SBMA mulls new traffic rules amid growing truck flow

In preparation for the expected increase in traffic flow here starting the last quarter of the year, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will be implementing new traffic policies in the free port.

In the recent “Traffic Safety Forum” organized by the newly-formed SBMA Traffic Safety Board (STSB), SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said Subic will experience an increase in traffic volume with the arrival of cargo ships that will unload container vans.

The forum was attended by operators and drivers of cargo-hauling companies, truckers’ groups, concerned units from the Bureau of Customs, and the Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITCI), which operates Subic’s New Container Terminal 1 and 2.

NCT 2 has recently been designated Berth No. 8 of Port of Manila to help ease port congestion in the metropolis.

Garcia stressed in the forum that the Subic agency, along with stakeholders in the free port, should find ways to prevent traffic build-up along the main route of the trucks to prevent congestion, like what is happening in the Port of Batangas, also an extension port of Manila.

“I don’t want the same thing to happen to Subic, so we need to be very efficient with the inflow and outflow of containers,” Garcia said.

Garcia also stressed that Subic has to be prepared for more cargo traffic because of reports that it was not only the Port of Manila that is congested, but also some major Asian ports like Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore. “This is going to have a ripple effect,” he said.

Meanwhile, SBMA Traffic Safety Board chairman retired P/Gen. Orlando Maddela Jr. said that one of the major contributors to traffic congestion is road vehicular accidents.

Maddela said that based on SBMA statistics, road accidents in the Freeport usually occur along the Tipo Road and frequently involve cargo trucks with heavy loads. The accidents were usually attributed to human error and slippery road during the rainy season.

“The portion of Tipo Road after the tunnel, which is almost an all-down grade and all-curve road, is considered an accident-prone area,” Maddela said.

Rex Ramos, head of the Traffic Management Safety and Security of Manila North Tollways Corp., noted that driver’s error involving over-speeding and miscalculation are the common causes of accidents involving cargo trucks in the Tipo Road.

The other significant causes of accidents are overloading of cargos, truck mechanism or brake distribution failure, flaws in road design, unsafe road conditions, and drivers’ non-familiarity with the terrain.

To help prevent accidents, the STSB recommended that all truck drivers who are newly-assigned to Subic should undergo a two-hour familiarization seminar that would cover traffic rules and regulations and road familiarization tour before allowing them to drive cargo trucks inside the Freeport.

It was also recommended that cargo trucks entering the Freeport should have operational maxi-brakes, and drivers will only operate under the mandatory maximum speed of 40 KPH.

Truck owners and drivers welcomed the suggestions, saying the measures will save not only lives and properties, but also precious time to exit from piers and avoid congesting the port.

A representative from REMCO Trucking Corp. said that one of their company vehicles was recentlyinvolved in a vehicular accident along Tipo Road. “After the accident, we enjoined our drivers to attend seminars on road safety and traffic rules,” he said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)


PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Law Enforcement Dept. chief Orlando Maddela Jr., who chairs the SBMA Traffic Safety Board, signs a road safety manifesto enjoining motorists to support road safety efforts in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (AED)

[2] The road safety manifesto signed by all truckers and Subic port operators attending the Summit.

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US Marine tagged in transgender slay named

OLONGAPO - Police have identified the US Marine being linked to the murder of a transgender woman in Olongapo City last Saturday.

Police identified the suspect as PFC Joseph Scott Pemberton.

A Navytimes.com report earlier said the US Marine is assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The infantry unit is currently in the Philippines for a joint training exercise.

The US Embassy in Manila earlier confirmed that a US Marine is a suspect in the murder of Jeffrey Laude alias Jennifer. It also expressed condolences to the family and friends of Laude.

"A U.S. Marine has been identified as a possible suspect in the ongoing investigation. The suspected Marine is assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He is being held onboard USS Peleliu while a joint Naval Criminal Investigative Service and Philippine National Police investigation is conducted," the embassy said.

"The United States will continue to fully cooperate with Philippine law enforcement authorities in every aspect of the investigation."

The body of Jeffrey Laude alias Jennifer was found by hotel staff late Saturday, less than an hour after the victim checked into a room with an unidentified blonde male suspect.

The "foreigner" with Laude had close-cropped hair, was of medium build, and "casually" walked out of the hotel later without settling his bill, prompting hotel staff to check the room, police investigator Mary Ann Sadaba told AFP.

Based on the initial investigation of the Olongapo police, Laude's neck was pressed down on the toilet seat, while her head was being shoved into the toilet bowl.

Two used condoms were also found in the garbage can inside the hotel room.

There were no signs of a struggle in the bedroom and Laude's belongings were complete.

Police are now looking at two motives behind the killing.

One -- The foreigner could have found out that Laude was a transgender. However, authorities doubt this theory because of the used condoms discovered in the room.

Another theory of investigators is Laude could have tried to steal from the foreigner.

The LGBT group Ladlad said there is no justification for the killing.

"Baka niloko daw ni Jennifer yung Amerikano. Sa akin naman walang deception na nangyari. She was living her life, and hindi ito lisensya para pumatay ng tao," Santy Layno, Ladlad Board of Trustees member, said.

The Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement, meanwhile, assured the Laude family of justice.

"Sa pamilya po ni Jennifer Laude, we're expressing our deepest sympathy. At nandun na din po ang assurance ng ating pamahalaan ganun din po ang pamahalaan ng Amerika that we will work closely together to ensure that justice is served," said Gen. Eduardo Oban, executive director of the PCVFA. (ABS-CBNnews, with a report by Agence France-Presse)

PHOTO:
CCTV footage capture shows the victim, Jeffrey Laude, and the suspect now identified as "PFC Jeffrey Scott Pemberton" in a bar before the crime allegedly happened in Celzone Lodge, Olongapo City.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/10/14/14/us-marine-tagged-transgender-slay-named

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Shipping firms opening routes from Subic to key regional ports

More shipping firms are considering opening routes from Subic to Singapore and Shanghai, as more enterprises start using this port in Central Luzon to avoid the container congestion in Manila, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority said.

In a statement, SBMA Chair Roberto Garcia said NYK was “seriously thinking of establishing a Subic-Singapore route.”

Garcia said there were also reports about the planned opening of a Shanghai-Subic route “which will open China to shippers directly, instead of passing through Kaohsiung, Taiwan.”

“Subic is really lucky because we are the only port on the Western seaboard of the Philippines that has the necessary capacity at this point in time. Manila is congested. Batangas is congested. I hope we get congested soon, but that will be a happy problem,” Garcia explained.

For this year alone, Subic’s container port intake is expected to surge by 84 percent to 70,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) from only 38,000 TEUs in 2013, according to the SBMA.

While the increase in volume would mean a significant increase in Subic port revenue, Garcia said there was a need for the Subic port not to get congested just like what happened to Batangas port after just one month of serving as an extension port of Manila.

“We’ve been informed that within the next two weeks or so, there will be ships that will be coming to unload and use Subic as an extension port,” Garcia said. “With the expected arrival of these ships, it is very important that the Port of Subic does not get congested or it will defeat the purpose of promoting Subic as an alternative port to Manila.”

Garcia added that Subic will have to be prepared for more cargo traffic because of reports that it was not only the Port of Manila that is congested, but also some major Asian ports like Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

“This is going to have a ripple effect,” he added. (Amy R. Remo, Philippine Daily Inquirer)


http://business.inquirer.net/180276/shipping-firms-opening-routes-from-subic-to-key-regional-ports

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US bars ships from leaving PHL after slay of transgender woman

US Pacific Commander Samuel Locklear has barred American military vessels from leaving the Philippines until the investigation on the alleged killing of a Filipino transgender woman by a US Marine is over, a senior Philippine official said Monday.

Transgender woman Jeffrey Laude was found dead in an Olongapo City inn over the weekend. She was reported to have been seen with a foreigner before her death.

“I’d like to tell you that the Pacific Commander ordered that no US ships will leave the Philippines until we are done with the investigation,” Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) Executive Director Eduardo Oban told reporters at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The US Embassy in a statement said a US Marine had been identified "as a possible suspect in the ongoing investigation."

"The United States will continue to fully cooperate with Philippine law enforcement authorities in every aspect of the investigation," it added.

According to a report on Marine Corps Times, citing an internal Navy memo, a US Marine has been placed in custody on board the Peleliu in connection with the incident.

Filipino and US officials in the Philippines, however, have yet to confirm this.

Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, the regional director of the PNP in Central Luzon, said some of the members of the US Marines have been presented to witnesses in a police line-up.

"Police line-up pa lang. Pina-identify sa witness and all of them belong to the US Marines," Petrasanta said.

Jurisdiction

But Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario explained that under the VFA, the Philippines could take custody over a US serviceman if he is accused of committing a heinous crime in the country.

“The VFA is very clear that we have jurisdiction. In the normal course of events, the US would have custody, but they would have to produce the suspect for court cases. But in the case of heinous crimes, we could ask them to waive custody and so I suppose it could go in that direction,” he said in an interview.

In an event an American servicemen is involved in a crime in the country, the Philippines has the jurisdication over the case, according to the the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

However, the VFA also said that the custody of the suspect goes to the United States of America. But, the US authorities are mandated to present the suspect in all judicial proceedings.

"As embodied in the VFA--it's under article 5, paragraph 6--the custody of a US serviceman involved in a particular case resides in the US military authorities," Oban said.

The VFA governs the treatment of US servicemen in military units and defense personnel who are in the Philippine territory for short periods for joint military exercises approved by both the Philippine and US governments.

American soldiers regularly train with their Filipino counterparts as allowed by the VFA, which entered into force on May 27, 1999, eight years after the closure of US military bases in the Philippines in 1991. It was negotiated and signed during the time of President Fidel V. Ramos and ratified during President Joseph Estrada’s time.

Oban said the suspect was part of the more than 3,500 American troops who took part in joint military exercises in Zambales last month.

PHL-US relations

The incident came out in the media months after the Philippines and the US signed a new military pact that will expand the presence and role of American soldiers in the country.

The suspected American marine, who was not identified by US and Philippine officials, is the second US soldier to be involved in a criminal act in the country since 2005.

Nine years ago, Lance Corporal Daniel Smith was charged and later on convicted for the rape of a Filipino woman. The case, which sparked a diplomatic row between Manila and Washington, was dismissed after the victim reversed her testimony.

Laude, 26, was found dead inside the Celzone Lodge in Olongapo City. Initial reports said she was last seen with a foreigner.

The DFA said it is closely coordinating with the US government and concerned agencies on the issue.

“We have received an initial report on the incident and we note that investigations are ongoing and we are awaiting the results of the investigation,” DFA spokesman Charles Jose told a press briefing. “We are committed to do our part to ensure that justice is served.”

Del Rosario, for his part, described the incident as “tragic.”

“But we will work together in terms of being able to deliver what’s just,” he said. (KBK/NB, GMA News)

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/383336/news/nation/us-bars-ships-from-leaving-phl-after-slay-of-transgender-woman

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Female bottlenose dolphin at Subic marine park pregnant with second calf

Remember the dolphin at the Ocean Adventure marine theme park here that lost her baby last year? Well, she has another one coming up.

“Vi,” a 12-year-old bottlenose dolphin, was found to be four months’ pregnant last week, a development that park officials said was the direct result of the best possible care and an environment where the animals can socialize normally.

Gail Laule, executive vice president of Ocean Adventure, said in a statement last Friday that Vi is likely to give birth by June next year, hopefully adding yet another calf to the growing cetacean family at the ocean park.

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncates), along with whales and porpoises, belong to the cetacean family and are known to reach sexual maturity from 5 to 14 years old, with females calving every three to six years on the average.

Laule said Vi’s pregnancy is “a very positive development to the public, as it tells us that we are doing the right thing in taking care of our animals.”

Just last month, Laule also announced the birth of another dolphin calf at Ocean Adventure. The calf, a female, was born to “Hali,” an 11-year-old first-time dolphin mother.

Hali’s baby was formally named “Lana” the other week.

Laule said that park officials felt early on that Lana’s arrival foretold of many more births among the dolphins in the facility. “This pregnancy all but proves that to be true,” she added.

Vi first gave birth to a calf in July last year, the first recorded birth by a bottlenose dolphin in captivity in the Philippines. Two weeks later, however, the baby succumbed to some infection associated with an undersized lung, and died.

With Vi expecting for a second time, park officials pointed at it as “a sign of how comfortable [the animals] are in their environment.”

“It’s a very good, positive sign that we have a growing population here at Ocean Adventure,” said Nuno Ramao, the park’s animal training director.

Ocean Adventure CEO Timothy Desmond, meanwhile, said that the successful births within the facility “is a realization of a reproductive program that is integral to any professional zoological facility.” (Henry Empeño, Business Mirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/female-bottlenose-dolphin-at-subic-marine-park-pregnant-with-second-calf/

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Marine detained in Filipino's killing: Navy memo

A U.S. Marine is in custody Sunday following the apparent killing of a transgender individual in the Philippines.

The Marine, whose identity has not been released, is being held on board the amphibious assault ship Peleliu while agents with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service piece together what happened Saturday night at the Celzone Lodge in Olongapo City, according to an internal Navy memo obtained by Marine Corps Times. Local Philippine police also are investigating the matter.

The Marine is assigned to 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The infantry unit is deployed to the Philippines as part of a joint training exercise. Three other Marines from the same unit, described as potential witnesses, also have been detained aboard the ship, according to the memo, which was distributed to dozens of senior Navy officials, as well as NCIS and State Department personnel.

Reached Sunday night, Marine Corps officials at the Pentagon declined to comment and directed Marine Corps Times to the U.S. embassy in Manila. Attempts to reach the embassy were not immediately successful. A spokesman for Marine Corps Forces Pacific in Hawaii also declined to comment.

Local media in the Philippines broke the story Sunday afternoon. U.S. officials there were bracing for protests as the news spread, the Navy memo indicates.

The victim was identified as 26-year-old Jeffrey Laude, police told Inquirer.net. Laude’s body was found just before midnight Saturday and apparently showed signs of strangulation.

Laude’s friend, who accompanied Laude and “a foreigner” to the hotel, reportedly told police they’d been at a local disco bar. Soon after they arrived at the hotel, Laude became uneasy and asked the friend to leave before “the foreigner could discover that they were transgenders,” Inquirer.net reported.

Thousands of U.S. troops are in the Philippines for PHIBLEX 15, a multinational exercise. The Peleliu is on a port call in Subic Bay that is scheduled through Tuesday, the Navy memo indicates. (Andrew deGrandpre with David Larter and Gina Harkins, Marine Times)

PHOTO:
The amphibious assault ship Peleliu is seen in Subic Bay, Philippines, for Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015, on Sept. 30. A Marine is being held aboard the Peleliu as NCIS agents and local authorities investigate the killing of a Filipino on Saturday night. (MC2(SW/AW) Amanda Gray / Navy)

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20141012/NEWS06/310120031/Marine-detained-Filipino-s-killing-Navy-memo

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SBMA locators required to sign Integrity Pledge

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is set to require locators, suppliers and contractors of the Subic Bay Freeport to sign the Integrity Pledge in line with its commitment to promote ethical business practices.

According to SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia, the agency would encourage local government units it has transactions with to be part of the initiative.

The move is being taken to make other stakeholders in the freeport involved in the agency’s commitment to eliminate graft and corruption.

In July, the SBMA signed the Integrity Initiative which is a private sector led effort aimed at helping the country escape from the vicious cycle of corruption through strengthening ethical standards in the society.

The initiative is a formal and concrete expression of commitment to abide by ethical business practices and to support a national campaign against corruption.

Upon signing of the pledge, the SBMA has implemented various measures to ensure transparency and implemented strict guidelines on receiving and giving of gifts, contributions, sponsorships and other tokens from or to all sectors.

“As a matter of fact, the SBMA is already implementing appropriate internal systems and controls to prevent, detect, and respond to any unethical conduct by our personnel, ensure good governance, and institutionalize the values of integrity and accountability in our business transactions,” he said.

To facilitate the implementation of measures aimed at promoting ethical business practices within the freeport, Garcia said the agency will also be forming a monitoring team.

He noted that the SBMA has long been involved in promoting ethical business practices through the eradication of one major source of corruption which is red tape.

The agency has been working to simplify processes and expedite transactions in accordance with Republic Act 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007. (Louella D. Desiderio, Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/business/2014/10/13/1379429/sbma-locators-required-sign-integrity-pledge

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TriUnited slated on Oct. 26 in Subic

TRIATHLETES from around the nation will have the opportunity to test their endurance when Unilab Active Health’s Tri United 3 unfolds on Oct. 26.

For the first time since its inception in 2011, the event organized by Bike King, headed by Raul Cuevas and presented by ULAH, will feature a point-to-point race course that will cover a lung-busting distance at 112.9 kilometers, stretching from the Subic Bay Freeport up to Alviera, Porac, Pampanga.

Tri United 3 will be the first triathlon event in the country to use the SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) for its bike leg.

Race starts with a 1.9-k swim at the Dungaree Beach at Subic Bay Freeport before participants take on their bike for a 90-k race from Dungaree to the Sandbox, Alviera in Porac, Pampanga using the SCTEX. Winding up the grueling race is a half marathon race (21-k) around Porac.

Entry list is now at around 650 triathletes and they will vie for honors in the male and female Elite, Age Groups and Team competition in the event supported by ULAH, Enervon Activ, Active Health Sports Gel, Enervon HP, Alaxan FR, Hydrite, Aboitiz, AboitizPower, OtterBox, Shimano, Maxxis, Crystal Clear, Orbea, Saucony, Pocari Sweat, Timex, Men’s Health magazine, Women’s Health magazine, the Philippine Star, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department and venue partners Sandbox at Alviera, BCDA, SCTEX, SFEX and MNTC.

A cut-off time will be implemented in the swim, bike and run legs to ensure the safety of the participants. For the bike leg, most routes inside the Subic Bay Freeport will be closed to traffic while the entire Tarlac-bound lane of the SCTEX from Tipo to Porac exit will be closed off to motorists until the cut-off period.

Cash prizes of P10,000, P6,000 and P4,000 will be handed out to the top three finishers in the Elite class aside from medals and gift packs. (Manila Standard Today)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/10/13/triunited-slated-on-oct-26/

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Manila truckers pledged to ensure road safety in Subic

Operators and drivers of cargo-hauling companies and truckers’ groups vowed to follow traffic rules strictly enforced here to ensure road safety and efficient flow of container vans at the newly-designated Manila extension port in this Freeport.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently held a “Traffic Summit” with firms engaged in shipping and other port-related businesses to discuss measures on ensuring efficient traffic flow of container trucks in the Freeport and avoiding congestion.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said with the expected arrival of ships that will unload container vans, it is very important that the Port of Subic does not get congested or it will defeat the purpose of promoting Subic as an alternative port to Manila.

During the summit, participating truckers signed a road safety manifesto pledging support and cooperation with the SBMA to ensure road safety in the Freeport zone. The manifesto was also signed by concerned units from the Bureau of Customs and the Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation (SBITC) which operates New Container Terminals 1 & 2.

“We’ve been informed that within the next two weeks or so, there will be ships that will be coming to unload and use Subic as an extension port,” Garcia said.

Garcia added that because of this development, Subic’s container port intake is expected to grow from 38,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year to 70,000 TEUs this year.

While the increase in volume would mean a significant increase in Subic port revenues, Garcia emphasized the importance of the Subic Port not to get congested just like what happened to Batangas after just one month of serving as an extension port to Manila.

He said that the Batangas problem had led Toyota (Philippines) to unload its shipment in Subic because its ship could not berth in Batangas. However, the firm had to drive its cargo containers all the way to Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

“I don’t want the same thing to happen to Subic, so we need to be very efficient with the inflow and outflow of containers,” Garcia said.

Garcia also stressed that Subic has to be prepared for more cargo traffic because of reports that it was not only the Port of Manila that is congested, but also some major Asian ports like Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

“This is going to have a ripple effect,” Garcia said.

The SBMA official also revealed that another shipping company, the NYK, is seriously thinking of establishing a Subic-Singapore route. He also added that there were reports about a planned Shanghai-Subic route, which will open China on a more direct basis, instead of passing through Khaoshiung, Taiwan.

“Subic is really lucky because we are the only port on the Western seaboard of the Philippines that has the capacity at this point in time. Manila is congested. Batangas is congested. I hope we get congested soon, but that will be a happy problem,” Garcia said.

“Things are looking good for Subic as far as that’s concerned,” he added. (RBB)

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Subic Freeport locator launches state-of-the-art grain dryer

GrainPro Inc., an American company that manufactures grain storage and drying systems here, recently launched its patented Solar Bubble Dryer (SBD) that provides a solution to challenges faced by farmers throughout the world.

The SBD is a collapsible drying facility for such commodities as coffee, cocoa, rice, wheat, corn, millet, and beans; and can hold up to one metric ton in one drying cycle while protecting commodities from rain and ultraviolet (UV) rays.

According to Dr. Pat Borlagdan, the firm’s manager for research and development, the drying facility is made from durable materials. Its transparent polyethylene cover is UV-resistant and water repellent, while its drying floor is made of sturdy plastic materials to ensure that water does not penetrate from below in case of heavy rains.

Borlagdan stressed that the SBD is a technology developed with food security as its ultimate goal.

“As such, it will help address inadequate agri-based technologies in order to help farmers ensure higher crop yield, thereby ultimately translating to higher food production and enough food supply for the Filipinos,” Borlagdan said.

He also said that a recent study showed that around 12 per cent of prime agricultural commodities are lost during the post-harvest drying process due to unpredictable weather conditions and lack of drying facilities.

The SBD will help farming communities in their critical post-harvest process because it dries grains and seeds to the right moisture safely and efficiently under any weather condition, keeping it from infestation and fungus, he added.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia said the drying facility is “proudly Subic-made,” pointing out that the firm’s products are principally manufactured at its wholly-owned subsidiary here, the GrainPro Philippines Inc.

Garcia added that the Subic-made drying system will be a big boost to local farmers and farm producers.

“Here in the surrounding communities, we often see farmers drying their grain products on the roadside and a lot of these go to waste. The Solar Bubble Dryer can boost the productivity of these farmers, as well as our national food stock,” Garcia said.

GrainPro’s development of the SBD was in partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Germany’s Hohenheim University. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
GrainPro President and CEO Tom de Bruin (left) demonstrates the operation of the Solar Bubble Dryer (SBD) during the product launch at the company’s headquarters in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (AED)

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SBMA institutionalizes Integrity Program

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), in line with its corporate governance initiative and in support of President Aquino’s “Tuwid na Daan” program, is now moving to institutionalize the Integrity Pledge (IP) program, which requires ethical business practices.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the program will cover all officials and employees of the agency and will promote measures to eliminate graft and corruption in transactions within the free port.

Garcia also said that under the program, the SBMA will require Subic Bay Freeport stakeholders like business locators, as well as suppliers and contractors to sign the Integrity Pledge to remain in good standing with the SBMA.

The SBMA will also encourage local government units (LGUs) that transact business with the SBMA to sign the pledge. The SBMA provides revenue shares to eight LGUs that are contiguous to or affected by the operations of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Garcia, as head of the SBMA, signed in July last year the Integrity Pledge, which expressed the agency’s commitment to abide by ethical business practices and to support a national campaign against graft and corruption.

He said that upon signing of the Integrity Pledge, the SBMA implemented various measures to ensure transparency and implemented strict guidelines on receiving and giving of gifts, contributions, sponsorships and other tokens from or to all sectors.

“As a matter of fact, the SBMA is already implementing appropriate internal systems and controls to prevent, detect, and respond to any unethical conduct by our personnel, ensure good governance, and institutionalize the values of integrity and accountability in our business transactions,” Garcia also noted.

He added that the SBMA has long been eradicating one major source of corruption, the red tape, in its offices by continuous simplification of processes to expedite transactions in accordance with R.A. 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape act of 2007.

Proof of this effort, Garcia said, is the agency’s certification for ISO 9001:2008, which refers to quality management system that ensure that customers get consistent and good quality products and services.

In a recent briefing on “Improving the Business Climate Thru Integrity Initiative,” Jose Solomon Cortez of the Integrity Initiative Office explained that the program aims to prevent corruption in public contracting to the effect that neither the government agency nor the bidders will pay, offer, demand, or accept bribes, or collude with competitors to obtain contract.

Garcia said that all these measures are designed to impress upon everybody that the SBMA is seriously committed to help break the cycle of corruption.

He said that a monitoring team will be formed to facilitate the implementation and document the success of the agency's initiatives. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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Female dolphin calf named Lana

SUBIC FREEPORT – After a nationwide search for a name, officials of Ocean Adventure, a marine theme park here, announced yesterday that the newest member of their family – a female dolphin calf – will be named Lana.

“She’s been wonderful since we first laid our eyes on her last Aug. 31 and now I’m glad that we have a name for her,” said Gail Laule, executive vice president of Ocean Adventure.

The company earlier engaged the public through its social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter in its search for a name for the calf which was born to a dolphin named Hali.

From the hundreds of names that were suggested, staff members of the marine theme park voted for Lana, Laule said.

She said Jean Balquin, Ocean Adventure laboratory manager, also endorsed the name Lana.

Balquin said that when they were asked to name the baby dolphin, their laboratory personnel initially came up with the name Halo.

“But we wanted to choose something that’s synonymous to sunny or sunlight, and we found out that the name Lana means ‘light’ in Greek and ‘calm waters’ in Hawaiian. So that’s what we chose, and we were surprised that it got the most number of votes,” Balquin said.

Lana is approximately 1.25 meters long and weighs 20 kilos.

“She is being tended to by Ocean Adventure staff who are working round-the-clock to assure optimal care for mother and baby,” Balquin added. (Ric Sapnu and Ding Cervantes with Bebot Sison Jr.)

PHOTO: Baby Lana with her mother Hali 
(from Ocean Adventure Facebook page)

http://www.philstar.com/news-feature/2014/10/06/1376926/female-dolphin-calf-named-lana

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Gov’t to focus resources for Subic, Batangas, Cebu ports

Despite the need to expand the ports of Manila to address congestion, the government will focus its resources to expand the ports of Subic and Batangas as well as build a new port in Cebu to fan out development to the countryside, according to Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya.

Although government predicts that the ports of Manila will hit capacity ceiling soon, Abaya said expansion of Manila ports is not a priority in terms of budget allocation.

Echoing the position of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Abaya said it is logical to develop Subic and Batangas ports instead of expanding the ports of Manila.

“Instead of expanding Manila, we’d rather develop and expand the ports of Batangas and Subic so that we can really spread out development in the rural and provincial areas. (People from these provinces) get to benefit from having expanded ports,” he told reporters at the sidelines of the Philippine Economic Briefing last Tuesday.

Abaya disclosed that the government is also mulling on building a new port in Northern Cebu to decongest Cebu City port by catering exclusively to container traffic.

“They call it La Consolacion (port) in Northern Cebu. It will be a big help to decongest Cebu City port and considering that it has a natural depth of around 16 meters, it is better suited for container (traffic than the existing one),” he added.

Abaya said the Japan International Cooperation Agency is helping the Philippine government in the feasibility study for the new port planned for Cebu. Meanwhile, government is yet to get a consultant for the feasibility study for the expansion programs for Subic and Batangas.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet Cluster on Port Congestion has reported an increase of cargo movements to and from the ports of Manila two weeks since the lifting of the Manila Daytime Truck ban.

Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said the cargo movement has improved by as much as 30 percent since September 13.

“The port operators are now working full-blast in its bid to reach the target yard utilization level in time for the expected influx of boxes brought about by the run-up to Christmas,” Almendras said.

According to the government, more shipping lines are also utilizing the ports of Subic and Batangas after being declared as extensions of Manila.

Starting October 2, the government is imposing higher storage fee for Customs-cleared ready-to-go containers to discourage cargo-owners from using the terminals as their virtual warehouses, from the current P500 per TEU per day after the 5-day free storage period to P5,000 after a 10-day free storage period.

“With the imposition of the higher storage fee starting Oct. 2, we expect to see further reduction of the volume of containers currently inside the two Manila ports,” Almendras explained.

Currently, the two port operators are stepping up efforts in the relocation of Customs-cleared ready-to-go containers to Subic, Batangas and Cabuyao in Laguna after being slowed down by the twin typhoon that hit the Metro for two consecutive weekends in September.

The Cabinet Cluster on Port Congestion is targeting to reach the 80 percent yard utilization level or approximately 64,800 TEUs should only be inside the ports to have enough room for optimum terminal efficiency and productivity.

“We continue to appeal to the public to remain considerate as we are already in our full-blast efforts in decongesting the ports. We guarantee that the benefits after decongesting our ports will outweigh all the inconveniences they encounter if we have a congested port,” Almendras stressed. (Kris Bayos, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO: Gantry cranes at the Port of Subic

http://www.mb.com.ph/govt-to-focus-resources-for-subic-batangas-cebu-ports/

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DOTC: No need to expand Manila ports

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is looking at the expansion of ports outside Manila such as Subic, Batangas and Cebu and the construction of a new port in Manila Bay.

DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said government would get a consultant from the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Center to undertake a feasibility study for a plan to build a new port in in Sangley Point, Cavite and the expansion of Batangas and Subic Ports.

“Manila ports should not be expanded anymore. (Planning Secretary Arsenio) Balisacan said we have to expand outside Metro Manila , grow Subic and grow Batangas. In that way, we can spread the growth and decongest Metro Manila,” Abaya said.

For Manila ports, Abaya said the long-term plan is to rehabilitate and redesign them into city ports with real estate.

“I personally do not see the need to further expand (Manila ports) otherwise there will be more congestion on our roads, not on our ports. Eventually we’ll hit the ceiling in Manila ports,” Abaya said.

Abaya said Balisacan would rather expand Batangas and Subic because this would help spread development in rural, provincial areas.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has proposed to place a cap on Manila ports’ expansion and facilitate the diversion of cargo volume to Batangas and Subic Port to decongest roads to Manila.

“Shift cargo-handling function of Metro Manila to Subic and Batangas through controlling of future expansion of Manila ports and providing incentives to use Subic and Batangas Port,” said the JICA study on the Roadmap for Transport Infrastructure Development for Metro Manila and its surrounding areas.

Based on the JICA proposed short-term program for 2014 to 2016, over P 12 billion worth of expansion and modernization projects are set for the Manila ports: P6 billion for North Harbor, P1 billion for South Harbor and P4 billion for Manila international container terminal.

A proposed feasibility study estimates the cost of the North Harbor redevelopment at P 75 million and for other ports expansion and modernization, P 1 billion.

As part of the initiatives to decongest the Manila port, President Aquino declared the ports of Batangas and Subic Bay as extensions of the Port of Manila in response to the present port congestion problem. (Myla Iglesias, Malaya Business Insight)

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/dotc-no-need-expand-manila-ports

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Baby dolphin newest addition to Ocean Adventure family

SUBIC BAY -- A baby bottle nose dolphin is the newest addition to the Ocean Adventure family, after "Hali", a first time dolphin mother, gave birth to the calf recently, according to officials of the marine theme park here.

Gail Laule, executive vice president of Ocean Adventure, said that Hali’s baby dolphin was born on August 31, 2014 at the Ocean Adventure facility in Subic Bay.

"The first 30 days are critical for baby dolphins and our little girl will reach that milestone on Monday," she said.

"The calf, which is approximately 1.25 meters long and weighs approximately 20 kilos, is doing just fine. Ocean Adventure expert staff have been working round the clock to assure optimal care for mother and baby. Trained volunteers are recording swimming patterns, respiration rates, and nursing bouts by the baby," said Laule.

Hali, which is 12 years old, was revealed to be pregnant during a routine ultrasound last January.

After the discovery, plans began in earnest for the new arrival and a special birthing pen and large nursing lagoon were built. Cameras, an observation deck, and underwater lights were installed to enhance monitoring.

Throughout the 12-month pregnancy, Hali spent the nights in the birthing facilities with her best friend, Nala. For the last three months, like her pregnant human counterparts, she was encouraged to continue light exercise under the watchful eyes of trainers and veterinarian.

"Hali's labor and delivery were remarkably easy. Throughout the night she would voluntarily approach trainers and seek a gentle rub down. By 6 a.m. a tiny tail emerged, and 90 minutes later Hali delivered a healthy baby girl," Laule said.

She added, "From the moment of birth Hali has been a great mom. She's done everything right! She pushed the baby to the surface for her first breath, guided her around her new environment, and increased her lung capacity by taking her for progressively longer and deeper swims underwater. Within four hours the baby was nursing, an impressive short timeframe for most newborn dolphins."

Tim Desmond, CEO of Ocean Adventure, said that the company deployed every resource necessary to take care of Hali's baby "because as a rule, baby dolphins are very vulnerable. Every scratch on their delicate skin is a potentially lethal source of infection until their immune system develops several days after birth."

He added, "They must swim continually to stay afloat with a soft tail that takes hours to become rigid enough for efficient swimming. She will continue to be vulnerable for the first year of life. However, with a wonderful mother like Hali, we have high hopes that this little girl will survive. We'll continue doing everything humanly possible to ensure a successful outcome."

Desmond also said that “At Ocean Adventure our highest priority is the health and welfare of our animals. Our mission has always been to create a natural environment and healthy social system in which our family can grow. Our track record speaks for itself. We have a long successful history of sea lion births – eight pups in all, with the latest, Coco, just turning one year old. Now we have a new and very special member of our family to celebrate!” (Ric Sapnu, Sun Star Pampanga)

PHOTO:
Hali, a first time mom bottlenose dolphin, swims with her new calf at Ocean Adventure in Subic Bay (Ocean Adventure Facebook page)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/09/29/baby-dolphin-newest-addition-ocean-adventure-family-368275

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US naval ships in Subic Bay for PHIBLEX 15

[1] SBMA law enforcement officers raise the Philippine flag, with the US Navy’s amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA-5) in the background during the flag ceremony on Monday morning. Peleliu and the USS Germantown (LSD-42) arrived ​at​ the Subic Bay Freeport to participate in the Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015 (Phiblex 15). Around 3,500 US Marines and sailors from the 3rdMarine Expeditionary Force and Filipino soldiers will take part in the joint military training beginning today in Palawan.

[2] A landing craft air cushion (LCAC) from the USS Germantown (LSD-42) hovers on the waters of Subic Bay as it ferries heavy machineries to be used in the Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015 (Phiblex 15). Around 3,500 US Marines and sailors from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, along with Filipino soldiers, will take part in a joint military training beginning today in Palawan.

[3] A US Marine passes by a landing craft air cushion (LCAC) from the USS Germantown (LSD-42) that was unloading heavy machineries at the Subic Bay Freeport on Monday. The equipment will be used in the Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015 (Phiblex 15) where around 3,500 US Marines and sailors from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, along with Filipino soldiers, will take part in a joint military training beginning today in Palawan.

[4] A military truck disembarks from a landing craft air cushion (LCAC) from the USS Germantown (LSD-42) as heavy machineries are unloaded in the Subic Bay Freeport Monday morning for use in the Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015 (Phiblex 15). Around 3,500 US Marines and sailors from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, along with Filipino soldiers, will take part in the joint military training beginning today in Palawan.

(Photos by Jun Dumaguing/MPD-SBMA)

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Four US warships now in Subic Bay with arrival of USS Halsey

USS Halsey (DDG 97), an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer arrives in Subic Bay today for a routine port call, bringing to four American navy ships now docked in this former US naval base now premier freeport.

The USS Peleliu and USS Germantown arrived in Subic Bay over the weekend carrying around 1,300 US sailors to take part in PHIBLEX 15, a bilateral annual military exercise. The USS Peleliu (LHA 5) is an amphibious assault ship while the USS Germantown (LSD 42) is an amphibious dock landing ship of the U.S. 7th Fleet.

The exercises commenced today and will run until October 10 throughout Luzon and Palawan.

The USS Frank Cable, a ship that provides repairs and support to submarines, is also docked at the freeport for its routine port call.

A press release from the US Embassy says the visit of USS Halsey will allow the ship to replenish supplies as well as give the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation. While in Subic Bay, the sailors of USS Halsey are eager to enjoy Olongapo City and strengthen their understanding of a country with historical ties to the United States and the U.S. Navy.

The USS Halsey, named after Fleet Admiral William Frederick "Bull" Halsey Jr. (1882-1959), is part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and is homeported at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The USS Halsey is commanded by CDR Linda Seymour. (RBB/SNL)

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Record 50,000 volunteers join Zambales coastal cleanup drive

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—More than 50,000 volunteers rallied for the cause of the environment on Saturday, scouring the beaches for trash during the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) held on the 272-kilometer coastline of the Zambales province.

Students from local schools, as well as employees from local government units swelled the ranks of residents and members of various community groups that composed the clusters of participants in the Zambales ICC event.

The 50,000-plus turnout broke the 27,000 record set last year when Zambales contributed the second-biggest ICC delegation in the country and the Philippines, with a total of 182,408 volunteers.

Organizers said it was providential that the event, originally set for September 20, was postponed because of Typhoon Mario, which flooded parts of Central Luzon, including some communities in Zambales.

“Because of the good weather, more people were able to join up,” noted Roberto Garcia, chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Garcia had mobilized hundreds of SBMA employees for the event, pointing out that the project dovetails with the SBMA’s ongoing “Project Facelift” that was designed to enhance the natural beauty of the free port and boost local tourism.

In Olongapo, Mayor Rolen Paulino said residents have trooped to 17 cleanup sites identified by his office. These include coastal areas in the villages of Kalaklan and Barretto, and riverbanks in Mabayuan, Santa Rita, Kalalake and Pag-Asa.

In Zambales all the 11 municipalities on the coast fielded their own ICC teams to clean up beaches, river deltas and even mangrove areas, said Vice Gov. Ramon Lacbain II.

ICC-Zambales took off from an international project aiming for science-based solutions to the problem of ocean trash.

Aside from collecting trash along the coast, participants also segregated the various kinds of garbage collected, weighed them, and recorded the haul to come up with a database.

The local event was organized by The Lighthouse Marina Legacy Foundation, Harbor Point, and the International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians in coordination with the provincial government of Zambales, SBMA and the city government of Olongapo.

Organizers said more than 50,000 participants in the whole Zambales had preregistered for the event, with hundreds more of walk-in joiners expected on the actual cleanup day.

Coordinators from Zambales, Olongapo and the Subic Bay Freeport had earlier pledged to come up with at least 30,000 participants this year after noting the exponential rise in ICC turnout over the years. (Henry Empeño, BusinessMirror)

In Photo:
Members of the Philippine Coast Guard gather driftwood and other coastal debris during the 2014 International Coastal Cleanup at the Subic Bay Freeport.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/record-50000-volunteers-join-zambales-coastal-cleanup-drive/

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USS Peleliu and Germantown in Subic Bay for Amphibious Landing Exercise 15

The USS Peleliu (LHA 5), an amphibious assault ship, and the USS Germantown (LSD 42), an amphibious dock landing ship of the U.S. 7th Fleet, arrived in Subic Bay Freeport today (Sept. 27) to participate in this year’s Amphibious Landing Exercise 15.

PHIBLEX 15, a bilateral annual military exercise, will take place throughout Luzon and Palawan from September 29 to October 10. During the exercise, the Peleliu and Germantown will support Philippine and U.S. troops in amphibious-operations training designed to strengthen military responses to regional issues, humanitarian disasters, and maritime-security needs within the Asia-Pacific region.

The USS Peleliu, commanded by Capt. Paul Spedero, is manned by more than 1,100 sailors. The USS Germantown, commanded by Capt. Marvin Thompson, is manned by more than 350 sailors. Both ships have elements from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, which is commanded by Col. Romin Dasmalchi and based out of Okinawa, Japan, and can have up to 2,200 Marines. (US Embassy Public Affairs)




PHOTOS:
[1] The primary mission of the USS Peleliu is to embark and deploy combat-ready Marines, along with their equipment and supplies needed to conduct a variety of missions including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, and land them ashore by rotary-wing aircraft and amphibious craft. The USS Peleliu is named after the island in the Pacific where the historic World War II battle took place. The Battle of Peleliu was one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific with eight Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipients.

[2] An MH-60S Seahawk approaches the flight deck of the dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). The USS Germantown is the second ship to bear the name of the historical Pennsylvania district of Germantown, famous for being the site of an important battle of the American Revolution. The amphibious assault ship's mission is to project power ashore by transporting and launching amphibious craft and vehicles loaded with embarked Marines in support of amphibious operations.

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USS Frank Cable in Subic Bay

USS Frank Cable (AS 40), a ship that provides repairs and support to submarines, is now in Subic Bay. The routine port call highlights the strong partnerships between the Philippines and the United States.

This visit will allow the ship to replenish supplies and give the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation. While in Subic Bay, the sailors of USS Frank Cable are eager to enjoy Olongapo City and strengthen their understanding of a country with deep historical ties to the United States and the U.S. Navy.

The USS Frank Cable, named after Frank Taylor Cable (1863-1945), an early pioneer in submarine development for the U.S. Navy, is part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and is homeported in Apra Harbor, Guam. It is commanded by Capt. Mark B. Benjamin and crewed by approximately 500 sailors, 40 of whom are Filipino-American.

For more information about the USS Frank Cable, visit the ship’s webpage at http://www.cable.navy.mil/index.htm.

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RDC moves to implement vital projects in Central Luzon

The Regional Development Council (RDC) of Central Luzon has paved the way for the implementation of at least five priority projects expected to stimulate economic progress in the region.

In a council meeting in San Jose, Palayan City in Nueva Ecija, officials and representatives from Aurora, Baler, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales approved resolutions that would prime up the region for more commerce and industry by providing alternative ports and additional mass transit from Metro Manila.

The approved resolutions included the fast-tracking of the implementation of Phase 1 of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR); the reconsideration of Clark as the location of a new NAIA terminal and to provide national government subsidy for the Budget Terminal Expansion and Facility Modernization of Clark International Airport; and urging the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) to intensify its promotion and marketing development activities.

The RDC likewise endorsed Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s (SBMA) request to encourage importers and exporters of Region III to utilize the Port of Subic which has recently been declared as an extension of the Port of Manila.

Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado said the council also endorsed the appointment of Renato G. Romero, private sector representative for Trade and Industry as co-chairman of the Sectoral Committee on Economic Development (SCED) of the 14th RDC.

Moreover, Pampanga Gov. Lilia G. Pineda, chair of social development committee, called on the
National Housing Authority (NHA), Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to work together in the identification of unoccupied hectares of publicly-owned land so that the government could use these for its housing and other infrastructure needs.

She said the local government units are “in need of vacant lots, new facilities for the homeless and the sick, especially now that we are experiencing climate change.’’

Pineda said line agencies must also work and coordinate among each other to rehabilitate and maximize the use of many abandoned day care centers and health clinics.

“Instead of asking the national government for more funds for the construction of facilities like day care centers and health centers, the local government units can just renovate the abandoned buildings with minimal expense,’’ she said. (Franco C. Regala and Freddie Velez, Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/rdc-moves-to-implement-vital-projects-in-central-luzon/

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Cap on Manila ports expansion pushed

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has proposed to the government to place a cap on the Manila ports’ expansion and facilitate diversion of cargo volume to Batangas and Subic ports to decongest roads to Manila.

JICA cited the need to “shift cargo-handling function of Metro Manila to Subic and Batangas through controlling of future expansion of Manila ports and providing incentives to use Subic and Batangas ports,” in its study on the Roadmap for Transport Infrastructure Development for Metro Manila and Its Surrounding Areas.

Based on the JICA proposed short-term program for 2014 to 2016, there are over P12 billion expansion and modernization projects in the Manila port, which include P6 billion for North Harbor, P1 billion for South Harbor and P4 billion for Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).

Also, there is the proposed feasibility study for North Harbor redevelopment worth P75 million and for other port expansion and modernization worth P1 billion.

“The planned expansion projects for Manila ports recommended for rescheduling to promote diversion of cargo to Batangas and Subic ports as well as decongest road to Manila,” JICA said in the study conducted in March 2013 to March 2014.

JICA’s “proposed concept for gateway port development” is to “maximize capacities and development opportunities of (the) three ports.”

As part of the initiatives to decongest the Manila port, President Aquino declared the ports of Batangas and Subic as extensions of the Port of Manila in response to the present port congestion problem.

Last month, the Office of the President also approved the reduction of port charges and other vessel-handling related fees at the Port of Batangas and that paid by port operator International Container Terminals Services, Inc. (ICTSI).

The move is to attract more direct callers and port users to the Batangas Port while incentivizing MICT operator ICTSI for its share in de-clogging the Ports of Manila.

Direct callers at Batangas get 90 percent discount on port dues from the existing fee of $0.081 per gross revenue ton (GRT) per day to only $0.008 per GRT per day, as well as a 90 percent cut in dockage-at-berth from $0.039 per GRT to only $0.004 per GRT per day.

The new rates, however, will be applicable only for six months. The discount for the succeeding six months will be reduced to 50 percent for both, or from $0.081 GRT per day to $0.040 per GRT per day and from $0.039 per GRT to $0.020 per GRT per day. (Malaya Business Insight)

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/cap-manila-ports-expansion-pushed

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Subic cuts container-port fees by more than 80%

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has announced the reduction of port charges at the New Container Terminal (NCT) here by more than 80 percent effective on October 1.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said in a news conference on Friday that the agency will reduce the harbor fee at both NCT-1 and NCT-2 from the current $0.046 per gross register tonnage (GRT) to $0.008, and the berthing fee from $0.0345 per GRT per day to only $0.004.

Garcia said Subic’s container terminals and the extension port in Batangas will impose the new unified rates to attract more shipping lines, as well as to support President Aquino’s initiative to ease port congestion in Manila.

Before the implementation of the new rates, the Port of Batangas charged a harbor fee of $0.0810 per GRT and a berthing fee of $0.0390 per GRT per day.

“In the case of Subic, the new harbor fee is 83 percent lower than the regular rates here, while the new berthing fee is 88 percent lower,” Garcia pointed out in Friday’s briefing.

“However, the reduced rates will be applicable only at the NCT-1 and NCT-2, and not at the other ports in Subic,” Garcia added.

The NCT-1 is currently being used by regular shippers like Yokohama Tires and HLD Pipes, while NCT-2 has recently been declared, along with the Port of Batangas, as an extension of the Port of Manila under Executive Order 172.

Garcia also clarified that the reduced rates at NCT will be effective for the next six months from October 1. “After that, the rates will increase a little for the next six months, but will still be lower than the regular rates today,” he added, ticking off the second phase of unified Subic-Batangas extension port rates at $0.0410 for harbor fees and $0.0200 for berthing fees.

Garcia said that, in reducing port fees at the NCT, the SBMA expects to lose as much as $10 million to $15 million.

“But we hope to recoup the losses in the long run, as we’re also doing this to encourage new lines to come over, as well as to show our appreciation to existing shipping lines that had stuck with Subic in all its lean years,” he added.

In the same occasion, Garcia unveiled a proactive market positioning program for the Port of Subic to further attract both shippers and shipping lines to the Subic Bay Freeport.

This includes continuous communication with stakeholders like shipping lines, locators and port users; establishment of a simplified accreditation process for port-related services like trucking, freight-forwarding and customs brokerage; systems integration for real-time monitoring and management of container inventory bound for NCT-1; and enactment of domestic tariff for local shipping lines for companies that ship from Subic to other domestic ports.

He also bared other plans to further develop Subic as a center for maritime trade. These include the development of a P2.1-billion bypass road to be used exclusively for the transport of container vans here; the establishment of a one-stop shop to facilitate release of shipments and minimize corruption; installation of fiber-optic system dedicated for the Subic seaport; the expansion of a gatepass management system; and the implementation of the Subic Bay Greenport Program.

Garcia said Subic’s NCT has lately experienced a spike in container traffic, with projections of 70,000 containers this year compared to 38,000 last year, ever since overstaying containers in Manila ports were moved to Subic for temporary storage. (Henry Empeño, BusinessMirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/regions/39058-subic-cuts-container-port-fees-by-more-than-80

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Subic Freeport to undergo facelift to attract more visitors

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced a major initiative to improve facilities and enhance the natural beauty of this free port with the end in view of boosting the tourism industry here.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the agency’s “Operation Facelift” is designed to bring Subic at par with other tourist attractions in like Singapore and Guam.

Garcia noted that the Subic Bay Freeport is known for its natural assets like the lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and native wildlife that lure tourists into the area.

“However, as years went by, some of the structures and spaces seem to have been neglected or left unattended and havebecome eyesores,” he said.

Garcia noted that the American military, which previously occupied the Subic Naval Base, had kept the area as a beautiful and comfortable place to relaxation.

“Even after the Americans had left, people from all over the country came to see and enjoy Subic, especially when investors came and built theme parks, hotels and restaurants, and duty-free stores and malls,” he said.

Garcia added that for its natural and man-made attractions, Subic has been named by the Department of Tourism (DoT) in October 2012 as its unequivocal choice as the “Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon.”

In December 2012, Subic was also identified by the DoT “as one of the Top Destinations in the Country” due to its wide array of quality tourist facilities and the high level of visitation it generated.

Garcia said that “Operation Facelift” would bring back the natural beauty of Subic that tourists and local residents have come to love and be proud of.

He said the tourism development program will also inject technology into the system, like replacing grasses with the low-maintenance “frog grass” variety and planting selected species of trees that need little maintenance.

“Honestly, SBMA cannot do this alone; that is why we welcome everyone who would volunteer to help in this endeavor,” Garcia said.

“We hope that volunteers from companies, civic organizations and schools, as well as residents, would help us in painting street curbs, planting trees and flowering plants, repainting building walls, and cleaning the streets,” he added.

Garcia also enjoined business locators and residents in the Freeport to support the beautification drive by keeping their areas orderly and clean.

“These little tasks mean a lot because, taken together, they would make for a cleaner, more beautiful, more attractive and more marketable Subic,” Garcia added. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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Goodbye Tonka - Subic marine park’s last false killer whale dies

SUBIC BAY FREE PORT—The last of the highly trained false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) that have become star attractions at the Ocean Adventure Marine Park here died on Saturday, park officials announced on Thursday.

Tonka, who was 18 years old, succumbed to an inoperable bowel disorder, “despite the best medical efforts and 24-hour care,” said Gail Laule, executive vice president of Ocean Adventure. The disorder that killed Tonka was “common to false killer whales in the wild and those in human care,” Laule added.

Tonka was reportedly the last of six false killer whales that Ocean Adventure had imported in 2001 for display at its open-water park here.

Ocean Adventure had four species of cetaceans: false killer whale, bottlenose dolphin, rough-toothed dolphin and spotted dolphin.

Laule said Tonka was rescued in 1996 from the Japanese drive fishery, which she described as a tightly regulated program to control wild populations of whales and dolphins to protect Japanese coastal fish stocks.

For the next 18 years, Tonka reportedly lived with other cetaceans in Ocean Adventure’s natural open-water lagoons where he could dive deep, swim fast and catch live fish, Laule said.

The park official added Tonka and the other marine mammals at Ocean Adventure were at the core of a strong educational and conservation agenda.

“Tonka won the hearts of millions of visitors and schoolchildren and helped educate and motivate them to protect the oceans and the animals that inhabit them,” Laule also said.

The death of Tonka, however, revived calls by animal-rights groups like the Earth Island Institute (EII) and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) to shut down the marine park here.

On Tuesday EII announced that it will conduct a picket in front of the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Industry in Quezon City to protest Ocean Adventure operations in the wake of Tonka’s death.

However, Timothy Desmond, chairman and chief executive officer of Ocean Adventure, said in a separate statement that Tonka’s death is now being exploited by animal-rights groups “to get attention for themselves so they can make profit.”

“Groups like EII and PAWS, who do nothing directly beneficial for the cause of animal welfare, should stop using the natural death of a false killer whale for their fund-raising activities by seeking publicity,” Desmond said.

He added that, for many years, EII and PAWS have engaged in a campaign attacking the reputation of Ocean Adventure “by deliberately making false claims and generating negative publicity against the company.”

“The truth is, these groups know next to nothing about these animals. All they know, and what they are good at is making noise to damage us economically.” (Henry Empeño, BusinessMirror)

PHOTO:
Tonka, a 10-year-old false killer whale at Ocean Adventure. Photo courtesy of the Free Tonka Facebook page

http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/regions/38952-subic-marine-park-s-last-false-killer-whale-dies

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Subic, Batangas named extensions of Manila port

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has signed Executive Order 172 declaring the ports of Subic and Batangas as extensions of the Port of Manila during congestion and other emergency situations, such as strikes, lockouts and natural calamities, a Palace official said yesterday.

Under the EO, foreign vessels with the Port of Manila as their destination or origin may be directed to Batangas port or Subic Bay Freeport. Even if these vessels use these alternate ports, the Port of Manila will still be considered their berthing point.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said berthing and other port fees in Subic and Batangas will be applied to foreign vessels if they are directed to these alternate ports.

She said the EO was signed on Sept. 13 to give the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) the power to designate alternate piers for shipments to the Manila port.

“It is no secret that port congestion in Manila is one of the major factors that hinders the free flow of goods passing through the ports,” Valte said.

“We have seen the effects on the demand-supply chain, and on economic growth. The EO seeks to alleviate these problems,” she added.

The SBMA welcomed the President’s signing of EO 172 as it would stir business activities in Subic port.

Subic Bay Freeport’s New Container Terminal-2 has been assigned as an extension of the Port of Manila.

SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia said there are 4,000 shipping containers “overstaying” at the Port of Manila.

To address port congestion, he said the SBMA and PPA have agreed to ship the overstaying containers from Manila to Subic twice a week.

Garcia said the SBMA is considering reducing its current port fees to be competitive with fees in other ports so that more shippers would use Subic.

Biz groups back EO 172

Business groups support President Aquino’s declaration of Batangas and Subic ports as extension of the Manila port to address congestion.

Management Association of the Philippines president Gregorio Navarro said yesterday the issuance by Malacañang of EO 172 is a welcome development.

“This is a good move… I would assume that all the port fees would also be harmonized,” Navarro said.

For his part, Makati Business Club (MBC) executive director Peter Perfecto said “the EO will be more useful in the context of a comprehensive and long term logistics and transport plan for the country.”

With port congestion affecting the country’s competitiveness rankings, the MBC sees the need for such to be addressed urgently.

Sergio Ortiz Luis Jr., president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc., said they support Malacañang’s move to solve port congestion.

He said the EO will help encourage greater utilization of the Batangas and Subic ports.

For his part, American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines senior advisor John Forbes said they are hopeful utilization of Batangas and Subic ports will remain high.

“We would like to see two added cranes installed in Batangas port within the year to double its capacity,” he said.

The truck ban imposed by the city government of Manila in February has resulted in the pileup of cargo at Manila’s ports.

Last Saturday, Mayor Joseph Estrada lifted the truck ban. (Delon Porcalla, with Louella Desiderio, Bebot Sison Jr., Philippine Star)

PHOTO: The New Container Terminal (NCT) at the Port of Subic

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/09/17/1369962/subic-batangas-named-extensions-manila-port

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US Coast Guard lauds Subic Bay port security plan

A ranking officer of the United States Coast Guard praised the port security plan being implemented by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and pier operators here, saying it is one of the best there is today.

US Coast Guard Lt. Commander Justin Moyer made the evaluation during a tabletop exercise and drill on SBMA’s port security held Wednesday at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC).

The event, which gathered participants from the SBMA and Subic Freeport pier operators, as well as representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard and the maritime police, was organized by the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) of the Department of Transportation & Communications (DOTC), in collaboration with the US Coast Guard.

“We were surprised by how well everybody responded to scenarios,” Moyer said after the exercises.

“We’ve travelled to a lot of countries and I can say this is unequivocally the best capacity-building exercise that we’ve seen,” Moyer added.

Moyer also encouraged the participants to continue the training exercises and expand the umbrella port-wide plan.

He recommended the utilization of the APEC Manual of Maritime Security Drills as reference in enabling further inter-operability of the plan in response to issues, threats, and risks not only from a facility and port-wide perspective, but from a regional perspective as well.

SBMA Seaport manager Jerome Martinez said the exercises have proven the effectiveness and proficient inter-operability of Subic Bay’s port-wide security plan, which is in compliance with the International Ships and Port Security (ISPS) code, requiring all international ports to develop and maintain security procedures.

The OTS-DOTC has recently issued anew a certificate of compliance to SBMA for its port security manual, detailing security measures and controls in times of threats and other emergencies that may occur in any of the berths and wharves of the Freeport zone.

“Our lookouts are security threats that are prevalent such as smuggling of illegal goods, human trafficking, pilferage, and theft. Then again, we are also prepared for regional threats such as piracy and terrorism,” Martinez said.

The US Coast Guard participated as a first-time facilitator of the exercises in the Philippines, together with the OTS-DOTC.

Participating in the tabletop port security drills were SBMA’s first responders; namely its Seaport, Law Enforcement, Fire, and Public Health and Safety Departments.

On the other hand, SBF pier operators that joined the drills were Boton Pier operator Seaport Terminal, Inc. (STI); New Container Terminal (NCT) 1 and 2 operator Subic Bay International Container Terminal (SBICT); POL pier operator Coastal Petroleum; SRF operator Global Terminals and Development Inc.; Subic Bay Yacht Club; and Hanjin Heavy Industries Corporation (HHIC) Philippines. (RBB/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
[1] US Coast Guard Lt. Commander Justin Moyer shares his views on ports security during an exercise attended by various port users and locators, as well as SBMA security personnel and emergency responders to ensure port safety and security in the Subic Bay Freeport.

[2] US Coast Guard Lt. Commander Justin Moyer shows an APEC Manual of Maritime Security Drills as a handy manual during the Ports Security Drills and Exercises at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. The table-top exercise was attended by various port users and locators, as well as SBMA security personnel and emergency responders in the Subic Bay Freeport.

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Subic hikes port fees on unclaimed shipment

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority said it will increase the daily port fees by 500 percent to P5,000 from P1,000 for every unclaimed container starting next month to force consignees to collect their cargoes and prevent congestion inside the Freeport.

“After the Bureau of Customs has inspected, cleared, and issued release documents for the container, the consignee should immediately remove it from NCT-2 [New Container Terminal 2], otherwise a penalty of P5,000 a day will be charged against him,” said SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia.

NCT-2 and NCT-1, which is being used by existing port users in Subic, have a combined capacity of 600,000 twenty-foot equivalent units.

The agency retained the right to collect fees from the ships and containerized cargoes, after an agreement was signed to annex Subic Port as an extension of the Port of Manila to help solve the dense cargo traffic in Manila.

SBMA also maintained its right to reject any cargo or ship that might pose risks to the health, environment and security of inhabitants and stakeholders of the Subic Freeport.

Garcia said to help solve the problem, it was agreed upon that a ferry would start shipping the remaining 4,000 overstaying containers from Manila to Subic twice a week, or more frequently as needed.

He also assured the public that the agency would maintain orderliness at NCT-2, one of the two container terminals in Subic Port, and considered measures to prevent traffic congestion due to the expected rise in the number of trucks hauling containerized cargoes in and out of the Freeport. (Othel V. Campos, Manila Standard)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/09/12/subic-hikes-port-fees-on-unclaimed-shipment/

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Overstaying containers will still be moved to Subic

THE PHILIPPINES will continue moving twenty-foot metal containers to a facility outside Manila and charging storage fees for overstaying boxes to decongest its premier port.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and two harbor operators -- the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) and the Asian Terminals Inc. -- made this announcement on Sunday, a day after a truck ban was lifted in Manila which was blamed for the port congestion.

“The lifting of the truck ban has given us the chance to decongest the port and get back to our normal way of life sooner than anticipated,” Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) general manager Juan C. Sta. Ana said in a statement.

Starting Oct. 1, the two port operators will be charging P5,000 per container if these remain parked at their facilities after the 5-day free storage period offered by the PPA, the statement said.

The move intends to discourage cargo owners from using terminals as their virtual warehouses, the statement said.

“However, instead of imposing the fine on the sixth day, the operators will impose the fee on the 11th day after getting clearance from the BoC (Bureau of Customs), effectively allowing cargo owners at least 10 days to get their cargoes out of the Manila ports,” the statement said.

On Friday, ICTSI and ATI transported 135 overstaying containers to the Subic port onboard the MV West Ocean 3, a vessel run by Super Shuttler Service of the ICTSI.

The vessel is again set to sail Tuesday to carry another 135 overstaying Customs-cleared containers and every Friday and Tuesday, thereafter, the statement said.

One thousand trucks have also been rented to carry some 2,000 overstaying Customs-cleared containers from Manila to a four-hectare facility in Cabuyao, Laguna, that started early Sunday morning, Sept. 14. They are expected to complete the transfer at noon Monday. This decongestion effort will be repeated for four Sundays by the terminal operators.

The operators are trying to remove about 5,000 TEUs of overstaying Customs-cleared ready-to-go containers at the Manila International Container Terminal and the Manila South Harbor to provide enough space for incoming cargoes. (BusinessWorld)

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=overstaying-containers-will-still-be-moved-to-subic&id=94472

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