59 baby sea turtles released in Subic Bay

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Zambales—Tourists took time off from the holiday revelry at a local beach to release 59 olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) hatchlings into the Subic Bay on Saturday.

Around 50 tourists, some of them children, gathered on the shore of All Hands Beach here at 8 p.m. to set the sea turtles free.

Marife Castillo, officer of community environment and natural resources office, said several adult olive ridley sea turtles laid eggs on the resort’s beach last month.

Castillo, who witnessed the release, said All Hands Beach is among the seven major beach areas inside the free port that had been identified as nestling sites for marine turtles (pawikan).

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Ecology Center identified the beaches of Waterfront Area, Dungaree, Edgewater, Grande Island, Camayan, and Minanga as the other nesting sites for sea turtles.

Emerita Sebial, chief of protected areas, wildlife and coastal zone management service in Olongapo City, said three of the seven species of sea turtle in the world could be found in Zambales province.

Aside from the olive ridley, Sebiang said they received reports that green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) have been seen in the province.

Sebial said they released the baby sea turtles at night because fewer predators roam the sea at that time.

SBMA Chair Roberto Garcia asked residents and visitors of the free port to support the agency’s marine turtle conservation program.

“These are gentle creatures that need our protection, for without our help they would likely face extinction,” Garcia said in an earlier statement.

He said the SBMA recently launched its “Guard My Nest” sea turtle conservation program to make Subic establishments more “pawikan friendly.”

“This is why we discourage pavement constructions on the beach where the turtles lay eggs, and urge establishments to minimize lighting at night because this disorients the pawikan,” Garcia said.

Angel Bagaloyos, officer in charge of the SBMA Ecology Center, said sea turtles lay eggs mostly during the cold months, from September to February. (Allan Macatuno, Inquirer Central Luzon)

59 baby sea turtles released in Subic Bay

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Subic Enerzone seeking higher power tariff at P1.5625/kwh

Subic Enerzone Corporation, which has been serving more industrial-dense subscribers primarily in the freeport zone, is seeking an upward adjustment in its power distribution tariff to P1.5625 per kilowatt-hour (kwh) from what was previously approved at P1.4905 per kwh.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), in its notice for publication of the SEZ’s filing, noted that the distribution firm has recomputed its maximum average price (MAP) for regulatory year 2015 and it arrived at a higher figure.

The ERC emphasized that in the rate translation, the SEZ “has recalculated the MAP for the regulatory year 2015, without taking into account side constraints, at P1.5625 per kwh.”

For residential customers of SEZ, it was laid down that the estimated distribution charge will amount to P1.8815 per kwh; supply charge will be at P0.2414 per kwh; while metering charge will be at P0.1981 per kwh.”

To the level of the industrial end-users, SEZ’s proposed pass-on rates will be: P0.6346 per kwh; P301.81 per kilowatt; supply charge at P4,919 per customer/month; and metering charge at P1,758.94 per customer/month.

The SEZ has noted that “the approval of the instant application will allow it to fulfill its obligations under the PBR (performance-based regulation)” – referring to the methodology in setting electricity tariffs for regulated power entities.

It added that an immediate regulatory approval shall also allow it to “implement in a timely manner its capex (capital expenditures) and OPEX (operating expenses) programs for the regulatory year 2015.”

If that is accomplished, the Subic utility firm stressed that it would be able to “avoid losses which may ultimately result in the deterioration of services to its customers.”

The ERC thus scheduled a public hearing on the SEZ’s recalculated tariff application on January 9, 2015 at the Subic Freeport Zone in Olongapo City.

“SEZ and all interested parties are directed to submit, at least five days before the date of the initial hearing and pre-trial conference, their respective pre-trial briefs,” the ERC has stipulated in its hearing notice.

This is already the fourth year of the utility firm’s second regulatory reset under the forward-looking approach of rate regulation via the PBR scheme. (Myrna Velasco, Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/subic-enerzone-seeking-higher-power-tariff-at-p1-5625kwh/

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Central Luzon ‘well-poised’ for Asean economic integration

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Central Luzon is in a strong position to partake in the economic integration of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) next year, an official of the Regional Development Council (RDC-3) in Central Luzon assured, citing vigorous economic progress and positive image in the international community.

“What does it mean for us here in Central Luzon? First of all this is not an option for us because we are all involved here and all of us are stakeholders and are bound to feel the impacts of the integration,” RDC-3 chairman and Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado clarified during the RDC-3 Forum on the Asean Economic Community (AEC) held recently at the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda-3) Central Luzon Office, Diosdado Macapagal Government Center, this city.

Alvarado revealed that the RDC-3, in particular, was tasked to determine the opportunities and challenges of establishing relevant programs, which will highlight the strengths of the Central Luzon within the context of the impending Asean economic integration.

“By December next year, the Asean Economic Community or AEC will take full effect, although this is not something new because we know that the initiative for integration was signed way back in 2000 during the Asean 2000 Summit,” he said.

The forum, which concurrently served as the 14th Session of the RDC-3, was participated in by key government and private stakeholders, including lawyer Jonas Leones, Undersecretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); Brenda Joyce Mendoza, Director, Neda Trade and Services and Industry Staff; Alberto Lina, Chairman, Lina Group of Companies; Severino Santos, Director, Neda-3; and other local officials of Central Luzon.

"The forum on Asean Economic Community of the RDC-3 aims to increase the level of awareness of RDC3 members and other stakeholders on AEC, particularly its implications to national and regional economy," said Santos.

Leones stressed the competitive edge of Central Luzon in the Asean economic integration in terms of its strategic location, covering both the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and the Clark Freeport Zone, which has its own international airport.

“Central Luzon has been identified as the new ‘epicenter’ of big investments because of the massive influx of opportunities here, especially in the Subic and Clark. It certainly has a high potential to perform well on the Asean economic integration next year,” Leones said.

Mendoza shared that the AEC offers massive business opportunities that both the public and the private sector must exploit to copiously benefit from its advantages.

"The asean Economic Community is something not to be feared about. AEC can be explored and taken advantage of," urged Mendoza.

Challenges ahead

Central Luzon may be a robust economic player in the international stage, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, but Alvarado said the government still has a long way to go in terms of creating development strategies that will ensure its readiness for AEC implementation.

“Most of us who have been with the RDC can attest that for many years now we have been working towards the realization of some very important critical infrastructures for Central Luzon such as the Clark International Airport, coastal highway that will link Sangley Point in Cavite to the Bataan Special Economic Zone, North Rail or mass transport system linking Metro Manila to the Clark International Airport and the Balog-balog dam to name a few,” cited Alvarado.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), according to Alvarado, are also expected to significantly gain from the trade and investment opportunities of this new arrangement but there are still some key economic issues that needs to be addressed.

“For example, on the target of eliminating or having zero tariff rates—as early as January 2010, more than 99 percent of tariff lines between ASEAN six member countries have been brought down to zero in line with the goals of ASEAN Free Trade Area or AFTA,” he said adding that ASEAN must work on further eliminating trade barriers and undertaking agreements with important economic powers, including China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

Competitive advantages

Mendoza, nevertheless, mentioned that the country is already "well-poised" to compete with its neighbors in the Southeast Asian region.

"The Philippines has been gaining the confidence of international community as evidenced by the credit rating upgrades given by debt-watchers Moody's Investor Service and Fitch Ratings. This means that we are in a great position in terms of the economy," she said.

The growth from 2010 to 2013, according to Neda, recorded the highest four-year average growth since 1979 and this will ascertain that the Philippines will gain from the AEC.

Meanwhile, Alvarado supported this statement, citing the presence of many Filipinos abroad.

“Our network of Overseas Filipinos stands out as a distinct advantage over Asean counterparts because relatively, most of the Philippines’ work force is proficient in English. Another advantage is that we have the high average growth or Gross Domestic Product in the current decade,” he said.

The Asean integration puts in motion the materialization of the AEC, which envision Southeast Asia as "a single market and production base, a highly competitive economic region, a region of equitable economic development, and a region fully integrated into the global economy."

The Asean is a 10-nation regional bloc that includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. (Ferth Vandensteen Manaysay, Sun Star Pampanga)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/12/22/central-luzon-well-poised-asean-economic-integration-383323

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Computer app helps Subic students learn BPO English

Students from various colleges in Subic Bay Freeport area are now benefitting from LEAP, a computer application software designed to address the English proficiency of Filipinos to meet the demand of the growing business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in the country.

LEAP, which stands for Learning English Application for Pinoys, was introduced here last September by the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to several local colleges and had since earned raves from student-beneficiaries.

Royce Vincent Palo, a Customs Administrations major at the Lyceum of Subic Bay (LSB) said that he is very grateful to become one of the first LEAP trainees.

“It’s a great program wherein fun and learning, which normally don't come together, have been successfully combined,” noted Palo.

“The program encourages us to recall our past lessons, many of which have long been forgotten, and while it still has some glitches, it was very effective,” he added.

Jenny Ching, another LSB student tutored under the program, also praised the LEAP project, describing it as “very helpful for Filipinos who cannot speak English well, especially for those preparing for job interviews.”

The LEAP program is stand-alone computer application software, which gives tests and lessons to students to improve their communication skills. This includes grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, which are considered as major deficiencies for most Filipinos.

The program is composed of English training modules that run for a total of 200 hours. Participants here took lessons every Saturday and completed the course last December 13.

LEAP was developed by the UP Diliman’s Engineering Department, Department of English and Comparative Literature, Department of Arts and Letters, and the Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts. The program was funded by the DOST and was launched in July 2014.

Last September, UP and DOST introduced LEAP to students at the Lyceum of Subic Bay, Columban College, Mondriaan Aura College, Subic Bay College, and Gordon College.

Students who joined the program took pre-tests to assess their basic English skills before using the application under the supervision of UP representatives.

Last Monday, UP and DOST officials returned to conduct a post-program assessment to gauge the effectiveness of the program, as well as to listen to the evaluation by the program participants.

Data from the participants, including comments on perceived flaws in the computer application, will be used for further development of the application software, UP officials said.

The program organizers also expressed gratitude to the students who participated in the program, particularly for their comments and suggestions to help improve the LEAP software.

Meanwhile, SBMA Labor Department head Severo Pastor, who attended the program assessment with SBMA Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs Randy Escolango, thanked UP and DOST for bringing the LEAP program to Subic, pointing out that it would also benefit Subic’s growing BPO industry.

Pastor said that SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia has been eyeing to develop Subic Bay Freeport as a BPO center to cash in on the growing proficiency of local information technology workers.

Pastor said the LEAP program would help students and workers in the IT sector here to further enhance their capabilities and market their skills. (YCM/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA to hold training-program on CSR

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) wants the locators of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) to regard corporate social responsibility (CSR) not as a mere philanthropic initiative but as a mature, refined discipline.

Victor Persius Chan, CSR manager of Redondo Peninsula Energy Incorporated (RP Energy), issued this call on Wednesday during a media briefing held at the Buma Hotel, Moonbay Marina Area, this Freeport.

Several media group were invited to the SBMA’s briefing on its upcoming “CSR 101”training program, which will take place on January 21 to 22, 2015 at the Subic Holiday Villas.

The two-day training program, organized by the SBMA together with its CSR partners, RP Energy, and the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, has been dubbed “From Philanthropy to Strategy: Moving SBFZ towards Sustainability”, in reference to the goal of enhancing the awareness and understanding of the practice of CSR within the Freeport.

The SBMA invites officers and managers from the following fields to join the training-program: CSR, community relations, public relations, and human resources.

Business owners, who are interested in executing sustainable development programs in relation to their respective businesses, may also participate.

Resource speakers from different multinational companies will share their knowledge and expertise concerning various aspects in the practice of sustainable CSR programs.

“The program hopes to professionalize the practice of CSR and gear it towards sustainable practices, which will benefit all of the communities and businesses around the Freeport. In particular, it will sharpen and improve the practice of CSR among SBFZ practitioners,” said Armina Belleza-Llamas, manager of the SBMA Public Relations Department.

Donna May Tamayo, executive director of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, described the CSR initiatives of the SBFZ locators mostly as “reactive” activities, which largely depend on the most pressing challenges that have been confronting the area.

“Most of the CSR activities were just responses to the usual problems that the Freeport encounters such as the disaster risk management. But not much has been done regarding the other concerns of the community. We also want the CSR practitioners to focus not only on the disaster-related programs,” stressed Tamayo.

Meanwhile, Chan discussed the program’s learning sessions, which include lectures and workshops on executing strategic CSR programs, creating CSR partnerships, and managing social impact reports and evaluations, among others.

“The participants can expect to learn how they can market their ideas to management and the media. They will get tips on effectively selling their CSR programs to the shareholders,” said Chan, citing the success of “Protect the Bay” initiative, which aimed to ensure the sustainability of Subic Bay by supporting the local government unit’s rehabilitation and protection efforts in various areas within the bay as well as the local enforcement of environmental policies.

The proceeds of the activity will go to the Giant Clam Seeding Project of SBMA as part of the Protect the Bay program.

Registration for the event costs P3,500, inclusive of meals, training kit, certificates, and loot bags. Interested participants may contact the CSR 101 secretariat for the registration form via phone number (047) 252-3180, fax number 252-3190, or email admin@sbfcc.com and csr@rpenergy.ph.

For more information about the program, the applicants may also reach Victor Persius Chan (09998846462), Armie Lllamas (09175579946), and Donna Tamayo (09285591095). (Sun Star Pampanga)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/12/19/sbma-hold-training-program-csr-382845

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SBMA urges stakeholders to guard pawikan nests

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia made a personal appeal to residents and visitors in Subic Bay Freeport Zone to be mindful of nesting places of sea turtles in the free port, and report any sighting and nesting to the agency’s Ecology Center.

“These are gentle creatures that need our protection, for without our help they would likely face extinction,” Garcia pointed out.

“So I’m making a personal appeal to everyone to support our marine turtle conservation program. The presence of these sea turtles or pawikan makes Subic a very special place,” he added.

Garcia said that the SBMA recently launched its “Guard My Nest” sea turtle conservation program to enjoin stakeholders’ participation in making Subic establishments more pawikan-friendly.

“This is why we discourage pavement constructions on the beach where the turtles lay eggs, and urge establishments to minimize lighting at night because this disorients the pawikan,” Garcia said.

“Most of all, we are asking everyone to help keep our beaches clean so that they remain suitable for nesting,” he added.

At least seven beach areas in the free port have been identified as nesting sites for marine turtles. These are the beaches at the Waterfront area, All Hands, Dungaree, Edgewater, Grande Island, Camayan, and Minanga.

“All of these areas, however, contain beach resorts and other commercial tourism establishments, which makes it really important for Subic stakeholders to join us in this campaign,” Garcia also said.

According to Angel Bagaloyos, officer in charge of the SBMA Ecology Center, one out of the six marine turtle species, the Olive ridley, visit Subic Bay to lay eggs, and mostly during the cold months from September to February. Sightings of two other species have been reported here, as well.

This nesting season, the SBMA Ecology Center has already recorded sea turtle nesting at All Hands Beach, with a total of 268 eggs laid; Grande Island, with a total of 835 eggs laid; and Camayan Beach, with a total of 314 eggs.

The eggs are expected to hatch starting this month, and until February, said Rhea Jane Pescador-Mallari, project coordinator of the “Guard My Nest” program.

To help protect the marine turtles, the SBMA Ecology Center tags visiting nesters to add to a global database, guards known nesting sites from predators, and, along with local stakeholders, releases hatchlings to help ensure their survival. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] An Olive ridley sea turtle comes to Subic Bay to lay eggs

[2] A marine turtle nest

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Olongapo traders venture in Subic Freeport hotel project

Last year, this group of businessmen-friends simply wished to have a relaxing place in this free port where they could have late night dinners after long days spent in business meetings and conferences.

Last week, they opened a 70-room hotel and resort complete with a poolside bar and a 24/7 restaurant where they can dine even at very late hours.

This is the Subic Grand Harbour Hotel, the first business venture that members of the Metro Olongapo Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (MOCCI) have established as a joint project in the Subic Bay Freeport.

Among the personalities who graced the inauguration of Subic Grand Harbour Hotel last Thursday were Sen. Paulo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia, and Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino.

MOCCI President Aurelio “Bong” Pineda said the project began as a felt need among local businessmen last year.

“We wanted to relax and dine after meetings, but couldn’t find a suitable place at the Freeport. So I asked my colleagues, why don’t we just put up our own place where we can have what we want?” recalled Pineda during the inauguration.

“We (in the MOCCI) believe that Subic remains among the top favorite destinations for local tourists. That is why we couldn’t find a place to go to last year, as the restaurants and hotels were full of customers almost all year round,” Pineda said.

Having made the decision to build their own place, members of the MOCCI chipped in their resources to open the Subic Grand Harbour Hotel in the free port.

Sen. Aquino IV, who cut the ceremonial ribbon during the inauguration, lauded the partnership among businessmen-friends, saying the project “is a true testament of friendship.”

Aquino also noted that the local government of Olongapo City is throwing its full support behind MOCCI, even as members of the group had chosen to put their business inside the Subic Freeport instead of in the city.

For his part, SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia expressed his appreciation of MOCCI’s confidence with the direction taken by the Subic agency under his administration.

“With the new grand hotel, we are now more confident that we have your trust to lead Subic Freeport towards a brighter future, brighter than how we performed last year,” said Garcia, referring to the SBMA’s record-breaking accomplishment of achieving a net profit of P1.2 billion last year, the highest in the 21-year history of the SBMA.

Garcia added that the Subic Grand Harbour Hotel project would also serve to boost efforts by the SBMA to promote Subic as a year-round tourism destination. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino (3rd from left) and SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia lead the opening of the Subic Grand Harbour Hotel, along with MOCCI President Aurelio Pineda (left) and SBMA Chief Operating Officer Joven Reyes (right). (AED/MPD-SBMA)

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Zoobic, saving wildlife inside the Freeport’s ‘Noah’s Ark’

Subic Bay Freeport, Zambales — A tiger’s roar can be heard occasionally, breaking the buzz of people rushing to the entrance of one of the newest attractions in Subic. Once inside, there’s a feel like one has traveled across continents to this jungle book-come-alive.

A visitor tells her company, “It feels like we’re not in Subic anymore,” perhaps because even the musky scent tells her she’s moving into the wild which no amount of perfume can conceal.

Then, the initial view of animal after animal — not the ones commonly seen in stretches of farmlands on a long drive to the provinces; but a collection of really wild species of animals completely foreign, except perhaps for he pot-bellied pigs.

Here, where the animal kingdom is well represented amid a landscape of diverse fauna, any man will easily second guess his top spot in the food chain.

For in this modern Noah’s Ark, the animals are the priority. With preservation in mind, this beautiful enclosure for animals is not only for entertainment, but education as well.

Aptly called Zoobic Safari, the area boasts of a biodiversity as well as an area that spans thousands of hectares of rainforest inside this premier Freeport zone.

THE “ZOOMANITARIAN”

The area was conceptualized by businessman Robert Yupangco, who takes pride in being a “Filipino Zoomanitarian.”

Yupangco started this endeavor during Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Felicito Payumo’s term just before the turn of the millennium. He envisioned an area where animals roam freely and interact with guests.

At his birthday here last Saturday, Yupangco’s love for animals, however, did not eclipse his heart for the people under his employ. They and their families – some from the Ayta community in Botolan – joined children from the Niños Pagasa in Olongapo City in an all-out treat at Zoobic Safari.

He gave them gifts and a share of his profits. In doing so, Yupangco believes, his employees will love their company, treasure their jobs more, and share his passion for animal conservation.

THE WILD CATS

Zoobic Safari already has more than 40 tigers, including white tigers and baby tigers that were bred inside the facility. The company has successfully bred the two tigers, but is still trying to produce more white tigers for their rarity.

Lions are also present in the facility, but are separated from the tiger enclosure due to cat fights. I guess we might still not see a liger in Subic Freeport.

There are only 4,000 tigers left in the wild. With one percent of the population of tigers found in Zoobic, there might come a time when the Filipinos will be the ones reintroducing the species to their original habitat.

At the start of the 20th century, it is estimated there were over 100,000 tigers in the wild, but the population has dwindled outside of captivity to between 1,500 and 3,500. Major reasons for population decline include habitat destruction, habitat fragmentation and poaching.

Demand for tiger parts for use in traditional Chinese medicine has also been cited as a major threat to tiger populations. The global wild tiger population was estimated by the World Wide Fund for Nature at 3,200 in 2011.

CROCS AND MORE

Aside from the big cats, Zoobic Safari also has a crocodile safari that lets you feed a crocodile with a chicken part dangling on a pole. With powerful muscles, the crocodile can easily propel itself towards the bait. Visitors who are not fast enough get their baits eaten early by these giant reptiles.

A savannah for camels, ostriches, Wagyu or Japanese cows, pot-bellied pigs, mountain goats, ponies and other animals is found inside the facility. There is also a Serpentarium, Rodent World, Bird Walk and Aeta’s Trail here.

“But we will also be having a Kamikazoo where there will be a capsule on a zipline going towards a tiger enclosure. It will be the same as the Tiger Safari yet the difference is that the thrill of zipping thru a line is added in the tiger encounter,” Yupangco said.

All these ideas are what set him apart from zoo developers, making him, perhaps, a modern day Noah. He micromanages because he believes he is working towards his vision for the country – to be the last place on earth where endangered animals are safe. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTOS:
[1] CLOSE ENCOUNTER — A rare white tiger plays ‘fight’ with a golden tiger inside an enclosure at Zoobic Safari inside the Subic Freeport.

[3,4] KILLER LOOKS AND ZOOBIC CHARMS — A healthy python seems to beckon (left) as Aeta children, sons and daughters of employees of Zoobic Safari, receive gifts from wildlife advocate and park owner Robert Yupangco (fourth from right) on the occasion of his birth anniversary last Saturday at the Subic Freeport.

[2] CROCODILE APPEAL — Crocodiles stay in their zone for visitors to view their deadly appeal.

http://www.mb.com.ph/zoobic-saving-wildlife-inside-the-freeports-noahs-ark/

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Philippines' total approved foreign investments down by 44.4 percent in Q3 2014

MANILA - Total foreign investments (FI) approved in the third quarter of 2014 by the seven investment promotion agencies (IPAs), namely: Board of Investments (BOI), Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as well as the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), BOI-Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BOI-ARMM), and Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) amounted to P18.3 billion, 44.4 percent lower than the P32.9 billion recorded in the same period last year.

Meanwhile, total approved FI for the first nine months of 2014 reached P91.8 billion, declining by 35.4 percent from the amount recorded last year at P142.1 billion.

The top three prospective investing countries during the quarter include the Netherlands, Japan, and the United States of America (USA). Netherlands topped the list, pledging P4.4 billion or 24.3 percent share, followed by Japan and USA, committing P3.7 billion and P2.8 billion, or 20.1 percent and 15.3 percent of the total approved FI, respectively.

Manufacturing industry contributed the largest amount of committed foreign investments in the third quarter of 2014, with investment pledges recorded at P8.8 billion or 48.0 percent of the total FI. Administrative and support service activities came in second, contributing 20.8 percent or P3.8 billion worth of investment commitments, followed by real estate activities, which accounted for 13.3 percent or P2.4 billion.

Approved investments of foreign and Filipino nationals reached P159.6 billion during the period, declining by 15.7 percent from last year’s P189.3 billion. Filipino nationals continued to dominate the investments approved during the quarter, sharing 88.5 percent or P141.3 billion worth of pledges.

Bulk of the investments are intended to finance activities in manufacturing, contributing P67.6 billion and with a share of 42.4 percent, followed by real estate activities at P31.4 billion or 19.7 percent share, and construction at P24.8 billion or 15.5 percent share.

Total projects of foreign and Filipino investors approved by the seven IPAs in the third quarter of 2014 are expected to generate 54,606 jobs, an increase of 38.9 percent from last year’s projected employment of 39,314 jobs in the same period. Out of these anticipated jobs, 74.3 percent would come from projects with foreign interest. (PIA) 

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2131418721159/total-approved-foreign-investments-down-by-44-4-percent-in-q3-2014-

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Subic Ayta tribe okays $200-M renewable energy project

The Pastolan Ayta community has approved the establishment of a renewable energy project to be located inside an 800-hectare area of the Ayta ancestral domain in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Ayta tribal chieftain Conrado Frenilla and Ayta elder Bonifacio Florentino signed a memorandum of agreement on Friday with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia and Jobin SQM Inc. President Nancy Tan for the implementation of the energy project on Mount Sta. Rita here.

Tan also presented the Ayta leaders with a P1-million check representing the company’s donation to the tribe.

The proceeding s was witnessed by representatives from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), which oversees the welfare of native communities.

According to Chairman Garcia, Jobin SQM Inc. intends to build a $200-million facility here that will produce power from clean energy sources. The facility will produce 150 megawatts of combined solar and wind energy.

Garcia said the project is in line with RA 9513, or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, which aims to accelerate the exploration and development of renewable energy resources, increase utilization of such and promote their efficient and cost-effective commercial application. The law was also designed to effectively prevent or reduce harmful emissions to protect public health and the environment.

The alternative energy project, Garcia further said, was formally committed during President Aquino’s state visit to China in September 2011.

The development and promotion of renewable energy has been set as among the priority projects of the national government under the Investment Priorities Plan of 2012.

To carry out the Subic project, Jobin has successfully satisfied the requirements set by the Department of Energy and has engaged the partnership of HydroChina International Engineering Co., LTD. (HIECL) for a joint venture.

HydroChina, which engages in renewable energy development projects worldwide, operates projects in the fields of hydropower and water conservancy, solar and electric power, as well as ports, highways and buildings.

Garcia said the Jobin project will be a pioneering venture for the establishment of renewable energy facilities in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
[1] SUBIC RENEWABLE ENERGY. SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (center) signs an agreement for the development of renewable energy projects in the Subic Bay Freeport with Jobin SQM President Nancy Tan (2nd from right), and Ayta tribal leaders Conrado Frenilla (2nd from left) and Bonifacio Florentino. The alternative energy project—a 150-megawatt solar and wind power facility—will be located at an area covered by the Ayta ancestral domain in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (AED/MPD-SBMA)

[2] P1-MILLION DONATION. Jobin SQM President Nancy Tan presents a check worth P1 million to Ayta tribal chieftain Conrado Frenilla, as SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia looks approvingly. Jobin SQM Inc. will develop a 150-megawatt solar and wind power facility that will be located at an area covered by the Ayta ancestral domain in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (AED/MPD-SBMA)

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Olongapo City elevated to Hall of Fame as PWD-Friendly City in Region 3

The local government of Olongapo led by Mayor Rolen Paulino was elevated to the hall of fame after clinching the Most Outstanding PWD-Friendly City in Central Luzon for three consecutive years.

In accepting the award from the Regional Council on Disability Affairs, Paulino said this only shows that the local government of Olongapo gives priority in taking care of the city's PWD residents.

“We will not be receiving this award if not for our Persons with Disability Office under the care of Jun Pascua and his staff. They are doing a superb job,” Paulino said.

Among those who competed for the award were Mabalacat City, Malolos City, Angeles City, Tarlac City and San Jose del Monte.

PWD-friendly programs that set the city apart are its comprehensive documentation of PWDs, projects for PWDs such as feeding programs, free medical checkups, free dental services, and free eye check ups inclusive of free eyeglasses.

The local government also passed city ordinance no. 25 series of 2014 upholding the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, as well as other programs implemented by the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

The city will be vying for the same title at the national level. (SNL)

PHOTO:
Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino receives a Plaque of Recognition from the Central Luzon Federation of Persons with Disability for his genuine support & contribution to the cause of PWDs. The plaque was awarded last December 5, 2014 at Stotsemberg Clark Field Angeles City.

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‘Hanjin town’ bracing for impact of development

CASTILLEJOS, Zambales—This third-class municipality is now expecting more benefits from business investments that accompany the growth of Hanjin, the South Korean company that has established a successful shipbuilding operation at the Subic Bay Freeport’s Redondo Peninsula.

While the Hanjin shipyard is geographically in Subic town, it is Castillejos, Subic’s next-door neighbor, that has experienced the most dramatic development impact from the growth of the Hanjin shipyard over the years.

“Since Hanjin started building its facility in 2006, Castillejos has experienced its biggest economic boom ever,” remarked Mayor Jose Angelo Dominguez last week, as he appeared at a dental and medical outreach project conducted by the shipbuilding company at the Hanjin Village here.

He said that, in particular, the influx of Hanjin workers—about 25,000 at last count—had resulted in the booming of businesses here in Castillejos, which is now easily the biggest “bedroom community” for shipyard workers.

Dominguez said most of the workers at Hanjin came to settle at Castillejos because the main road they take to their job site passes through the town’s Barangay Balaybay. The number of settlers increased faster in 2012 when Hanjin built its low-cost housing project here at Barangay Nagbunga.

“Balaybay and Nagbunga are now the biggest barangays in our town in terms of population,” Dominguez said. “The workers sleep here, so houses, apartments and rooms for rent flourished. Then, they also buy their food and other household needs here, so local businesses are growing,” the mayor added.

According to town records, Castillejos has experienced the biggest population growth spurt after Hanjin started operation.

In 2000 the town, which has the smallest land area among the 13 towns in Zambales, had a population of only 33,108. In 2007 when the Hanjin shipyard opened, the population of Castillejos rose to 42,910, with a growth rate of 3.64 percent yearly.

Just three years after, in 2010, the town’s population was already 48,845, with the growth rate now registering 4.83 percent.

The coming of Hanjin also coincided with the establishment here of the town’s first automatic teller machine booths, first mini-shopping mall, first restaurant franchise and first 7-Eleven convenience store, said Bernie Chiong, the mayor’s secretary.

In areas where most Hanjin workers rent their rooms, food stalls and videoke bars have also sprung up, adding to the income of local entrepreneurs, Chiong noted. He also said that, with more Hanjin workers in town, the shops in Castillejos now remain open until midnight, when these used to close at 5 p.m. owing to slow business.

Aside from providing economic benefits, Hanjin also regularly undertakes health and education outreach projects, Dominguez said, adding that the company even put up a new public elementary school at the Hanjin Village in time for the opening of classes this year.

“If this economic boom continues, Castillejos may eventually grow to become a city, thanks to Hanjin,” Dominguez added. (Henry Empeño, BusinessMirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/hanjin-town-bracing-for-impact-of-development/

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SBMA holds 1st Women’s Summit

Womenfolk here and around this premier free port received orientation on their rights, privileges, and opportunities as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) made history by holding the first Women’s Summit in the community.

With the theme, “Ang Bagong Pinay,” the two-day gathering sought to promote the welfare and development of womenfolk and update them on the latest socio-economic and political issues that have significant bearing on them.

The event was organized by the SBMA thru its Gender and Development Focal Point System and as part of the SBMA’s week-long celebration of its 22nd founding anniversary.

“This is a historic event for SBMA in the sense that this is the first gathering to tackle gender and development,” remarked SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto Garcia as he welcomed participants last Wednesday.

“I am sure that from the line-up of speakers you have prepared, you will learn so much on how we can further promote the concept of ‘Ang Bagong Pinay’ and address the issues that confront women in the workplace today,” Garcia added.

No less than Camarines Sur 3rd District Representative Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo was guest of honor in the assembly and imparted her ideas on “Women and their Careers on being a Wife, Mother and Leader.”

Aside from Robredo, other speakers fired up the summit with timely discussions on the first day: Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation Inc. Director for External Affairs Varinia Tinga spoke on “Women in the Corporate World”; Subic Bay Colleges Inc. Vice President for Academic Affair Marilou Nicart tackled “Telecommuting for Women”; Sandiganbayan Third Division Executive Clerk of Court Dennis Pulma spoke on “Violence Against Women,” as well as RA 10398, an act declaring November 25 as National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children; and SM elevator girl and YouTube sensation Cheridel Alejandrino urged womenfolk to “Be The Best That You Can Be.”

On the second day of lectures, FQ Mom Rose Fausto talked about “Financial Liberation for Women”; and Philippine Commission on Women Executive Director Emmeline Verzosa lectured on “Magna Carta of Women.”

Among those who trooped to the Women’s Summit were employees of the SBMA, workers of Subic Bay Freeport companies, employees of the Authority of Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), and residents and students from Olongapo City and parts of Zambales.

Other activities during the week-long celebration of the SBMA anniversary were a jobs fair at the Harbor Point mall, where 10,386 job positions were opened to applicants; the annual recognition of the Ten Most Outstanding Freeport Workers who epitomize the best of what the Subic Bay Freeport has to offer in terms of workers’ performance; and the Milestone Service Awards that recognized around 200 SBMA employees who have been serving the agency for 15 and 20 years. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] Members of the United Women Artists Association of the Philippines hand over to SBMA Planning Development Office manager Amethya Koval (right) the finished piece "Ang Bagong Pinay,” created through interactive painting by the group during the two-day 1st Women’s Summit at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (AED/MPD-SBMA)

[2] Heads of community groups and government agencies sign a pledge of commitment for gender equality, responsive governance, and woman’s rights protection during the two-day 1st Women’s Summit at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in the Subic Bay Freeport. Among those who signed the pledge were Olongapo City officials led by Mayor Rolen Paulino; Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce president Rose Baldeo; and representatives from the Civil Service Commission, the Department of Labor and Employment, and law enforcement agencies. (AED/MPD-SBMA)

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10 most outstanding Subic Freeport workers named

The Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. (SBWDFI) has announced this year’s 10 Most Outstanding Freeport Workers who have made positive contributions towards achieving productivity, harmony, and industrial peace inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Atty. Severo Pastor Jr., head of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Labor Department and SBWDFI president, identified the winners as Alvin Begosa, Yehleen Cecilio, Gigi Estalilla, Dindo Dante Gonzaga, Edwin Madayag, Richard Nicdao, Romwel Pangilinan, Pedro Tadena Sr., and Gomer Tolentino.

The 10 awardees received plaques of recognition, cash prizes, and gift certificates, as well as words of appreciation from Subic Freeport officials.

Speaking during the awarding ceremony at the Subic Bay Arts Center (SuBAC), SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia said the 10 outstanding workers symbolize the professionalism, dedication, and passion of Filipino workers for the job entrusted to them by their respective companies.

He noted that Subic’s continuing increase in revenue collections, construction boom, and tourism growth only show that the Freeport is being maintained and operated by the finest workforce in the country today.

“Truly, if all workers in the country would only follow the examples shown by our 10 outstanding workers, the Philippines will not only have 7 percent gross domestic product, but more. And we can be assured of a better future ahead,” Garcia said.

Pastor, meanwhile, stressed that the SBWDFI has formulated this year a more tedious competitive selection process where candidates were chosen from the more than 90,000 workforce of the Freeport.

He added that to establish integrity in the selection process, an independent board of judges was formed. This was composed Dr. Zenia Mostoles, Zambales DepEd Superintendent, Dir. Virginia Bondoc of TESDA-Zambales, and Dir. Maria Teresita Cancio of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board- Region III, as head of the body.

Pastor said that the winners were noted for their outstanding performance and accomplishments. The first awardee, Alvin Begosa, started as room attendant at the Subic Bay Travelers Hotel in 2010 and rose to become property custodian today.

Meanwhile, Yehleen Cecilio of Polarmarine started as planning staff in 2003 and after four promotions due to her positive attitudes toward work, she is now the Production Support Section Supervisor.

Gigi Estalilla, a staff at the SBMA Public Relations Office, was a finalist in the 2008 search for SBMA Employee of the Year, and holds positions in a cooperative group in the Freeport, the newly-formed SBMA Employees Association, and the Zambales chapter of the LGBT group Ladlad.

Dindo Dante Gonzaga is a production foreman at Delta Production Phils., where he teaches co-workers on how to improve their products.

Edwin Madayag, of Hitachi Group, has worked with the company since 1998 as machine operator with devotion and faithfulness.

Hazel Valera, of GrainPro Phils., where she worked for seven years and was promoted to Senior Manager for Supply Chain.

A SBMA Volunteer in 1992, who was also employed as Production Plant Operator by the SBMA Public Works Group until his absorption by the Subic Water and Sewerage Company, Richard Nicdao is a dedicated employee who serves beyond schedule.

Meanwhile, from being a lifeguard at the Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium since 2009, Romwel Pangilinan was promoted recently as officer-in-charge of safety events after showing his loyalty and dedication.

Another worker from Delta Production Philippines, PedroTadena Sr., was cited for sharing the skills and knowledge he learned from the company with his co-workers.

Lastly, Gomer Tolentino of Nicera Phils. started out as Electronics Design Engineer in 2001 and is now the Senior Product Manager of the firm. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Awardees of the 2014 Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers proudly display their trophies during the awards ceremony held at the Subic Bay Arts Center on Monday, November 24. The search is an annual project of the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. (AED/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic expands port, road for P11B

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority is expanding Subic port as well as build a new road that will directly connect to SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) for an estimated cost of P11 billion in preparation of a huge spill over from the Manila port three years from now.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto Garcia told reporters during an interview at the recent Manila Ports Summit that the expansion of the port could cost P7 billion while the new road at P4 billion.

“This expansion is immediate because the volume of cargoes going to Manila is expected to reach 6 million twenty-footer equivalent units (TEUs) in two to three years the existing 3 million TEUs at present,” he said. Of the 3 million TEUs, 15 percent of that comes from the northern and central Luzon areas, which could easily shift to Subic.

“We are in the process of updating an old study of the seaport so we can submit this proposal to NEDA and we can start this project immediately because it will take three years to build a new port and a road network,” Garcia said.

Garcia explained that the two ports in New Container Terminal 1 and 2, which are owned and operated by Subic ICTSI Inc., a unit of International Container Terminal Services Inc., have berthing capacity of 300,000 TEUs each or a combined capacity of 600,000 TEUs.

The current Subic port cargo volume is only 75,000 TEUs or at least 15 percent port capacity. But with 4 international shipping lines (SITC, APL, Wan Hai and NYK) now calling in Subic, they have opened the freeport to wider international coverage that includes China, Jàpan, Taiwan and Singapore.

“These four shipping lines are expected to boost cargo volume to 250,000 to 300,000 TEUs next year,” he said.

This means NCT 1 and 2 could increase their capacity utilization to 30 percent by next year already.

“If we don’t expand the port now, it might be too late when cargoes in Manila reach 6 M TEUs in three years,” he added. Subic and Batangas ports have been designated by the government as alternative Manila ports following the port congestion in Manila.

Garcia said they have already identified another 15-hectare lot for the new port. SBMA may bid out the new port, he said.

The other component in the SBMA plan is to construct a bypass road that will run through Bataan and into the SCTEX.

Garcia stressed that the current TIPO road is running out of capacity with 68 trucks an hour plying this Clark-Subic expressway.

‘So even if we don’t expand the port we still have to build this new road,” he added. It will be a 23-kilometer bypass road that will run through Bataan and into SCTEX.

“This is the long term solution to the Manila port congestion, but this can happen in the short term,” he said.

Meantime, Garcia said that SBMA revenues in the first ten months this year went up by 21 percent while operating revenues grew 42 percent. Combined with unrealized foreign exchange savings in 2013 and 2014, the freeport is expected to post 152 percent increase in net income this year over last year, which was already a record year.

Revenues this year could exceed the P2.5-billion target for the year. For 2015, Garcia expects revenues to reach P2.8 billion largely driven by higher port revenues.

SBMA is the 9th biggest government-owned and controlled corporation revenue contributor to the national coffers with P243 million in cash dividends to the government in 2013. (Bernie Magkilat, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
BUSY PORT – Hauling trucks and reach stackers move some of the container vans in Subic Bay Freeport at the New Container Terminal-1 in Subic Bay Freeport. Manila port has transferred most of its overstaying cargoes to Subic to help ease the port congestion felt in Manila. (Jonas Reyes)

http://www.mb.com.ph/subic-expands-port-road-for-p11b/

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10,000 workers needed in Subic Freeport

The Subic Bay Freeport is in need of more than 10,000 workers to help boost the investment here, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia announced during a press conference on Tuesday.

With the massive growth in port traffic and more orders being made to Freeport investors, he said the current number of workers here will not suffice.

He added that in ensuring fast processing of containers here, the SBMA needs to double its current number of cashiers.

The shipbuilding company Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines (HHIC-Phil) alone needs 10,000 more workers due to the influx of orders to build cargo vessels, said Garcia. (Jonas Reyes)

http://www.mb.com.ph/luzon-newsbits-for-november-27-2014/

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NYK line makes first port call in Subic

Japan-based Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) Line, one of the largest shipping companies in the world, made its first direct route to Port of Subic from Kaohsiung, joining other major shippers in using this free port as a more viable alternative to the congested Port of Manila.

NYK’s MV Jakarta Towers, a 688-gross tonnage Liberian-flagged cargo vessel, made its first port call at Subic on Saturday and docked at the New Container Terminal (NCT)-2 after sailing a day-and-a-half from Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

The cargo vessel unloaded about 110 container vans destined to consignees in Southern Luzon, including Toyota Motor (Phils.) Corp. in Santa Rosa, Laguna; Canon Business Machines (Phils.) Corp. inTanauan, Batangas; and parts of Metro Manila.

The ship also unloaded cargos for consignees in Central and Northern Luzon. These included Sumi Phils. WiringSystem Corp. at the Hermosa Ecozone Industrial Park in Bataan; International Wiring System (Phils.) at Luisita Industrial Park and Special Ecozone inTarlac; and Yokohama Tires at Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

The ship departed on the same day for the Port of Manila, and then later for Singapore after loading almost the same number of containers.

NYK Group National Sales, Marketing and Outports manager Mary Grace Golez said that the port call is part of the ad hoc operation of NYK in Subic and will serve as basis of assessment for opening a full operation here or have Subic only as an alternate port.

“It all depends on the outcome of the assessment after several port calls. But we hope everything would go well,”said Golez.

She added that should the assessment go well, the new route—Kaohsiung-Subic-Singapore—would open Port of Subic to major transshipment ports that connect to the rest of the world’s trade routes, especially in ASEAN countries, Africa, Europe, and North America.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority(SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia earlier announced that a number of shipping companies in Southeast Asia are starting to consider using the Port of Subic after experiencing long delays in unloading and loading of containerized cargos in Manila.

This was attributed to the congestion at the Port of Manila, which forced cargo vessels to wait off Manila Bay for at least a week before docking and unloading cargos.

Because of this, President Aquino through Executive Order 172, has classified the Port of Batangas and the New Container Terminal-2 in Subic as extensions of the Port of Manila.

Golez noted, however, that the Port of Batangas, which is nearer Manila, was already congested a month after the issuance of EO 172.

Golez also noted the overwhelming support extended by the SBMA to NYK, especially in working out the agreement for the new route to Subic.

Early this month, China-based SITC Container Lines (Phils.), Inc. also opened a direct route from Xiamen,China, to Subic with its container ship MV Sicilia making its maiden voyage to Subic and unloading 22 containers at NCT-2. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)


PHOTO:
A trailer truck hauls off a cargo container from MVJakarta Tower, a vessel chartered by the Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) Line for its first ad hoc call at the Port of Subic. MV Jakarta Tower, which will be used exclusively for NYK bookings, arrived at Subic’s New Container Terminal on Sunday, November 23. (AED/MPD-SBMA)

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ICTSI to expand capacity of its Subic terminal

As government hesitates to allow International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) to expand its Manila port operations, the company is seeking to expand its container terminal in Subic Bay, whose capacity utilization is increasing, as part of its strategy to “future-proof” its terminals.

Christian Gonzales, vice president and Asia Region head of ICTSI, told reporters in an interview that this is part of its five-year $300 million to $400-million Medium Term Development program.

Initially, the company has allocated $12 million for rubber-tire gantry (RTG) cranes for both Subic New Container Terminal-2 (NCT-2) and Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).

Gonzales said it is not yet certain how many RTGs will go to Subic, which has already six, and MICT as this will depend on market demand.

“We won’t be adding quay cranes in Subic because they have already four.

In Manila, we plan on adding two but that’s over 2 years depending on how we see the market developing,” he said.

Gonzalez noted that ICTSI’s strategy in its strategic expansion planning has always been to “future proof” its terminals. Subic has been designated by the government as alternative to Manila port in light of the ongoing port congestion.

While the additional equipment and capacities may only be a small portion of its overall MTD plan as there is no need to expand the pier but to continue with two berths for the big ships, Gonzales said they may also need to expand the port area in coordination with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

NCT-2 has a total of 13.16 hectare terminal Area; 14-hectare container yard; 280 meters quay; controlling depth of 13 meters; 6 truck lanes; 0.7 hectare truck holding area; and 60 ton weigh bridge.

He noted there are still available lots in Subic that they can expand into.

ICTSI has already discussed this plan with SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto Garcia who told them to possibly do it in stages.

“Chairman Garcia is very flexible, very aggressive. We are just making sure that Subic is ready to accommodate more traffic as much as possible,” he said.

According to Gonzalez, the capacity utilization of NCT-2 in Subic is expected to reach 21 percent by next year. NYK shipping line has their first call on Monday.

The government has been against further expansion of the Manila port, but Gonzalez said there has been some softening of government stance as they now allowed the expansion of berth 7.

Gonzalez explained there are two kinds of expansion, one is just expanding capacity to allow bigger but fewer ships to call and making the Manila port operations more efficient. The other type of expansion is where a player just wants to get a bigger market share.

Gonzalez does not want to divulge its market share in the Manila port but said that they understand the government’s move to promote Subic and Batangas.

He, however, stressed that the “promotion for Batangas and Subic should be done by getting industries to move there not by taking the cargo of somebody.”

Gonzalez even said that the shift of cargoes from the MICT to Subic following the port congestion and the designation of Subic and Batangas as alternative to Manila ports has been very small and just temporary.

Those that shifted permanently are those that are really from the nearby areas.

“It does not mean that while you have the port, the cargo volume will go to you,” he stressed. (Bernie Magkilat, Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/ictsi-to-expand-capacity-of-its-subic-terminal/

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Bright outlook for Subic all the way to 2016

The stability of the SBMA (Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority) and its unyielding performance, coupled with the current business in-flow in the Freeport will definitely create a strong economic surge in the Freeport Zone in 2015 and in 2016.

This was the prediction of Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) President Rose Baldeo during the Subic Bay Outlook Towards 2016 Economic Employment Summit held at the Olongapo City Convention Center last week.


The prediction Baldeo made was based on SBMA’s accomplishment of besting 2012’s net profit record of P824 million with last year’s P1.2-billion net profit, highest in the entire 21 years of existence.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia also stated that the agency’s gross revenue last year of P2.09 billion and the Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciation Amortization (EBITDA) of P992 million are the highest levels in the history of the SBMA.

Garcia also pointed out the increase in port traffic as this Subic Freeport became the alternative port for Manila, thanks to Executive Order 172. Garcia said that Subic’s cargo volume is expected to hit more than 70,000 TEUs this year from 38,000 TEUs last year.

Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) Line made its first direct call at the Subic Port to help solve the current concerns in Manila. According to NYK Manager Mary Grace Golez, the Subic call is marked by many firsts, opening more opportunities for Philippine shipping.

“This will be the first service in the Philippines to make a direct call from Japan to Subic, in addition to the regular Taiwan-Subic call. It will also be the first service to call from Subic to Singapore, a major transshipment port providing numerous connections to East Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, Australia and New Zealand ports,” she said.

Baldeo said, “Outlook-wise, we as locators and investors are beginning to feel the change of the business climate in the Subic Bay Freeport. Slowly and steadily, the SBMA has begun to adjust to the needs of its investors businesses.”

“But these positive outlooks require a great cooperation; we the locators see the need for an improved working relationship or partnership with the local governments, the educational institutions, the SBMA, and other concerned government agencies including the local businesses in the city and in the nearby provinces,” she said.

To help entice more shipping lines to use Subic, the SBMA cut its port fees starting October 1, even if this would result in losses of about $10 million to $15 million for the state agency. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
SUBIC SHIPPING SHAPES UP — A truck hauls off a cargo container from the ‘M/V Jakarta Tower,’ a cargo vessel chartered by the Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) Line, after docking at the NCT-1 of Subic Bay Freeport. The NYK Line made its first direct call at the Subic Port to help solve the current concerns in Manila.

http://www.mb.com.ph/bright-outlook-for-subic-all-the-way-to-2016/

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Subic Freeport land row far from over

A TRIAL court judge in Olongapo City is now in hot water after criminal and administrative complaints had been filed against him for stopping a construction project on a disputed 1-hectare property inside the Subic Freeport Zone.

Charged for violation of the Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act before the Ombudsman is Judge Richard Paradeza of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Olongapo City.

An administrative complaint was also filed against Paradeza before the Supreme Court (SC) for allegedly “knowingly rendering an unjust decision” based on Article 204 of the Revised Penal Code.

The cases were filed by Marianito B. Fernandez of the Subic Coastal Development Corp. (SCDC), through his legal counsel, Bonifacio Alentajan.

Fernandez also sought the immediate inhibition of Paradeza from handling the land-dispute case.

The cases were filed after Paradeza issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the construction of a manufacturing facility on the 1-hectare property by Japanese Cresc Inc., based on a petition by a former Zambales governor Vicente Magsaysay.

In filing the motion for inhibition, Fernandez said Paradeza had lost the “cold neutrality” of a judge, since he could no longer achieve justice from the court.

Fernandez asked that civil case 119-0-2014 and the case should be re-raffled to another branch of the RTC in Olongapo City for disposition.

The Japanese company had also echoed SCDC’s position, saying the TRO should not have been issued at all as it lacked merit and Magsaysay had no legal personality to file the case.

“We invested in Subic Freeport in response to the Aquino administration’s efforts to attract foreign investments to the country. But we are now having second thoughts about our investments here as we now find ourselves in a legal dispute that has jeopardized our business expansion and impaired our capability to meet global demand for our ink products,” Cresc said.

“This is not only a legal and business dispute. It will also have an adverse impact on the Aquino administration’s drive to attract more foreign investments,” Cresc added.

The case started in 2002, when the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) leased 16.5 hectares to SCDC, a private firm.

Magsaysay offered to assist SCDC in clearing the leased property, where it built the Moonbay Marina Resort.

In 2008 SCDC was shocked when Magsaysay demanded that he be given control of 1 hectare of the 16.5-hectare property as “payment” for his unsolicited help in clearing the leased property.

Since it doubted the legality of Magsaysay’s demand, SCDC referred the case to SBMA.

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was later signed by the SBMA, SCDC and Magsaysay’s Mobi, and Red Enterprises (MRE).

The 2008 MOA stipulated that SBMA would allow MRE to sublease the 1-hectare property if the Magsaysay-owned company would meet all of the SBMA’s terms and conditions within 30 days of the MOA signing.

The 2008 MOA also clearly provided that, at the event of the MRE’s failure to meet the MOA’s terms and conditions, and failure to secure a sublease from SBMA, the 1-hectare property would remain as a leasehold of SCDC.

As confirmed by SBMA Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs Randy Escolango, the 2008 MOA did not take effect because MRE failed to meet the MOA’s terms and it failed to secure a sublease from the SBMA for the property.

Not only did SBMA not issue MRE a sublease, SBMA also affirmed that legal control of the subject property never left SCDC, as SBMA continued collecting from SCDC all pertinent fees on it, such as base rent, sublease share and monthly billings.

Likewise, SBMA confirmed SCDC’s right over the disputed property and approved the survey plan, covering the one-hectare subleased by SCDC to Cresc in 2013.

The sublease between SCDC and Cresc was also deemed approved by SBMA when the latter approved Cresc’s development plans on the area, which allowed the Japanese company to undertake business expansion. (Joel R. San Juan, BusinessMirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/subic-freeport-land-row-far-from-over/

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Rich cultural exchange between Filipinos and Koreans in Subic

“South Korea and the Philippines have a long history together. South Korea’s political, economic and cultural ties with the Philippines are stronger than before.”

This was the statement made by Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines President Jin Kyu Ahn during the opening ceremony of the Korean Cultural Festival at the Redondo shipbuilding facility on Wednesday.

With the theme: “Hi Korea Anneong ASEAN,” the Korea Cultural Festival is in line with the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the relationship between South Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The celebration is a precursor to the two-day Korea-ASEAN Summit that will take place on December 11 in Busan, South Korea.

Ahn said that the evolving partnership between the Philippines and South Korea rests on a foundation of shared values and interests. He added that the vessels made by the company are a testament of the two countries’ ingenuity and hardwork.

Director for Korean Cultural Center Hon. Chung-Suk Oh and other Korean diplomatic officials who came to the event were welcomed by some 25,000 shipbuilding workers at the Redondo facility.

The Filipino workers were treated to a Korean traditional dance, as five beautiful Korean performers dressed in Hanbok gracefully danced onstage. A ballet dance was also showcased in the event.

Other highlights of the night were a balancing act, a traditional drum exhibition and a band performance by Korean artists. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
KOREAN HERITAGE – Dancers in colorful Korean Hanbok perform during the Korea Culture Festival at the Hanjin shipbuilding facility in Redondo Peninsula, Subic on Wednesday.

http://www.mb.com.ph/rich-cultural-exchange-between-filipinos-and-koreans-in-subic/

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Gov’t, private sector tackle port congestion on Nov 27

Government officials would meet next week with various stakeholders in the Port of Manila to update them on the ongoing efforts to ease the port congestion and other concerns, Communications secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said yesterday.

Coloma said the meeting had been set for November 27 at the Manila Diamond Hotel with some 300 people representing the government, port operators and the private stakeholders like the importers, exporters and truckers are expected to attend.

Coloma said Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras would represent the government including members of the Departments of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Transportation and Communications (DOTC), and Finance (DOF), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

The congestion of the Manila Port had worsened over the past months following the imposition of a truck ban by the Manila local government early this year.

This resulted in use of the Ports of Batangas and Subic as an alternate port to Manila, and release of cargoes on Sundays, among others. (Malaya Business Insight)

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/gov%E2%80%99t-private-sector-tackle-port-congestion-nov-27

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SBMA officials, staff spread early Christmas cheer

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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UK-based firm builds new PH plant

David Brown Gear Systems, a global United Kingdom-headquartered leader in gear engineering, has expanded its world wide presence with the establishment of a new facility in the Philippines.

On Thursday, David Brown opened its new industrial gearbox service and repair facility in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines.

Fully equipped with modern gearbox strip, condition assessment, repair, rebuild, assembly and test facilities, David Brown Gear Systems (Philippines) Inc. will repair and upgrade gearboxes in industrial applications including mines, power stations, cement and sugar processing plants as well as oil and gas facilities and marine vessels.

“David Brown works in industries where maximum process availability is critical and we are proud to be the only industrial gearbox OEM [original equipment manufacturer] operating a dedicated service center in the Philippines,” David Brown Asia general manager Scott Gilmour said in a statement.

“Our new service center in Subic Bay brings us even closer to our valued customers and is a major milestone in the company’s plan to deliver premium gear engineering expertise throughout Asia,” he added.

For his part, British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad said it is good to see another world-leading British company choosing the Philippines for its operations.

“Filipino businesses in industries such as mining, energy and construction will benefit from David Brown’s experience and expertise,” Ahmad said.

“With more than 150 years in the business, David Brown offers top-notch specialist transmission engineering and repair services and adheres to the highest global quality assurance standards,” he added.

Established in 1860, David Brown is a world-leader in gear engineering and service support working in core industries such as defense, oil & gas, mining and minerals processing. (MBM, Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/uk-based-firm-builds-new-ph-plant/

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20 emergency vehicles for Yolanda –devastated areas arrive in Subic

Twenty emergency vehicles from Japan intended for distribution in typhoon areas affected by Typhoon “Yolanda” in Tacloban, Leyte arrived at the Port of Subic on Tuesday.

The vehicles were among the shipment on board the Panama-registered M/V Ligulao, which docked at the former Naval Supply Depot (NSD) terminal here.

Mariko Watanabe, Third Secretary at the Economic Section of the Embassy of Japan, said that the vehicles, comprising 17 fire trucks and three ambulances, have a total value of US$202,760 or about P8.5 million.

Watanabe, who was here in Subic to personally supervise the unloading of the vehicles and their transfer to the conversion facility, said the vehicles which were funded through a Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

The vehicles, all right-hand drive, will be first converted into left-hand drive in Subic, which is said to be the only place in the country which the government of Japan certifies to meet the safety standards in converting RHD vehicles to LHD.

Watanabe said the vehicles are part of the “The Project for Providing Emergency Vehicles for the Typhoon-Affected Areas in the Philippines" signed by Chargés d'affaires to the Philippines Tetsuro Amano and Chief Superintendent Carlito Romero, the Bureau of Fire Protection’s director for plans and standard.

The donations are expected to help strengthen the capability of the Philippine National Police (PNP)and the Bureau of Fire (BFP) in responding to disasters and managing emergencies.

It is expected that the vehicles will be driven to their destinations in the Visayas on the second week of December after the necessary test drives here. The send-off ceremony to will be attended by the Ambassador of Japan and Philippine government officials.

Watanabe said that a group of at least 12 BFP personnel will be sent to Japan to undergo development and skill trainings for them to properly operate all the second-hand but modernly-equipped ambulances and fire trucks.

Meanwhile, Chairman Roberto Garcia of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was glad to note that Subic was chosen to be the offloading point for the emergency vehicles, saying that the least Subic could do in helping the Yolanda-devastated areas is to provide a facility for their unloading and conversion.

“At the same time, the skills and talents of workers in Subic are being recognized in the international level in motor conversion of right-hand drive to left-hand drive,” Garcia said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
A firetruck goes down the ramp of MV Ligulao, a Panamanian-registered vehicles-carrier ship, which unloaded emergency vehicles at the NSD Pier of the Subic Bay Freeport on Tuesday afternoon. A total of three ambulances and 17 firetrucks arrived in Subic as donation from the Japanese government to areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas. (AED)

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NYK opens direct routes to Subic Freeport

Another international shipping line has opened a direct route between this free port and the major ports of Japan and Singapore, joining a growing number of shippers that now call on Subic following its classification as an extension port of Manila.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto V. Garcia announced on Wednesday that Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) Line, one of the world's leading transportation companies, will open direct routes from Japan to Subic and from Subic to Singapore.

Garcia finalized an agreement for the new shipping route late last month with Capt. Chak Kwok Wai, chairman and managing director of the NYK Group; Ian T. Maambong, NYK sales manager for export; Dan Florentino, chief operating officer of the Transnational Diversified Group; and Tony Ramos, administrative officer of Subic Bay International Terminal Corp.

“The opening of NYK’s direct routes to Subic is intended to provide an alternative solution to the port congestion in Manila,” Garcia explained.

“NYK has stressed that it opened the routes as a contribution to help solve the current concerns in Manila and in response to the Philippine government’s request to decongest Manila ports,” Garcia added.

The NYK Group, which is based in Japan, is a comprehensive global-logistics enterprise offering ocean, land, and air transport services.

Under the agreement, NYK will be providing Subic discharge and load options for urgent cargoes, thereby helping to minimize their vessel’s overall port stay in Manila.

Garcia said that NYK will start an adhoc call at the Port of Subic using its 2,300-TEU capacity target vessel MV Jakarta Tower exclusively for NYK bookings. Jakarta Tower is scheduled to make its first Subic call on November 22.

Daniel Ventanilla, general manager of NYK Fil-Japan Shipping Corp., said in a message to Garcia that NYK’s new line to Subic is marked by many milestones.

“This will be the first service in the Philippines to make a direct call from Japan to Subic, in addition to the regular Taiwan-Subic call,” Ventanilla said.

“It will also be the first service to call from Subic to Singapore, a major transshipment port providing numerous connections to East Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, Australia and New Zealand ports,” he added.

The SBMA said earlier that the Southeast Asian shipping community is starting to notice the potentials of the Port of Subic as an ideal port to move and transship both containerized and bulk cargo shipments.
​
"With the entry of NYK, our port would virtually become a gateway to ASEAN, Africa, Europe, and North America," Garcia noted.

Last month, China-based SITC Container Lines Philippines, Inc. opened a direct route from Xiamen, China to Subic when its container ship MV Sicilia made its maiden voyage to Subic and unloaded 22 containers at the New Container Terminal (NCT) 2.

The cargoes included products from Guangxi, Sichuan and Shanghai, all in China, respectively for Orica Philippines in Limay, Bataan; Nestle Philippines Inc. in Cabuyao, Laguna; and Manila World Transport, Inc. in Metro Manila. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
NEW SHIPPING LINE: SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (left) meets with representatives of the NYK Group South Asia Pte Ltd. to discuss the potential of NYK Shipping Line calling on the Port of Subic. Present during the meeting are, from far left: Tony Ramos, admin officer of Subic Bay International Terminal Corp.; Ian T. Maambong, sales manager for export, NYK Group; Capt. Chak Kwok Wai, chairman and managing director, NYK Group; and Dan C. Florentino, chief operating officer, Transnational Diversified Group.

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Asian ports meet in Subic to strengthen regional integration

Leaders and delegates from eight major ports in Asia are meeting at the Port of Subic for the three-day 16th General Assembly and Symposium of the International Network of Affiliated Ports (INAP), which began Wednesday.

The delegates came from the INAP-member ports of Colombo in Sri Lanka, Mokpo New Port and Dangjin in South Korea, Tanjung Perak in Indonesia, Qingdao in China, and Subic and Cebu in the Philippines.

With the theme, “Opportunities of ASEAN Integration,” the gathering focuses on port innovations, as well as mutual opportunities for increased competitiveness, productivity, and cooperation.

The meeting also paved the way for outgoing INAP chairman Gov. Masanao Ozaki of the Kochi Prefecture in Japan to officially turn over the INAP leadership to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia.

As head of the host port, Garcia opened the conference, pointing out that the event is very important, not only for the Philippines, but also for all the ASEAN countries that rely on their ports for increased commerce.

“As with the theme, we should take advantage of the opportunities of ASEAN integration and explore the business opportunities each port and host city is ready to offer,” Garcia said.

Garcia added that the Port of Subic is eyeing a major role in Philippine shipping after President Aquino declared Subic and the Port of Batangas as extensions of the Port of Manila, which has long suffered from port congestion.

Presenting the Subic Bay Freeport’s role in the ASEAN Integration, SBMA OIC-deputy administrator for business and investment group Ronnie Yambao noted that the Subic Freeport is being utilized as a manufacturing base and logistics center by local and foreign investors from the region.

He added that Subic, along with other Asian ports, has joined the Asian Cruise Terminals Association (ACTA), which is considered a strategic move to attract major cruise ships plying the Asian tourism route.

“With these developments, the Port of Subic is playing key roles in the ASEAN integration by serving as transshipment hub in this part of the region,” Yambao added.

Meanwhile, Prof. Paolo Jamil Francisco of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) who talked about ASEAN integration, said that the concept is becoming accepted by ASEAN countries and is now being practiced by many investors and manufacturers.

Francisco cited as an example a popular car manufacturer, which produces parts in various ASEAN countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Francisco urged the attending INAP members to cooperate with the government, “co-opete” (compete-cooperate) with other firms, consolidate capabilities and strengths, and take advantage of the challenge.

“While competing with other firms, everyone must cooperate with them on how to improve their products, and meet the required materials and supplies,” he said.

Francisco’s statement was supported by Roberto Locsin, general manager of Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC), saying two Japanese companies are now shipping cargoes via Subic as a result of the congestion in the Port of Manila. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (middle) links arms with other leaders of the International Network of Affiliated Ports (INAP) in front of the iconic Spanish Gate during the opening of the 16th INAP General Assembly and Symposium at the Subic Bay Freeport.  The three-day conference will focus on port innovations and the promotion of competitiveness, productivity and regional cooperation. (AED)

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