Earth Day 2016: Subic Bay stakeholders undertake mangrove, reef restoration projects

Stakeholders in this free port banded together on Friday for mangrove and reef restoration projects in celebration of Earth Day 2016.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia said more than 500 representatives from various groups in the Subic community volunteered to collect talisay seedlings and mangrove saplings and planted them at the Apaliin Mangrove Trail inside the former naval magazine here.

“We are doing this not for ourselves, but for our children and the future generations,” Garcia said as he joined a tree-tagging project organized by the SBMA Ecology Center.

Garcia said that the successful Earth Day activities here “only show that more and more people are getting involved in protecting and preserving Mother Earth.”

Aside from SBMA employees, those who participated in the mangrove project included representatives from the Olongapo City Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) Squadron 111, workers from locator-companies and students.

On Wednesday, the PCGA also constructed six artificial reef units in Subic Bay to fulfill its commitment to the protection of the marine environment and its resources here.

The artificial reefs were installed approximately 15 meters deep and 100 meters from the shoreline of the SEA Beach Resort (former Dungaree Beach) inside the free port.

PCGA National Director Vice Admiral Valentin Prieto Jr., who witnessed the “Build-A-Reef” Project along with other senior officers of the auxiliary group, lauded the officers and members of Squadron 111 headed by its captain, Randy Escolango, who is also SBMA deputy administrator for legal affairs.

“Very impressive,” Prieto described the project, adding that the artificial reef will not only help boost the eco-system in the area, but also the local tourism industry.

At another site nearby, the non-government organization Sangkalikasan Producers Cooperative, with full support from the management of the All Hands Beach and Resort here, also implemented a project to revive corals that were dying or damaged by pollution and other destructive human activities.

A group of divers from Sangkalikasan began doing the government-funded Reef Restoration Program in Subic Bay in August last year in an attempt to restore coral fragments.

Jose Rodriguez, project leader of Sangkalikasan, said that they are managing four coral nursery units (CNU) near Grande Island in Subic Bay, but had to transfer them to All Hands Beach for accessibility.

Each CNU is designed to hold at least 500 attachments of “corals of opportunity” which are a collection of dislodged live coral fragments for quick recovery and regeneration to increase survival rates upon transplantation in degraded coral reef sites.

“The management of All Hands Beach is dedicated to make this program successful and we are hoping that other beach resorts and coastal communities will follow suit,” Rodriguez said. (30)

Trash-to-Cash initiative

Meanwhile, A retail chain mall in Olongapo City joined other malls nationwide in the celebration of Earth Day through a simultaneous Trash to Cash Project.

In partnership with Earth Day Network Philippines (EDNP) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the activity aims to encourage people to protect and respect Mother Earth though recycling and proper waste disposal.

The project was started five years ago by SM Olongapo through its Trash to Cash Recycling Market, which invites and encourages local government and the community, haulers, recycling groups, social/environmental recycling project groups and private companies to bring their trash in the mall and exchange them for cash.

They could exchange for cash the following waste: plastic and PET bottles, tin and aluminum cans, cartons, papers and more.

However, batteries, car batteries, ink cartridges, computer, television and other electronic wastes are not accepted due to their hazardous content. (SNL)

PHOTOS: (Clockwise from left)

[1] SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia joins a tree-tagging activity at the Triboa Mangrove during the Earth Day celebration in the Subic Bay Freeport on Friday, April 22.

[2] Women volunteers planting mangrove seedlings at the Triboa Mangrove Park.

[3] A volunteer is reflected on the water as he plants a mangrove seedling.

(Photos by Jun Dumaguing, MPD-SBMA)

Other sources:
http://www.mb.com.ph/subic-bay-marks-earth-day-2016-with-reef-projects/
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=878712

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Subic Freeport ranked #6 among world’s top triathlons

The Subic Bay Freeport, which regularly hosts various international sports competitions, has again received high ratings as a venue for some of the top triathlon events in the world.

According to Princess Galura, general manager of Sunrise Events, Inc., an affiliate of the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), Subic Bay earned the superior ranking of 85.80% in the 2015 Ironman 70.3 APAC Overall Satisfaction Scores.

Triathletes at the starting line during the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 held recently in Subic Bay 

Subic served as the venue for the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 race organized by Sunrise Events last year.

“Survey results for the 2015 event showed that our race ranked 85.80%, which is just below global standards by .09%,” Galura said in a letter to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia.

“We are also above Asia-Pacific standards, as they only ranked 83.95%,” Galura added, further thanking Garcia for the SBMA support during the event.

The 2015 Ironman 70.3 APAC Overall Satisfaction Scores placed Subic at number six among the best triathlon sites in the Asia Pacific Championship series.

Topping the list is Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia with a satisfaction rating of 90.20%, followed by Western Sydney and Korea tying for the second place at 89%; Mandurah in Western Australia, third at 88.30%; Auckland, New Zealand, fourth at 88%; and Busselton, Western Australia, fifth at 85.99%.

Subic Bay and Cairns in Queensland, Australia tied for sixth place with a rating of 85.80%—less than a point short of the global average of 85.89%.

Chairman Garcia said that the ranking “clearly shows that Subic is among the world’s best in terms of facilities and natural environment that is ideal to triathlon competition.”

“We have been aggressively promoting Subic as a sports hub and we’re surely gaining ground. These events organized by Sunrise significantly help in putting Subic on the sports map,” Garcia added.

Sunrise Events, which began organizing races after being awarded a contract by the WTC in 2008, runs two major races in the Philippines — the Ironman 70.3 Triathlon and the 5i50 Triathlon. The firm has also initiated the Alaska Ironkids Aquathlon with Subic as one of the venues.
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Galura likewise said that they will launch the short-distance race series Sunrise Sprint at Subic Bay Freeport on June 5, to coincide with the opening of the Regent 5i50 Triathlon.

The Sunrise Sprint will feature a 750-meter swim event and a 20-kilometer bike race to be topped by a
five-kilometer run. “The distance is targeted for beginners, come-backing athletes, and those who lack training,” Galura added.

Garcia said the incoming events “will further cement Subic’s reputation as the country’s triathlon capital,” recalling that Subic has been cited as an outstanding triathlon venue by the internationally-circulated sports magazine TriMag Asia, after covering two big triathlon events here in 2012.

Garcia said the magazine particularly noted Subic’s “interesting course and friendly atmosphere,” and added that the Freeport “is increasingly getting a reputation for top-notch races.”

The SBMA official also said that the international sports events here have been drawing thousands of foreign and local racers and their teams, thus helping boost the tourism industry in Subic Bay. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

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Mangrobang leads 1-2 Pinay finish in Subic International Triathlon

Kim Mangrobang led an impressive 1-2 finish by the Filipino bets in the women’s division of the Open Elite while the Aussie bets dominated the men’s side of the 23rd NTT-ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) yesterday.

Mangrobang, the country’s No. 2 triathlete who had to cut short her high performance training in Portugal due to her father’s death last week, showed the gains she made by besting the field at Remy Field in two hours, 10 minutes, 40 seconds.

Kim Manrobang of the Philippines | SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia poses with the winners in the Open Elite Women's division

(photos c/o: https://www.facebook.com/ITUSubit/ and https://www.facebook.com/AniDeLeonBrown/)

She made her move in the final 10K run leg after keeping pace with teammates Fil-Am Kim Kilgroe and SEAG gold medalist Claire Adorna in the 1.5K swim and 40K bike legs.

“I had no plans of joining but my coach told me just to race since I was already here. I just wanted to finish but when we got out in the run leg, I felt I could take it all the way to the finish,” said the 24-year-old Mangrobang after the race organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) and held in cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and presented by the SBMA Tourism Department with support from the Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Sports Commission.

Two weeks from now, Mangrobang who also ruled SuBIT’s Under-23 division two years ago, will be in Japan for the Asian Triathlon Championship, eyeing a top five finish to earn ITU points in her quest to make it to the 2020 Olympic Games.

Kilgroe, who lives in California but traces her mother’s roots in Zambales, conceded to Mangrobang in the run leg.

“I tried to catch up in the run leg but she was too strong. But I’m happy with my performance as I was expecting a podium finish this time from my 16th place last year, I prepared more seriously this time, “ said Kilgroe, who clocked 2:12.29.

Hong Kong’s Kate Rutherford timed 2:13.15 for third followed by injured Adorna in 2:19.59.

“I was frustrated because my foot injury is still bothering me, particularly in the bike, it was painful and was still hurting even after the race,” said Adorna, a five-time UAAP Most Outstanding Athlete.

Ting Ting Chang from Taipei came in fifth in 2:20.36.

Aussie Joel Tobin White, running his second SuBIT race, also turned in an impressive solo finish in 1:56.09 while Greek James Chronis, who used to run for Australia until he opted to campaign for his native country two years ago, placed second in 1:56.45 while another Aussie, James Thorp, placed third in 1:56.58.

Joel Tobin White of Australia | SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia poses with the winners in the Open Elite Men's division

(photos c/o https://www.facebook.com/ITUSubit/ and https://www.facebook.com/jamesthorptriathlete/?fref=photo)

Other backers of the event were Century Tuna, Standard Insurance, Gatorade, Asian Center for Insulation, Subic Holiday Villas, ACEA Subic Bay, Enervon, Biker’s Cafe, The Lighthouse Marina Resort and media partners Solar Sports, The Philippine STAR, Kikay Runner and PinoyFitness.com.

Tobin White, ranked sixth back home, pulled away from closest pursuer Chronis after the first lap of the run leg.

“I put in a surge while he slowed down, I knew I could make it if I did well in the swim leg, and I did, the heat also did not bother me at all,” said the 23 year old professional triathlete who credited his coach Danielle Stefano at the Victorian Institute of Sport back in Melbourne.

Best placed among the male Filipino triathletes was Olongapo native John Chicano who finished eighth in 2:01.42.

“I gave chase in the bike leg but the foreign competiton was just too strong. It’s all right, because I met my target here,” Chicano said.

In the men’s U-23, Singaporean Sumedha Um Kian Tat went home with the title, clocking 2:20.54, followed by Macau entries Chak Long Un (2:21.37) and Chi Meng Ieong (2:26.53).

Even as he admitted that the field was not as strong as it used to be because of another World Cup race in China on the same day, TRAP president Tom Carrasco, said “it was a good opportunity for our triathletes particularly Mangrobang to show what they are capable of doing.”

“We are on track with our preparation for the 2020 Olympic Games where we hope to qualify for the first time,” he said. (The Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2016/04/18/1574130/mangrobang-leads-1-2-pinay-finish-subic-international-triathlon

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HK bets deliver on 1st day of the NTT-ASTC Subic Bay Int'l Traithlon

THE highly-touted HongKong triathlon team delivered as expected on Day 1 of the 23rd NTT-ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon ( SuBIT ), sweeping the top spots yesterday in both divisions of the junior elite sprint competition that started and ended at the ACEA Beach inside the sprawling Subic Freeport.

So dominating were in the HK triathletes that in the men's junior elite, Oscar Louise Coggins, Michael Lam, and ShingHim Wong , James Tan, and Tsz To Wong took the top 5 places with Coggins leading practically from start to finish en route to a solo finish in 58: 28, six seconds ahead of Lam. Wong meanwhile negotiated the 750m. swim-10K bike- 5K run sprint distance race in 59 : 12, followed by Tan, 1:01.24 and Wong, 1 : 00. 31.

The Hong Kong Triathlon National Team
Photo from https://www.facebook.com/Hong-Kong-Triathlon-National-Team-268717043281379/

“ It got pretty hot in the run leg but I handled it pretty well, I was really hoping for a top 3 finish, “ said Coggins, 18, who only placed third in the same event last year.

Cebu’s Andrew Remolino, 16, from Talisay, winner of the first two legs of the TRAP NAGT Series in Subic and Cebu , was the best placed Filipino triathlete in sixth place in the event organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) in cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and presented by the SBMA Tourism Department with support from the Philippine Olympic Committee ( POC ) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

“Naiwan ako sa bike ", said a disappointed Remolino after the race, he is a member of the national developmental team of TRAP .

In the women's side of the event, supported by Century Tuna, Standard Insurance, Gatorade, Asian Center for Insulation, Subic Holiday Villas, ACEA Subic Bay, Biker's Cafe, Blackbeard's Seafood Island, the Lighthouse Marina Resort, and Enervon, HK's Bailee Brional Brown was a run-away winner in 1:09.36 as she completely dominated her opponents, “the heat was insane but I managed to block it from my mind,” said Brown, 16, a student at the Hong Kong International School.

She also finished first in last year's mini-sprint distance in the same event. Singapore's Jeremia Christy Suriadi was a distant second in 1:12 : 49 while in third place was top seed Zoe Natasha Bowden of Malaysia who clocked 1:13:51.

“ I believe the support we get from the government and the fact that we have around 30 active triathlon clubs in Hong Kong help us a lot,” said Fenalla Ng, president of the Hong Kong Triathlon Association who accompanied her wards to Subic, she is a former swimmer and rower who has competed in 3 Olympic Games and 5 Asian Games.

On his part, TRAP President and current POC Chairman Tom Carrasco said he really expected Hong Kong to dominate but remained optimistic of the development of his young triathletes, “ we are already putting in place our long -term preparation for the 2018 Youth Olympics where we hope to qualify 3 girls and 3 boys,” he explained.

Filipina Vicky Deldio, an Olympic Youth Games veteran, ran her personal best time but fell short by nine seconds.

http://www.journal.com.ph/sports/other-sports/hk-bets-deliver-in-subic

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MMDA wants Subic's traffic discipline culture emulated in Metro Manila streets

The implementation of the no contact apprehension policy of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) aims to create a “behavioral” and "cultural” change among the drivers to observe road discipline, just like in Subic Bay Freeport.

This, after at least 176 motorists and drivers have been caught violating traffic rules on major thoroughfares in the first two hours of yesterday’s relaunching of the no contact apprehension policy of the MMDA.

It is only in Subic Freeport where motorists are aware and follow its "first to stop-first to go" policy on intersections.

“Drivers are capable of being disciplined, like they do when they are inside the Subic freeport. That’s what we hope to achieve,” MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos said, citing that “once you prohibit, consistently it would be cultural change.”

Amid the number of recorded violations, Carlos said the kickoff of the new policy seemed to create a “chilling effect” on drivers plying EDSA.

“There was light vehicular flow from East Avenue to Cubao area, Osmena Avenue, some parts of EDSA during rush hour Friday morning and payday,” said Carlos.

Based on the agency’s monitoring, common violations include obstruction, reckless driving, prohibited loading and unloading on non-designated zones, overspeeding, and banned entering of underpasses.

Showing their seriousness, some agency personnel delivered a summon to Joanna Jess bus firm located in Western Bicutan, Taguig City, to inform them that one of their drivers violated the no loading/unloading zone.

For drivers who will contest their violation, Carlos said they are welcome to present their own evidence.

“You can bring your own video if you have dashcam. In this policy we are giving the motorists all the opportunities to contest but the same time, we will look at the circumstances,” said Carlos.

In case drivers are apprehended manually for the same violation, one ticket will be cancelled. For different violations, drivers can be apprehended multiple times.

A 15-man team is manning the No Contact Policy Office in the MMDA headquarters, tasked to monitor CCTV footage for traffic violations.

Carlos said the violators may receive their summons in less than a week, depending how far their residences are.

The policy also hopes to stop the “padrino” system involving policemen and politicians and even bribery and extortion opportunities involving traffic enforcers.

“If there is a denial from the driver, that’s only his defense. It will be his word against the video captured,” said Carlos.

The driver will not be able to renew his vehicle registration until the fines are settled.

Carlos also warned drivers from lying as those who will be caught lying will be charged with perjury, which carries a penalty of possible imprisonment.

“If the vehicle is not registered, we will report them to LTO,” said Carlos, adding that those who oppose the now policy are welcome to visit the Metrobase. (Manila Bulletin)

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/mmda-captures-176-motorist-violations-on-video-in-2-hours-of-no-contact-policy/

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Subic Bay cited by Forbes as top retirement haven in PH

Forbes Magazine, well known for its lists and rankings, cited Subic Bay as a top retirement destination in the Philippines.

Forbes' latest list of 20 best foreign retirement havens includes the Philippines, particularly mentioning Subic Bay as one of only two locations in the country that are popular retirement spots, the other one being Tagaytay.

Screen grab from Forbes' gallery of the 20 Best Foreign Retirement Havens for 2015. 

Source: http://www.forbes.com/pictures/fgmi45mmdd/the-philippines/

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia said Forbes Magazine bolstered the marketing efforts of the agency in promoting the Freeport as the best retirement haven in the country.

“Subic is a very attractive place for tourists and retirees alike, providing both an eco-friendly environment and a cost-effective locality,” Garcia said.

“Aside from scenic views and friendly environment, Subic is a much secured area,” Garcia said, noting that the Subic Bay Freeport is securely bounded by perimeter fences and has a very good law enforcement unit that is well-known for its expertise and alertness.

Garcia added that Subic is also primed to push its advantage in medical tourism, having recently opened two world-class hospitals that cater to retirees and provide excellent medical services at very affordable rates.

Forbes ranked the top 20 best foreign retirement havens in 2015 by looking into issues such as cost of living, cultural attractions and scenery, safety, tax matters (especially breaks for retirees), local hospitality, weather, availability of adequate healthcare and prevalence of English.

In appraising the Philippines as a retirement destination, Forbes noted the appeal of the country to U.S. retirees due to its low cost of living in a tropical environment, and permanent residency that can be had on a minimal showing of retirement income.

Popular locations include Tagaytay because of its cooler climate, and Subic Bay with an infrastructure from the old U.S. Navy base, Forbes said.

International Living Magazine, an Ireland-based publication catering to retirees all around the world, also put the Philippines on the 17th spot in its shortlist of 23 best countries to retire in 2016.

The magazine’s rankings are based on its Annual Global Retirement Index that considers a number of composite factors such as real estate costs, special benefits for retirees, cost of living, leisure amenities, healthcare services, infrastructure, and climate. (RBB/MPD-SBMA)

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Plane forced to land in Subic due to mechanical problem (INQ Report)

Subic Bay Freeport - A twin-engine aircraft carrying two pilots made an emergency landing at a section of the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) here after its nose wheel malfunctioned on Sunday morning.

According to SBIA officials, the front landing gear of aircraft RP-C1123 (Piper Seneca 23) failed to retract, prompting its occupants to seek help from the airport’s operation center at about 10 a.m.

Members of the crash rescue team of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority spray foam chemicals on a Piper
Seneca 23 twin-engine aircraft after it made an emergency landing at a section of the Subic Bay International
Airport inside the Subic Bay Freeport due to a malfunctioning landing gear on Sunday (Apr. 10, 2016).
(Photo courtesy of Kmel Reyes)

Filipino pilot, Capt. Jason Legaspi, 38, and Indonesian student pilot Akhyar Siregar Fadhli, 20, were unhurt when they landed the aircraft safely on Runway 25 at 11:20 a.m., SBIA officials said.

Legaspi said he tried to manually loosen and open the landing gear, but had failed, prompting him to alert the SBIA Control Tower, according to a report from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Law Enforcement Department.

The SBMA crash team sprayed the aircraft with fire retardant chemicals as a precautionary measure, while an emergency medical trauma team tended to the passengers.

The aircraft, SBIA officials have said, is owned by the APG International Aviation Academy, a flight school operating inside the free port.

The six-seater plane was towed away from the runaway, to allow the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to investigate the accident. (Allan Macatuno, Inquirer Central Luzon)


http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/778999/plane-forced-to-land-in-subic-due-to-mechanical-problem

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WWII skeletons unearthed in Subic (INQ report)

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Two human skeletons, believed to be of World War II soldiers, were unearthed at the bay area here early this week.

Two skulls and several pieces of bone were found underneath the “Inang Laya” Shrine in front of the administration building here at about 10:30 a.m. on Monday (April 4), according to a Friday (April 8) report submitted by investigators of the Law Enforcement Department (LED) of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

The Inang Laya Shrine in Subic Bay Freeport Zone 

LED investigators said the skeletons were unearthed when the Subic Water Corporation dug up a portion of the lot around the shrine to install a water PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipeline.

The skeletons were retrieved about one meter below the construction site, the investigators said.

Personnel from the Philippine National Police Scene of the Crime Operatives in Olongapo City collected the skeletal remains for examination. (Allan Macatuno, Inquirer Central Luzon)

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/778417/wwii-skeletons-unearthed-in-subic

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White tigers born in Subic theme park

Two tiger cubs are now the stars of the show in an animal theme park here: the first white tigers to be born in captivity at Zoobic Safari, one of the most popular tourist attractions in this premier free port.

According to Veterinary Doctor Cherique Favor-Smith, Titan and Apollo, both males, were born on March 16 at Zoobic Safari’s veterinary clinic and are currently in good health.

(Clockwise from left) [1] Titan, one of two white tigers born in Subic last month, is carried by an animal

caretaker at the Zoobic Safari in Subic Bay Freeport. [2] Apollo and Titan, two white tigers cubs born in
captivity last month, are now the stars of the show of the theme park. [3] Apollo sleeps peacefully under the
watch of veterinarian Dr. Cherique Favor-Smith.

The newly-born white tigers are part of a pack that consists of only three other adult white tigers. Currently, there are more than 40 Bengal tigers inside Zoobic Safari, and only five are white.

According to Smith, white tigers are usually born in captivity and the color of their fur is not an abnormality.

Both Titan and Apollo, she added, are products of inbreeding, with parents Icy and Snowy, female and male, respectively. The result was the two cute balls of fur.

The other white tiger in the pack is Mate, who was also donated by a prince from the United Arab Emirates.

The so-called white tiger is a pigmentation variant of the Bengal tiger, which is reported in the wild from time to time in the Indian states of Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Sunderbans, and especially in the former State of Rewa.

The white Bengal tigers are distinctive due to the color of their fur, which is caused by the lack of the pigment pheomelanin, which gives the orange fur color of the Bengal tigers.

Compared to the ordinary Bengal tigers, the white Bengals tend be somewhat bigger at birth and as fully grown adults, grow faster and heavier.

Animal experts consider white Bengal tigers to be fully grown when they are two to three years of age. White male tigers reach weights of 200 to 230 kilograms and can grow up to three meters long.

As with all tigers, the white Bengal tiger’s stripes are like fingerprints, with no two tigers having the same pattern. The stripes of the tiger are a pigmentation of the skin; if an individual were to be shaved, its distinctive coat pattern would still be visible. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Bay Freeport, Olongapo City host the 8th National ALCU games

This Freeport and Olongapo City will play host to the 8th National ALCU games on April 9-16 participated in by students of colleges and universities from all over the country.

Organized by Gordon College Olongapo, the games will be held in various locations in Subic Freeport and Olongapo City. The Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU) is composed of thirty-three (33) local colleges and universities in the Philippines.

The games will open with a motorcade and a parade of athletes in Olongapo City on April 10. Below is the schedule of sporting events and venues for each activity.

8th National ALCU games schedule of activities 

ACLU was created in the latter part of 2003 by the Commission on Accreditation, Inc., which is working closely with the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, Inc. (AACCUP).

Its primary thrust is to improve the quality of instruction, research, and extension of its member schools and to provide value public tertiary education, especially to the poor and disadvantaged youth. (RBB/MPD-SBMA)

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LOOK: SBMA fire and rescue team at Mount Apo

Members of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s (SBMA) Fire and Rescue Team help other volunteers in making fire breaks to prevent wildfire from further spreading at Mount Apo in Sitio Kapatagan, Digos, Davao del Sur.

The wildfire that started on Black Saturday has already ruined more than 400 hectares of habitat, mostly grasslands, at the Mount Apo National Park.

Members of the SBMA Fire & Rescue Team check their equipment on Saturday, April 2, before starting the trek towards the base camp to join other volunteers in putting out the raging forest fire at Mount Apo.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia ordered the 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 Mount Apo. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

(All photos c/o Ranny Magno, SBMA Fire Department Chief)

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2016 Subic Bay Auto Show all set for April 16

The Harbor Point Ayala Mall will once again be filled with tricked out rides and hot models as the 2016 Subic Bay Auto Show is all set to begin on April 16.

A feast for both the eyes and ears, the 7th Subic Bay Auto Show will host a myriad of souped-up cars, along with good music and eye-candy courtesy of the car show babes.

Returning for this year's edition of Subic Bay Auto Show is the Kicker AudioSound Off competition and the Tire Change challenge.

On the other hand, those that always have the need to beat their R/C lap times will be able to do just that in the Tamiya Time Attack.

Categories that can be won in this year's Subic Bay Auto Show include: Best Vintage Car, Best European Car, Best Bodykits, Loudest Car, Subic's Finest Car, Best SUV and Best Interior as such.

http://www.autoindustriya.com/auto-industry-news/2016-subic-bay-auto-show-all-set-for-april-16.html

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Filipino soldier dies in Balikatan accident

A Philippine air force paratrooper who parachuted from a C130 plane in an exercise with U.S. forces died Thursday, April 7. after a wind gust blew him out to sea instead of an airport drop zone, officials said.

The Filipino paratrooper from a special air force operations unit was rescued 15 minutes after the accident at the Subic Bay free port in Zambales, but he died later in a hospital, Philippine army spokesman Capt. Celeste Frank Sayson said.

Heavy machinery and military vehicles are parked at the Subic Bay International Airport after arriving
from the United States, April 4. The equipment will be used for Balikatan 2016, an inter-operability
exercise between the Philippines and US, that will be held on April 4-15. (Jonas Reyes)

About 3,500 Filipino troops and 5,000 American military personnel are participating in the Balikatan or shoulder-to-shoulder combat exercises that started Monday, April 4. The 11-day maneuvers aim to prepare U.S. and Philippine troops to quickly respond to a range of potential crises, including in the disputed West Philippine Sea.

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter will fly to the Philippines next week to witness some of the maneuvers, underscoring the importance Washington puts on the joint combat drills that have been staged 32 times by the treaty allies.

Accident prevention is part of the meticulous planning for the joint exercises by both militaries, but mishaps have happened. In 2000, a Filipino marine was ran over by an amphibious vehicle and died during a beach landing exercise in Cavite province south of Manila. (AP)

http://www.mb.com.ph/filipino-soldier-dies-in-balikatan-accident-in-subic/

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NLEX-SCTEX integration speed up traffic during the Holy Week

The recent integration of the NLEX and SCTEX greatly helped in managing the surge in traffic volume at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) at the just concluded Holy Week exodus to Central and North Luzon.

The Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) reported that motorists experienced light-to -moderate traffic flow through in the whole stretch of NLEX-SCTEX, except at the peak of the Lenten Season, last March 24 and 27 when traffic hit 275,000 and 260,000, respectively, when traffic became really heavy.

SCTEX portion going to Subic Bay Freeport (file photo)

MNTC traffic data indicated vehicle entries rose to 275,000 from 263,000 in 2015. “Without integration, this kind of vehicle volume could have created a worse traffic situation on the country’s two premier expressways.

“Travel to the North Luzon was a breeze this year with the integration of NLEX and SCTEX into one seamless road network. The decreased number of toll plaza stops to two made travel to the north faster and more convenient for motorists,” said MNTC president Rodrigo Franco.

The NLEX-SCTEX Integration unified the NLEX and SCTEX toll collection systems into a single system, reducing toll collection stops to two instead of five from Balintawak to Subic and back, instead of four from Balintawak to Tarlac and back.

The integration also introduced other payment option at SCTEX since it now features electronic toll collection through Easytrip.

“This was the first Holy Week that we had the NLEX and SCTEX integrated, more system improvements are on the way to further provide comfort and convenience to motorists,” said Franco.

Aside from the integration of the two expressways, MNTC also attributed the manageable traffic flow to the efficient traffic schemes.

“On Maundy Thursday, we implemented counter-flow in San Simon to address the traffic build-up caused by high volume of vehicles going to the provinces,” explained Franco, adding that “additional toll collection points at Bocaue Toll Plaza were in placed on Black Saturday and Easter Sunday to accommodate motorists returning to Manila.” (Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/nlex-sctex-integration-speed-up-traffic-during-the-holy-week/

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Military Sealift Command ships arrive in Subic Bay, kicks-off Exercise Balikatan 16

Military Sealift Command's (MSC) maritime prepositioning force (MPF) ship USNS 1ST LT Jack Lummus (T-AK 3011) offloaded her cargo to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force Marines, March 26-29, at Subic Bay, in preparation for exercise Balikatan 16 (BK16).

BK16, in its 32nd iteration, is scheduled to take place on the Philippine islands of Luzon, Palawan, and Panay and is an annual bilateral exercise that involves U.S. military and Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel and subject matter experts from Philippine Civil Defense agencies.

Military Sealift Command's maritime prepositioning force ship USNS 1ST LT Jack Lummus (T-AK 3011)
arrives at Subic Bay in preparation for exercise Balikatan 16.

At the end of the two-day offload, the Lummus discharged more than 100 personnel, 157 vehicles and 12 shipping containers of equipment.

The Lummus is part of Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadrom Three (MPSRON-3), which carries heavy equipment and supplies for the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force supporting contingencies and operations in the Pacific. The equipment off the Lummus was afloat prepositioned gear for the Marine Corps and summoned to equip the Marines for BK16.

“This equipment coming off the (Lummus) is designed to supplement or provide by table-of-equipment a conceptualized Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), which is our second largest Marine air-ground task force in the Marine Corps,” said Marine Capt. Mitchell Borley, technical advisory and assistance team officer-in-charge, Blount Island Command, out of Jacksonville, Fla. “The MPF provides a maneuver capability for such a large, strategic amount of equipment—and employ it forward, anywhere there’s a port, or just a beach.”

Unlike other offload operations that use the services of stevedore, Marines offloaded all the equipment as part of their exercise to maintain proficiency in discharge operations. In the event of a real-world crisis, and an MPF ship is called upon, Marines would merry up with the ship to discharge her cargo.

In addition to the Lummus, the expeditionary fast transport Millinocket (T-EPF 3) also offload her gear in support of the Marines from Okinawa, Japan. The Millinocket delivered about 32 military vehicles and 50 pallets of equipment to support the Marines in CG16.

The Millinocket is one the MSC’s newest class of ships and is designed to provide fast, intra-theater transport of troops, military vehicles, and equipment. A logistics workhorse, the Millinocket functions as a delivery vehicle for cargo, personnel and modular/tailored forces in response to a wide range of mission demands.

Her unique capabilities make the Millinocket a platform that is in high demand. She can provide a persistent regional presence in the Pacific, which increases regional maritime security.

EPFs are capable of transporting 600 tons of military troops, vehicles, supplies and equipment 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots. Her aviation flight deck can support day and night flight operations for a wide variety of aircraft.

CG16 is the Millinocket’s second mission since her delivery to MSC. She also participated in Pacific Partnership 15.

A third MSC ship, surge sealift, roll-on/roll-off ship USNS MAJ Stephen W. Pless (T-AK 3007), offloaded her cargo April 1-2.

Concurrently, the USNS Pless is on mission supporting U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) Pacific Pathway 16-1 (PP 16-1), a transportation operation supporting three exercises. The Pless offloaded more than 616 pieces between the Army, Marines and Navy, according to U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Lorena C. Peck, senior mobility officer, USARPAC out of Ft. Shafter, Hawaii.

The Pless started the PP 16-1 mission at Joint Base Lewis–McChord (JBLM) in Tacoma, Wash. When she embarked a joint task force of ship riders to execute the mission. BK16 is the final leg of Pacific Pathway 16-1.

“We take a single vessel and a single task force and take it to numerous exercises. It saves money, cuts legs off transportation and allows us to bring a bigger force with more capability to the exercises.”

The Pless offloaded her cargo in early February in support of Cobra Gold 16 (CG16) in Thailand. The Pless then backloaded the ship at the end of February, and then rolled over to South Korea to offload the Army equipment for Exercise Foal Eagle. She then returned to Okinawa to offload Marine Corps equipment from CG16, and uploaded the new Marine gear for Exercise BK16.

The ship returned to South Korea to pick up the Army force, and moved to the Philippines to offload for BK16. Finally, she will reverse sequence back to JBLM to drop off the remainder of the joint task force.

“PP 16-1 consolidates a force on a vessel and keeps it out so it does multiple iterations of loading and offloading a vessel,” said Peck. “This is a five-and-a-half-month mini deployment to three different countries, which we would have loaded the ship at least five times.”

MSC operates approximately 115 non-combatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners. (Grady Fontana, PACOM News)

http://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/tabid/5693/Article/713834/military-sealift-command-ships-arrive-at-subic-bay-kicks-off-exercise-balikatan.aspx

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Interflour bags P998M loan to fund flour mill in Subic

Singaporean-owned Mabuhay Interflour Mill, Inc. (MIMI) has entered into a P998-million, seven-year loan deal with BDO Unibank, Inc. to partly finance the construction of its flour mill within a 5.2-hectare property in Subic Bay Gateway Park Phase II.

MIMI is the Philippine subsidiary of Interflour Group Pte Ltd. of Singapore, one of the largest flour millers in Asia.

The project, which is expected to be completed early 2017, involves the milling of wheat into food flour for direct sale to consumers, distributors and retailers in the country, as well as for the export market. The flour mill has a capacity to produce 500 metric tons of flour per day, which may be doubled to 1,000 metric tons by 2019.

With an estimated 25,000 bakeshops operating in the country, Interflour considers the Philippines an important market in the region.

At present, Interflour is operating nine flour mills – eight in Southeast Asia and one in Turkey – and has a wheat milling capacity of 6,500 tons per day. In June 2014, itsigned a 50-year lease agreement with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, establishing its entry in the Philippines.

“The investment of Interflour in the Philippines is a welcome development. BDO supports initiatives by conglomerates that generate employment opportunities in fast-growing business districts like Subic,” said Edward Wenceslao, BDO senior vice president and head of international desks.

“We welcome the support of BDO and thank them for the cooperation in working with us to develop local employment and more affordable flour for the Philippine community in general,” said Greg Harvey, Interflour chief executive. (Malaya Business Insight)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (extreme right) and Greg Harvey (4th from right), Managing Director and Chief Executive of Interflour Group, with other officials during the ceremonial ground-breaking of Interflour’s milling facility project in the Subic Bay Freeport in November, 2015. (AMD,EVS/MPD-SBMA)

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/interflour-bags-p998m-loan-fund-flour-mill-subic

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World-ranked triathletes in Subic for SuBIT 2016

Several world-ranked triathletes led by former World Junior Champion and former ITU number one Felicity Abram and Melinda Vernon of Australia will test their mettle in the elite competition (2nd day) of the two-day NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon 2016 which will commence on April 16 at the ACEA Subic Bay.

The elite competition (Standard Distance 1.5 Km swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run) offers ITU qualifying points for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic triathlon event and has already attracted the participation of Mohamad Alsabbagh (Syria), James Chronis (Greece), Chris George (Australia), Shen-Yen Hsieh (Chinese Taipei), Rikigoro Shinozuka (Malaysia), Jiayu Tan (Singapore), James Thorp (Australia), Joel Tobin White (Australia), Chun Yin Tse (Hong Kong), Yuki Umeda (Japan) and national triathletes John Chicano, Mark Hosana, Jonard Saim and Deo Timbol.

In the distaff side, 2015 SEA Games gold medalist Claire Adorna and teammate Kim Kilgroe will lead the Philippines in facing off with Chi Wen Chang (Chinese Taipei), Shuwen Chang (Singapore), Ting-Ting Chang (Chinese Taipei), Irene See Win Chiong (Malaysia) and Kate Rutherford (Hong Kong).

Organized by TRAP in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon 2016 is presented by SBMA Tourism Department. (Tempo)

Five-in-one Subic international triathlon

The two-day NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon 2016 is a five-in-one affair comprising a leg of the Asia Cup Series, National Age-Group Championships, Inter-Club Competition, national tryouts and Age Group Select Men, a new feature in the local triathlon scene.

On tap on the first day are sprint distance for Elite Junior, Age-Group Junior and Age-Group Adult and mini sprint distance for men and women. All races will start and finish at ACEA Subic Bay.

Elite Open, Elite U23, age groupers and club members see action over the standard distance (1.5K swim-40K bike-10K run) on April 17 from 5:30 a.m. also with the finish line located at Remy Field.

Tom Carrasco, Triathlon Association of the Philippines president, said, “SuBIT is the first beneficiary of the Nippon Telephone and Telecommunications sponsorship of the Asia Cup Series under the patronage of the Asian Triathlon Confederation and sanction of the International Triathlon Union.”

Organized by TRAP in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), SuBIT is presented by SBMA Tourism Department and supported by Century Tuna, Standard Insurance, Gatorade, Asian Center for Insulation, Subic Holiday Villas, ACEA Subic Bay, Biker’s Café, Blackbeard’s Seafood Island, The Lighthouse Marina Resort, Enervon Active, AH Cabgel, AH Enervon HP, Athena, Pure & Feminine Wash, RaceDay, SBR.ph, Multisport, Kikay Runner and Pinoy Fitness.com.

Top finishers in the elite division of the Asia Cup 2016 series earn ITU points for Asian and world rankings and qualification to major international competitions.

TRAP sponsors the standard distance age-group men and women champions’ stints in an Asia Cup 2016 Series event.

Age groups to be contested include 18-24 years, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50 and over for women and 18-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59 and 60 and over for men.

Excellent and promising Junior, U23 and Elite Open performers have a shot at a slot in the national pool. (The Philippine Star)

http://sports.tempo.com.ph/2016/04/04/sports/world-ranked-triathletes-in-subic/

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2016/03/28/1566898/five-one-subic-internationall-triathlon-set-april-16

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Japanese warships visit Subic Bay

Japanese submarine JS Oyashio (SS-511), along with two destroyer ships JS Ariake (DD-109) and JS Setogiri (DD-156), docked here in Subic Bay this morning (April 3) for a goodwill visit to the Philippines that will conclude on April 6.

JS Oyashio, skippered by Cdr. Nishioka Tetsuo, represents the Training Submarine Division 1 of the Japan Maritime self Defense Force (JMSDF). JMSDF Division 1 is headed by Capt. Hiroaki Yoshino.

Crewmembers of the Japanese submarine JS Oyashio (SS-511) stand on deck as their vessel approaches the
Alava Pier of the Subic Bay Freeport on Sunday. The Oyashio, escorted by the destroyer ships JS Ariake
(DD-109) and JS Setogiri (DD-156), arrived here for a goodwill visit to the Philippines. (AMD.MPD-SBMA) 

On the other hand, JS Ariake and JS Setogiri, skippered by Cdr. Yoichi Kuruzoe and Cdr. Fumihito Takeshita respectively, compose the JMSDF's Destroyer Escort Division 15 headed by Capt. Hurihiko Morisita.

Capt. Samuel Z. Felix, Philippine Navy deputy commander of Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), representing the Flag Officer in Command, led the country's delegation who welcomed the visiting Japanese forces at the Alava Pier in Subic Bay Freeport.

A Philippine Navy marching band welcomes the Japanese destroyer ship JS Ariake (DD-109) as it docks at the
Alava pier of the Subic Bay Freeport on Sunday, March 3. The Ariake, along with another destroyer, the
JS Setogiri (DD-156), served as escorts to the Japanese submarine JS Oyashio (SS-511). (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

In a press statement, Capt. Lued Lincuna of the Naval Public Affairs office said the visit is expected to enhance the already strong relationship between the Philippine and Japanese navies.

At the same time, it fosters committed cooperation between the two nations which benefits regional peace and stability, Lincuna said.

A series of confidence-building activities between the visiting navy and their Filipino counterparts, particularly Philippine Navy personnel assigned at NETC in Zambales, will be conducted.

These activities range from shipboard tour of the Japanese ships, to goodwill games of football and basketball. (RBB/MPD-SBMA)

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Aetas, SBMA ratify green energy project

The Aetas of Pastolan in Subic Bay Freeport has ratified the expansion of  wind and solar energy projects in its ancestral land as part of their commitment to sustainable development.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), through Emerging Power Inc. (EPI), a renewable energy (RE) firm, will allocate US$200M to its renewable energy project which will cover 800 hectares of Mount Santa Rita, a Pastolan ancestral land, in observance of a Joint Management Agreement (JMA).

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia signed on October, 2013 a joint management agreement covering partsof the Ayta ancestral domain in the Subic Bay Freeport with Pastolan Ayta chieftain Conrado Frenilla (right)and NCIP Region 3 director Ronaldo Daquioag. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

“We are proud that the Pastolan Aetas have been very supportive in this milestone. This partnership is a witness that preservation of heritage and sustainable development can work together without being compromised,” SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia said.

“We are helping each other by moving forward with our plans for the preservation of our future generation,” Garcia added.

The JMA was signed and witnessed on October 10, 2013 by SBMA, The Aetas, and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). The said project will generate a total of 150-megawatts of RE.

The agreement was forged to protect and preserve the rights of the Aetas along with the implementation of socio-economic and cultural development programs by SBMA.

The groundbreaking of wind and solar power farm, which happened on October 2015, was the first wave of its expansion.

Chairman Garcia assures that the Pastolan Aetas will benefit from this expansion, same with the turnover of P14.8M cheque to the Aetas as payment for lease rentals by the locators within the ancestral domain.

“We are giving a priority job hiring to the Aetas for the construction of more solar and wind power plants. The welfare of our brothers and country will always be important to us,” Garcia said.

The expansion is a collaborative action of SBMA and Indigenous Peoples to uphold RA 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act in 2008 to invest on RE projects. This also serves as their support in the global commitment of Philippines to reduce greenhouse gas emission at the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP21).

“As the first military base to be successfully converted into a Freeport zone, we are reaching greater heights by playing a vital role in the preservation of both cultural heritage and environment with the installation of a major clean energy project in partnership with Indigenous Peoples,” Garcia said.

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Taiwan firm fined P13M for environment damage (INQ Report)

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT— For inflicting “massive” damage to the environment on a lot it has been leasing inside the free port, a Taiwanese warehousing firm was ordered to pay a fine of P13 million, according to an official of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

MSK Group Work Inc., which is engaged in building construction and civil engineering, was served a new notice of violation (NOV) with fines and penalties for its “unauthorized tree cutting, earth moving and land development activities,” said lawyer Ruel John Kabigting, acting head of the SBMA Ecology Center.

Photo shows Taiwanese firm MSK Group Work Inc. at the Subic Bay Gateway Park engaging in construction 
and civil engineering without the proper environmental clearances. (Allan Macatuno / Inquirer Central Luzon)

The company had failed to secure environmental clearances when it cut 60 large trees and about 7,000 smaller trees in a 1,200-square-meter leased area at the Subic Bay Gateway Park, Kabigting said.

MSK had been clearing the area to build a warehouse, but it had not obtained the necessary permits from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), SBMA Chair Roberto Garcia said in an earlier interview.

Garcia said the development activities weakened a slope.

On March 11, Kabigting directed the company to stop its work following a hazard call inspection concerning its lot. He issued a cease-and-desist order (CDO) addressed to Kelly Uy, MSK general manager, which also required the firm to replace the fallen trees with 1,752 saplings worth P86,250. (Allan Macatuno, Inquirer Central Luzon)

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/777265/taiwan-firm-fined-p13m-for-environment-damage

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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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