Network vs illicit trade launched in Subic Freeport

Representatives of various community sectors here formed on Thursday a grassroots network of volunteers to help fight illegal business activities in support of the Duterte administration’s drive against smuggling and counterfeit goods.

The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) organized the network as a public-private partnership under the Fight Illicit Trade (Fight IT) Movement, which it had earlier established along its anti-illicit trade advocacy.

FPI Chairman Jesus Arranza, who is also Fight IT lead convener, said the movement brings together volunteers from local government units, law-enforcement agencies, business chambers, educational institutions, civic organizations and other community groups to commit in the campaign against illicit trade.

“Through the Fight IT Warriors network, the movement will be able to provide reliable intelligence to law-enforcement groups that will help them in tackling the illicit-trade problem,” Arranza said.

A recent report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) commissioned by European Chamber of Commerce said Southeast Asian countries are at the bottom of the pack when it comes to the fight against illicit trade. Worse still, the problem could grow, the EIU added.

Arranza said the Subic Bay Freeport was chosen for the launch of the movement because of its “strong sense of volunteerism and civic spirit supporting the administration in its programs, especially in the enforcement of laws and regulations.”

Subic’s strategic location as a regional transshipment hub, with an active port that handles tons of shipments daily, also makes it an ideal site for the kickoff, he added.

Around 300 volunteers were sworn in as the movement’s Fight IT Warriors during the movement’s launching at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on Thursday.

Accordingly, the “warriors” pledged to report sightings of fake or smuggled goods, as well as suspected illicit-trade practices in their communities to help authorities apprehend and prosecute illegal traders.

The volunteers were also tasked to join and actively participate in initiatives fostering illicit-trade awareness and enforcement issues, trainings on counterfeit spotting and identification, and workshops to enforce actions against trademark violators.

Most important of all, network members pledged to promote the purchase of genuine products to show full support to the movement’s advocacy.

Meanwhile, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman Martin Diño, who welcomed participants to the launch, expressed his full support to the movement.

“The entire Subic community joins our administration’s relentless campaign against criminality and corruption. And among the steps we are about to take is to flag the presence of illegal activities and raise the problem of illicit trade to the fore,” Diño said.

In the same occasion, The Fight IT Movement unveiled its full-feature web site www.fightillicittrade.com, which features a reporting mechanism for warriors as well as the general public. The site ensures the confidentiality of the sources’ identity, movement leaders said.

The public can also report sightings of illicit products in local areas through the web site and its local hotline 722-3409. (Henry Empeño, BusinessMirror)

PHOTO:
“Fight IT Warriors” from the Lyceum of Subic signify their commitment to help combat illegal trade during the launch of the Fight Illicit Trade (Fight IT) Movement at the Subic Bay Freeport on Thursday. (HEE, BusinessMirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/network-vs-illicit-trade-launched-in-subic-freeport/

Read More

New SBMA chair to prioritize workers’ welfare

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will prioritize the provision of benefits and incentives to SBMA workers who served as volunteers after the US Naval Base here closed down in 1992.

SBMA Chairman Martin Diño said during a media conference here that volunteers who are holding contractual positions in the agency shall be given priority in housing and retirement benefits and other incentives.

“When I first arrived in the SBMA, I first asked about the conditions of the volunteers and I promised them that I will see how SBMA could repay them for what they did for the agency,” he said.

He added that his administration will help those hired under contracts of service to look for permanent jobs in line with the President Duterte’s program to eliminate end-of-contract scheme, commonly known as “endo,” which limits workers’ contracts to a maximum of six months to avoid permanent hiring.

The chairman explained that his administration will conduct a study “to definitely end contractualization in accordance with COA (Commission on Audit) rules and regulations.”

The SBMA is still employing about 1,200 workers under contract of service (CS), mostly former volunteers who serve in ground maintenance and housekeeping operations, as well as other office positions.

Diño also said that the SBMA reorganization proposal submitted to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall be reviewed to make it more beneficial and responsive to the needs and direction of the agency.

“The proposed reorganization in the structure of the agency to cope with the present and realistic conditions in the Freeport, which is continuously growing in terms of investments, will be reviewed to make it fit and responsive to the direction the agency wishes to take,” Diño said.

He added that the new administration will implement the removal of any overlapping functions of offices, improve the healthcare program and benefits of all SBMA employees, and require all departments to improve their performance and output.

“SBMA employees should be the first to benefit from what their agency has been achieving, which made the Subic Bay Freeport the Number 1 tourism destination in the region and a contributor of billions of pesos to the national government,” Diño also said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO: 

The Volunteers' shrine in Subic Bay Freeport where the names of 8,000 volunteers who protected and preserved military facilities left by the Americans after the 1992 base pullout had been etched in stone. (photo from travelbai.com)

Read More

SBMA Chairman Diño, other gov't appointees take their oath before Duterte

President Duterte swore into office Tuesday (Oct. 11) more than a hundred government appointees led by party mate Martin Diño as chair of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and lawyer Amado Valdez as chair of the Social Security System.

Also sworn into office were Special Envoy of the President to the Middle East Roy Cimatu, Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe Lhuillier, Philippine Ambassador to Kenya Norman Garibay, Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria Shirley Ho-Vicario, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose Laurel V and Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Alan Timbayan.

Other new appointees were Agriculture undersecretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and Public and Works Highways undersecretary for legal affairs Karen Jimeno.

Several undersecretaries and assistant secretaries from the budget, education, foreign affairs, information and communication technology, interior and local government, defense, energy, finance, health, justice labor, science and technology trade, social welfare, tourism and transportation departments also took their oath before the President.

Duterte also administered the oath taking of the new officers of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, a handful of judges and state prosecutors.

PHOTO: SBMA Chairman Martin Diño, along with other newly-appointed officials, at the mass oath-taking ceremony led by President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang. (screen grab from RTVM)

Sources:
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/824742/more-govt-appointees-take-their-oath-before-duterte
http://www.mb.com.ph/ex-law-dean-now-sss-head-among-more-than-100-new-govt-appointees/

Read More

Chinese firm to build Clark-Subic bullet train as PPP

The Philippines may soon join the ranks of Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan among the Asian countries with a high-speed rail system or bullet train.

On the sidelines of an inquiry by the House transportation committee, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Martin Diño revealed the country's first-ever "bullet train" would be built between Subic in Zambales and Clark in Pampanga.

Diño said the bullet train project will be carried out through a public-private partnership with a Chinese company. He did not name the firm.

Diño said discussions on the railway project would be part of President Rodrigo Duterte's state visit to China on October 18 to 21.

The Clark-Subic bullet train is among the topics President Rodrigo Duterte will discuss with the Chinese when he visits China next week, according to the SBMA official.

"It is our first bullet train. Hopefully, magawa agad," he told reporters.

High-speed trains usually operate at speeds of around 200 km per hour, while Japan's famous bullet trains or shinkansen can run at maximum speeds of more than 300 km/h.

In comparison, trains of the Metro Rail Transit, Light Rail Transit, and Philippine National Railways run at average speeds of 40 km/h. — VDS, Mark Merueñas, GMA News

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/584714/money/companies/chinese-firm-to-build-clark-subic-bullet-train-as-ppp

Read More

SBMA chief supports call to use Subic Port

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority said Monday it supports the recommendation of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to utilize the port in Central Luzon.

SBMA chairman Martin Diño said in a statement the proposed plan was highly beneficial to the country’s economy because it would increase business activities in the northern regions of Luzon.

“Efficient trading boosts business growth and where there are thriving businesses; there are job opportunities,” Diño said.

He cited that over 30 million Filipinos would benefit from the proposed utilization plan, providing jobs to several regions in the country.

He said Central Luzon was among the fastest growing regions in the country where infrastructure projects were put in place and where investors were flocking in.

“The roads leading to and from Central Luzon is in place, labor costs are attractive, utility prices are lower than other cities; it is a good place to do business,” he said.

Diño cited an efficient port waiting in Subic Bay that could cater to businesses at the shortest turnaround time possible.

“The port in Subic can hold 600,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit) but it can also handle TEUs (forty-foot equivalent units),” he said.

“Imagine, in just four hours your goods are already en route to their destination,” Diño added.

The SBMA chairman said doing business in Subic was like transacting in Manila because the travel time would be cut short and roads leading to destinations were more favorable for truckers.

“You have the NLEx (North Luzon Expressway), SCTEx (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) and well paved diversion roads that assure on-time delivery of goods and services. And for businesses, time is a very important resource for investors,” Diño said.

He said the SBMA was waiting for the approvals of the proposed infrastructure projects pitched by the agency to the National Economic and Development Authority to fully harness the potential of the region. (Manila Standard Business)

PHOTO: 
The Subic Bay Freeport Zone and (inset) SBMA Chairman Martin B. Diño (AMD/MPD-SBMA)  

http://thestandard.com.ph/business/218463/sbma-chief-supports-call-to-use-subic-port.html

Read More

Diño sets to expand Subic, widen Freeport trade

Newly-appointed chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Martin Diño is eyeing to strengthen and widen trade in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in order to generate more investment and livelihood opportunities in the Subic Bay area.

Diño, who took over the helm of the Subic agency last Monday, said the SBMA under his administration will seek to maximize the use of the Subic port and develop more business districts for investors.

“We need to maximize the use of the Subic port, especially the container terminal here, to bring in more business and, at the same time, help solve the traffic congestion in Manila ports,” the new chairman said during a media briefing following the turnover ceremony last Monday.

“At the same time, we should find ways to accommodate more investments because the available area for further development in Subic is now very much limited,” he added.

Diño noted that the capacity of the New Container Terminal 1 and 2 in the Subic Bay Freeport “is more than enough to handle all the containers originating from and bound for Central and Northern Luzon.”

However, he said there is a need to develop a bigger logistics area that would cater to the needs of the growing number of port users.

“This is why we need to explore the transfer of the Bataan Technology Park, Inc. to the management of the SBMA,” Diño said. “We can spur the development of the entire area of BTPI into a central business district for shippers, logistics, and other related industries, as the Subic Bay Freeport is already running out of developable lands.”

The 380-hectare BTPI is located in Barangay Sabang, Morong, Bataan, about 30 minutes away from the Subic Bay Freeport’s central business district. Once a UN High Commission’s Refugee Processing Center, the BTPI is ideal for light and customized manufacturing industries.

Under Proclamation No. 532, which delineates the metes and bounds of the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone, Subic has a total land and water area of 67,452 hectares more or less. Out of this, the fenced area where much development has taken place is approximately 14,000 hectares, including portion of the Redondo Peninsula.

However, out of the fenced area, only about 2,800 hectares or about 20% is developable, while the remaining 11,200 hectares or about 80% of the total land and water area are high slopes, forests, and protected areas.

To address the problem of land scarcity in Subic, Diño said the SBMA must maximize the use of all available facilities and pursue an expansion program.

He added that his office will initiate multi-lateral dialogues with the City of Olongapo, the municipalities of Morong and Hermosa in Bataan, and the town of San Antonio in Zambales to identify areas for possible development. (NBM/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Chairman Diño gestures with a "Duterte fist" upon assuming the SBMA post on Monday. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

More US warships in Subic Bay for PHIBLEX 33

More US warships arrived in Subic Bay Wednesday to take part in this year's Philippines Amphibious Landing Exercise, also known as PHIBLEX 33.

Additional U.S. units that docked in the Freeport are three ships of Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (BHR ARG).

BHR ARG consists of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6), the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD-20), and the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD-42).

PHIBLEX 33 opened Monday in ceremonies held at the headquarters of the Philippine Marine Corps in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

According to Cpt Ryan F Lacuesta, PN (M), Director, Marine Corps Public Affairs Office Public Affairs Office, the exercise will have different events that will enhance the interoperability and capability of the naval forces of both countries.

Some of the exercise activities are as follows:

- Amphibious Landing Exercise on October 7, 2016 at the Naval Education Training Command in San Antonio Zambales.

- Combined Live Fire exercise (CALFEX) on October 10, 2016 at the Crow Valley in Tarlac.

- Turn-over ceremony of Engineering project at the Palawig Elementary School and San Vicente Elem School on October 11, 2016 at Sta Ana, Cagayan, and,

- Closing Ceremony PHIBLEX33 on October 12, 2016 at the Acero Hall, Headquarters Philippine Marine Corps, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

PHIBLEX 33 includes approximately 1,400 U.S. service members based in Okinawa, Japan and 500 Philippine Armed Forces personnel working side-by- side to grow capabilities and better prepare to operate together during a natural disaster or armed conflict. (SNL)

PHOTOS:

[1] Sea Knight transport and Sea Stallion attack helicopters sit on the deck of the assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard, which will participate in the ongoing Phiblex war games between the Philippines and the United States. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] The dock landing ship USS Germantown (right) and the assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard occupy the length of the Alava Pier in the Subic Bay Freeport on Wednesday. The ships, along with USS Green Bay, are in port for replenishment before participating in the ongoing war maneuver between the Philippines and the United States. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)


http://dwdd.com.ph/2016/09/22/phiblex-33-phl-us-annual-naval-bilateral-exercise/

Read More

Chairman Diño assumes SBMA office

Newly appointed chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Martin Diño formally took over the rein of the Subic agency on Monday in a turn-over ceremony held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center here.

In his first public appearance before employees of SBMA, Diño accepted the official SBMA flag from outgoing Chairman Roberto Garcia and pledged to make Subic the best free port in Asia.

Diño was joined in the turnover by his transition team, members from the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), and son Marvin Diño, who will serve as his chief of staff.

In his acceptance speech, Diño lauded the accomplishments of officials and employees of the SBMA headed by Garcia, noting that they successfully implemented a financial turnaround for the agency.

Diño said that he envisioned a healthier financial status for the SBMA, and that he would strive to make Subic more business-friendly.

“I will work hard to make the best of it,” he added.

“Our sole objective is to make Subic the best free port in Asia,” Diño also said. “Chairman Garcia has already paved the way for Subic towards becoming the number one free port in Asia; it’s our turn to make that happen,” he added.

The former barangay chairman and head of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) also pointed out that while he has no degree in business or recognition from financial institutions, he has a direct line to the President and that he intends to use this to further develop Subic.

He said that when he was offered the position of SBMA chairman, President Duterte asked him to make Subic more attractive to investments, and to make the free port more developed.

Diño also mentioned that the President plans to transfer to Subic half of the transshipment activities in the South and North Harbors in Manila, to help decongest the port and streets of Metro Manila and to maximize Subic’s port capacity.

He also expressed concern for the former Subic volunteers whom he described as the first heroes of SBMA, adding that he will look into how the agency could repay their sacrifices.

Meanwhile, outgoing chairman Garcia highlighted in his turn-over speech his administration’s accomplishments that made Subic the most progressive free port in the country, as well as the Number 1 tourist destination in Central Luzon and Number 4 nationwide.

Garcia also noted that under his administration, the revenue collection of SBMA jumped from P1.39 billion in 2011 to P2.75 billion in 2015, while its total available cash increased from P595 million in 2011 to P2.75 billion 2015.

“These accomplishments had made SBMA the 11th among government-owned and -controlled corporations in terms of dividends remitted to the national government last year,” he said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Outgoing SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (left) turns over the agency’s flag to newly-appointed Chairman Martin V. Diño in a formal ceremony on Monday at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

Diño to take over as SBMA chairman

Former Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) chairman Martin Diño will take over as the new chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on Monday, October 3.

His appointment letter dated September 23, 2016 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte states, “ Pursuant to the provisions of existing laws, you are hereby appointed Chairman, Board of Directors, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, for a term expiring on 30 June 2022.”

He will take over the helm from SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia.

Diño, former barangay (village) chairman in Quezon City, filed his candidacy under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) in October 2015 for President in the 2016 synchronized elections but withdrew at the last minute and nominated Duterte as substitute standard-bearer of PDP-Laban.

He is also the father of Liza Diño, head of the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

The new freeport chief, according to a source at the SBMA, will make his first appearance during flag-raising ceremony on Monday.

A transition team from Diño’s camp arrived in Subic on Friday for briefing and orientation by the outgoing administration on SMBA operations and programs. (Patrick Roxas, Manila Times)

Read more: http://www.manilatimes.net/dino-to-take-over-as-sbma-chairman/288797/

Read More

'Sunshine on a rainy day’: SBMA conducts Ayta outreach project in Subic town

Despite inclement weather, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) brought joy and cheer to Ayta students in Subic, Zambales, through an outreach project conducted by the SBMA Tourism Department.

SBMA Tourism Department manager Mary Jamelle Camba and her staff, along members of the Rotary Club of Subic Pearl, turned over sacks of rice, canned good, noodles, and other foodstuff to the St. Francis Learning Center Foundation, Inc. (SFLCFI), which is run by Franciscan sisters headed by Sis. Mary Francis Borje.

Camba said the project was in line with the month-long celebration by the SBMA of the 2016 National Tourism Month.

No less than 250 elementary and high school mostly Ayta students of St. Francis benefited from the project, which was sponsored by a number of business locators in the Subic Bay Freeport.

Sister Mary said the SBMA outreach project was a big relief not only to the sisters and teachers who always tried to make ends meet to feed and support the school children of the center, but also to the children from poor families.

One of them, nine-year old Aaron Ioncellas, who is on Grade 3 at the center, couldn’t hide his happiness upon receiving his box of lunch containing a piece of chicken, rice, and chocolate brownies. But Aaron didn’t take his lunch, and said he was bringing it home to his four younger siblings instead.

The SFLCFI, according to Sister Mary, was established in 1991 to help members of the Ayta community in the mountains of Sitio Nibangon, Mangan-Vaca, Subic, Zambales, whose socio-economic life was severely affected by the eruption of Mount Pinatubo.

Starting out with two small shacks built by the Aytas from donated scrap wood, a handful of Franciscan nuns started teaching mostly illiterate Ayta adults the rudiments of reading and writing, as well as some basic livelihood skills.

The Ayta elders later appealed to the nuns to accommodate their children as well.

“Today, the SFLCFI is now recognized by the Department of Education as a registered educational institution that can accept Grade 1 to Grade 6 and senior high school students,” Sister Mary said.

Taking pride in the project, SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the Subic agency has been prioritizing outreach activities like this to help in promoting inclusive growth in the Subic Bay Freeport community.

“This is just a ray of sunshine on a rainy day, and the SBMA is happy to be a critical part in the development of the local communities year in and year out, inclement weather or not,” Garcia said.

As manager of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, which straddles parts of the provinces of Zambales and Bataan, the SBMA releases millions in semi-annual development assistance to nearby local government units through the so-called LGU shares.

Just last month, the SBMA released a total of P141.4 million to four towns and one city in Zambales, and three municipalities in Bataan as their revenue shares for the first half of 2016.

Garcia said the revenue shares are to be used for community development projects, including those for health, education, peace and order, and livelihood programs to enable communities near the Subic Bay Freeport to keep pace with developments in the special economic zone. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA tourism staff and members of the Rotary Club of Subic Pearl with the Ayta children and their mentors during an outreach project at the St. Francis Learning Center in Sitio Nibangon, Mangan-Vaca, Subic, Zambales. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] SBMA tourism staff and members of the Rotary Club of Subic Pearl join Ayta natives in a traditional tribal dance during an outreach project at the St. Francis Learning Center in Sitio Nibangon, Mangan-Vaca, Subic, Zambales. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

SBMA fights Zika, dengue with mosquitofish - BFAR

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority recently asked for 10,000 fingerlings of mosquitofish from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAD) to get rid of mosquitoes that may carry dengue and the Zika virus.

The SBMA will use mosquitofish to eliminate disease-carrying mosquitoes, said Westly Rosario, chief of BFAR National Integrated Fisheries Technology Development Center in a report from the Philippine Star.

"It is important to give them because some shipping containers may have transported mosquitoes that carry diseases," Rosario said.

Rosario said mosquitofish, locally known as itar or kataba, was earlier used to fight malaria in the country.

The fish eat mosquito larvae.

“We just bring back the importance of this species to address the spread of diseases like dengue or Zika virus,” he said.

Rosario said mosquitofish also has high protein level that is used as food for seabass fingerlings.

He said mosquitofish can survive in low oxygen and has a survival rate of 100 percent.

Mosquitofish is also being bred and distributed in Central America by Virginia-based non-profit Operation Blessing hoping to halt the spread of the Zika virus.

Bill Horan, president of Operation Blessing, said the fish provide a uniquely effective option for combating diseases known to be carried by the mosquitoes.

The fish eat mosquitoes' larva before the insects mature and carry the disease which has been linked to an epidemic of birth defects in Brazil and spread throughout Latin America. (SNL)

PHOTO:
Female (top) and male (below) mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). The name "mosquitofish" was given because the diet of this fish sometimes consists of large numbers of mosquito larvae, relative to body size. (Wikipedia.org)

Sources:
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/09/30/1628704/mosquito-fish-eyed-vs-dengue-zika

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/03/08/mosquito-eating-fish-could-halt-zika-virus-latin-america/81484784/

Read More

#PAGYANIG SA SUBIC: SBMA joins nationwide earthquake drill

Emergency responders of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) attend to injured “victims” during a simulated earthquake exercise held at the SBMA Seaport Building in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone on Wednesday.

Organized by the Subic Bay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (SDRRMC) in collaboration with the Office of the Civil Defense Region III, the earthquake drills were held simultaneously in various offices and establishments in Subic Bay Freeport.

The drills were part of the the 3rd quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) dubbed "#Pagyanig 2016" of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) which aims to heighten disaster response and management capabilities of government agencies and local government units. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

SBMA chosen as finalist in 2016 Asia CEO Awards

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has made it to the list of finalists in this year’s upcoming Asia CEO Awards, the largest business awards event in Philippines and one of the biggest of its kind in the Asia Pacific region.

According to a list published in the Asia CEO Awards website, the SBMA is one of the six finalists for the Executive Leadership Team of the Year award, and the only government entity vying for the title in this category.

The other finalists are contact center and performance marketer Acquire BPO; top BPO firm Cognizant Technology Solutions Philippines, Inc.; appliance maker Concepcion Industrial Corporation; electronics manufacturer Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc.; and cargo logistics giant LBC Express, Inc.

The Asia CEO Awards, which is presented by PLDT Alpha Enterprise, recognize extraordinary leaders who have demonstrated outstanding achievement for their organizations and contributions to others.

Its purpose is to promote the ASEAN region as a premier business destination and is considered a must-attend occasion for business leaders active in the region.

The annual awards presentation was established as a natural outgrowth of Asia CEO Forum, the largest regular networking event for the business community in Philippines.

Among the awards presented are: Global Top Employer of the Year, Global Filipino Executive of the Year, Expatriate Executive of the Year, Service Excellence Company of the Year, Young Leader of the Year, Green Company of the Year, CSR Company of the Year, SME Company of the Year, Heart for OFWs Company of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Technology Company of the Year, Most Innovative Company of the Year, and ASEAN Company of the Year.

The Executive Leadership Team of the Year award, for which the SBMA has been nominated, is given to honor an executive management team of any organization that exhibited exceptional leadership skills resulting in the maximization of stakeholders’ values and has attained significant business accomplishments.

This award was presented to Clark Development Corporation during the 2015 Asia CEO Awards, and to SM Prime Holdings in 2014.

This year, the Asia CEO Awards Night will be held on October 18, at the grand ballroom of Marriott Hotel Manila, the largest in the nation. It is expected to be attended by more than 1,200 of the most senior executive managers active in Philippines and across the Asia Pacific region.

The SBMA, which manages the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, has lately received recognition for its record-setting financial performance in the last four years under SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia.

Last year the Subic Bay Freeport garnered two major citations in the Global Free Zones of the Year 2015 Awards: overall winner in Asia, and overall winner in the sub-region of South and Southeast Asia.

The Subic Freeport also received commendations in the form of bespoke awards for infrastructure developments and reinvestment. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

More US ships dock in Subic Bay as Phl, US troops prepare for PHIBLEX 33

Three more US Navy ships are now docked in Subic Bay Freeport for a routine port call.

Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport USNS Millinocket (T-EPF-3) and two other US support ships, the USNS Bowditch (T-AGS 62) and USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11) arrived at the port of Subic Monday morning (Sept. 26) for supply replenishment.

USNS Bowditch is an oceanographic survey vessel which is part of the Special Mission Ship program operating in South China Sea, while the USNS Washington Chambers is a Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship. The three ships joined another US vessel, USS Frank Cable (AS-40), which arrived in this free port on Sept. 10.

These US ships are now in Subic Bay as Philippine and American troops prepare for the upcoming PHIBLEX exercises set on October 4 to 12 in multiple locations in Luzon and Palawan.

In a statement release by the US Embassy in Manila, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine Marine Corps have invited U.S. Marines and Sailors from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group to participate in PHIBLEX 2016 which is the 33rd iteration of the Philippines Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX 33).

Humanitarian civic assistance efforts, an amphibious landing exercise and live- fire training featuring artillery are just a few of the many team building opportunities during PHIBLEX 33, all designed to advance cooperation, improve interoperability and assist in strengthening bilateral amphibious capabilities.

PHIBLEX 33 will include approximately 1,400 U.S. service members based in Okinawa, Japan and 500 Philippine Armed Forces personnel working side-by- side to grow capabilities and better prepare to operate together during a natural disaster or armed conflict.

The humanitarian and civic assistance portion of the exercise, beginning in September and concluding 12 October, includes engineering projects to improve local infrastructure and health engagements to exchange medical best practices and supplement the medical needs of Philippine citizens. Field training during the exercise includes small arms and artillery live-fire which will provide the and U.S. Marine units multiple opportunities to maintain and sharpen their skills while enhancing an already high level of interoperability.

Additional U.S. units participating include Amphibious Squadron 11, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the three ships of Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (BHR ARG). The ARG consists of the USS BHR (LHD-6), the USS Green Bay (LPD-20), and the USS Germantown (LSD-48). Philippine units include the 3d Marine Brigade and the Philippine Navy’s new Strategic Sealift Vessel, the BRP Tarlac. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
The USS Frank Cable (AS-40), a submarine tender ship, gives a water salute to the passing USNS Millinocket (T-EPF-3), a Spearhead class expeditionary fast transport ship as the latter prepare to dock for a routine port stop at the Alava Pier in Subic Bay Freeport zone in Zambales Monday (Sept. 26). Two other US support ships, the USNS Bowditch (T-AGS 62), an oceanographic survey vessel which is part of the Special Mission Ship program operating in South China Sea, and the dry cargo ship USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11) also docked in Subic Bay port for supply replenishment. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

SBMA launches GAD komiks, radio program

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), through its Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System, has intensified its involvement in the promotion of gender equality in the workplace and the local community.

In a simple program during the flag-raising ceremony on Monday, SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia and GAD chairperson Amethya Koval announced the release of a comics-magazine called “Juana” that promotes the rights of women and children, and the start of the radio program “Gender Hour,” which tackles topics on gender equality.

Garcia, who is also a GAD champion, lauded the officers and personnel behind the GAD projects for their initiative to promote social awareness and to make the SBMA an active participant in the program.

“GAD focuses on the principle that development is for all,” Garcia stressed. “Whatever the gender is, everyone has the right to equal opportunities to achieve a full and satisfying life, and I’m glad that the SBMA is in the forefront of this advocacy.”

Koval said that “Juana,” a 28-page full color komiks, explains existing laws, such as Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, which promotes equal rights in all aspects related to marriage and family relationships.

The publication also tackles RA 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004) and RA 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination), as well as RA 7877 (Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995) and RA 9995 (Anti-Photo and Voyeurism Act), which protects and guarantees dignity and privacy of everyone and full respect for human rights.

The magazine, Koval said, will be distributed free to offices of business locators and investors, schools and other local government units in the Subic Freeport.

Copies were also given to Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (AVAWC) representatives from Olongapo City and the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce.

After the announcement, SBMA GAD officials launched over SBMA radio station Subic Bay FM (89.5 MHZ) the radio program “Gender Hour,” to promote awareness on gender equality, including issues on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT); and sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE).

Koval said that the one-hour interactive radio program will be aired every Monday at 10:00 in the morning. The program is broadcast live and reaches the whole of Central Luzon and abroad via internet streaming.

Koval added that during the soft launch of the radio program, “Gender Hour” had gained listeners and audiences in parts of United States, Japan, Dubai, and other parts of the Middle East.

“We are glad that our program is reaching broader audiences domestically and abroad. This only shows that we are on the right track in promoting awareness of gender equality,” she also said.

Koval also announced that the SBMA GAD is preparing a regular magazine, with writers and contributors from the SBMA and Freeport companies and schools, in order to reach more audiences in the Subic Bay Freeport area. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Juana, a comics-magazine published by the SBMA under its Gender and Development program, promoting the rights of women and children. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

Luzon businesses urged to use Subic port

Pampanga businessmen are urging their colleagues in Central and Northern Luzon to utilize Subic Bay Port to improve cost efficiency and logistics turnaround time.

Levy Laus, chairman emeritus of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., at the group’s 53rd quarterly general members meeting on September 8, said choosing Subic port as point of entry and exit for import and export of goods will not only help reduce costs but will also save another business critical resource – time.

Container ship unloads at the new container terminal of the Port of Subic

“Doing business in Subic is the most logical decision. It should be the primary port for businesses in North Luzon,” Laus said.

According to Laus, since there is no congestion in Subic, business transactions are not delayed.

Laus noted Subic Bay port was among the few ports in the country that can meet the Bureau of Customs’ goal to reduce turnaround time for cargo handling and releasing by less than five hours.

For Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC), turnaround time for cargo handling, gate in to gate out for trucks, is less than one hour while processing of documents for cargo releasing takes about four hours.

Roberto Locsin, SBITC general manager, said the one-stop-shop (OSS) in Subic Bay Port reduces processing time and complexity as well as simplifies transacting in Subic for the release of cargos.

“We pulled the necessary offices in one building for faster dispensation,” he said.

Also, the processing time for brokers and truckers’ accreditation only takes a day.

“If the brokers cannot finish the accreditation in one day, the port will still release their cargo; they only need to show proof that they have started with the documentary requirements,” Locsinsaid.

Locsin added that brokers or truckers, once accredited, are not required to have an office in Subic to transact.

The OSS Brokers Lounge, equipped with workstations and free internet connection, may be used to complete their transactions.

Locsin said the Subic Port is well equipped to handle both twenty foot containers and forty foot containers.

To date, SBITC has a rated capacity of 600,000 TEUs.

As of end-2015, containerized cargos that went to Subic jumped 60 percent to 123,000 TEUs from 77,000 TEUs the year before. (Malaya Business Insight)

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/luzon-businesses-urged-use-subic-port

Read More

SBMA, Zambales LGUs celebrate 116th CSC anniversary

Hundreds of government employees representing the 13 local government units (LGUs) in Zambales and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) converged in this Freeport on Friday for the 116th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Civil Service.

With the theme, “Sigaw ng Lingkod Bayani: Malasakit para sa Taumbayan, Kapwa Kawani, at Kalikasan”,this year’s celebration kicked off with a fun walk at the Boardwalk Area, followed by a tree-planting activity led by Commission on Civil Service (CSC) Zambales Director Maria Cristina Gonzales, SBMA Deputy Administrator Ruel John Kabigting, and Zambales Vice Gov. Angel Magsaysay.

To  the delight of the participants, Vice Gov. Magsaysay personally scooped hot arroz caldo for everyone’s snack after the field events.

During the program, Kabigting welcomed the Zambales delegates to what he called the fount of economic progress and showcase of civil service excellence in the region.

“We are honored to welcome you to Subic Bay Freeport, the place where civil servants are united in the essence of public service,” Kabigting said. “We are all here from different government agencies to show that we are committed to serve with malasakit,” he added.

Gonzales explained that the inclusion of malasakit in the theme is a reminder for civil servants to provide quality service to clients with passion and honesty.

“No government service is perfect in its nature. But the public should, somehow, learn to expect a public servant to be reasonable rather than perfect,” she said.

“That is why the government is the one who motivates you,” she told the delegates, pointing out that these may come in terms of higher salaries, better career opportunities, more benefits and more training for personality development.

“While you are seeking the happiness of your clients, the government is seeking ways to give happiness to the employees,” Gonzales added.

Meanwhile, Olongapo City Vice Mayor Jong Cortes called on the government, through the CSC, to start ending contractualization or “endo” in its ranks in order to motivate the private sector to do the same.

Cortes noted that there are still so many employees in government service who are hired under job order (JO) or contract of service (CS), despite their decades of dedicated service in the same position.

“If there is one that should start eradicating the ‘endo’ practice in the labor system, it is the government office. Let us work together to find ways to end 'endo' in the government service,” he urged.

The celebration was concluded with a friendly mini-sports competition and awarding of certificates. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[left] Delegates from various LGUs in Zambales march past the old Spanish Gate in the Subic Bay Freeport, as they participate in a fun walk during the 116th anniversary celebration of the Civil Service Commission on Friday. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[right] Delegates from various LGUs in Zambales participate in fun games held at the SBMA Gymnasium, as they joined the celebration of the 116th anniversary of the Civil Service Commission in the Subic Bay Freeport on Friday. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

SBITC services largest ship to call at the Port of Subic

Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC) recently serviced the largest container vessel to call at the New Container Terminals 1 & 2 at the Port of Subic, the APL Tourmaline.

The Singaporean vessel is part of American President Line’s (APL) Manila Express Service (MNX), which features weekly direct calls to Subic Bay and Manila’s North and South Port. The service starts from Kaohsiung, Taiwan then heads to Subic Bay and Manila in the Philippines, before returning to Kaohsiung.

The APL Tourmaline during its maiden call at New Container Terminal 1 of the Port of Subic

The service also connects the Philippines to Japan through Kaohsiung via APL’s Japan-Thailand-Vietnam (JTV) and Japan-Thailand 2 (JT2) services.

With a length overall of 294.11 meters and capacity of 4,500 TEUs, APL Tourmaline replaces the 259.80-meter long, 4,330-TEU capacity APL Bahrain as the largest vessel to be serviced by SBITC. APL Bahrain made its maiden call to the Port of Subic in 2010.

The vessel highlights the port’s capability to handle large ships and increased container traffic as more businesses start using Subic for its logistical advantages.

SBITC is a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI). ICTSI is in the business of port operations, management and development. ICTSI’s portfolio of terminals and projects spans developed and emerging market economies in the Asia Pacific, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East, and Africa. ICTSI has received global acclaim for its public-private partnerships with governments divesting of their port assets to the private sector. (Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/sbitc-services-largest-ship-to-call-at-the-port-of-subic/

Read More

Alvarez, Belmonte back Subic port upgrade

MANILA – Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Quezon City Rep. Feliciano Belmonte Jr. supported yesterday the proposal of their colleagues for the modernization of the Subic port to ease vehicular congestion in Metro Manila.

Alvarez said the proposal is a “good idea” that will not only benefit Metro Manila in terms of fewer cargo trucks crisscrossing it but will spur economic growth in the central and northern parts of Luzon as well.

Gantry cranes at the New Container Terminal 1 of the Port of Subic

He  said modernizing the Subic port and maximizing its use would definitely ease traffic congestion in the National Capital Region, which causes productivity losses of at least P2.4 million a day based on a recent study.

He noted that the Subic port, which has an annual capacity of 600,000 containers, received only 123,000 containers last year.

Alvarez’s predecessor Belmonte also supported his colleague’s proposal, describing it as a “great idea.”

Another Quezon City congressman, Alfred Vargas, said the suggestion, if adopted, would result in more economic activities in Subic and neighboring areas.

“This means more jobs and more opportunities. These can hopefully translate to economic and social development in that part of the country,” he said.

“This plan, coupled with increased infrastructure spending particularly on interconnecting roads, alternative highways like C6 and bridges across the island of Luzon, will definitely solve a lot of urban management, environmental and economic issues,” Vargas said.

He noted that most imported cargoes enter the country though the port in Manila, where the flow of cargo trucks has to be carefully managed to lessen traffic jams.

Several congressmen, including Rodolfo Albano lll of Isabela and Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar, suggested over the weekend the full use of Subic port where they said importers from the northern part of Metro Manila, and central and northern Luzon could unload their cargoes.

This will greatly reduce the number of cargo trucks entering the National Capital Region to pick up or deliver imported goods, they said.

They said the Manila port and its environs are among the highly congested areas in Metro Manila.

For his part, deputy speaker and Batangas Rep. Raneo Abu said importers based in areas south of Metro Manila should use the Batangas City port.

He said a large part of imported cargoes, equipment and raw materials that arrive at the Manila port is destined for manufacturing plants in the Calabarzon (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon) region.

These need not be unloaded at the Manila port and transported to their ultimate destinations through the National Capital Region, he said.

He stressed that the cargoes could be unloaded in Batangas City, which is nearer to their destinations than if these would be transported from Manila.

According to a recent Japan International Cooperation Agency study, the country loses billions in fuel cost and lost opportunities due to traffic congestion. (Jess Diaz, The Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/09/15/1623989/alvarez-belmonte-back-subic-airport-upgrade

Read More

Frank Cable visits Subic Bay during Indo-Asia-Pacific deployment

The submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) arrived in Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, Sept. 10, and the ships seventh port call during its deployment in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

The Frank Cable team consisting of more than 500 sailors and civilian mariners is currently on deployment to provide vital flexibility to the fleet commanders, extending the range and impact of U.S. naval forces.

American submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS-40)

While in Subic Bay, Frank Cable's Repair Department will provide support services to the guided-missile submarine USS Greeneville (SSN 772), and her crew will participate in community outreach events and take advantage of various tours offered by Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

USS Frank Cable is one of two forward-deployed submarine tenders and is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to conduct maintenance and support of deployed U.S. naval force submarines and surface vessels in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

For more information on the USS Frank Cable, find us on Facebook at USS Frank Cable (AS 40), or http://www.csp.navy.mil/frankcable

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Frank Cable (AS 40), visit www.navy.mil/local/as40/.

http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=96617

Read More

New finds shine in Philippine aquathlon

New faces emerged in the standard and sprint distances in the Triathlon Association of the Philippines’ (TRAP)-organized first Philippine Aquathlon Championships held yesterday at the Camayan Beach Resort inside the Subic Freeport Zone.

Iligan trackster and UST alumnus Leyann Ramo finished strong in the final run leg to become the country’s first female national aquathlon champion, clocking 41 minutes, 17 seconds, in the event which drew 164 entries. Vicky Deldio, unable to conquer the strong currents in the open water swim, finished a far second in 43:49, with Marga de los Reyes third in 46:15.

The race was backed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Camayan Beach Resort, Ocean Adventure, Standard Insurance, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Century Tuna, The Light House, Subic Holiday Villas and Vita Coco.

La Salle Zobel’s Inaki Emil Lorbes, a member of the Philippine Swim League under coach Susan Papa, ruled the 1K run-600 swim-1K run for Aspirants 13-15 where TRAP will select the country’s representatives to the 2018 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Buenos Aires.

Lorbes was able to catch up with the lead group in the swim leg and shocked the more favored national team members en route to a solo finish in the race. He clocked 18:25, beating Juan Baniqued (18:27) and Marcus Faytaren (18:37).

Borlain sisters Samantha (18:42) and Tara (19:19) finished 1-2, relegating national junior team member Lauren Plaza to third (19:21). (Philippine Star)

Photo from TRAP facebook page

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2016/09/12/1622956/new-finds-shine-philippine-aquathlon

Read More

Lawmakers push Subic modernization

LAWMAKERS are urging the Duterte administration to prioritize the modernization project of the Subic Container Port to decongest Metro Manila and ease the traffic jams in the capital which have caused productivity losses of at least P2.4 million a day.

Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III said Saturday goods and commodities intended for Central and Northern Luzon no longer need to pass through Metro Manila if Subic’s operations are optimized.

“It is indeed a great idea. It is about time we discussed the Subic Port modernization project,” Albano said.

Albano’s statement followed a study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency which showed that Subic, given its strategic assets, is equipped to acquire a higher share of the country’s growing container cargo volume.

Subic’s location will also ensure a shorter point of entry for cargoes arriving from or going to Singapore.

Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone also said prioritizing the Subic port modernization project in the government’s menu of solutions to the traffic woes in Metro Manila will also spur economic growth across Central and North Luzon.

“I fully support such proposal. It will greatly help decongest Manila,” he said.

“Anything that will lessen the movement of people and vehicles in Metro Manila is a welcome development,” Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting himself added.

The Subic Container Port is a significant component of the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development (SCAD) strategy, which includes the construction of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTex), and the Clark International Airport to form a global logistics hub and international gateway for Central Luzon.

However, the port, which can easily absorb northbound cargoes, has remained underutilized.

The Jica study showed there is a capacity shortage of 14 million 20-foot equivalent units or TEUs (the capacity unit of container ships) for the Pacific Region, with Singapore already reaching its limit and Hong Kong remaining severely silted.

Subic Container Port has a capacity of 600,000 TEUs, but by 2012, the volume remained at less than 40,000 TEUs.

Albano stressed that a fully modernized port in Subic means that there is a sufficient volume at Subic Port that is worth marketing to vessel lines.

There is also cost advantage ranging from $100 to $200 per TEU for shippers from Pampanga and Zambales to ship through Subic rather than from the traffic congested Manila ports, he said.

A 2014 Jica study has warned that productivity losses could reach P6 billion a day in 2030 if the traffic mess is not solved.

Lawmakers have cited this as basis for proposals to grant President Rodrigo Duterte emergency powers to address the traffic problem in Metro Manila. (Maricel Cruz, Manila Standard)

PHOTO:
Overview of Subic Bay's port facilities- a legacy of the former US Naval Base, with the New Container Terminals 1&2 developed recently by the SBMA through JICA.

http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/215819/lawmakers-push-subic-modernization.html

Read More

Subic bible park hosts mass baptism for Ayta tribesmen

At least 25 Ayta tribesmen in Subic Bay Freeport converted to Christianity on Saturday during a mass baptism held at the Holy Land Subic Sanctuary and Biblical Theme Park.

The natives, who belonged to the Pastolan Ayta community, received the sacrament at the “Jordan River” of the Holy Land theme park here, where the likeness of Jesus Christ being consecrated by John the Baptist could be seen.

The natives were baptized by Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga, Bataan, on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of the “Mahal Ka Ng Dios” Outreach Ministry of the Bethesda Springs of Hope Healing Foundation, Inc.

The event coincided with the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Joint Management Agreement (JMA) between the Pastolan Ayta tribe and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), which covered the development of the Ayta ancestral lands in Subic Bay Freeport.

It also marked the 63rd birthday of Mrs. Maribi Garcia, wife of SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, and leading light of the Bethesda Springs of Hope ministry.

The day-long event was also highlighted by the distribution of scholarship grants for deserving Aeta students, as well as gifts from Bethesda Ministry sponsors.

“This is the best birthday gift for me,” Mrs. Garcia said, as she presented the Pastolan natives who have come for the sacrament of baptism.

Those baptized included toddlers, as well as teenagers and young adults. Among them was Neneng Pelayo, a Pastolan housewife who said she was miraculously cured of her kidney ailment after Bethesda members prayed over her last year.

The Holy Land Holy Land Subic Sanctuary and Biblical Theme Park is a unique attraction in this free port, which is otherwise known for nature-themed parks featuring exotic animals like tigers and false killer whales.

The biblical park is popular among Christian pilgrims because of its life-sized statues depicting the Way of the Cross, as well as other events in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Holy Land Subic straddles foothills and forest areas that form part of the more than 4,000-hectare ancestral domain awarded to the Ambala Ayta tribe in Subic Bay Freeport. The Ayta land also covers part of housing areas, industrial parks and tourism attractions here. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

Members of the indigenous Pastolan Ayta tribe line up to receive the sacrament during a mass baptism held on Saturday at the Holy Land Sanctuary and Biblical Theme Park in the Subic Bay Freeport. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

No need to worry, Garcia assures Hanjin-Subic workers

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia has assured workers of Subic shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines (HHIC-Phil) that their company is not affected by the problem besetting Hanjin Shipping Corporation.

“I think that the Hanjin workers in Subic have nothing to worry about because the financial woes affecting Hanjin Shipping has no impact on Subic,” Garcia said.

The Hanjin shipbuilding facility at the Subic Bay Freeport (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

“They can rest assured that the Hanjin company in Subic is a separate entity and the one here is very stable,” Garcia added.

The Subic official issued the statement following inquiries from workers at HHIC-Phil’s Redondo Peninsula shipyard in this free port after Hanjin Shipping Co. Ltd., reputedly the world’s seventh largest shipping line, filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States last Friday.

Accordingly, the Korean shipping line was left bankrupt when creditor-banks rejected its debt-restructuring plan. Lately, Hanjin Group, which is its parent company, has announced it will out up $90 million to bail out the shipping line.

Garcia pointed out that the shipbuilding firm Hanjin in Subic Freeport and the bankrupt company Hanjin Shipping are two separate entities.

“HHIC-Phil is not related to Hanjin Shipping, so there is no need to worry,” he said, pointing out that the Subic shipbuilder has separated from the Hanjin Group in 2005.

Earlier, HHIC-Phil Managing Director for External Trade Yoo Hoan Jo also said that the Subic shipbuilding firm remains financially healthy and stable.

“Despite what is happening in the shipping industry, orders for container ships are still coming,” Jo said in a statement. He said the new orders include three Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) that will have the capacity to carry 20,600 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers in one hauling.

The HHIC-Phil official added that the new projects “would likely mean additional workers for the completion of these three ULCVs.”

Jo said that “the tried and tested Filipino workers at the Subic shipyard” has helped Hanjin deliver 91 vessels since it started full operation at the Redondo Peninsula in 2008.

He added that the company has delivered 16 vessels last year and has numerous orders this year, including the three ULCVs.

Jo also said that the Subic shipbuilder now has 35,000 direct and indirect employees working on various operations at HHIC-Phil’s Subic facility. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

ICTSI offers Subic port to ease Port of Manila congestion

THE International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), operator of the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), is renewing its proposal of an infrastructure “master plan” to the Duterte administration to improve the flow of trade in the country’s key port.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the Management Association of the Philippines’ (MAP) 14th International CEO Conference, ICTSI Senior Vice President and Head of Asia Pacific Operations Christian Gonzalez suggested a holistic approach to facilitate goods inflow into the country.

Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI Senior Vice President and Asia Pacific Region Head

“We all need roads, we know how many cars there are in the streets and public transportation needs to be improved. What we’ve heard from the current government is positive because they intend to build more roads, but they need to fast-track it. The critical one is really the roads,” Gonzalez said.

The establishment of a proper logistics network should be looked at outside of Metro Manila, such as in Subic port, where ICTSI operates Terminals 1 and 2 through its subsidiaries.

Aside from road infrastructure, creation of inland facilties, such as warehouses, can incentivize more businesses to use the Subic port instead of the crowded Manila port. These initiatives can encourage the shift of more cargo from the Port of Manila to Subic.

Last year ICTSI moved 100,0000 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEUs) of cargo previously accommodated in Manila, to Subic. The Subic port’s installed capacity is at 600,000 TEUs.

The port operator is constrained from moving more because of the disjointed infrastructure network in the area.

Creating alternative modes to deliver cargo, such as water transport, and a dedicated railway track for cargo to connect Subic and Bataan, is also a welcome move, he said.

“If the government wants to talk about this, we are open to it,” Gonzalez said. (Catherine Pillas, BusinessMirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/2016/09/06/ictsi-offers-subic-port-to-ease-port-of-manila-congestion/

Read More

Revival of Subic Airport eyed

The government is looking to revive the Subic Airport to ease congestion in the country’s main international gateway.

Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said the government would want to study if the Subic Airport can be restored into a fully functioning airport.

“It is a good airport but the equipment is no longer there. Maybe we can revive it,” he said.

In 2010, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority planned to convert the airport after the Federal Express transferred its Asia Pacific hub from Subic to Guangzhou in China.

The revival of the airport is seen to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

At present, 87 percent of the country’s air traffic goes through Manila.

Last year, NAIA’s terminals served over 36 million passengers, higher than its annual maximum capacity of 35 million.

To help decongest the NAIA, the government wants to use Clark International Airport.

Tugade said earlier that the government is looking to upgrade Clark International Airport through public-private partnership program.

He said the private sector is competent in building and operating airports.

“Clark Airport has to be addressed by improving the facilities. There are programs to put up additional equipment. Some (pieces of) equipment there are no longer operable,” he said. (Louella Desiderio, The Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/09/05/1620537/revival-subic-airport-eyed

Read More

Aquathlon championships set in Subic

The Triathlon Association of the Philippines will stage two races for the derivatives of triathlon in September a week apart in separate traditional venues.

The Philippine Aquathlon Championships 2016, held in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, unwraps at Camayan Beach Resort and Ocean Adventure in Subic Freeport on Sept. 11.

Kick-off event of the Philippine Youth Olympic Games Qualifying Series for those born in 2001-02, the aquathlon is also the national championships for junior high school and collegiate levels, youth and junior not representing any school, para athletes and open category.

The race course of the standard aquathlon is 2.5K run-1K swim-2.5K run; sprint is 1K run-600m swim-1K run.

Philippine Sports Commission and SBMA Tourism Department co-present the aquathlon tilt with Camayan Hotel, Subic Holiday Villas and The Lighthouse Marina Resort as partner hotels.

Green Triathlon, Blueseventy, Singphil, Gatorade, Standard Insurance, Asian for Center and Insulation, Bert Lozada Swim School, Subic Holiday Villas, Lighthouse Marina Resort, Century Tuna, Vita Coco, C-lium and Statmed are the sponsors; and Raceday Triathlon, SBR.ph, Swim Magazine, Trilife Magazine, Kikay Runner, Multisport, Endurance Sports Magazine and Sports Radio the media partners.

In the meantime, The National Duathlon Championships 2016 “Race for the Iloilo River” rolls off in partnership with the City Government of Iloilo, headed by Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, at the Esplanade 1 in Iloilo City on Sept. 18.

Veteran internationalists Mirasol Abad, Miscele Gilbuena, Bigboy Estevez and John Chicano, the country’s top duathletes banner the tough field in the PSC-supported duathlon which aims to support efforts to clean and re-develop the Iloilo River, according to Iloilo City Vice Mayor Jose Espinosa.

Elite and age group duathletes cover the 8.5K run- 40K bike-6K run course with the latter not allowed draft in the bike leg.

The sprint distance in duathlon is 1.6K run, 20K bike and 2.6K run. Run 1.6k, Bike: 20K, Run2:6k.

Deadline for registration in the run-swim-run event is Sept. 7. Entry fee is P 1,500 for youth, P2,000 for junior, P2,000 for individual age groupers and P3,000 for the two-man relay.

Inquiries: email trap.aquathlon@gmail.com or call TRAP 710-8259 or 399- 6598.

Read More

Subic operations not affected by Hanjin woes

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) yesterday said that shipbuilding operations of Hanjin Heavy Industries Subic Bay Shipyard is not affected by the filing for bankruptcy of a member of the Korean conglomerate, Hanjin Group.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said that after checking with the accountant of Hanjin Heavy which is registered with the Board of Investments, “there is no relationship between the two companies”. Hanjin Shipping which filed for bankruptcy is a different entity, he added.

Hanjin's shipyard at the Redondo Peninsula in Subic Bay Freeport

Hanjin Heavy separated from the Hanjin Group in 2005 and currently has no business transaction including ship building orders with the Hanjin Group.

Roberto Garcia, SBMA chairman said the ship building in Subic is owned by Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co. Ltd. which provides shipbuilding, construction, and plant services in South Korea.

“There is no impact on Subic,” said Garcia in a text message.

Hanjin is the biggest employer in Subic with 28,000 workers.

Current energy secretary and former Philippine Ports Authority general manager Alfonso Cusi said that the Subic shipyard is separate from the shipping line.

Cusi in a text message also said that the bankruptcy of Hanjin Shipping won’t have much effect on the Philippine-Korea cargo traffic. He said other shipping lines will easily take the vacuum.

The Subic shipyard is the fourth largest shipyard in the world. It is the largest shipyard in the Philippines. (Malaya Business Insight)

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/shipyard-safe

Read More

Subic Bay now 4th leading Philippine destination - DOT

Subic Bay is now the fourth most popular tourism destination in the Philippines.

Department of Tourism Region III Director Ronaldo P. Tiotuico announced in a press statement that the Subic Bay Freeport and the rest of Zambales soared to the fourth slot among the top ten destinations throughout the country, bested only by Cebu, Davao and Camarines Sur.

Tiotuico said the Subic Bay Freeport made big strides by hosting some 1.67 million domestic and foreign visitors in 2015, thus marking a 28-percent increase in the number of visitors from 1.265 million in 2014.

The DOT official also cited the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as instrumental in developing Subic as a major tourist destination in Central Luzon.

“Such a success is attributed to the collective determination of the entire manpower complement of the SBMA under the leadership of Chairman Roberto Garcia,” Tiotuico said.

SBMA Chairman Garcia welcomed the development, pointing out that Subic gained significant attention after it was first recognized by the DOT as the number one tourist destination in Central Luzon in 2013.

“This only validates Subic’s attractiveness not only as top tourist destination, but also as the convention capital of Central Luzon – titles bestowed upon Subic by the DOT,” Garcia said.

Mary Jamelle Camba, SBMA Tourism Department manager, said Subic has become a favorite location for watersports tourism and nature-related activities.

She also said the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) has become a prominent venue for international events and conferences as it has a capacity of 10,000 seats.

Camba added that the Subic Bay Freeport can now accommodate a bigger number of visitors, as it currently boasts of 44 hotels with a total of 3,244 rooms.

The SBMA Tourism Department recently participated in the Asia Cruise Destination Forum in Jeju, South Korea to promote Subic Bay to the world tourism community as an emerging pivotal hub for international cruise tourism.

In the same statement, Tiotuico made a fearless forecast that Subic may just become the number one destination in the future, as the full transformation of Clark International Airport as a major hub for both international and domestic airlines may also benefit Subic tourism.

“Subic is just a 45-minute drive from Clark. DOT Region III has always recommended the partnering of Clark and Subic as one great holistic destination, the two being connected by a world-class seamless freeway called SCTEx,” Tiotuico explained.

Tiotuico also described Subic Bay as a well-preserved eco-tourism destination, with triple-canopied rainforests and mangroves, mountain trails and indigenous culture, nature-based theme parks and bird-watching sites.

Among the rest of the top ten destinations in 2015 were Boracay, Albay/Legazpi City, Metro Manila, Clark/Pampanga, Laguna and Benguet/Baguio City. (RBB/MPD-SBMA)

Read More