives of the 17 regions of the country in Sports Writing, Photo Journalism, Collaborative Publishing, Copyreading and Headline Writing, Feature Writing, News Writing, Science and Health Writing, Editorial Cartooning, Editorial Writing, Radio Scriptwriting and Radio Broadcasting.

“There will also be a recognition ceremony of Outstanding School Paper Advisers and Campus Journalists as well as learning sessions,” Borres added. (CLJD-PIA 3)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=561394299623

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SBMA offers facilities to truckers

THE Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority is taking as an “opportunity” the expanded truck ban being implemented in Manila offering its facilities to truckers.

Roberto Garcia, SBMA chairman and administrator, in a letter to former president and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said he fully endorses and supports Estrada’s political will in pushing through the expanded truck ban beginning Feb. 24.

Estrada agreed with the city council under Vice Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domogoso to implement the day-time truck ban to further decongest traffic in the city.

In the first two days of its implementation, the truckers staged a “holiday” that lasted almost the entire week while both sides engaged in a continuing dialogue to find a “win-win” solution.

The wild-cat strike called by the truckers adversely affected not only the revenue collection of the Bureau of Customs which posted an aggregate drop of 74 percent in revenue from the Port of Manila and the Manila International Container Port, the country’s biggest ports.

The strike also affected some businesses which relies on their shipments of raw materials and semi-finished products to run their factories in Metro Manila and the nearby areas.

Garcia said the cargo-handling facilities at the former US naval base is enough to handle 600,000 containerized cargo a year. An estimated 2.8 million containerized shipments were being processed at the Port of Manila each year.

“Regrettably, this port (SBMA) serviced only 38,000 containers in 2013 or a mere six percent rate of port utilization,” Garcia said.

He noted that based on an earlier study by the Japan’s International Cooperation Agency, some 450,000 containers landing at the Manila ports are destined (import) or originating from (export) Central and Northern Luzon.

“We in Subic are ready to accommodate even the entire load of the 450,000 containers that ‘unnecessarily’ pass through Manila presently,” Garcia said.

“We have intentionally lowered all port-related charges, wharfage, berthing and other port fees precisely to make Subic competitive and lower than that of Manila,” he added. (Paul Gutierrez, Journal)

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/provincial/68533-sbma-offers-facilities-to-truckers

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Triathlon season fires off in Subic

THE 2014 triathlon season opens on Sunday with the Bikeking and Unilab Active Health Tri United 1 at Dungaree Beach inside the Subic Bay Freeport.

Competition in the elite category is expected to be tough with 2013 series champion Benjamin Rana, Philippine national team member Nikko Huelgas, leg champion Mark Anthony Hosana and John Chicano vying for the standard distance (1.5­ kilometer swim, 40­km bike and 10­km run) elite male title and the P10,000 cash prize at stake.

Last year's Tri United 2 champion Anna Stroh, ex­ Olympian Radka Vodickova of the Czech Republic, 2013 Tri United 4 champion Ma. Claire Adorna, Monica Torres, Kim Mangrobang and 2013 Tri United 3 champion Ani de Leon­Brown slug it out for the women's crown in the event sponsored by Unbilab, Aboitiz, Subic Holiday Villas, AboitizPower, Orbea, Shimano, Crystal Clear, Maxxis, Pocarii Sweat, Timex, Saucony and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority's tourism department.

Meanwhile, the Teens Sprint Distance category (age 16­17) has attracted eight competitors that include Vicky Deldio, Jimmuel Patilan and Samuel Ranque. Over at the Team Competition, nine sports clubs will engage for top honors.

All top three in the male and female categories and team winners will receive medals and gift packs, while the top three in the team competition will also receive trophies, medals and gift packs.

For the elite category, a grand total of P40,000 in cash prizes are at stake. For all participants, finisher's medals and post­race meals will be given. The awarding ceremony has been set for 10:30 a.m. at Dungaree Beach.

The Tri United series continues to be one of the most credible triathlon series to date with 700 participants representing various places and sports clubs from all over the nation signing up.

The next Tri United events are in San Juan, Batangas, on July 6 (Tri United 2); Subic Bay on October 26 (Tri United 3).

Another is set in November (Tri United 4) with the date and venue still being finalized. (Business Mirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/sports-news

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SBMA calls for ‘Kaizen’ after impressive 2013 performance

“Let us all practice Kaizen. Let us not be contended with what we have achieved. Let us always aim to surpass our achievement.”

This was the appeal of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia to employees of the agency and stakeholders of the Subic Bay Freeport during his State of the Freeport Address (SOFA) on Thursday (Feb. 27).

Kaizen, Garcia explained, is a Japanese word that means continuous improvement.

Garcia said that even as the SBMA posted an impressive performance in 2013, it should aspire for even greater accomplishments in order to remain competitive as a trade and tourism hub.

In delivering his third SOFA as head of SBMA, Garcia reported that the positive investment promotion performance of the agency in 2013 has paved the way for a financial boost for 2014.

He pointed out that in 2013, the SBMA board of directors approved a total of P27 billion in terms of investment pledges, which was 800 percent more than the P3 billion recorded in the previous year.

Topping all other investment pledges in 2013 was the Korean firm Resom Resort, which committed P21.4 billion out of the total P27 billion pledges.

The rest of the top 10 new investors for 2013 were: PTT Philippines Trading Corp., with a P1.9-billion commitment; FFC Subic Seafoods Corp., P848.9 million; Johanna-Subic Seafood Corp., P795.6 million; Glowbal Outlets Philippines, Inc., P212.2 million; Simon & Stanley Int’l Trading & Dev’t Co., Inc.; P215.6 million; APG Int’l Aviation Academy Inc., P135.5 million; Alpha Primero Services Manufacturing, Inc., P84.7 million; Associated Freight Consolidators, P83.1 million; and Platinum Skies Aviation, Inc., P80 million.

Garcia also said that the SBMA will be developing more areas for investment this year following the turnover by the municipal council of San Antonio, Zambales of the 10,000-hectare San Antonio Economic Development Area for conversion into an additional secured area of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Aside from this, the SBMA has also worked out with the local government of Subic, Zambales for the free port expansion into a 650-hectare coastal land in the municipality that will be ideal for shipbuilding and ship repair.

Both territorial expansion projects will be utilized to accommodate the growing investment proposals being received by the agency, Garcia said.

Meanwhile, Garcia also reported that the SBMA posted last year a net profit of P1.079 billion, its highest in its entire 21-year history. The SBMA’s 2013 gross revenue of P2.09 billion and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of P992 million likewise became the highest in the agency's history.

“These paved the way for a financial boost for 2014,” Garcia added.

Recently, the SBMA board approved the agency’s budget for capital expenditures worth P620 million to further improve infrastructures and facilities in the Subic Bay Freeport, as well as to further promote investment and tourism.

Garcia said the 2014 capex schedule was approved based on the strength of the agency’s record-breaking financial performance for 2013.

With these in place, Garcia challenged SBMA employees and Subic stakeholders to help surpass what was achieved in 2013. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia presents a report on the accomplishments of his administration before Subic Bay Freeport business locators, employees, and stakeholders in the Subic community during his State of the Freeport Address held on Thursday (Feb. 27) at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. (AMD)

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Former Subic base workers set March 16 to 22 reunion

Former employees of the now-defunct United States Naval Base, Subic Bay, have scheduled a grand reunion from March 16 to 22, the first get-together among some 22,000 workers employed in what was then the biggest American military facility outside of the continental United States.

Ernie Tawatao, co-chairman of the organizing committee, said the weeklong reunion program will coincide with the first commemoration of the “Former US Naval Base Workers’ Week,” an annual celebration recently set by the Olongapo City council for the third week of March to honor former base employees.

The Subic naval base, along with other American military facilities in the country, closed down in 1992 following the rejection by the Philippine Senate of a treaty extending the lease of US military bases in the Philippines.

The former Subic facility, along with portions of neighboring communities in Olongapo, Zambales and Bataan, soon became the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Tawatao said the reunion is expected to gather former base workers from the various departments and work units in the former naval facility, which used to be the home of the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet.

Aside from Tawatao, the other officers of the organizing committee are: Bobby Flores, formerly of the Navy Exchange, who is co-chairman; Dolly Vibar-Hernane (Ship Repair Facility), secretary; Jack Kingsley (Office of the Provost Marshall, US-FAC), treasurer; and Vic Vizcocho Jr., (Public Works Center), public affairs officer.

Vizcocho said former base employees, regardless of their classification as direct or nondirect hire, as well as their descendants are welcome to take part in the reunion.

As part of the weeklong reunion program, the committee will unveil a commemorative marker on March 18 at an area between the former Lowry Hall (now the Subic Bay Arts Center) and the former Consolidated Civilian Personnel Office (Building 662).

The placement of the marker has been approved by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Tawatao said.

The committee is also preparing a souvenir publication to document the event, said Eduardo Esmane, who is helping coordinate the project.

The reunion is expected to draw participants from the following departments in the former US Naval Base: US Marine Barracks; US Naval Station; US Naval Ship Repair Facility; Naval Supply Depot; US Navy Public Works Center; US Naval Air Station, Cubi Point; US Naval Regional Medical Center; US Naval Magazine; US Commissary Store; US Naval Investigative Support Regional Activity; Officer In Charge of Construction (OICC Subic and ROICC in Makati); and US Naval Communications Station Philippines, San Miguel in San Antonio, Zambales.

Other participants are expected to come from the Navy Exchange which covered the Spanish Gate Cafeteria, Enlisted Men’s Club, Acey-Ducey Club; Consolidated Special Services; Commissioned Officers Mess (Open); Chief Petty Officers Mess (Open); and Non-Commissioned Officers Club.

On Monday, Tawatao and some other former base workers welcomed US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, who arrived in Subic for a courtesy meeting with SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia. (Henry Empeño, Business Mirror)

PHOTO:
Former employees of the Subic Bay Naval Base, some wearing t-shirts emblazoned with the logo of their former work units, welcome US Ambassador Philip Goldberg (center, wearing coat), who met with SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia (center, in Barong Tagalog) on Monday at the Subic Bay Freeport. (SBMA Photo)

http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/regions/28444-former-subic-base-workers-set-march-16-to-22-reunion

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Subic Freeport hospital opens heart center

Patients with heart problems in Central Luzon area will now have an option for treatment outside Manila, as the George Dewey Medical Center in this free port formally opened the Subic Heart Center.

According to Ryan Tulio, assistant hospital administrator, the Heart Center is the first of its kind in the Zambales-Bataan area and was built with patients from the locality and from nearby provinces in mind.

“We have the first heart center facility in this area complete with the necessary equipment to treat heart ailments,” Tulio said.

He said the Subic Heart Center has a Cardiovascular Catherization and Intervention Unit (CathLab), where most treatments for heart ailments are performed.

The CathLab has an adjacent operating room equipped with a heart-lung machine, which is dedicated specially for major heart surgeries.

Tulio said that the first major open heart surgery in the Subic Heart Center was performed last February 22. The patient underwent a six-hour aorto-coronary bypass grafting, which was performed by doctors from the Philippine Heart Center and University of Santo Tomas Hospital.

Dr. Pio Purino, team leader of the said operation, said that the choice of Subic Bay Freeport as the location for the heart center is advantageous to patients undergoing heart surgery.

“We have to reduce stress after open heart surgeries, and with an environment like this, it’s very conducive for the recovery of patients,” he said.

He noted that doctors usually suggest that patients walk around two to three days after surgery, and the location of the center amid a natural environment can help patients to recover well.

Purino, one of the trainers for the Subic Heart Center, said that they aim to train local surgeons specializing in cardio-vascular surgery so that there will be heart surgeons who will be based here.

“This is to ensure that patients do not have to go to Manila for heart surgery. They can have them here,” he explained.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Roberto Garcia said, meanwhile, that the Subic Bay Freeport is also being developed as a retirement destination for the same reason that its natural environment helps induce wellness and healing.

Garcia said the SBMA is supportive of industries that will help attract retirees to the Freeport.

“Having a facility such as the Subic Heart Center will assure our retirees that Subic is a well-rounded environment complete with everything they need to love comfortably,” Garcia said. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

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US Ambassador Philip Goldberg visits Subic Bay

SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia briefs US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg on the latest developments at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone during the latter’s courtesy call Monday morning at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, along with SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia, gets a warm welcome from former Subic Naval Base workers during a courtesy call Monday morning at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.  The former base workers have scheduled a grand reunion on March 16-22.

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