Subic Grande Island Resort conducts underwater clean-up

Grande Island Resort, one of Subic Freeport's leading tourism players, recently held an underwater and coastal clean-up in the waters of Subic Bay as part of the international observance of Earth Day.

The volunteer divers were able to haul some 30 kilograms of non-biodegradable waste materials composed mostly of plastic wrappers.

Miss Subic Bay Tourism first runner-up Martina McKinsey also joined the volunteer divers in the recent clean-up as part of the pageant’s environmental advocacy.

According to Grande Island managing partner Thomas Garcia, who led the underwater clean-up, the resort conducts periodic clean-up of the beaches up to neighboring Chiquita Island.

He said that the resort’s diving program will incorporate clean-up of the seabed to maintain the balance of the island's marine ecosystem, which is one of the best in Subic Bay.

The island resort also plans to enhance underwater diversity by setting up a viable artificial reef system. Subic Bay is one of the dive sites closest to Metro Manila and is known for World War II shipwrecks and pockets of coral gardens.

Garcia noted that Grande Island's environmental and recreational activities will form part of its corporate social responsibility.

Formerly known as Fort Wint, a naval fortification during the American Occupation, Grande Island Resort is situated some kilometers off the Freeport at the mouth of Subic Bay. It offers a wide array of water sports and outdoor adventure activities such as horseback-riding, trekking, mountain biking and zip line.


PHOTOS:
[1] A volunteer diver holds a sackful of garbage collected from the bottom of the sea near Grande Island in the Subic Bay Freeport during an underwater clean-up.

[2] Volunteer divers, along with Miss Subic Bay Tourism first runner-up Martina McKinsey, show their collection of non-biodegradable waste materials hauled from the bottom of the sea during an underwater clean-up around Grande Island, a popular resort in Subic Bay Freeport.

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SBMA intensifies ‘climate change’ awareness campaign

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has intensified its grassroots information program to instill awareness of climate change and elicit positive response from communities around the Subic Bay Freeport.

The SBMA Ecology Center conducted a workshop-discussion at Sunset Cove Resort in Barangay Mabayo, a seaside village in Morong, Bataan.

The activity, which was attended by barangay officials, community elders, local police, and residents, was aimed at alleviating global warming from a micro-level point of view by spreading information top-down to make change more possible.

Previously, the SBMA team conducted similar seminars at the seaside community of Mabiga and the upland communities of Tipo, Bangal, and Pastolan in Hermosa, Bataan. These communities serve as buffer areas under the SBMA’s “social fencing” program.

The workshop-discussion tackled climate change adaptation, the importance of mangroves, forest fire prevention, and the SBMA’s social fencing program.

According to Environment Management Specialist Rhea Jane Pescador-Mallari, who explained how climate change affect small vulnerable communities, evident changes in global climate had been proven by tropical storms “Ondoy” and “Yolanda,” which devastated huge areas in the country.

“With global warming melting the polar ice caps, water levels rise and will affect coastal areas,” Mallari said, naming other foreseen problems.

She added that among the solutions suggested is monitoring the “carbon diet,” which is basically reducing the consumption of diverse products such as meat, electricity, and fuel for transportation, which all produce carbon gases that lead to global warming.

Mallari also explained the environmental benefits of planting mangrove trees, as these separate salt water from fresh water, serve as home for fish and shells, and act as natural wind breaks.

“Kung tayo ang dahilan ng problema, tayo din ang solusyon,” Mallari challenged the audience, citing how man has degraded his environment and caused his own problems.

Meanwhile, SBMA deputy fire chief Raul Zapanta gave the audience rudiment knowledge on forest fire prevention, starting off with the basic “fire triangle” of heat, fuel, and oxygen without which fire would not start.

Zapanta said that with Mabayo’s location near a forest, residents must be aware of ways to avoid forest fire. He also discussed how a “fire break” and “fire line” could help to prevent forest fire or stop its spread.

SBMA forester Patrick Escusa also discussed the agency’s social fencing program, a community-based forest management agreement that gives rights to those who are members of the program to stay in the land owned by SBMA.

Escusa explained that the program is for the mutual benefit of the SBMA and upland residents, as the occupants are tasked with guarding and caring for the trees and preventing the entry of illegal loggers and poachers.

The interactive workshop ended with an open forum during which community members were encouraged to speak their mind on the topics at hand and give suggestions.

While some Mabayo residents said that they were not aware of the changes in the local climate, more of the locals agreed that weather patterns have changed.

“Mas mahaba na ang tag-init at tag-ulan,” a local fisherman said. “Hindi na matimpla ang panahon, ‘di tulad nang dati.” (ADP/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
[1] SBMA Environment Management Specialist Rhea Jane Pescador-Mallari explains the dangers posed by climate change to residents of small coastal and upland communities, urging them to help protect the environment to avert further damage. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] SBMA Forester Patrick Escusa discusses the SBMA social fencing program, pointing out how upland residents could help guard and care for the forest and prevent the entry of illegal loggers and poachers. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, Lyceum-Subic sign new lease agreement

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Lyceum of Subic Bay (LSB) for the extension of the lease of school premises here for another 25 years.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia and LSB president and CEO Alfonso Borda signed the agreement at the LSB at the start of the month-long celebration of the school’s eleventh foundation anniversary.

The agreement grants LSB another 25-year lease of its present site, effective upon the expiry of its present contract in October 2015. The new agreement is renewable for another 25 years upon mutual consent of both parties.

Addressing officials and students who witnessed the event, Borda recalled that the school started out eleven years ago with just three rented spaces that served as classrooms.

“From three ‘carcass’ facilities, we have grown into a successful school complete with all the necessary facilities that our students need to have better education,” Borda said.

“For this, we are very thankful for the support of SBMA,” he added, noting that the new lease agreement is a testimony of the trust and confidence that the SBMA has bestowed upon Lyceum of Subic Bay as a partner in the provision of quality education for students and the labor force in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“To date, our population has increased to 1,500 students taking baccalaureate and TESDA-accredited courses such as travel management, auto-mechanic, hotel and restaurant management, among others,” Borda said.

He added that as part of the renewed lease agreement and to show gratitude for SBMA’s continuous support, Lyceum is opening up to 100 slots in the school’s scholarship program to students endorsed by the SBMA to attend any of the courses/programs offered by the school.

The signing of the new agreement was also witnessed by SBMA director Benjamin Antonio III, SBMA Deputy Administrator for Administration Fernando de Villa, SBMA Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs Randy Escolango, SBMA HRD manager Lilia Elizabeth Hinanay-Escusa, and top officials and administrators of the Lyceum of Subic Bay. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia (left) shakes hands with Alfonso Borda, President and CEO of Lyceum of Subic Bay, after signing a memorandum of agreement for the 25-year extension of the lease for the Lyceum campus in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Also in photo is SBMA Deputy Administrator for Administration Fernando De Villa, who served as one of the witnesses. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA names airport engineer Employee of the Year

An engineer in the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) was named 2014 Employee of the Year during the awarding ceremony held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on Thursday.

Engr. Aldrin Sadang, supervising airways communicator, who was also named Employee of the Year for the Aviation and Maritime Operations Group of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), emerged as the best candidate among the six finalists in this year’s search for the agency’s outstanding employees.

“I should admit that I was a bit stunned when I learned about my nomination. Immediately, I can only utter ‘Thank you, Lord’ because being nominated in a prestigious search like this is a big thing,” Sadang said during his acceptance speech.

“I am pleased to have received this award. To everyone, especially to our Chairman Roberto V. Garcia and the members of the Personnel Selection Board, thank you for your choice and for your trust in me. I will continue to do my best to justify your trust and contribute productively to SBIA and to SBMA as a whole,” he added.

Sadang, who has been working in SBIA since 1995, helped the agency in saving a hefty P41 million by restoring the 19-year old airport’s weather observation system (AWOS).

The MILOS 500 and MIDAS 600 environmental data collection system of the AWOS was declared “beyond economical repair and due for replacement” by its supplier, but was restored to usefulness because of Sadang’s ingenuity and persistence.

The other five finalists in the search for the SBMA Employee of the Year were: standards supervisor Czarina Fragata, planning officer Jaime Menor Jr., roads and bridges supervisor Engr. Edgar Reyes, head administrative officer Lourdes Edejer, and accounting specialist Regina Gloria. They were also named Employees of the Year for their respective strategic business units.

Fragata, representing the Business and Investment Group, was nominated for her effort in the implementation of the Environment and Tourism Administrative Fees (ETAF). The ETAF helped boost the agency’s revenue generation.

Menor of the Chairman and Administrator’s Group was instrumental in the agency’s qualification with the Performance-based Bonus (PBB) that employees benefitted from. He has also been constantly helping other departments with his technical skills in computer database and statistics.

Reyes, who represented the Public Services Group, was responsible for generating savings worth P484,100 for the first quarter of 2014 alone from initiatives like traffic signage fabrication, recycling of traffic barrier, and edge marking and line canal.

Edejer, of the Regulatory Group, serves as the head administrative officer for the Ecology Center and has provided clerical assistance during project implementations by her department. Ecology Center was one of the agency’s top performing departments in 2014.

Gloria, from the Support Services Group, facilitated the payment of reconciled accounts of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the National Power Corporation (NPC) amounting to almost P29 million.

SBMA Director Benjamin Antonio III lauded the all finalists, as well as the Employees of the Quarter on behalf of Chairman Roberto Garcia.

“It’s tough to work for an agency like the SBMA. We all know that SBMA is not your typical government agency whose concern is as vast as SBMA’s. We have an airport, we have a seaport; we take care of investors, we take care of our own infrastructure, and we don’t get subsidy from the national government, yet we even give back to the national government,” Antonio said.

“So working in SBMA is complex. Working in SBMA entails a certain type of persistence,” he added, stressing the dedication of the outstanding employees.

Now on its ninth year, the search for the SBMA Employee of the Year is a project of the SBMA Human Resources Management Department, in line with the Civil Service Commission’s PRAISE program, which is aimed at recognizing and rewarding exemplary services rendered by employees. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] Engr. Aldrin Sadang of the SBMA Aviation and Maritime Operations Group receives his trophy from Atty. Ramon Agregado, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services, while SBMA Director Benjamin Antonio III watches, after Sadang bested other finalists during the search for the 2014 Employee of the Year held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] Engr. Aldrin Sadang of the SBMA Aviation and Maritime Operations Group shows his 2014 Employee of the Year trophy during the awarding ceremony for the search for the SBMA 2014 Employee of the Year held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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USS Fort Worth restocks, refuels in Subic

The USS Fort Worth, the United States' Littoral Combat ship (LCS 3), stopped at Subic Bay last Monday, May 4 to resupply and refuel, the US Embassy in Manila said Tuesday.

It was the first stop in the Philippines for USS Fort Worth, on its maiden 16-month rotational deployment to support the Indo-Asia-Pacific Rebalance, the embassy said.

“While this is a brief visit for Fort Worth, the ship will return to the Philippines later this summer to participate in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2015 with the Republic of Philippines Navy,” said Cmdr. Matthew Kawas, Fort Worth Crew 103 commanding officer.

After the refueling, USS Fort Worth will continue its routine operations in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

USS Fort Worth is the second LCS to deploy to 7th Fleet as part of an initiative to deploy up to four LCS in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region by 2018, the embassy said.

It said the third and fourth LCS deployments are planned in 2016.

"Fast, agile and mission-focused, littoral combat ships are designed to operate in near-shore environments and employ modular mission packages that can be configured for surface warfare, mine countermeasures or anti-submarine warfare," the embassy said.

It added the Fort Worth will use surface warfare (SUW) mission package for its entire deployment, augmenting a 57mm gun and rolling airframe missile launcher with two 30mm guns, two 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boats, and two six-member maritime security boarding teams.

USS Fort Worth will also have an embarked aviation detachment from Helicopter Maritime Squadron (HSM) 35, the Navy's first composite expeditionary helicopter squadron, which consists of one MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and one MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aircraft system.

The Fire Scout complements the MH-60R by extending the HSM-35's range and endurance, enhancing maritime domain awareness.

CARAT exercises

Meanwhile, the embassy said USS Fort Worth will conduct routine patrols in the 7th Fleet area of operations before it returns to Singapore for the International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (IMDEX) 2015.

During the summer and fall, USS Fort Worth will take part in most of the 2015 CARAT exercise series.

CARAT is an annual series of bilateral exercises involving the US Navy, Marine Corps and the armed forces of nine partner nations including Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste. (Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News)

PHOTO:
USS Navy's Littoral Combat Ship USS Fort Worth. (Agence France-Presse)

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/482314/news/nation/uss-fort-worth-restocks-refuels-in-subic

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Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2015 pageant launched in Subic Freeport

Twenty beautiful and fabulous mothers and married women from all over the country who took their chance to be part of one of the country’s biggest pageants, the Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2015, were presented to the media on Wednesday at the Camayan Beach Resort and Hotel in Subic Bay Freeport.

National pageant director Morena Carla Cabrera-Quimpo said that this year's pageant candidates who selected from numerous hopefuls, embody the real strength of a Filipina mother.

“They represent a Filipina mother who is not confined by stereotypical notions, but rather a strong and bold individual who can fulfill her responsibilities as a mother and wife without compromising her own dreams,” Quimpo said.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto lauded the organizers for choosing Subic Bay as venue of one of the prestigious beauty pageants in the country.

“Subic is home to many beautiful things—we have the people, environment, the flora and fauna, and history—all these make Subic the preferred tourist destination among the best in Central Luzon,” Garcia said.

The official further noted that because of Subic’s natural attractions, it has become the home of various events, including the Century Tuna 5i50 and Iron Man international triathlons, as well as regular industry spectacles like the Advertising Summit.

Founded in 1996, the Mrs. Philippines-Globe pageant is touted as one of the biggest international beauty contests for married women, mothers and single mothers, recognizing them as movers of society, and a symbol of inspiration and beauty through their achievements, life stories and charitable causes.

“Not only that, the pageant celebrates beauty, goodwill, and tourism awareness through pageantry and competition; but more importantly, it promotes and supports the admirable strength of mothers by giving them a chance to step up, to reinvent and unleash their greater versions, and to communicate the deeper strength of every woman,” Quimpo noted.

This year, Mrs. Philippines-Globe’s set of lovely candidates include: Victoria Harnisch, Joana Krisanta La Madrid, Maria Aishelle Hwang, Sherry Lou Villaseñor, Yolanda Llamas, Joann Rosales, Jhunie Grace Lagman, Carina Guevara, Almira Zapanta, Maria Engracia Maniago, Jonalyn Agustin, Ruby Liboon, Jennifer Umali, Marilou Weir, Estrella Bobruk, Roscel Tala, Joe Ann Smith, Alodia Solis, Mary Ann Ternora and Grace Albonia.

The winner of Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2015 will receive up to P200,000 worth of prizes. She will also represent the Philippines in the prestigious Mrs. Globe 2016 World Finals at Shenzhen, China in November 2015.

Aside from the title of Mrs. Philippines-Globe itself, the candidates will also vie for the coveted Woman of Substance title alongside other special awards such as Achievement of the Year, Charity or Advocacy of the Year, Best Talent of the Year, Career Woman of the Year, Most Beautiful Face, Darling of the Press, Entrepreneur of the Year, Mrs. Body Beautiful, Most Elegant Woman/Designer of the Year, Personality of the Year, Husband of the Year, Calchews Supermodel Mom and Solane Mother of the Year.

The Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2015 coronation night will take place on June 20, 2015 at the Subic Bay Convention Center. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Candidates vying for Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2015 were presented during the pageant's press launch (photo from Mrs. Philippines-Globe Facebook page)

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Subic Freeport workers run, sing and dance to celebrate Labor Day

Members of the Subic Bay Freeport work force joined workers and employees worldwide in celebrating Labor Day (May 1) with fun, music, and dance in the annual Freeport Games and Sports Festival held at the Harbor Point Activity Center here.

The celebration kicked off with a 3-kilometer fun run joined in by more than 750 runners from 33 Freeport-listed companies.

This was followed by a singing contest, a dance competition, and the Search for Ms. Freeport Games and Sports 2015.

Daisy Princesa of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Labor Department said the event drew participants from various departments of the SBMA, as well as from business locators in Subic.

“We are happy that despite the fact that it’s a holiday and they could be enjoying a long weekend vacation with friends and families, they opted to participate in this once a year Labor Day celebration,” Princesa said.

Maricel Maturbo of Koryo Phils. was among those who participated in the fun run. She crossed the finish line with her two-year old daughter Olivia Mae on a stroller.

“It was so exciting joining your co-workers in celebrating Labor Day this way. At least, we promote friendship and we feel that our company and the SBMA are acknowledging our contributions to our country,” Maturbo added.

Officials of the SBMA Labor Department, which organized the celebration, said that some 3,000 job hunters were also expected to flock to a job fair that would offer jobseekers with more than a thousand job opportunities at various companies inside the Freeport area.

The jobs fair is a regular part of the annual Labor Day celebration in this free port, and attracts applicants from the neighboring provinces of Zambales, Bataan, and Pampanga, as well as Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia earlier said that the Freeport’s workforce now number 97,000, with the 1,324 local and foreign companies in the Freeport that invested a combined amount of US$9.1 billion.

“Subic is now one of the major contributors to country’s improving economy and this is because of the professionalism and skills and expertise of the local manpower that are very important in business operations,” Garcia also said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
LABOR DAY FUN RUN: Workers from various business locators in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone join a fun run in celebration of Labor Day. Aside from this activity, the SBMA Labor Department also organized song and dance contests, muse competition for the workers, and a jobs fair at the Ayala Harbor Point Mall. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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ICTSI-SBMA cargo processing cut to 4 hours

Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC), together with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), have moved their offices under one roof to speed up cargo processing, an SBITC official said.

SBITC General Manager Roberto Locsin said port users could expect fast and smooth processing of their cargo as the three offices have adopted a one-stop-shop (OSS) system.

“Through the OSS, what we want to achieve is a seamless flow of transactions to the benefit of our customers,” Locsin said.

The OSS eliminates the need for port users to go to different locations within the Freeport zone for various transactions.

Average processing time has been reduced to four hours provided that pertinent document requirements are complete. Previously, port users spend up to one day to complete processing of their documents.

“Just imagine the convenience: out of the 16 steps before you get your container out of the terminal, 14 of them can be processed in the OSS facility,” Locsin said.

The OSS is part of SBITC’s initiative to lure potential customers to Subic. With its competitive rates compared with other ports in Luzon, Subic also offers flexibility, reliability and convenience.

With the BOC and SBMA under one roof, coordination has become relatively easier resulting in faster resolution of issues.

Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras led the launching of the OSS together with SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia and SBITC general manager Roberto Locsin.

Located inside the New Container Terminal 1, the OSS is next to the administration offices of SBITC and several satellite offices of shipping lines.

“After taking a good first step towards improving things here in Subic, the next step is to get the word out and get more customers to come to us,” Locsin said. (Rosalie C. Periabras, Manila Times)

http://www.manilatimes.net/ictsi-sbma-cargo-processing-cut-to-4-hours/180028/

PHOTO:
Cabinet Secretary Jose Almendras (left) and SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia officially open the One-Stop-Shop with SBITC general manager Roberto Locsin, SBMA Deputy Administrator Mar Sanqui and other port officials at the New Container Terminal-1 in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Zambales tops 2014 ICC volunteer turnout

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Zambales has been commended by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Philippines as the province with the most number of volunteers who participated in the 2014 coastal cleanup project.

In an awarding ceremony held during the 45th Earth Day celebration last April 22, Commodore Gerry Reyes, director for marine environmental protection of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), said that Zambales turned out a total of 55,151 volunteers who joined the September 27 coastal cleanup last year.

This number was almost double the 30,000-participant target set by officials of the2014 International Coastal Cleanup-Zambales (ICC-Zambales), after the 27,000 turnout set in 2013.

The coastal cleanup project was held in more than 100 sites spread out across Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo City, and along the length of the Zambales coast.

In the April 22 ceremony, Reyes, assisted by RAdm Valentin Prieto Jr. and Commodore Salvador Tiangco Jr., both of the PCGA, presented the citation to 2014 International Coastal Cleanup-Zambales (ICCZ) officials led by Zambales Vice Gov. Ramon Lacbain II, Lighthouse Marina Resort Legacy Foundation director Zedrik Avecilla, and Ayala Harbor Point Mall general manager Derrick Manuel.

Reyes noted that the ICC-Zambales came out with a heavy turnout despite the postponement of the project from September 20 to September 27 due to Typhoon Mario, which caused heavy flooding in large areas in Metro Manila, as well as parts of Zambales on September 19.

In the 2013 cleanup, ICC-Zambales came up with 27,000, the second biggest number of volunteers in the whole country. The Philippines itself, with a total of 182,408 volunteers, also had the second biggest number of participants among all the countries that joined the ICC in 2013.

The Zambales group began joining the ICC in 2007 when 30 volunteer-employees from The Lighthouse Marina Resort in the free port participated in the global event.

Since then, the number of participants in ICC-Zambales has astronomically grown to 800 volunteers in 2009, 2,000 participants in 2010, 4,000 in 2011, 14,000 in 2012, and 27,000 in 2013.

The ICC, an environmental event that is now celebrated every 3rd Saturday of September by volunteers from 92 countries and locations around the world, is being hailed as an effective project to raise awareness in environmental protection and to mobilize citizen action to effect changes toward this purpose.

Through the data collected from the annual cleanup, innovations have been made to develop materials, manufacturing processes and products that will interrupt the cycle of pollution. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
2014 International Coastal Cleanup-Zambales (ICCZ) officials led by Zambales Vice Gov. Ramon Lacbain II Zedrik Avecilla and Derrick Manuel, along with SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, receive recognition from Commodore Gerry Reyes and other PCGA officials for coming up with the biggest number of volunteers for the 2014 cleanup project. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Port sustains 3-year growth momentum

Following the well-attended 2nd Subic Bay Maritime Conference and Exhibition last week, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia announced yesterday that the Port of Subic has kept up its growth momentum that began in 2012, on to the first quarter of the current year.

“For the past three years, the Port of Subic has continued to register positively in terms of revenues, gross registered tonnage (GRT), number of ship calls, and non-containerized and containerized cargos,” Garcia reported.

In 2011, annual port revenues were recorded at P371 million, which by 2014 had ballooned to P908 million, or a total growth of 126 per cent. Additionally, ship calls increased from 1,803 in 2011 to 2,591 in 2014, indicating a growth of 15 per cent.

Garcia added that the port’s GRT was only 14 million in 2011, but expanded to 40 million last year, growing by 186 per cent during the three-year period.

“Our port also enjoyed similar growth in terms of containerized cargo, which grew from 27,671 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), in 2011 to 77,177 TEUs by 2014, reflecting a 60 per cent growth. Non-containerized cargo volume also experienced a three-year build-up of 136 per cent, from 2.6 million metric tons in 2011 to 6.1 million metric tons in 2014,” he noted.

Garcia said that SBMA is anticipating further growth, given the positive outlook for the country’s economy. This optimism seems to be bearing out, as the Subic Port’s year-on-year performance for the first quarter of 2015 shows the same uptrend it has enjoyed in the past three years.

“Our port revenue has increased by 20 per cent, GRT by 12 per cent, non-containerized cargo by 15 per cent, containerized cargo by 28 per cent, and ship calls by 18 per cent,” he detailed.

According to Garcia, the entry of more domestic and foreign vessels that call regularly on the Subic has vastly improved the port’s connectivity to the world.

“We now have NYK Line, SITC, Maersk Line, APL, and Wan Hai vessels plying to and from major Asian ports like Kaohsiung, Tanjung, Singapore, Busan, Xiamen, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh, Shanghai, and Surabaya, among others; as well as to and from Japanese ports such as Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Chiba, and Kobe,” Garcia said.

Garcia also noted that the Subic Port successfully managed to accommodate the sudden surge in container shipments at the height of the Manila congestion last year, proving its capacity and readiness to handle volume shipments.

“This year we aspire to hit a target volume of 120,000 TEUs, or 20 per cent of the 600,000-TEU combined annual capacity of the port’s New Container Terminals 1 and 2, in line with our vision to make this Freeport the premier logistics hub north of Metro Manila,” Garcia revealed. (KMF/CorComm-SBMA)

Photo: The New Container Terminal 1 (NCT1) at the Port of Subic at night

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More shippers now prefer Subic port

More shipping companies and port users in Central and Northern Luzon are now preferring to use the Port of Subic as transshipment hub because of easy access and lower cost.

The shippers lauded the advantages of the Subic port during the 2nd Subic Bay Maritime Conference and Exhibit, which was held here on Friday with no less than 500 delegates from shipping firms, trucking and forwarding consortia, customs brokers, import/export-related corporations, and other port users from Metro Manila, Central and Northern Luzon, as well as Southern Luzon.
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The conference, with the theme “Subic Bay: Your Gateway to Central and Northern Luzon,” was organized by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in cooperation with Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC).

Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, who was keynote speaker in the event, said that “Most people are moving north and the number is up tremendously.”

Almendras, who is also head of the Cabinet Cluster on Port Decongestion, noted the successful transformation of Subic from a mere seaport with well-maintained facilities into an international seaport hub and the role it played at the height of the port congestion crisis and truck ban in Manila.

“The important part of the success in moving resources is the port. And when we turned to Subic in those times of crisis, there is no way turning back,” he said.

He said that delays in processing goods in Manila during the crisis had made companies turn to Subic in order to ship their replenishment stocks in less than two weeks.

Meanwhile, Vincent Gottman, operations manager of Hansa Creation, said that since they started using the Port of Subic for shipping in raw materials and transporting finished products to a factory in Manila, they never encountered a single problem.

“Since using Subic, our deliveries always arrived on time,” said Gottman whose company based in the Clark Special Economic Zone supplies toys to many zoos and wild parks worldwide.

He added that the government should tell stakeholders in the shipping industry about the changes that the Port of Subic underwent to provide better services, and to convince more companies to use Subic for their export and import operations.

For his part, Gary Algodon, the procurement manager of San Miguel Brewery, told delegates that as of 2014 San Miguel Brewery’s port operations had moved its transshipment to Subic because of the ease in moving goods in and out of the container yard.

“There was no problem that we encountered in transporting our shipments. Instead, we have a bonus from Subic and that is cost-saving,” Algodon said.

He noted that using Subic is more economical because of its easy access to Northern Luzon, adding that the company is now moving 80% of its product supply in Luzon, with only 20% contracted to Manila.

“Hopefully, this year, we can make that 100%,” he added.

For Anthony Eugenio, operations manager of Atlas Brokerage and Express Padala, Inc., using the port of Subic for receiving “Balikbayan” boxes from the United States has the same cost as in Manila—“Except that in Subic there is no problem about traffic and the threat of port congestion that might put the company’s service to test.”

Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PECI) in Region III president Cris Venzon, who spoke in behalf of his group, announced that PECI is supporting the initiatives of SBMA in improving the Port of Subic.

“We want to ship out (our products) through Subic,” Venzon said, adding that doing so will save them time and the cost of transportations compared to using Manila ports.

He explained that from anywhere in Central Luzon, Subic is accessible through major road networks, which are now undergoing widening and improvement to address the imminent increase of trucks and forwarders plying to Subic from various origins in the region.

For his part, SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said that the continuous improvement of the Port of Subic has already resulted in the entry of four more shipping lines.

Garcia said that the Japan-based Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) Line, one of the largest shipping companies in the world, made its first direct route to the Port of Subic from Kaohsiung, Taipei in November last year with its MV Jakarta Towers.

China-based SITC Container Lines (Phils.), Inc. has also opened a direct route from Xiamen, China to Subic.

Maersk Line, listed among the largest container shipping companies in the world, brought to this premier free port the first good news for 2015, as MV Stadt Dresden marked its maiden voyage—a direct route from Singapore to Subic.

“Subic, today, is the most preferred and most competitive gateway to Central Luzon and Northern Luzon with its newly opened One-Stop-Shop Center at the New Container Terminal 1 that can connect shippers to the SBMA-Bureau of Customs and SBITC for faster transactions,” Garcia also told the conference delegates.(RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
[1] Cabinet Secretary Jose Almendras (left) and SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia prepare to cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the One-Stop-Shop at the New Container Terminal-1 to fast-track port transactions inside Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] Cabinet Secretary Jose Almendras (left) and SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia officially open the One-Stop-Shop with SBITC general manager Roberto Locsin, SBMA Deputy Administrator Mar Sanqui and other port officials at the New Container Terminal-1 in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic ready to serve as major port

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—A Cabinet member said this free port is ready to serve as an alternative facility for international shipping companies to help decongest the Port of Manila.

“Subic Bay has so much potential because of its existing port, infrastructure, roads and electricity,” said Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, who heads the Cabinet cluster on port congestion.

He said the free port was ready to become a transshipment hub for foreign cargo.

“Subic will become more accessible with the exciting new developments in Central and northern Luzon,” Almendras told the Second Subic Bay Maritime Conference and Exhibit here on Friday.

He said the North Luzon Expressway, the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway hastened travel time for trucks carrying cargo to and from this free port.

“Congestion is a reality in mega cities all over the world. The solution is to decongest the cities and this will open an opportunity for Subic,” Almendras said.

He said the government had to add port capacity elsewhere outside Metro Manila.

In a position paper presented during the conference, business groups in Central Luzon endorsed a co-loading bill, which would open interisland shipping to foreign vessels.

“The passage of the bill into law will broaden the market of the Subic free port outside Luzon,” they said.

The position paper was signed by the presidents of various chambers of commerce, exporters and investors in Pampanga and this port. (Allan Macatuno, Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/687749/subic-ready-to-serve-as-major-port#ixzz3YT9udLql

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Canadian former ice hockey player is fastest man at Asian Triathlon Cup in Subic

A former ice hockey player from Canada was the fastest man in the 2015 ASTC Asian Triathlon Cup held at the Subic Freeport on Sunday.

Racing in the Philippines for the first time, Tyler Mislawchuk crossed the finish line in one hour 47 minutes and 56 seconds to rule the men’s standard elite race, 20 seconds ahead of Daniel Coleman of Australia who was just ahead of another Canadian, Alexis Lepage.

The 20-year-old Manitoba native swam through a school of jellyfish in the warm waters off Malawaan then built a huge gap in the bike stage - enough to hold off his closest pursuers with a blazing finish in the last two kilometers.

“The run part was the most difficult. I struggled through the first half with stomach pains – I might have taken too much liquids during the bike—but I was able to get my breathing down and digest a bit and was able to get back in the second half,” said Milawchuk, whose runner’s build of 1.7 meters and 125 lbs prompted him to shift from competitive hockey to triathlon four years ago.

Japan’s Chika Sato retained her women’s elite title with a time of 2:26:30 despite being stung by a jellyfish on her left leg in the swim course. Taking the silver medal was Hideko Kikuchi while Australia’s Laura Dennis earned the bronze.

The 29-year old-Sato came second out of the water and managed to maintain her positioning in the bike part before making a move in the run portion by using her knowledge of Subic’s streets and corners.

Japan's Chika Sato crosses the finish line to win the ASTC Asian Cup 2015 gold medal in the Women's Elite.

Japan's Chika Sato crosses the finish line to win the ASTC Asian Cup 2015 gold medal in the Women's Elite.

A total of 66 international elite athletes took part in the annual race on a standard race course covering a 1.5km swim-40km bike-10km run that also serves a qualifying event. The ITU-sanctioned event also had sprint and mini-sprint distances.

Olongapo’s John Leerams Chicano and recently arrived Fil-Am Kim Kilgroe led the Filipino effort in the absence of several members of the national team who are currently training overseas for the upcoming Southeast Asian Games.

SPIN.ph is a media partner of the event sponsored by New Balance, Standard Insurance, Gatorade, Century Tuna, Harbor Point, Ayala Malls, Asian Centre for Insulation, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department, Subic Traveler’s Hotel, East West Building Technology, Inc., Resort’s World Manila, Camayan Resort, Ocean Adventure, The Lighthouse Marina Resort, Seafood Island, Magaul Bird Park at Jestcamp, OGIO, PTT, StatMed, Omega Pro, 2Go Express, RaceDay, Kikay Runner, SBR.ph, Multisport, PinoyFitness.com, Travelife Magazine and XPS TV. (Rhoel V Fernandez, Spin.Ph)

PHOTOS:

[1] Canada's Tyler Mislawchuk was the fastest man in Subic during the 2015 ASTC Asian Triathlon Cup. (Dante Peralta)


[2] Japan's Chika Sato crosses the finish line to win the ASTC Asian Cup 2015 gold medal in the Women's Elite.


Read more at http://www.spin.ph/multi-sport-events/news/2015-astc-asian-triathlon-cup-subic-tyler-mislawchuk-chika-sato-john-chicano-kim-kilgroe#OPEdsf47drtRHDsV.99

Follow the writer on Twitter: @rhoelfernandez

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SBMA extends lease of Lyceum Subic

[1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia (left) shakes hands with Alfonso Borda, President and CEO of Lyceum of Subic Bay, after signing a memorandum of agreement for the 25-year extension of the lease for the Lyceum campus in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Also in photo is SBMA Deputy Administrator for Administration Fernando De Villa, who served as one of the witnesses.

[2] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia (2nd from left) signs a memorandum of agreement with Alfonso Borda, President and CEO of Lyceum of Subic Bay, for the 25-year extension of the lease for the Lyceum campus in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Serving as witnesses to the agreement are SBMA Director Benjamin Antonio (left) and SBMA Deputy Administrator for Administration Fernando De Villa.

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Young Pinoy triathletes shine in Subic

Brent Velalo led a 1-2-3 finish in the male 13 to 15 years old even as their female counterparts took two more medals on the day of the young triathletes who gave host Philippines a good start in the 2015 ASTC Asian Triathlon Cup yesterday at the Malawaan Park inside Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Hong Kong triathletes also made their presence felt by sweeping the male and female Junior Elite titles in this event organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and sanctioned by the Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC) and International Triathlon Union (ITU).

Valelo, 14, negotiated the 400m swim, 12km swim and 3km mini-sprint distance in 46 minutes flat as he defeated compatriots Fredric Albert “Yuan” Chiongbian (46:12) and Bambam Manglicmot (47:10) for the gold medal.

A total of 20 triathletes saw action in the male division that included two Malaysians, and Valelo’s victory over Chiongbian ended strings of defeats he suffered to the Cebuano triathlete.

Chiongbian first two wins came in the 2013 Subic Bay-Asian Triathlon Championship and in last year’s Batang Pinoy Finals.

“I’m happy because I was really determined to get back at him. I did very well from start to finish although I really need to put more effort in the swim,” said Valelo who won despite finishing sixth in the swim leg.

He made his move in the bike race as he and Chiongbian formed the lead pack heading into the run leg. Velalo however had more gas left in his tank as he slowly pulled away in the final kilometer for a solo finish.

Batang Pinoy champion Nicole Eijansantos (50:09) and Sam McInnes (51:39) settled for the silver and bronze medals in the girls division that was ruled by Bailee Brianna Brown from Hong Kong (48:52).

Yu Hang Kok, meanwhile, won his first gold medal after three trips in the country as he joined Camden Ritcher who successfully retained her title in the Junior Elite in this event.

The race set at the sprint distance (750m swim, 20k bike, 5k run) and Yu timed at 56:54 to edged compatriots Michael Lam (56:55) and
Oscar Coggins (57:49).

Richter clocked at 1:05:38 to win over teammate Cheuk Yi Hung (1:06:55) and Yu Yan Huang from Chinese Taipei (1:07:27).

Edward Jared Macalalad and YOG representative Vicky Deldio emerged the best placed local triathletes in this category with a fifth and fourth place . (The Daily Tribune)

http://www.tribune.net.ph/sports/young-pinoy-triathletes-shine-in-subic

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All is set for the 2nd Subic Maritime Conference

The 2nd Subic Bay Maritime Conference and Exhibit will open here tomorrow (Friday), April 24, with about 500 delegates expected at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center here.

With the theme “Subic Bay: Your Gateway to Central and Northern Luzon,” the conference is organized by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in cooperation with the Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC) to promote Subic as a major port in the region.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the maritime conference will provide delegates comprehensive updates on the Freeport's “exciting prospects as a booming logistics hub and investments destination in Asia.”

He said that Subic Freeport, with its strategic location complemented by enhanced port facilities and infrastructure, “is now well-positioned to become the logistics hub north of Metro Manila.”

He pointed out that the Port of Subic handled more than the 77,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, which meant a 105% increase from the 37,400 TEUs processed in 2013.

“This year we aspire to hit a target volume of 120,000 TEUs, or 20% of the 600,000-TEU combined annual capacity of the port’s New Container Terminals 1 and 2,” Garcia added.

The one-day conference is expected to draw participants from shipping lines, logistics and supply chain firms, importers and exporters, manufacturers, as well as national and local government units and agencies, and other stakeholders in the maritime industry.

Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras will be the keynote speaker in the conference.

Other speakers and panelists include Chairman Garcia, SBITC general manager Roberto Locsin, SBITC vice chairman Francisco Delgado IV, USAID Compete Chief of Party Dr. Enrico Basilio, and Bases Conversion Development Authority president and CEO Att. Arnel Casanova.

Organizers said that Almendras and other speakers will provide insights on business opportunities arising in Northern Luzon with all the investments and planning that the government is putting into the area.

Among topics lined up are the latest processing improvements at the port, the Subic One-Stop Shop which will consolidate into one location all offices related to shipping through Subic port, and updates on new terminal equipment installed.

There will also be status reports on proposed development projects such as the construction of the New Container Terminals (NCT) 3 and 4, the Tipo Road expansion, and the planned Subic-Clark Corridor and Clark Green City.

Garcia said that the conference is an expression of SBMA’s optimism over the prospects of Subic as a maritime logistics hub.

He added that the SBMA is making administrative changes to fast-track import and export processing and simplify accreditation to encourage customs brokers, freight forwarders, and truckers to service the port. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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In celebration of Earth Day: SBMA urges locators, residents to cut carbon footprint

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is urging business locators and residents in this free port to reduce their carbon footprint and undertake commitments to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.

SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia said the agency, through its Ecology Center, will electronically send out to all SBMA offices and locators a Carbon Footprint Calculator from the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) website for them to be able to assess their own environmental footprint.

A carbon footprint is the measure of carbon dioxide which is one of the many greenhouse gases (GHGs) produced by a business, society or individual.

A process called carbon accounting measures the amount of carbon dioxide equivalents emitted by an entity and is used, among other things, by nation states, corporations, and individuals to create the carbon credit commodity traded in carbon markets.

Garcia said this project is part of the agency’s program in observance of the Earth Day celebration today, April 22.

This year's Earth Day global theme is “It’s Our Turn to Lead,” which is aimed at seeking commitments from global leaders, businesses, and citizens to pledge “Acts of Green” and to make commitments for meaningful change.

In the spirit of this global call, Garcia said the SBMA is enjoining individuals and companies in Subic “to undertake commitments for a meaningful change by computing and cutting down their carbon or environmental footprints.”

“Earth Day or not, we must all do our share in protecting our environment. So we also urge everybody to make Earth Day an everyday event in our lives,” Garcia added.

Meanwhile, the SBMA Tourism Department said that tourism-related locators in the free port have banded together to organize week-long activities in observance of Earth Day.

Subic Bay's Earth Week 2015 began April 18 with the Summer Xtreme Beach Party at the Moonbay beach, to be followed by a beach clean-up at The Lighthouse Marina Resort beachfront on April 22; yoga and healthy cooking demonstration on April 23; horseback riding, kayaking, and paddle boarding on the 24th; and a beach party at the Moonbay Marina beach on the 25th.

Earth Week 2015 is presented by The Lighthouse Marina Resort Legacy Foundation and the Subic Bay Hotels, Attractions and Tourism Stakeholders Visitors Board in cooperation with IYFR Subic Bay Fleet, Rotary Club of Subic Bay, and Rotary Club of Subic Pearl.

The project is supported by SBMA, Olongapo City, Province of Zambales, Subic Bay Chamber of Commerce, Department Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, Earth Day Network, Leave No Trace, and Zero Carbon Resorts. (RBB/MPD-SBMA)

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Slide fest in Subic Bay

LONGEST SLIDE. Visitors enjoy the 1,000-foot slide ride at the Slide Festival which opened on Saturday, April 18, at the Subic Bay Freeport.  Organizers of the event attempted to make it to the Guinness Book of World Records by billing the facility as the longest slide ride. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Almendras to keynote 2nd Maritime Conference in Subic Bay

Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras leads a group of government officials and industry movers who will give talks about the rise of Subic Bay as the country’s foremost logistics hub in Northern Luzon.

Almendras will be the keynote speaker at the 2^nd Subic Bay Maritime Conference & Exhibit, to be held on April 24, 2015 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Themed “Subic Bay: Your Gateway to Central and Northern Luzon,” the conference is being organized by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in cooperation with Subic Bay International Terminal Corp.

Almendras and the other speakers, including SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, will provide insights on business opportunities arising in Northern Luzon with all the investments and planning that the government is putting into the area.

They will also share updates on infrastructure development projects for the emerging Subic-Clark Corridor, a growth area that is expected to improve the economy of Luzon region and create more jobs for local residents.

Meanwhile, Northern Luzon shippers intend to present to Secretary Almendras during the event a position paper calling for the further development of Subic Bay Freeport to decongest Manila and “serve its true purpose as a catalyst of economic growth” for the regions north of Metro Manila.

Almendras is also the chairman of the Cabinet Cluster on Port Decongestion, which successfully worked in cooperation with government agencies and private stakeholders to implement measures easing road traffic and port congestion in the City of Manila.

One of these measures is to designate Subic and Batangas as extensions of the Port of Manila in order to encourage ships to divert their shipments to these outer ports.

The position paper points out that the Subic Bay Freeport ably demonstrated its capability to handle volume cargo shipments during the Manila port congestion. It further urges the administration to use the momentum to promote Subic as an alternative container terminal to Manila for shippers located in Central and Northern Luzon.

The Subic Bay Maritime Conference & Exhibit is expected to attract some 300 Freeport zone locators, logistics and supply chain executives, import and export managers, manufacturers, shipping line executives, key national and local government officials, and other stakeholders.

For more information, please call event manager PortCalls at (02) 569 2562, 232 8393, 232 5029 or (0917) 5555 273. You may also email info@portcalls.com.

http://www.portcalls.com/almendras-keynote-speaker-at-2nd-subic-bay-maritime-conference/#

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Subic shipyard to build world’s largest vessels

HANJIN HEAVY Industries and Construction Philippines Inc., operator of the biggest shipyard in the country, secured a contract from a European company to build three of what would be the world’s largest container vessels.

According to the Korean shipbuilder, its shipyard in Subic, Zambales, will be building three 20,600 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEUs) container ships for CMA CGM, the biggest shipping company in France, and the third largest in the world.

“Signing a contract to build 20,000 TEU-level ultra large container ships with CMA CGM … confirms the world-class shipbuilding technology and capability of HHIC (Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Holdings),” the company said in a statement.

The company hopes to start delivering the container ships from the Subic shipyard by the second half of 2017.

According to HHIC, the Hanjin Subic shipyard is capable of building two 20,000-TEU container ships at the same time.

In response to the clients’ requests however, HHIC will reinforced the hull structure, such as fatigue design life, to build 26,000-TEU container ships.

The company has likewise focused on the improvement of environment-friendly performances, including the installation of the latest high-efficiency engine, propeller design and development of an energy-saving system.

According to Hanjin, the order from CMA CGM will be an ultra-large container vessel measuring 400 meters in length, 59 meters in breadth and 33 meters in depth. It will be capable of carrying 20,600 20-foot containers.

The deck alone is as large as four football fields. If the loaded containers were to be lined up end-to-end, these would span about 126 kilometers, Hanjin said. (Amy R. Remo, Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/190462/subic-shipyard-to-build-worlds-largest-vessels#ixzz3XozmvKIR
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Olongapo gets P60M heavy equipment to boost anti-flood program

OLONGAPO CITY - Six brand new heavy equipment worth P60M arrived here last week to help boost the city’s desilting program after it was heavily hit by floods in 2013 that caused a leptospirosis outbreak and damaged properties worth millions.

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino said the heavy equipment include an amphibious excavator, two dump trucks each with 15-ton capacity, a wheel loader, a skid steer loader, and a backhoe loader.

Funding for the procurement of these equipment was sourced through the local development council and was agreed upon by all members including barangay representatives, NGOs and POs, and was passed by the city council.

Paulino explained that when he took over the city as Mayor, he found out that the city had no heavy equipment in its inventory.

“We had no heavy equipment, that is why when the flooding subsided we had problems in clearing all the mud the was left by the flood. It was fortunate that private individuals lent us equipment, and help also came from the DWPH and 1st district Congressman Jeffrey Khonghun.” Paulino said.

The 2013 flood caused a leptospirosis out break in the city, recording almost 600 cases and taking the lives of 11 people, some of them from the Province of Bataan and Zambales.

The main river channel of Barangay Kalaklan up to Barangay Sta. Rita and Old Cabalan remained untouched for years. The main drainage system in the city was also left clogged, a combination leading to the massive flooding in the city in 2013.

The only equipment left in the city was a dredging machine which cannot handle the task of going into small river channels because of its limited capability and recently was deemed unserviceable.

“Aside from it (dredging machine) being allegedly over priced which cost the city P89M and not suitable for our terrain, it was already a wreck when we tried to repair it, it worked for a month and it totally failed.” Paulino said.

“Now the city has 6 brand new heavy equipment worth only P60M versatile enough to desilt our rivers and water ways but at the same time can do other things compared to the old dredging machine that is unfit for us here and cost more than these new machine we purchased,” Paulino added.

To date, the local government, with the help of the Department of Public Works and Highways, has been desilting the mouth of Kalaklan River which is the main water channel connecting the city to the ocean. According to Mayor Paulino the mouth of the river has been heavily silted.

Private individuals have been helping the city in its effort to unclog its water ways and drainage system.

“With this brand new equipment, we can desilt our water ways whole year round and not have to contract out anything, plus we can use them for other purposes.” Paulino said.

PHOTOS:
Heavy equipment procured by the Olongapo City government to boost its desilting program.

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Subic yachting group gifts Ayta tribe with tourism boats

The International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians (IYFR) through its grants program has donated two sailboats to the indigenous Ayta tribe in this free port in order for them to earn additional income from tourism.

IYFR International Rear Commodore Jun Avecilla said the group awarded funds to the Subic Bay Fleet for them to acquire two “paraws,” which are double outrigger sailboats native to the Visayas region that are popularly seen in Boracay.

Ayta leader Conrado Frenilla, chieftain of the Ambala Ayta tribe in the Subic Bay Freeport, received the boats last Saturday at the culmination of the Commodores’ Cup Regatta at The Lighthouse Marina Resort here.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia, along with members of the IYFR Subic Bay fleet, Rotary Clubs of Subic Bay and Subic Pearl, and the ISAF International Jury of Commodores’ Cup Regatta, witnessed the event.

Garcia said the boats, with Ayta tribesmen as operators, “will give Subic Bay another iconic attraction, as well as provide visitors with a different sailing experience.”

“We thank the IFYR and the Rotary Clubs for giving this opportunity to our Ayta brethren, as well as for this project that would redound to the good of Subic Bay tourism,” Garcia said.

Avecilla said the Subic Bay Fleet brought the sailboats to Subic Bay to help the Zambales Aytas in augmenting their livelihood, “and in line with the service objectives of the Fellowship.”

“The Aetas are not known seafarers, but they have in early times been reported to have lived in coastal areas until they were driven away to the mountains because of circumstances,” Avecilla noted.

“It will be the pleasure of our sailing group, the Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen Sailing (SAGS), to teach them how to sail or operate and man the boats themselves,” he added.

Avecilla also pointed out that staging of Commodore’s Cup 2015 marked the expansion of the Philippine Sailing Association’s sailing program in Subic Bay, which is spearheaded by PSA Chairman Judes Echauz, with himself as vice president.

“The IYFR also advocates the preservation of coastal areas and the environment and to maintain its cleanliness,” Avecilla also said.

As of now, Subic Bay hosts two out of 12 races from the Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championship, which determines the Asian Yachting Skipper and Yacht of the Year.

Those who received their awards here at The Lighthouse Marina Resort for this year’s races were: Standard Insurance Centennial III owned by Ernesto Echauz and skippered by Ridgely Balladares, which dominated Racing Class 1, followed by Frank Pong’s Jelik, and Martin Tanco’s Centennial II.

Meanwhile, Avecilla’s Selma Star topped Racing Class 2, followed by Ricky Sandoval’s Selma; and Eric Jurado’s Alexa, emerged as champion in the Cruising Class, followed by Harry Taylor’s Irresistible, and Ome Carbonell’s Bugo Bugo. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Pastolan Ayta leaders led by Ambala tribal chieftain Conrado Frenilla (2nd from right) with Jun Avecilla of the Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen Sailing (SAGS) during the ceremonial turnover of “paraws” donated by the International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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‘USS Green Bay’ docks in Subic

The ‘USS Green Bay,’ one of the most modern US naval ships to date, docks at the Alava Pier of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone yesterday. The USS Green Bay is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock that can deliver a fully equipped battalion of 800 Marines. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/uss-green-bay-docks-in-subic/

Children play along the breakwater of Waterfront Road as the USS Green Bay (LPD 20), an amphibious transport dock ship is moored at the Alava pier in Subic Bay Freeport Tuesday (April 14) to unload military equipment to be used in the annual military exercise dubbed “Balikatan 2015” slated to commence next week in several locations in the Philippines. (Jun Dumaguing)

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Centennial III rules Commodores’ Cup

Standard Insurance Centennial III, steered by businessman/skipper Judes Echauz, annexed another international title as it swept the recent Commodores’ Cup Regatta 2015 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The 52-foot boat earlier bagged the overall title in the combined Subic to Boracay Race and Boracay Cup Regatta 2015 last month in Malay, Aklan, snapping a series of runner-up finishes.

Centennial III, helmed by Philippine top 470 class sailor Allan Balladares and managed by Standard Insurance computer engineer Steve Tan, claimed the overall title in the Open racing class, edging last year’s champion Hong Kong’s Jelik, skippered by Frank Pong, in the event organized by the Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen Sailing (SAGS) Club and held in cooperation with The Lighthouse Marina Resort and Philippine Sailing Association (PSA).

Centennial II of Martin Tanco, the 2013 champion and made up for members of the national team vying in this year’s SEA Games in Singapore, placed third.

The Commodores’ Cup Regatta was one of the 12 top regattas of the Asian Yachting Grand Prix championship that determines the Asian Yachting Skipper and Yacht of the Year (all of which are of international standard, comparable with the most popular sailing circuits in the world).

Subic Bay, meanwhile, will host two out of 12 races from the Asian Yachting Grand Prix. (The Philippine Star)

PHOTO:
Members of the Standard Insurance Centennial III celebrate their victory in the Commodores’ Cup Regatta at Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2015/04/15/1444037/centennial-iii-rules-commodores-cup

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Developing young sailors in Subic

Sixteen young sailors, ages nine to 15, participated in the dinghies competition (optimist class) during the just concluded eighth Commodores’ Cup Regatta organized by the Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen Sailing (SAGS) Club, in cooperation with The Lighthouse Marina Resort and Philippine Sailing Association (PSA) in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The young sailors, mostly from Cavite and Parañaque City, were trained in Manila for three months under PSA sailing coach Medy Fidel.

This summer, the training program will be expanded in Subic Bay wherein prospective sailors will come from Olongapo City and nearby towns of Zambales.

Hong Kong’s Frank Pong, Asia’s top sailor and Asian Yachting Grand Prix Skipper of the Year, is one of the leading supporters of sailing in the Philippines. Pong’s crews are mostly Filipinos coming from Cebu, Bacolod and Manila. They have been sailing and competing for more than 20 years.

His donation of new sail for the training boats of the SAGS Sailing School in partnership with the PSA has helped jumpstart the sailing program in Subic. (BusinessMirror)

PHOTO:
Sixteen youngsters learn to sail under the Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen Sailing Club's program

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Ocean Adventure team rescues stranded dolphin

SUBIC, ZAMBALES – A Dolphin Rescue Team from Ocean Adventure, a theme park at the Subic Bay Freeport, rescued a male rough-toothed dolphin on Thursday with the assistance of local members of the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network (PMMSN).

Dr. Leo Suarez, staff veterinarian at Ocean Adventure, said that the rough-toothed dolphin that was first spotted by residents swimming close to the shoreline at about 7 a.m. had ‘’already lost his buoyancy, and is very weak.”

At the time, first responders of PMMSN waded into the water and held the stranded dolphin afloat for over two hours before the rescue team arrived.

A crowd that had gathered were asked to keep their distance and minimize noise as it would only add to the distress of the animal.

Upon arrival, Suarez, along with Ocean Adventure marine mammal experts and volunteers, examined the dolphin and collected a blood sample for analysis. The dolphin was then carefully placed in a stretcher and carried to the boat where he was transported to the Dolphin Rescue and Rehabilitation Center at Ocean Adventure.

Dick Mendigorin, a local member of PMMSN, said he first saw the dolphin at about 7 a.m. and then ‘’guided him to where we can keep his [blowhole] above the water so he can breathe.”

Mendigorin was helped by two other locals, a fisherman and an Army personnel, in keeping the dolphin afloat. They took the dolphin near a boat, where they improvised shelter for the animal, and took turns caring for him until the Ocean Adventure team arrived.

Suarez praised the efforts of Mendigorin and the others who cared for the dolphin. He told Headline Gitnang Luzon that “based on what we saw, their response was good – and their training definitely helped.”

Suarez added that based on his initial diagnosis of the animal’s condition, it is likely the dolphin is suffering from ‘’acoustic trauma. The dolphin will be provided 24/7 care by staff and trained volunteers to keep him safely afloat and to closely monitor his condition. Once we get the blood results we will give him the proper medications, fluids to hydrate him, and begin to offer him fish this afternoon.”

He noted that six dolphins have been brought to Ocean Adventure in the last year due to injuries caused by dynamite fishing. Two died, including a Frasers Dolphin named Julius from Pangasinan. The other three survived but suffered permanent hearing loss. Fondly referred to as the Dynamite Girls, they are living in the open water lagoons at the Park.

Another rough-toothed dolphin, April from Ilocos Sur, is currently being rehabilitated under the care of veterinarians at the Rescue Center.

Gail Laule, Chief Operating Officer of Ocean Adventure, said that ‘’as this rescue has shown, the work of the PMMSN is crucial for saving the lives of these stranded animals. We have to train local members of the PMMSN because they are the first responders. With their help we can now begin the process of hopefully nursing the dolphin back to health. “

Laule said that, in recent years, the PMMSN network ‘’has grown considerably, with over 3,000 trained first responders nationwide, and is now virtually unparalleled in the world. It is truly something that Filipinos should be proud of. And we are honored to be one of its founders and prime movers. “

Laule added that anyone interested in becoming a trained volunteer and member of the PMMSN “should contact Ocean Adventure through our FB page, or call 047-252-9000.” (Mhike R. Cigaral, Headline Gitnang Luzon)

http://www.headlinegl.com/ocean-adventure-team-rescues-stranded-dolphin/

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Half-a-thousand birds show opens in Subic Freeport’s Jest Camp

Bird lovers and hobbyists have another reason to visit this Freeport with the opening here of the Magaul Bird Park, Jest Camp's newest tourism attraction, which offers the world’s first half-a-thousand birds show.

“Wings of the World,” produced by an all-Filipino team, unveils the majestic charm of birds found in forests around the world—from Africa to South America, to China and the Philippines.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Regulatory Group OIC Ruel John Kabigting, who was guest of honor during the park opening, lauded the newest addition to Central Luzon’s best tourist destination, saying this will attract more tourists, especially bird lovers.

“Magaul Bird Park is not only a park to go to in Subic, but a place to enjoy and learn the importance of caring for our environment, especially our forests,” Kabigting said.

He added that Wings of the World is an ambitious project. “This is the first in the world and no other theme park has ever done this before,” Kabigting noted.

For her part, Katrina Lacap, general manager of Magaul Bird Park, affirmed that the Wings of the World show presents an ensemble of “our bird buddies” with the underlying theme of environmental protection.

“For the first time ever in the world, Wings of the World’s grand finale will bring half a thousand birds on stage from all directions of the Alula Amphitheater here at the park,” Lacap told the opening day visitors.

Lacap said the show will feature hundreds of pigeons that circle the audience on their seats, hundreds of guinea fowls that descend towards the stage, as well as majestic hornbills and macaws that fly over them.

She added that the show will make the audience look up in awe as the giant wings of white-bellied sea eagle cast a shadow over them. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
[1] Park personnel show visitors various bird species at the Magaul Bird Park in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone during the recent launching of the “Flight of a Thousand Birds” show. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] SBMA Regulatory Group OIC Ruel John Kabigting joins the owners of the Magaul Bird Park led by Lito Lacap (far right)​ in Subic Bay Freeport in introducing the “Flight of a Thousand Birds” show during the recent park opening. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Zoobic Safari opens zipline ride through tiger den

Zoobic Safari, a theme park in the Subic Bay Freeport that is famous for its menagerie of tigers and other wild animals, has opened a zipline ride that takes you over a den of tigers.

Aptly named as Kamikazoo, the heart-stopping 130-meter ride puts tourists inside a metal capsule hanging on a zipline that slowly makes its way above a den of tigers.

The extraordinary ride, apparently the first of its kind in the world, opened here on Saturday as the latest attraction in the popular park.

According to park owner Engr. Robert Yupangco, the metal capsule has a capacity of eight persons and will have dressed chickens dangling on the side of the cage to attract the tigers. From a height of 10 meters, the capsule will drop down to about one foot from the ground.

“Watch as the tigers try to eat the chicken from the sides of the cage. This will test the courage of those taking the ride,” Yupangco pointed out.

Aside from the zipline, Zoobic Safari has other attractions that will keep tourists occupied and entertained during their stay here, like the famous Tiger Safari where visitors ride a truck with metal grilles around an enclosure filled with tigers.

Other attractions include a serpentarium, petting zoo, and “Croco Loco” which features a pit full of crocodiles.

The safari also has the only black camel in the country, and pigmy donkeys that can only be found here.

Yupangco said despite the wild attractions, the company assures that safety of their visitors is their utmost concern. He said that there are emergency response teams standing by in every ride, and first aid outposts are found around the facility.

With the influx of tourists coming to Subic Bay Freeport this summer, it's no wonder that Zoobic Safari has found a great number of audience to educate and instil in them the concept of wildlife conservation. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] Zoomanity Group COO Delia de Jesus is joined by newscaster Mario Dumawal (right) in the ceremonial cutting of ribbon to formally launch the “Kamikazoo” zipline capsule ride, the latest attraction at the Zoobic Safari theme park in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[3] Visitors hover above a tiger enclosure while taking the “Kamikazoo” zipline capsule ride, the latest attraction at the Zoobic Safari theme park in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, which opened last Saturday. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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