Subic Bay to host US, Japanese navy ships

Subic Bay will be host to around ten navy ships from the United States and Japan when they make their port calls here from April 1-3.

Expected to arrive today (April 1) at the Port of Subic are the landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49) and dry cargo ship USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE-9). Arriving tomorrow (April 2) are supply ship USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE-2), dry cargo ship USNS Maj. Stephen W. Pless (T-AK-3007), oiler USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO-193).

Also arriving tomorrow is the Arleigh Burke-Class destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DGG-62). These US Navy ships will be in Subic Bay as logistics support to the on-going Balikatan exercises.

Meanwhile, a Japanese submarine and two vessels will be arriving this Sunday in the Freeport for a goodwill visit to the Philippines. This will be the first time in 15 years that a Japanese submarine visits the country.

In a statement, Capt. Lued Lincuna, spokesman for the Philippine Navy, said that the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) is sending its Destroyer Escort Division 15 and Training Submarine Division 1 to Subic Bay for a goodwill visit and port call.

Composed of two JMSDF vessels, namely, JS Ariake (DD-109) and JS Setogiri (DD-156), the Destroyer Escort Division 15 is headed by Capt. Haruhiko Morisita.

On the other hand, the JMSDF submarine JS Oyashio (SS-511) is led by Capt. Hiroaki Yoshino.

The three JMSDF seacraft are expected to arrive at the Alava Pier in Subic Bay at around 9 a.m. They will be staying in Subic Bay until April 6.

The visit of JMSDF assets came amid the tension in the disputed East and South China Seas. Japan is engaged in a dispute with China over Senkaku Island in East China Sea.

On the other hand, the Philippines is tangled in a tense dispute with Beijing over the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea. (RBB, AMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Port of Subic (file photo)

Related article: First visit to PH after 15 years: Japanese submarine to make port call in Subic Bay

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SBMA sends fire and rescue team to Mount Apo

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is sending its fire and rescue team to assist in fighting a massive forest fire that hit Mt. Apo in North Cotabato.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia gave the go this morning for the agency's award-winning fire and rescue team to proceed to the area, after the Office of the Civil Defense Region 12 sought assistance to augment volunteer fire brigades that are now in Mt. Apo.

The SBMA fire and rescue team prepared their gears to assist volunteers currently fighting a massive wildfire 
in Mt. Apo.(photo courtesy of the SBMA Fire Department)

SBMA Fire Department Chief Ranny Magno will lead the eight-man team for a five-day mission to the disaster area.

Meanwhile, in a statement to media, the Information Office of Davao City said the wildfire that has been ruining the habitat at the Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP) escalated early morning on Thursday, March 31.

Chief Information Officer Leo Villareal said as of 4:19 a.m. on Thursday the wildfire has already escalated, forcing the volunteers and responders on the scene to abandon their positions for safety.

Villareal said that members of the Incident Management Team (IMT) who are still stationed in Kapatagan, Digos City, Davao del Sur are still assessing the latest situation.

He added that with the recent development, there is a possibility that the situation at MANP will be raised to a higher level.

Members of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) are also coordinating with IMT to review their strategies and possibly adjust to the latest situation in the area.

Villareal described the current efforts to quell the continuing wildfires in Mt.Apo as “an uphill battle.”

The wildfire that started on Black Saturday last week has already ruined more than 400 hectares of habitat in MANP mostly on its grasslands.

read more: http://www.mb.com.ph/mt-apo-forest-fire-escalates-thursday/

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Challenging Salomon XTrail Pilipinas 2016 set in Subic Bay

Salomon Pilipinas, the brand notable for its pioneering technology and innovation in the sports of trail running and adventure hiking, brings to outdoors enthusiasts the 2016 edition of its famed Salomon Xtrail on April 9 in Subic Bay Freeport.

On its 6th year, this event is part of the Salomon Xtrail Series in the Asia-Pacific Region– in Malaysia, Singapore, HongKong, Taiwan & the Philippines.

Salomon Xtrail is considered one of the most toughest trail runs in the country, challenging participants to “run the path of most resistance” with two major events: a grueling mountain run and a road-to-trail run.

New trail routes will be created exclusively for this event, to steer away from the usual trail running events, with usual routes. Also to attract more trail running enthusiasts, this year’s race distances are– 6km and 12km Road to Trail, and the toughest categories, the 24km and 32km Mountain Run.

The 32km version will challenge experienced trail runners and mountaineers to compete over some of the most toughest terrain Zambales has to offer.

The route is much more than lush vegetation and exposed trails; there’s a sense of time too as runners and racers venture into historical locales and wartime landmarks. With over a full kilometer of elevation gain, this event is one for the strongest runners out there.

The shorter version, at 24km, is highly challenging though recommended for experienced trail runners and for adventure hikers seeking a more physically-demanding trial. This version reaches a peak elevation of 372m, and gains about half a mile throughout the entirety of the race course.

Both the 24km and 32km mountain runs will challenge runners in a different way, as there is guaranteed to be wet sections during river crossing portions.

The Salomon Xtrail Pilipinas 2016 Race is a GREEN RUN. No disposables will be provided at the hydration stations. All participants MUST bring their own provisions. For the Mountain Run Categories, there will be a Mandatory gear check prior to race start. Mandatory gears include: Hydration pack/belt, headlamp, whistle.

For registration details, click here: http://www.salomonxtrailpilipinas.com/

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Commodores’ Cup kicks off in Subic Bay, the Philippine home of sailing

Coming off the back of a bruising Rolex China Sea Race, Subic Sailing have invited competitors to join in the action at the Commodore's Cup this week. Local racing teams preformed with distinction at the Subic to Boracay Race and Cup earlier this month and enjoy pitting their skills against the visiting teams.

Subic Bay is quickly becoming known as the Home of Sailing in the Philippines, as two keelboat classes swing into action, in conjunction with the Philippine Sailing Association, Streaker and Optimist classes, begin their assault for individual glory, sharing the same waters as the main bout.

The local yachts are led by Ernesto Echauz's TP 52 Standard Insurance Centennial III, that won Racing Class 1 in Boracay and Martin Tanco's Sydney 46 Centennial II, won two races on the final day in Boracay, to snatch 2nd place in Racing Class 2. The low entry list, sees them bundled together in Racing Class 1.

The formidable line up of visiting teams are all from Hong Kong. Geoff Hill's Smith 72 Custom Antipodes leads the charge in sheer size, recent victories on the Rolex China Sea Race, Boracay Cup and present leader on the AsianYachting Grand Prix (AYGP), makes Steve Manning and Anthony Root's Ker 42 Black Baza, hands on favourite, if the conditions suit them.

The Commodore's Cup is honoured to be the 10th regatta on the AsianYachting Grand Prix (AYGP) and an excellent chance for Philippine and Hong Kong skippers to improve their ranking, in the race for the 2015-16 AYGP Skipper and Yacht of the Year.

The 9th Commodore’s Cup is organized by Subic Sailing and Philippine Sailing Association, in cooperation with The Lighthouse Marina Resort, Watercraft Ventures and The Boatyard Inn

The regatta is made possible by the supported of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Subic Bay Hotels, Attractions and Tourism Stakeholders Visitors Board, Department of Tourism, Philippines Coast Guard and 1Subicbay. (AY MultiMedia)

PHOTO:
The Centennial III (subicsailing.com)

http://asianyachting.com/news/CC16/Commodores_Cup_2016_AY_Pre-Regatta_Report.htm?utm_source=SubicSailing&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=CCR2016&utm_content=pre-race-report

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DMCI trims stake in Subic Water

DMCI Project Developers, the property arm of DMCI Holdings has trimmed its stake in Subic Water and Sewerage Co., a public-private partnership arrangement that operates the water service facilities in the Subic Bay Freeport and Olongapo City.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), the Consunji-owned holding firm said DMCI Project Developers sold 915,580 of its shares in Subic Water to the City of Olongapo for a total consideration of P210.6 million.

The shares represent 10 percent of the outstanding capital stock of Subic Water.

“DMCI Project Developers still owns a total of 30 percent of Subic Water’s outstanding capital stock after the sale,” the company said in its disclosure.

Subic Water is a pioneer company formed in 1997, which introduced the first public-private partnership, build-operate-transfer model in the water and wastewater services industry.

It was formed in light of the impending water crisis in Olongapo City during the 90s, and the growing commercial water requirements of the booming Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Other members of the consortium are Sembcorp Industries Ltd., (sembcorp) a Singaporean water utility specialist; Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the agency that administers Subic Bay Freeport; and Maynilad Water Services Inc.

The company was granted the exclusive right and privilege to operate, maintain, and improve the water and sewerage systems of Olongapo City and Subic Bay Freeport under a 30-year franchise term.

DMCI Holdings reported a consolidated net income of P9.9 billion in the nine-months to September last year, up 31 percent from P7.5 billion the previous year. (Iris Gonzales, The Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/business/2016/03/29/1566993/dmci-trims-stake-subic-water

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US military vehicles arrive in Subic

Heavy machineries and military vehicles are parked at a portion of the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) as the Philippines and the United States gear up for the start of the Balikatan exercise 2016.

Balikatan 2016, an interoperability exercise between the Philippines and the US, is major event that highlights the longstanding alliance of the two countries and will be held from April 4 to 15.

The 32nd iteration of the annual US-PH Balikatan exercise (BK 16) will be held in Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales, Panay, and Palawan.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) had said militaries from 11 other countries - Japan, India, South Korea, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste have been invited to observe this year’s Balikatan exercises. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)


PHOTOS:
US military vehicles arrived in Subic. (Jonas Reyes)

http://www.mb.com.ph/photos-us-military-vehicles-arrive-in-subic/

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SBMA rejoices over PNoy’s approval of salary increase

“This is a day of celebration.”

This was the statement of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia and the reaction of the rest of the SBMA employees as they received the news of Garcia’s meeting with President Aquino last week.

Chairman Garcia announced here Wednesday that President Aquino has approved the proposed fourth tranche of the Salary Standardization Law (SSL 3) for the SBMA on Tuesday after getting assurance from the SBMA that the salary increase can be sustained without subsidy from the national government.

“It was a long process for us, but we are still fortunate because we were able to get SSL 3, Tranche 4 in just one year,” Garcia told the employees on Wednesday.

He added that SBMA employees, due to the long delay since their last increase in 2008, will get a 30 percent increase, with the lowest rate of increase pegged at 18 percent.

Garcia also thanked the officials who helped the SBMA in urging Malacañang to approve the salary increase. These include former DILG Sec. Mar Roxas, who personally endorsed the SBMA letter of request to the President; DBM Sec. Florencio Abad, Executive Sec. Paquito Ochoa, Zambales 1st District Rep. Jeffrey Khonghun, and Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino.

Meanwhile, SBMA Employees Association (SEA) president Elmer Libo congratulated Chairman Garcia and thanked him for exerting all efforts to have the request for salary adjustment through SSL 3, Tranche 4 approved by the President before the election ban took effect.

“We are happy and would like to thank President Aquino for finally approving the SSL 3, tranche 4 for SBMA employees. This will not only boost the morale of the employees and inspire them to become more productive, but will also directly improve the lives of our families,” Libo said.

Earlier, the DBM told the SBMA that it can implement salary adjustment provided that it can comply with the reorganization requirements of the Office of the President; that it can freely support the same; and that in no case shall subsidy be granted by the National Government to SBMA to cover the funding requirement for the salary adjustment.

Chairman Garcia said that since SBMA is self-sustaining, it has not received a single peso of subsidy from the national government.

On the other hand, “The SBMA contributed P19 billion to the national government in 2015 consisting of BOC, BIR collections, the LGU shares and dividends,” Garcia said. (RAV,RVG/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA employees break into smiles, as Chairman Roberto V. Garcia announces the approval by President Aquino of a salary adjustment for workers at the Subic agency. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Tourism officer bags 2015 SBMA Employee of the Year award

An events coordinator from the Tourism Department of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was named the agency’s 2015 Employee of the Year (EOY) for his notable contribution in increasing the number of tourist arrivals here last year.

Antonio Dela Cruz emerged the most outstanding among the six finalists in the annual EOY search held on March 18 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC).

“What makes these employees whom we honor today different from everybody else? There are only three things that I look for in an employee: One is competence, two is integrity, and three is malasakit or, for me, going the extra mile,” said SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia during his inspirational message.

“And the six employees we have today have exemplified that. They are not only competent at their jobs; they have integrity. And most of all, what distinguishes them from many of us, is that they have gone the extra mile. They have malasakit,” he added.

Dela Cruz was nominated for his efforts in increasing Subic Bay Freeport's tourist arrivals from 1.1 million in 2014 to 1.4 million in 2015.

According to SBMA tourism records, total visitor arrivals at Subic Bay Freeport increased from 6.4 million in 2014 to 7.3 million in 2015, while hotel occupancy grew from 64 percent in 2014 to 70 percent in 2015. Meanwhile, special event revenues reached almost P955,000 in 2015, while media value from various events increased from P260 million in 2014 to P318 million in 2015.

Media value is the amount equivalent to advertisements and other promotional services that the agency has saved by holding big-ticket local and international events in the Freeport.

Dela Cruz represented the Business and Investment Group in the EOY competition. The same strategic business unit of the agency had earlier selected him as the group’s employee of the year.

The other five finalists were Carlos Andres of the Chairman and Administrator’s Group; Yolando Dimen of the Public Services Group; Bello Mabato of the Regulatory Group; Vivian Perdigon of the Support Services Group; and Ernielita Rosas of the Port Operations Group.

Andres, an Information Officer II at the Public Relations Department, was cited for the assistance he extended to the Magbukon Aeta tribe at Sitio Kanawan in Morong, Bataan, in their bid to acquire their Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT).

On the other hand, Dimen, an Executive Assistant to the SBMA Deputy Administrator for Public Works and Technical Services, was noted for his major task of preparing on-time the project status report of all projects being implemented by all the departments under the Public Works Group.

Mabato, a Community Development Officer I, used his background in agriculture to establish the “Gulayan sa Kagubatan” and the “Pastolan Village Forest Nursery” projects, which benefited residents of the upland Pastolan village in Subic Bay Freeport.

Perdigon, a Senior Communications Development Officer I, was recognized for her excellence in undertaking multiple functions with minimum supervision that included working on records and archives, collating performance records of the agency, as well as delivering mails.

Rosas, a Document Examiner II, was honored for her crucial work of ensuring that any regulated and monitored goods to be admitted inside the Freeport are well documented and properly liquidated, and for strictly implementing the process on a “first-come, first-served” basis.

During the awarding ceremony, Chairman Garcia also challenged all other employees to work equally hard to be model employees in their own right.

The SBMA Employee of the Year Awards is a project of the SBMA Human Resources Management Department to recognize and reward exemplary services rendered by employees in line with the Civil Service Commission’s PRAISE program. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA 2015 Employee of the Year Antonio Dela Cruz of the SBMA Tourism Department proudly carries the symbolic torch passed on to him by the previous year's winner during the awarding ceremony on March 18 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] JUBILANT. Antonio Dela Cruz raises his trophy after being proclaimed the SBMA Employee of the Year for 2015. Chairman Roberto Garcia (2nd from left) presented the award along with Tourism Department OIC Jem Camba and Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Coast Guard releases North Korea ship

After almost three weeks of being detained at the Port of Subic, the Philippine Coast Guard released the North Korean cargo ship M/V Jin Teng and its 21 crewmen last Holy Thursday.

PCG spokesman Commander Armand Balilo said that there was no deliberate intention to set the vessel and its crew free during the Holy Week when almost everyone was preoccupied with vacation and Lenten activities.

Philippines Coast Guard officials inspect North Korean freighter Jin Teng in Subic Bay in this handout photo from the coast guard on March 3, 2016. (Reuters/ PCG handout via Reuters)

“It just so happened that we received the order to release the ship M/V Jin Teng so we implemented (it),” Balilo said.

Transportation and Communications Undersecretary for Operations Edwin Lopez signed the release order, he added.

The vessel and its crew were detained on March 3 while unloading palm kernel and other agricultural products. Although the inspectors found nothing illegal when it was first checked on March 3, it was held at port following an order from the United Nations.

Inspectors who checked the ship noted that some of the fire hose boxes were empty and not ready for immediate use, a few emergency light bulbs were either busted or not working, the ballast air vent heads at the main deck were corroded and some electrical switches in the sub panel board at the engine room with 440 volts were without insulation materials.

Balilo said the defects have been remedied and the foreign ship was given clearance by the Coast Guard’s Port State Control before they were allowed to leave.

The North Korean ship’s release was in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The 4,355 gross ton M/V Jin Teng was flying a Sierra Leone flag registry and was one of 31 vessels owned by North Korean shipping firm Ocean Maritime Management Company (OMM) that was ordered blacklisted by the United Nations on suspicion that it was used in smuggling weapons of mass destruction.

Throughout its stay at the Port of Subic, the Bureau of Immigration did not issue shore passes to the 21 North Korean crewmembers.

The ship’s next port of destination is Shindao, China. (Evelyn Macairan, The Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/03/27/1566570/coast-guard-releases-north-korea-ship

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Rolex China Sea Race 2016: Black Baza takes IRC Overall

Anthony Root and Steve Manning's Ker42 Black Baza triumphs in the grueling 565 nautical mile race to Subic Bay at the 2016 Rolex China Sea Race, lifting the trophy for corrected time on IRC handicap, with Alive posting a second overall to go with her record of breaking Line Honours effort.

William Liu’s A40RC Seawolf has just finished and sits in 3rd Overall as well as 1st in IRC Racer 2, which means that their stated aim to “do better than last time (2014)” has well and truly been achieved.

Black Baza finished in the early hours of Saturday morning after just over 60 hours of racing, with crew member Wade Morgan enthusing about the previous 24 hours of racing, saying “we were coming in hot all the way, which was unexpected … we probably played the middle a little bit to the south and then we had good breeze so we managed to come straight in to the coast without having to do too much fancy work.”

Asked if the crew were happy if they had caught Alive on corrected time, Jono Rankine confirmed “Absolutely! We weren’t expecting that at all..” and adding that the high point of the race for the crew was surfing in to the coast at 20kts.

Jono Mahony of Zanzibar also enjoyed sailing down the Luzon coast at 18-20kts, noting that “we finished 8 hours quicker than when we won (IRC Overall) in 2012 even though we hit a sticky patch at the finish which allowed EFG Mandrake to sneak past us – but they do that all the time!”

All the finishers have noted their surprise at the excellent conditions once on open water, although Li Li revealed that Swan 82 UBOX considered retiring 180nm into the race as they had suffered damage to the head of the mainsail which seemed unfixable.

“The crew managed to come up with a solution …. to lash the head and stay in the race, although it limited the load they could put on it. The first night a problem with the foot of the number one cost a lot of time in really tough weather. It was a tough first day, half of the crew were sea sick and had been working hard on the boat leading into the race, so possibly had not had enough sleep.

On the positive side, UBOX finished the race and all the crew have taken it as a positive experience, as this race is practice for the team. The ultimate goal is the Rolex Sydney Hobart and, being realistic, we still have a lot of prep to do. It’s good and although we talk about all this damage, it has been a very positive experience for everybody.” (http://bit.ly/1TcgTV5)

PHOTOS:
Clockwise from upper left: Ker42 Black Baza; EFG Bank Mandrake; UBOX; Zanzibar; Standard Insurance Centennial; FreeFire. (Rolex-Daniel Forster, Rolex China Sea Race FB)

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PH’s Diwata–1 satellite launched into space

The Philippines yesterday took the penultimate step to launching an observation satellite in space as Diwata-1 soared to the International Space Station (ISS).

At around 11:05 a.m., an American supply spacecraft blasted off from Cape Canaveral, carrying 20 nano satellites, the Filipino-made 50-kg Diwata-1 microsatellite, and other payload.

Officials of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the University of the Philippines, and members of the media waited as the Orbital ATK’s Cygnus spacecraft pierced the Earth’s atmosphere.

Dr. Carlos Primo David, executive director of the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), said the flight takes about six hours from the ground station to the ISS.

“This is a momentous event,” he exclaimed after the Cygnus, the last stage of the spacecraft that will reach the ISS, separated from its carrier and slowly disappeared in the darkness of space for a rendezvous with the ISS.

He said the final step in the Philippines’ journey to space pertains to the deployment or release of Diwata-1 from the Japan Experimental Module (JEM), nicknamed Kibo (Hope) on April 20, or later.

Kibo has a lock and robotic arm to be used in Diwata-1’s deployment at an altitude about 400 kms from Earth’s ground surface.

University of the Philippines Associate Professor Gay Jane Perez of the Institute of Environmental Science and Metrology, and project leader of PHL-Microsat Project 5, said that, among others, the microsatellite’s images once it starts beaming back to Earth (ground station in Subic Bay Freeport), can be sources for information for farmers, for weather pattern.

She said Diwata-1 will look at crop areas, status and health of crops of various crops like rice and corn.

“So, it can be used in monitoring areas and it can provide information to farmers and also to government agencies,” said Perez. (Edd K. Usman, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
The first Philippine-assembled satellite."The potential uses of DIWATA include: improved weather detection and forecasts; disaster risk management; detecting agricultural growth patterns; and the monitoring of forest cover, mining, protection of cultural and historical sites, and the territorial borders of the Philippines. (DIWATA) has been launched into space (Screenshots courtesy of NASA)

http://www.mb.com.ph/phs-diwata-1-satellite-launched-into-space/

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Off to Subic Bay: Centennial sets pace early in Rolex China Sea Race

HONG KONG – Thirty-three yachts, from small boats manned by couples to bigger catamarans navigated by as many as 22 sailed into the open seas yesterday in a misty, drizzling afternoon at the start of the 565 nautical mile Rolex China Sea Race to the imaginary finish line off the shores of Subic Bay.

The boats, 26 of them from Hong Kong and seven from other nationalities, including Filipino-owned Standard Insurance-Centennial, went to the Hong Kong Harbor at 12 noon to take their positions for the 1 p.m. starting gun, but the race was delayed several times as they waited for the winds.

When the winds finally blew outward, Standard Insurance-Centennial got the headstart, its decision to take the shoreline path giving it an initial lead of at least one kilometer heading to the open seas.

The race for line honors becomes anybody’s game, at least for the bigger yachts, as they head for the turbulent waters off Hong Kong. They were to navigate throughout the night and day on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

The race would be more technical and tactical as computer-equipped boats veer from the straight path from Hong Kong to Subic by heading to the upward wind several miles ahead to gather speed heading to the finish line.

The boats are expected to encounter rough sailing as they enter Philippine territory by Good Friday and Black Saturday but the bigger multi-hulls and catamarans manned by a maximum crew of 22 gunning for line honors are expected to gain the advantage and hit land ahead of the smaller ones by early Black Saturday morning.

The fastest regardless of the boat category wins the Rolex CSR line honors.

The smaller, lighter boats, with lighter masts and fewer crew members, will be gunning for top honors in the equally prestigious Rolex CSR handicap race category based on their corrected time.

Each boat is assigned a handicap based on its size and other factors, which will be used to determine the corrected time.

Jude Echauz, a former car rally driver who has been competing in the CSR for 20 years, is owner and skipper of Standard Insurance-Centennial, which won the 1998 Rolex CSR handicap race as Subic Centennial and the 2008 race under its new name as Standard Insurance-Centennial.

Echauz is again at the helm of the Standard Insurance-Centennial with a 17-man all-Filipino crew, majority of them members of the national team.

For over 10 years, the 52-footer has been the only Filipino entry in the Rolex CSR, which is traditionally dominated by entries from the Royal Hong Kong Club and its three other clubs in the former Crown Colony.

Foreign teams in this year’s race include those from Japan, Australia, Russia, China and Singapore.

A member club from China, which has two entries this year, had indicated that boat construction is going at a fast pace in the Mainland and would expect more than half of the entries of the Rolex China Sea Race in the future to come from China.

Executives from Rolex, which has been the sponsor of Asia’s longest sea race since 1972, will be on hand to meet the winners and participants of the race on Saturday and Sunday. (Gerry Carpio, The Philippine Star)

PHOTOS:
[1] Thirty-three yachts sail off into the open seas in a misty, drizzling afternoon at the start of the 565 nautical mile Rolex China Sea Race to Subic Bay.

[2] Philippine bet Standard Insurance Centennial, with Jun Echaus at the helm, ahead of the pack.

[3] A Lion Dance for good luck was performed at the pontoon of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club before the race began.

(all photos from the Rolex China Sea Race Facebook page)

http://www.philstar.com:8080/sports/2016/03/24/1566214/centennial-sets-pace-early-rolex-csr

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UN lifts sanctions on 4 ships once linked to North Korea

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council has decided to lift sanctions on four ships originally linked to a North Korean shipping company after determining that there were no ties to the company as China claimed.

Two U.N. diplomats confirmed Tuesday that the Security Council committee monitoring sanctions against North Korea has taken the ships off the U.N. blacklist. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying also confirmed the move in a statement provided by a spokesman from China's U.N. Mission.

One of the ships that had sanctions lifted is the Jin Teng, which was on the list of 31 ships linked to North Korea's Ocean Maritime Management company whose vessels have carried arms and illegal goods to the country.

It was inspected and detained in Subic Bay, a former U.S.-run naval base in The Philippines, soon after the Security Council imposed its toughest-ever sanctions on North Korea on March 2.

The Philippines Coast Guard said it was coming from Indonesia and loaded with palm kernel expeller, which is a byproduct of palm oil production that has several uses, including as feed for farm animals. It said the ship's documents showed the cargo was for consignees in the Philippines and no new cargo would be loaded at Subic Bay.

China asked the sanctions committee to remove the four ships from the list after discovering that they were not part of Ocean Maritime Management's fleet.

The United States and China, North Korea's traditional ally, spent seven weeks negotiating new sanctions in response to the North's fourth nuclear test in January and rocket launch in February.

They include, among other things, mandatory inspections of cargo leaving and entering North Korea by sea or air.

PHOTO:
The Jin Teng, docked at the Port of Subic

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/a1c266e9cb16484e931a1735caf8af4b/un-lifts-sanctions-4-ships-once-linked-north-korea

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Guided-missile submarine USS Ohio arrives in Subic Bay

The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN-726) has arrived in Subic Bay March 22 for the conclusion of its Indo-Asia-Pacific deployment.

Measuring more than 560 feet long and weighing more than 16,000 tons when submerged, Ohio is one of the largest submarines in the world.

This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare.

The USS Ohio underwent an extensive conversion beginning in 2002 and became the nation’s first guided-missile and special warfare submarine in 2006. It is capable of launching tomahawk missiles as well as inserting special operations forces into clandestine environments.

“Our presence in the region provides a stabilizing force and through engagements with our partners, such as this port visit to Subic Bay, we aid in maintaining that stability,” said Capt. Michael Lewis, commanding officer.

"Many have never been to the Philippines and are looking forward to experiencing the local culture. As a crew we are happy to be here. Ohio crew members have worked very hard during deployment and it’s time to enjoy some well-deserved liberty.” said Master Chief Machinist’s Mate William Catron, chief of the boat.

The USS Ohio was the first Trident-class nuclear powered fleet ballistic submarine and the fourth United States vessel to bear the name of Ohio. The ship was converted to a guided-missile submarine in 2006 and is forward-deployed to Guam with the crews based in Bangor, Washington.

Due to its sheer size, Ohio is capable of berthing more than 250 personnel and loading out for an extended period of time makes it a good choice as a special forces operations platform. With a payload of more than 100 Tomahawk missiles the USS Ohio is also ideal for strike operations.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 7, visit www.csp.navy.mil/csg7/


PHOTO:

Sailors assigned to the guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726) moor the submarine in preparation for its voyage repair and crew swap period. Ohio is assigned to Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 15 and is the U.S Navy's only forward deployed submarine squadron, providing maintenance, training, logistics and administration support for the submarines assigned to the U.S. 7th Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class William Tonacchio/Released)

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Experts urge Subic Freeport stakeholders to use renewable energy

Experts invited by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on Thursday urged business locaters and residents in Subic Bay Freeport area to start using renewable energy to help minimize ecological damage and slow down climate change.

In the forum “Climate Change Management and Green Energy: Making Business Green Through Renewable Energy,” speakers led by Climate Change Commissioner Heherson Alvarez explained that the continuing emission of carbon into the atmosphere would create serious consequences like global warming and a drop in global food production.

The forum, which was organized by the SBMA Ecology Center, convened residents, investors, workers, and other stakeholders of the Freeport. The speakers included Alvarez, Dean Felino Lansigan of the College of Arts and Sciences in the University of the Philippines at Los Baños (UPLB), and Forester Rex Victor Cruz, who is also the Chancellor of UPLB.

In the forum, Alvarez and the other speakers warned of the dire effects of environmental destruction from the use of carbon-based energy sources and encouraged the tapping of energy from wind, sun, and water.

“Even a temperature increase of just 1.5 degrees Celsius will drive the fish to go deeper and farther into the open seas, as temperature increase may kill all the fish near the coast due to overheating,” Alvarez said.

The increase in global temperature, he said, is caused by over-emission of carbon into the atmosphere from millions of gas-fed vehicles, factories, machines, and power generators.

Alvarez pointed that the Aquino administration has officially committed an Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) target of 70 percent greenhouse gas reduction below business-as-usual levels by 2030. This primarily covers the energy, transport, forestry, waste, and industry sectors.

“That’s why we have to invest in our future and build renewable energy sources, while every Filipino should cut the usual emission of carbon,” Alvarez said.

“Let us mobilize every heart [person] to cut the use of carbon. Remember that we are on the edge of human extinction,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lansigan talked about the effects of climate change on food security and sustainable development, and pointed out that a one-degree increase in temperature would mean a 14.12 percent drop in corn and rice production and that from 20 to 30 percent of crop species would be at risk of extinction.

“Maraming lupa ang lulubog, maraming pananim at hayop ang masisira kung hindi man mawala na, kung hindi natin mapaghahandaan ang climate change,” he said.

Cruz, for his part, explained that while there may be downsides in the use of renewable energy, “cutting the use of carbon will save mankind from extinction.”

Atty. Ruel John Kabigting, who is officer in charge of the SBMA Ecology Center, assured the speakers and stakeholders in Subic Bay Freeport of the agency’s support and participation in various actions to mitigate the effects of climate change.

He also pointed out that because the SBMA strictly enforces laws and policies on environmental protection, the Subic Freeport remains to be the home of many species of plants and animals.

The participants in the forum also all agreed that the government and private groups should start developing and using renewable energy technologies, which are considered healthier to both man and his environment. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Climate Change Commissioner Alvarez talks about the dire consequences of the use of carbon-based fuels while at the same time pushes for increased utilization of renewal energy at the Climate Change Management & Green Energy Forum in Subic Bay Freeport. (photo by Forester Patrick Escusa)

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SBMA: 2015 4th successive record year

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has recorded another chart-busting performance in 2015, as the Subic agency continued with its unparalleled growth since 2012.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, in his 4th State of the Freeport Address (SOFA) here on Wednesday, said the authority managing the country’s premier free port had successfully implemented new revenue initiatives last year, resulting in the biggest revenue and operating income since 1992.

The growth in various key areas, Garcia said, helped the SBMA shatter its own financial charts last year with the gross revenue of P2.75 billion and operating income of P1.48 billion the highest in the 23-year history of SBMA. Adjusted for unrealized foreign exchange losses, net income of the Agency increased by 26 percent.

The impressive financial performance by the SBMA included a 21 percent increase in revenue by the authority’s maritime and logistics business unit, which pulled out a P1.58-billion income last year; a 23-percent increase in committed investments, which grew to P22.8 billion in 2015; and a steady growth in exports, which reached $2.5 billion last year.

Garcia said that some of the major business developments in Subic last year were the launching of a $30-million mill project by the Singapore-based Interflour Group; the start-up of the 150-megawatt solar and wind energy project by Jobin Inc.; and the approval of a $10-million project by Datian Subic Shoes, Inc. for the manufacture of footwear, among others.

Meanwhile, employers in the Subic Bay Freeport generated 4,693 new jobs in 2015, increasing the local workforce to a total of 101,651 at the end of the year. SBMA’s contribution to the National government consisting of BOC, BIR collections and dividends of P19.3 grew by 8 percent over 2014.

Tourism also continued to grow, posting a 14 percent growth in 2015 and registering a total of 7.7 million in visitor arrivals.

With these developments, Garcia said the SBMA will aim this year to create new industrial parks, establish linkages with other global ports to further boost port utilization, increase revenue collections and capital expenditure program, and continue with its good governance initiatives.

“We must leave a legacy, and continue to take advantage of the present favorable economic environment,” Garcia told SBMA employees and members of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, which sponsored the forum.

“The Philippines is projected to become one of the world’s 16 largest economies within the next 35 years — it is now at Number 39 — so the time for the Philippines is now; the opportunity for Subic is now,” Garcia also said. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia reaffirms the commitment of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority to pursue the sustainable development of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone during his 2015 State of the Freeport Address (SOFA) on March 16 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. The SOFA is an annual event organized by the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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DENR inaugurates P10-M Air Quality Monitoring Station in Subic Freeport

A P10-million air sensor that measures real-time air quality was inaugurated here on Monday, providing a means to measure systematically the concentrations of pollutants in ambient air and provide a scientific basis for measures to reduce air pollution and protect the community’s health.

The Air Quality Monitoring Station (AQMS) was installed here as part of the Ambient Air Monitoring Network Project of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the assessment of air quality in the entire Philippines.

“The world is changing, and we really have to be very vigilant about how climate change is going to be affecting us,” said Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia during the launching.

“We are very fortunate here in SBMA to have this facility, for as you know we are very strict as far as our environment is concerned,” Garcia said. “And we really have to ensure excellent air quality in Subic, considering that we are the number one tourist destination in Central Luzon,” he added.

Funded by the DENR, the AQMS is expected to be a big boost to the Freeport’s environmental protection program as it could measure air pollution coming from motor vehicle emissions, as well as factories and construction sites in Subic.

“Once this is connected to the Internet, results of the air quality measurement will be sent to the DENR main office and the SBMA Ecology Center, and will be posted in airquality-embdenr.gov.ph site for its real-time measurement,” said Engr. Zaldy Pagador, Air Quality Management Division chief of the DENR.

The automated AQMS can give real-time measurement levels of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter and ozone present in the air. It is also capable of measuring real-time meteorological factors such as wind speed, direction, humidity, and temperature.

The AQMS project is undertaken pursuant to Republic Act 8749, otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Air Act.

Information from the AQMS will be useful to the SBMA in ensuring that air pollution within the area stays within the standard levels set by the DENR.

The air quality data gathered from the AQMS will also be useful in planning for pollution abatement strategies, Garcia said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia (4th from left), along with Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Marife Castillo and SBMA Maintenance and Transportation Department head Angel Bagaloyos (2nd from left) inaugurates the Air Quality Monitoring Station (AQMS) at the Remy Field in the Subic Bay Freeport on Monday. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA workers to Aquino: Sign wage hike

The more than 1,500 employees of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) urged President Benigno Aquino 3rd to sign their salary adjustment based on the existing Salary Standardization Law.

SBMA Employees Association (SEA) president Elmer Libo said the approval of the salary adjustment will uplift the morale of all employees who have worked so hard for the agency.

A DBM Memo to Aquino recommends the adoption of Salary Standardization Law (SSL) III, 4th Tranche Salary Rates for SBMA employees effective January 1, 2016, which will make it at par with other national government agencies.

SBMA employees have been conducting noise barrages during their break time since Monday to express their sentiment and call attention to their plight. (Patrick Roxas, Manila Times)

PHOTO:
SBMA employees shared a simple meal of dried fish, tomatoes and rice during a boodle fight in front of the agency's administration building as they call on President Aquino to urgently sign their salary adjustment based on SSL III Tranche 4 before election ban begins. (Photos by Jun Dumaguing)

http://www.manilatimes.net/sbma-workers-to-aquino-sign-wage-hike/251458/

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LOOK: SBMA and Subic locators hold Fire Olympics 2016

Fire brigade teams from different companies at the Taiwanese-run Subic Bay Industrial Gateway Park participate in this year's Fire Olympics organized by the SBMA Fire Department and the Subic Bay Development and Management Corporation (SBDMC) Friday morning.

The fire olympics is an annual event held every March of each year in observance of Fire Prevention Month to promote safety awareness and preparedness among companies and their workers in Subic Bay Freeport.

SBMA Deputy Fire Chief Raul Zapanta said that companies join this annual activity “because it is not only fun to the participants, but also hones their skills in firefighting and enhances rapport among the designated fire marshals from different companies.”

“It helps the volunteers build teamwork and cooperation with other fire volunteers, and also provides and an opportunity to put their skills to test,” he added.

Photos by Jun Dumaguing/MPD-SBMA

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NLEX, SCTEX integrated, eases northbound travel

CLARK, Pampanga, Philippines – The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) have been combined into one seamless road network to accommodate the heavy influx of motorists for the Holy Week.

Senate President Franklin Drilon led officials in a ceremonial drive yesterday to the Sta. Ines toll plaza, marking the launch of the combined tollways.

The integration of the two expressways cost P650 million and involved the conversion of the NLEX and SCTEX toll collection into a single system.

This reduces toll collection stops to two instead of five from Balintawak to Subic and back, instead of four from Balintawak to Tarlac and back.

To unify the system of NLEX and SCTEX, the Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) has constructed seven new toll plazas in Tarlac, Subic-Tipo, Sta. Ines and the northbound and southbound side of Dau and Mabiga.

MNTC president Rodrigo Franco said the seamless and faster travel can now be experienced at NLEX and SCTEX as toll collection stops are lessened and additional options are introduced at the SCTEX.

Franco added the integration speeds up the queues on the toll plazas. Motorists who will drive from Manila to Subic will just have to stop for toll payments at Balintawak and Subic or Tarlac.

“This will save them up to 40 minutes of travel time,” he said.

Drilon said he had temporarily suspended his campaign sortie to savor the launching of the toll integration project.

Drilon recalled the plan for the two expressways to be integrated was brought about by the 11-hour traffic ordeal he had on the two expressways in 2014.

To spare motorists from experiencing a similar fate, Drilon said he summoned officials of the MNTC and the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) to find a solution to the traffic congestion in the two expressways.

Drilon noted the integration project also features a unified ticketing system, electronic toll collection and magnetic payment methods, which are projected to increase up to 800 transactions per hour compared to manual lanes which could only service 200 transactions per hour.

On the other hand, BCDA president and chief executive officer Arnel Paciano Casanova said the integration is a game-changer that will greatly benefit the motorists in terms of faster travel time and conveniences and set the standard for what is doable in the future.

Casanova said the NLEX-SCTEX integration is the first among expressways in the country.

With the integration completed, Franco added the MNTC is open to discussions to link NLEX to TPLEX, which is operated by San Miguel Corporation.

“That would be a natural next step to try to talk to the concessionaire or operator to see if that integration is possible, so that may be something we could eventually explore with the concessionaire of TPLEX,” Franco said.

For the Holy Week, MNTC will implement Safe Trip Mo Sagot Ko 2016 motorist assistance program to enhance traffic management and toll collection services at the NLEX, SCTEX and CAVITEX.

From March 18-28, additional patrol vehicles and enforcers will be fielded to immediately respond to distressed motorists while ambulant toll tellers equipped with portable toll collection gadgets will be deployed and additional traffic informatory signs will be installed in strategic areas and road works will also be suspended to ensure smooth traffic flow. (Louella Desiderio, The Philippine Star)

PHOTO:
Senate President Franklin Drilon leads the inauguration of the NLEX-SCTEX integration system at the Sta. Ines toll plaza in Pampanga yesterday.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/03/19/1564423/nlex-sctex-integrated-eases-northbound-travel

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Subic traders recognize 10 outstanding SBMA cops and firemen

Ten police officers and firemen of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) were cited on Wednesday by the business community here as “heroes who confront dangers to save others’ lives.”

In a ceremony at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center following the State of the Freeport Address (SOFA) by SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, the Subic Bay Chamber of Commerce Inc. (SBFCCI) headed by its president Rose Baldeo, named the Outstanding Law Enforcers and Fire Fighters FY 2015-2016.

Baldeo, who is also president of Global Terminals & Development Inc. (GTDI), said the awards are a manifestation of gratitude from stakeholders of the Freeport for the heroism of police and fire officers of the SBMA.

“These officers are heroes in their own rights,” said Baldeo, noting the contributions of law enforcers and fire fighters in maintaining peace and order, and protecting lives and properties inside the Freeport and in nearby communities.

“They are always there when we need them anytime, anywhere. They sacrifice the time supposedly spent for their families, and, most of all, they face dangers to save other people’s lives,” she said.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia also congratulated the awardees, adding said that it was due to their courage, dedication, and “malasakit” that the SBMA and the SBFCC honor them.

“We are very happy to know that our locators and investors recognize the values every SBMA worker possesses. The courage, dedication, and malasakit, plus theintegrity of each and every SBMA employees are well represented by this year’s and our very own ten outstanding law enforcers and fire fighters,” Garcia said.

The 10 awardees are: Edmund Avecilla, who is a recipient of several awards and certificates of recognition by different organizations as resource speaker, instructor, and environmental and livelihood advocate;

Jay-Arr Basa, who showed extraordinary bravery and expertise in retrieval operations, including the immediate recovery of three drowning victims in Candelaria, Zambales, in September 2015, and risking his own life to help the victims of the great earthquake that hit Nepal last April 25, 2015.

Elsie Cabral, named one of the Unsung Women Heroes of 2014 by the Soroptimist International of the Philippines, handled cases involving violation of women’s and children’s rights, and was a recipient of commendations from Olongapo City Council and the Senate of the Philippines in 2014, and the organizer of the outreach project “My Rolling Paaralan” in Olongapo City;
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Johnny Co, assigned at the Special Reaction Division and an active member of the SBMA Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee, was cited for being always at the scene of emergency wherein his skills and expertise are needed;

Hedion Esteban, with proven excellence in firefighting, water search and rescue (WSAR), urban search and rescue (USAR), and high-angle search and rescue, is one of the heroic rescuers who were sent to help in Nepal after the great earthquake that hit last April 25, 2015;

Richard Johnson conducts SWAT skills briefing, demonstration and firearms familiarization at various schools, government agencies and non-government organizations, and is part of the SBMA Emergency Response Team who actively supported the operations during the conduct of the APEC Summit in January 23-February 6, 2015;

Benigno Medina is a recipient of various certificates of appreciation and commendation from different organizations and agencies for his valuable efforts in traffic education and road networking discipline, force protection, as well as his active support during the APEC Summit in 2015;

Romeo Paulmino was part of the SBMA Emergency Response Team who participated in major rescue operations, such as in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan during Typhoon Lando, the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Nepal, clearing and flushing operations in Olongapo and Subic after Typhoon Odette, and retrieval and clearing operations in Tacloban, Leyte for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda;

Jesus Payumo is a recipient of various recognitions and commendations for his outstanding performance in enforcing the law, including the apprehension of suspects of attempted robbery at Duty Free Superstore in August 2014 and the arrest of larceny suspects of cable wires at Pastolan Village, Hermosa, Bataan on February 4, 2014; he is also a recipient of commendation from the Office of Civil Defense Region 3 for his valuable support during last year’s APEC Summit; and

Edwin Santos, was part of the Philippine Rescue Team who went to the heavily damaged remote areas of Nepal following the devastation of a 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

The recipients were cited for performing their duties above and beyond the call of duty, and exemplifying the spirit of a true Filipino. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] Ten employees from the SBMA Law Enforcement and Fire Departments selected as most outstanding by the Subic Bay business community. (AMD-MPD/SBMA)

[2] SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (fourth from left) joins the 10 Outstanding Subic Freeport Law Enforcers and Firefighters, along with other SBMA officials, during the awarding rites organized by the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce last Wednesday. (AMD-MPD-SBMA)

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Filipino, US soldiers start preparing for war games

Filipino and American troops are now preparing for the 32nd iteration of the annual US-PH Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) exercise to be held in Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales, Panay, and Palawan.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said militaries from 11 other countries – Japan, India, South Korea, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste – have been invited to observe this year’s Balikatan exercises (BK 16).

The BK 16 opening ceremony is slated on April 4 and will run until April 15.

Filipino troops commenced preparatory works for the conduct of engineering activities and medical assistance programs in Panay and Palawan leading up to information exchanges and live training events over a 12-day period.

In the following weeks, US forces will join their Filipino counterparts as they work shoulder-to-shoulder during these engagements and throughout the exercise.

Balikatan is an annual Philippines-US military bilateral training focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance, maritime law enforcement, and environmental protection.

Military service members from both countries will also conduct combined simulation supported events and operational events in three main commands of the Armed Forces of the Philippines – Western Command (Wescom), Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), and Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) – as well as in other major Philippine military facilities such as Crow Valley, Fort Magsaysay, Clark Air Field, and Subic Bay to improve their ability to work together, partnering in capabilities and plan follow-on operations.

One of the main operations for this year’s exercise will be the implementation of a joint rapid reaction force as part of the distributed operations in the vicinity of Panay, demonstrating the partnered capability in rapid response.

Forces from the Philippines, United States, and Australia will also participate in all major exercise events, including the simulation supported event (SSE), operational event (OE), and humanitarian civic assistance (HCA). (Elena L. Aben, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:

Amphibious assault vehicles launch from the amphibious transport dock Green Bay during Balikatan 2015 in Subic Bay. (MC3 Edward Guttierrez III/Navy)

http://www.mb.com.ph/filipino-us-soldiers-start-preparing-for-war-games/

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SBMA stops tree-cutting by Taiwan firm in free port (INQ report)

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has stopped a Taiwanese company operating inside this free port from cutting trees for failing to secure an environmental clearance.

Warehousing firm MSK Group Work Inc. was issued a cease-and-desist order (CDO) by SBMA’s Ecology Center on March 11, following a hazard call inspection on a lot being leased by the company inside the Subic Bay Gateway Park.

Lawyer Ruel John Kabigting, Ecology Center officer in charge, has notified officials of the Taiwanese firm about its violations, which included cutting 50 trees and proceeding with construction without obtaining environmental permits.

Addressed to Kelly Uy, MSK general manager, the cease order also required the firm to replace the fallen trees with 1,752 saplings “due to the gravity of the violation.”

Kabigting has also called for a technical compliance conference to discuss the company’s violations.

“The [conference] will allow [MSK] to explain the circumstances of the violation and [to] present a proposal to remedy the deficiency and assure future compliance,” Kabigting told Uy in the letter.

Kabigting also warned the firm that SBMA would suspend or cancel the company’s permit to operate if it does not comply with conditions set by the agency.

SBMA Chair Roberto Garcia said MSK has been clearing its leased area to build a warehouse but has failed to obtain necessary permits from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“The CDO will remain effective until the company complies with all the requirements set in the order and pays all penalties or fines associated with the violations,” Garcia said.

The replanting program, he said, is part of the sanctions that the DENR imposes on firms responsible for the illegal cutting of trees.

Garcia also said that MSK would be liable for possible landslides due to a weakened slope in the area that had been attributed to the firm’s construction work.

“The company should also have slope protection project in that area,” he said.

He said MSK officials have already apologized about the company’s violations.

“I’ve met with some of the company’s officials and they told me that they were sorry about what they did. But I told them that they should cease operation for now,” he said. (Allan Macatuno, Philippine Daily Inquirer)

PHOTO:
WAREHOUSING firm MSK Group Work Inc. has been issued a cease-and-desist order by the Ecology Center of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on March 11, following a hazard call inspection of a lot being leased by the company inside the Subic Bay Gateway Park. (Allan Macatuno / Inquirer Central Luzon)

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/774449/sbma-stops-tree-cutting-by-taiwan-firm-in-free-port

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Emerging Power to upgrade Subic project

Renewable Energy (RE) company Emerging Power Inc. (EPI) is partnering with California-based tech firm Amber Kinetics for the Flywheel Battery Storage Technology in the 150 Megawatt (MW) solar and wind power project in the Subic Bay.

“Amber Kinetics’ technology will be very useful in smoothing out the energy generation of our Solar and Wind farm by taking out the variability. We are very excited to work with Amber and hopeful that this milestone deal will be replicated in future renewable energy projects in the country,” EPI Head of Marketing Alberto Guanzon said.

EPI is looking at acquiring 10-MW worth of Multi-hour Flywheel Battery Systems from Amber Kinetics for the Subic project. The company will be the first to use the technology for a utility scale power plant in the Philippines.

Flywheel energy storage works by rotating steel rotors at very high speeds, allowing the system to store energy. In effect the flywheel is a reservoir for kinetic energy which can be drawn out at any time.

Aside from dealing with the variability of solar and wind energy, Amber Kinetics’ state of the art flywheels will also provide multi-hour flexible capacity to the transmission.

Amber Kinetics’ technology has demonstrated the ability to store and release electricity for hours. It also offers unlimited cycling for a 30-year lifespan with no degradation. These attributes make it ideal for integrating utility scale renewable energy and transmission.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Emerging Power to integrate energy storage into the 150MW solar and wind farm in Subic Bay. We believe that our multi-hour flywheels are an ideal technology solution to help EPI smooth the variability of solar and wind generation into the transmission system. The EPI team is incredibly forward thinking and we are excited to be working together,” Amber Kinetics CEO Edward Chiao said.

EPI is majority owned by Nickel Asia Corporation, one of the country’s biggest mining firms. The miner has guaranteed up to P3 billion the loan facility of EPI over three years to finance the RE projects all over the country. (Voltaire Palaña, Manila Times)

PHOTO: Image c/o EPI

http://www.manilatimes.net/emerging-power-to-upgrade-subic-project/250791/

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Subic Freeport denizens honor former Senate President Salonga

[1] Olongapo City residents lay flowers and light candles at the Inang Laya Monument in Subic Bay Freeport to honor and to show respect for former Senate President Jovito Salonga who passed away last Thursday (March 10) at the age of 95.

[2] Flowers were laid at the handprint cast of former Senate President Jovito Salonga at the Inang Laya Monument in Subic Bay Freeport on March 11, to honor and show respect for the former statesman who passed away last Thursday at the age of 95.

Salonga is one of the 12 senators who voted for the rejection of the RP-US Military Bases Agreement in 1991, paving the way for the conversion of this former American naval base into a bustling industrial and tourism hub. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA reports P202-M revenue in trade facilitation

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced that it posted a total of P202 million in revenue from trade facilitation and compliance fees collected last year from importers, brokers, processors, and other stakeholders in this free port.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said that based on the annual report submitted by SBMA's Trade and Facilitation and Compliance Department (TFCD), the department’s revenue for 2015 represented an increase of P51 million, or 34 percent, compared to the P151 million recorded in 2014.

Garcia said the increase in earnings is the direct result of the implementation of key objectives and strategies in all SBMA departments to deliver the best services to clients and to sustain the agency’s positive performance in the last three years.

The measures include promotion of good governance, where SBMA has institutionalized the integrity pledge (IP) among employees in support of the agency’s crusade against graft and corruption; transparency in communicating with importers, brokers, processors, and other stakeholders through consultative meetings; and fiscal responsibility by implementing stricter collection procedures and monitoring of the same.

“The satisfaction of our locators and investors with regards to the services they received from SBMA is to some measure reflected on the upward movement in our statistics,” Garcia explained.

“It’s good to know that the figures are all positive,” he added.

TFCD officer-in-charge Anna Joy Quito meanwhile said that better service to customers had, indeed, resulted in better earnings for the department.

She said that export value freight on board (FOB) reached a total of US$2.52 billion in 2015, which is 11 percent higher than the US$2.26 billion in 2014.

Quito explained that under SBMA’s good governance initiatives, the department has succeeded in providing services in a much shorter period of time than the minimum requirement.

She cited as example that while the target time for issuing an admission permit from time of application is 16 hours, the department has lately managed to shorten this to an average of 7.9 hours, or a decrease in processing time of 51 percent.

Another area where the TFCD successfully introduced faster processing time is in Export Declaration clearance, where actual processing time is now 30 minutes, or down by 94 percent from the target time of eight hours.

Quito added that the department will conduct benchmarking with other ports and ecozones in the country to establish and adopt best practices in trade facilitation to increase further the efficiency of the Subic port.

The TFCD facilitates admission of goods into the Subic Bay Freeport through efficient delivery of frontline services, such as processing of permits on imports and exports, and keeping locators or investors in step with all procedural guidelines implemented by the SBMA. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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LOOK: Scenes from Ad Summit Pilipinas 2016 in Subic Bay

[1] SBMA Director and Chief Operating Officer Joven Reyes (center) joins Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino (third from right) in cutting the ribbon to formally open the Ad Summit Pilipinas Trade and Exhibit area at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on Wednesday(March 9). Joining them are (from left): 4As Chairman Norman Agatep, SBMA Directors Cynthia Paulino and Raul Marcelo, and Ad Summit Pilipinas Over-all Chairman Alex Syfu.

[2] Subic Bay Freeport's radio station DWSB 89.5 FM joins exhibitors broadcasting live at Ad Summit's Tradex. Delegates and Guests play games and enjoy freebies from trade exhibitors.

[3] John Arcilla as Heneral Luna enters the stage to lead the Philippine National Anthem.

[4] Celebrated film director Jose Javier Reyes takes the stage for his inspirational talk as one of the speakers of the summit.

[5] The dabarkads of top-rated noontime variety Eat Bulaga hosting a dinner show for Ad Summit delegates.

[6] Maine Mendoza, famed 'Yayadub' of Eat Bulaga's 'Kalye Serye' performs onstage as Ad Summit delegates raise their cellphones to take videos and photos.

photo credits: AMD, RBB, DJBB/MPD-SBMA; Ad Summit PH Facebook page

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US submarine, warship in PHL for visit

A United States submarine and a guided-missile cruiser have arrived in the Philippines amid tensions caused by Chinese activities in Philippine-claimed territories in the South China Sea.

USS Charlotte, the submarine, moored at Subic Bay on Wednesday morning while the guided-missile destroyer, USS Antietam, docked in Manila on Tuesday.

A US military statement said USS Antietam is on "patrol in the 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia Pacific."

During the cruiser's stay in the Philippines, its crew will "participate in community relations events and tours and [will] have time to enjoy the city," the statement said.

The USS Charlotte, on the other hand, is currently on a "six-month deployment to the US 7th Fleet area of operations," according to an earlier US news release.

"Charlotte will conduct important missions to strengthen theater security with strong partners throughout the region," it said.

The visit of the USS Charlotte and USS Antietam came days after the arrival of the USS Blue Ridge, the flagship of the US 7th Fleet that docked at the former US naval base in Subic on March 4 for a similar port visit.

China’s actions in the resource-rich South China Sea have worried its smaller neighbors, like the Philippines, due to its massive claim that encroaches on their sovereign territories. Beijing said its claims over the waters are “indisputable” and anchored on history that is backed by ancient maps and documents.

The Philippines challenged this claim before a United Nations-linked arbitral tribunal where a resolution is pending.

Although not a party to the disputes, the US has declared that it is in its national interest to ensure freedom of access to the region’s sea lanes and air zones and that disputes are resolved peacefully. It has recently sent a four-ship strike group to patrol the South China Sea. (GMA News)

PHOTO:
Los Angeles class submarine USS Charlotte (SSN-766) enters Subic Bay waters Wednesday morning as part of its six-month deployment to the US 7th Fleet area of operations (Photo by Jun Dumaguing, MPD-SBMA)

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/558433/news/nation/us-submarine-warship-in-phl-for-visit

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