Japanese helicopter carrier docks in Subic Bay for goodwill visit

Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Hyūga-class helicopter destroyer, JS Ise (DD-182) arrived today at the Alava Pier here in Subic Bay Freeport for a four-day goodwill visit.

This marks the third time a Japanese naval vessel docked in the Philippines. Commanded by Captain Masaki Takada, JS Ise is one of the most modern ships of the JMSDF.

The goodwill visit aims to strengthen maritime relationship between the JMSDF and the Philippine Navy and promote regional peace and stability.

JMSDF delegates are set to visit the San Antonio, Zambales-based Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) which is commanded by Rear Admiral Renan C. Suarez.

Visiting navy personnel will engage with their Filipino counterparts, particularly those assigned at NETC through shipboard tour on the Japanese ship and visit at NETC facilities.

The ship was built by IHI Marine United and commissioned into service on March 16, 2011. It is the second ship to be named Ise, the first being the Imperial Japanese Navy World War II-era battleship Ise. (SNL)

PHOTOS:

[1] The JS Ise (DDH 182) a Japanese helicopter carrier of the Japan Maritme Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is being towed by tugboats as it approaches the Alava pier of Subic Bay Freeport zone Tuesday morning (April 26) for a four-day goodwill visit to the Philippines. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] Japanese chopper crew gamely lifts a lady reporter with the rescue hoist of a Seahawk SH60K-ASW helicopter aboard the JS Ise during a shipboard tour for covering media while the ship is moored at the Alava pier of Subic Bay Freeport. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Filipino dock workers await the Japanese helicopter carrier JS Ise (DDH 182) as it approaches

the Alava pier in Subic Bay Freeport Tuesday morning (April 26) for a four-day goodwill visit to

the Philippines. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Japanese carrier on goodwill visit to PHL

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The arrival here of the Japanese helicopter carrier JS Ise (DDH 182) on Tuesday is purely a goodwill visit to the Philippines and is not connected in any way to the growing tension in the West Philippine Sea because of Chinese claims over disputed islands and shoals.

This was the message stressed by Capt. Masaki Takada, commanding officer of the Japanese ship, during a media interview after the naval destroyer warship and helicopter carrier docked at the Alava Pier here.

Masaki denied that the visit was meant to counteract the growing presence of China in the disputed areas. He added that they are just here for a goodwill visit, along with some “rest and relaxation.”

The ship was welcomed by the Philippine Navy, led by Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) Capt. Samuel Felix, who said that the ship officials will make a courtesy call on Rear Admiral Renan Suarez, commander of the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) in San Antonio, Zambales.

Felix, who is also the deputy commander of the NETC, will lead the interaction between Philippine Navy men and their Japanese counterparts, which aims to strengthen the relationship between the two maritime forces.

Felix said that crewmen of Ise would visit the NETC facilities in Zambales, while NETC sailors would have a shipboard tour of the JS Ise.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Robert Garcia also welcomed the arrival of Japanese sailors, saying that he hopes they enjoy their visit to Subic.

Garcia said the Subic Bay Freeport is fast becoming a tourism site as well for military personnel, as more foreign military forces arrive for routine port calls.

“Subic Bay is not just a staging area or port of call for foreign forces; it is also one of the top tourist destinations in the country. Here, visitors — whether civilians or military — always enjoy their stay,” he added.

The Subic Freeport was once a “rest and recreation” area for American military forces when it was still the biggest US military installation outside of continental United States.

Areas such as the Grande Island and the All Hands and Dungaree beaches were usually full of US military men who spent their free days relaxing under the sun.

The visit of JS Ise marked the third time that Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels made a port call in the Philippines this year. Previous visitors were the Minesweeper Division 51 on March 2 and the submarine Oyashio (SS-511) along with two destroyer ships on April 3. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

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BoC-Subic holds steel bars from China

Almost 5,000 metric tons of deformed steel bars are entering the Philippines from China, but may not be on a par with the Philippine national standards and “pose a threat to security and safety.”

In an April 21 alert order forwarded to the media on Monday, the Bureau of Customs reported deformed steel bars in bundles were aboard the MV Well Faith was supposed to have docked in Subic port last Thursday.

Steel bars from China (File photo by Reuters)

The 4,929.38 MT of deformed steel were consigned to a certain Mannage Resources Trading Corp.

The alert order noted the shipment was red-flagged in the absence of an appropriate import permit, potentially in violation of Section 2503 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines which lists imported properties “subject to forfeiture.”

In a letter to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) office in Zambales, the Philippine Iron & Steel Institute (PISI) wants the Subic and trade authorities to move against the shipment based on the Customs alert order. "...[W]e request for your assistance in holding the processing of the import entry of Mannage Resources Trading Corp. until the Bureau of Philippine Standards has conducted a complete inventory, thorough examination and testing of physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the product...” Roberto Cola, PISI president, said in the April 21 letter.

“We ask for your assistance on this matter to ensure that these imported reinforcing steel bars are in conformity with the Philippine National Standards and do not pose a threat to the security and safety of our Filipino consumers,” he added. (Kristyn Nika M. Lazo, The Manila Times)

http://www.manilatimes.net/boc-holds-steel-bars-from-china-in-subic/258348/


'THOU SHALT NOT [DUMP] STEEL' | BoC tags China cargo for 'lack of permit' but strong lobby is on

MANILA - A group of stakeholders in the iron and steel sector is asking local Customs officials in Subic to hold processing of a shipment of steel bars from China, which the BoC's Intelligence Group had earlier tagged for "lack of permit."

The Philippine Iron and Steel Institute has written the District Collector of Subic, Atty. Emelito G. Aquino, asking for help in holding the processing of the import entry of Mannage Resources Trading Corp., for 4,928.38 metric tons of what are called "deformed steel bars," and asking authorities to first ensure these comply with Philippine National Standards. It's important to ensure the bars from China -- which in recent days has been accused by several countries of dumping steel products as it deals with a glut -- do not pose a threat to the "security and safety of Filipino consumers," said the Iron and Steel Institute's president, Roberto M. Cola, in the letter to Subic district collector Aquino.

The consignee, Mannage Resources Trading Corp, lists its address at Unit 1203-1204 One Global Place in Bonifacio Global City.

The appeal from Cola's group was lodged amid information that certain "well-connected" Filipino-Chinese businessmen have lobbied the Department of Trade and Industry to give the shipment a clean bill of health in order to facilitate release. InterAksyon sources said local steel manufacturers are subjected to some 200 tests for every 5,000 mt of steel products, and they expect a "level playing field" with respect to the imported steel bars from China.

So-called "deformed steel bars" are not necessarily sub-standard, but are categorized as such because they are not as polished as the others. Still, they need to be subjected to tests to ensure consumer safety. Â The Iron and Steel Institute has asked Subic collector Aquino to hold release of the cargo until the DTI's "Bureau of Philippine Standards has conducted: a complete inventory; a thorough examination; and testing for physical, chemical and mechanical properties" of the steel bars.

It was learned that on April 21, Deputy Customs chief, retired general Jessie Dellosa, had issued an "alert order" for the shipment from Hangzhou for "lack of permit," in violation of Sec. 2503 in relation to Section 2530 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.

The 2,461 bundles from the Hangzhou CIEC Group Co. Ltd. were loaded on the Well Faith vessel, with registry number OPL 0005-16, which left the port of Shanghai April 14.

Sources said the steel bars have since been unloaded from the Chinese boat, but are stored in Subic, while the influential Filipino-Chinese businessmen are lobbying DTI to fast-track the clearances from the Bureau of Product Standards. One source said it had been issued already an import commodity clearance. (InterAksyon.com)

http://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/national/thou-shalt-not-dump-steel-boc-tags-china-cargo-for-lack-of-permit-but-strong-lobby-is-on/ar-BBsd9Si#image=1

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Seaoil builds P350-million station along SCTEX route

Competition of oil industry players along tollways onward to North Luzon is expected to intensify as independent player Seaoil Philippines, Inc. is now advancing to completion its P350 million mega-station along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) route.

The company is one of the ‘independents’ given the permit to put up a new gasoline station within the SCTEX stretch.

A portion of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX)

While other gasoline stations – generally by the oil industry majors – serve the expanse of proximate North Luzon Expressway, it is anticipated that the contest on cornering customer patronage will eventually converge among all tracts of these so-called fast travel-designed roads, including that of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).

According to Seaoil, its SCTEX station is targeted for full commercial operations by the last quarter of this year.

This venture is its collaboration with Double Dragon Properties Corporation of Tony Tan Caktiong of the Jollibee Foods Corporation fame.

Seaoil president for retail and chief finance officer Mark L. Yu noted that the SCTEX mega-station “will be the company’s banner station that will greatly improve our brand presence.”

He added that this shall also be the oil firm’s new network “to serve more motorists, especially those travelling from Northern Luzon and cities like Baguio.”

It has been indicated that one of the distinguishing and striking amenities of the service station would be a mall within its compound, courtesy of its property developer-partner.

“The full service filling station will have an array of restaurants and convenience stores, and will feature spacious rest rooms, parking spaces and relaxation areas for travellers,” the oil firm said.

It was some sort of a prognostic vision for Seaoil, which sounded off years back, that it wants to be “the fuel of choice” – in some way parallel to “the fast food of choice matrix” that its partner’s food venture affiliate is known for.

For the longest time, the expressways had been confined to the petroleum retail service of the traditional players, but with the downstream oil industry’s deregulation, even these segments of the market also opened up for wider competition. (Myrna Velasco, Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/seaoil-builds-p350-million-station-along-sctex-route/

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Japanese carrier docking at Subic port for goodwill visit

The JS Ise (DD-182), one of the most modern ships of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) will be docking at Subic port this coming Tuesday, April 26.

The goodwill visit aims to strengthen maritime relationship between the JMSDF and the Philippine Navy and promote regional peace and stability.

Hyūga-class helicopter destroyer JS Ise (file photo c/o https://www.pinterest.com/bingal0/warship-aircraft-carriers/?from_navigate=true)

It also aims to enhance maritime cooperation amid China’s aggressive action on disputed territories in the South China sea.

Commissioned on August 21, 2009, the JS Ise of JMSDF is the second largest carrier ship that has a capacity to carry and house four rotary-winged aircraft. She weighs 13,950 tons and can cruise at speeds beyond 30 knots.

A Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer, the ship is also the second to be named Ise, the first being the Imperial Japanese Navy World War II-era battleship Ise.

The vessel was built by IHI Marine United and commissioned into service on March 16, 2011. It is commanded by Capt. Masaki Takada.

During the post-typhoon Haiyan disaster relief efforts in the Philippines, JS Ise assisted the country as part of the Japan Self defense Force’s Operation Sankai.

Philippine Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Marineth Domingo, meanwhile, said they will render the customary welcome ceremony upon the arrival of the vessel to be followed by a port briefing aboard ship.

Takada will also hold a press briefing upon arrival at the said port.

During the visit, JMSDF delegates will visit the San Antonio, Zambales-based Naval Education and Training Command which is situated about 613 kilometers distance from South China sea. (Franco G. Regala, Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/japanese-carrier-docking-at-subic-port-for-goodwill-visit/#MyjWqhhRt8YzKKTM.99

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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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