Subic Bay to be highlighted at the 1st Sports Tourism Awards, NorthPhil Travel Expo

Subic Bay is among the country’s sports tourism venues vying for the coveted Destination of the Year at the 1st Tourism Sports Awards to be held at Resorts World Manila on November 22.

Charles Lim, founder of the Philippine Sports Tourism Award, in a letter addressed to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department manager Mary Jamelle Camba, said the Subic Bay Freeport Zone has been shortlisted as a nominee in three categories: Destination of the Year, Event Sponsorship of the Year and Organizer of the Year- Government.

Subic Bay hosts some of the biggest sports competitions in the region like the 5i50 Century Tuna Triathlon, Asian Duathlon Championships, Subic Adventure Race, Bike Festival Asia, SMART Subic International Marathon, Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT), among others.

It recently received high ratings as a venue of some of the top triathlon events in the world. At the 2015 Ironman 70.3, Subic Bay garnered a superior rate of 85.80% in APAC overall satisfaction score and was placed at number 6, along with Cairns in Queensland, Australia, among the best triathlon venues in Asia-Pacific.

In the meantime, the SBMA expressed support to the NorthPhil Travel and Tourism Expo to be spearheaded by the Department of Tourism Central Luzon in Clark on November 11.

SBMA Chairman Martin Diño and OIC-Office of the Administrator Atty. Randy Escolango will head the Subic Bay delegation composed of hoteliers, event organizers and theme parks executives in the said affair. They will also lead the opening of SBMA Tourism Booths that will showcase the sounds, colors and tastes of Subic Bay.

Chairman Diño said the travel expo will help boost even more the tourism industry of the region by recognizing, promoting and marketing the unique elements of tourism each province has.

“It should be noted that Subic Freeport was named as the region’s most visited tourism destination since 2013 and as the Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon by the Department of Tourism (DoT) regional office for obtaining the highest number of local and foreign travelers who visited the region,” he said.

The three-day tourism expo, which will present the “Seven Days in Central Luzon” tour package promoting the unique strengths and potentials of the seven provinces and two economic zones of the region, is a project of DOT Central Luzon director Ronnie Tiotuico to be launched on November 11.

“Tourists will discover how they would enjoy surfing in Aurora, agri-tourism in Nueva Ecija, heritage culture and arts in Bulacan, culinary journey in Pampanga, pilgrimage in Tarlac, adventure in Bataan, beach and nature in Zambales, and MICE (meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibits) events in Clark and Subic, all during the Seven-Day Tour Package,” Tiotuico said.

Tiotuico also lauded the Association of the Tourism Organizations of Central Luzon (ATOCEL) for its active participation in designing tour packages showcasing the accessibility and the diversity of the region in terms of tourism products, activities and experiences.

Expected to grace the travel exposition are DOT Directors Helen Catalbas of Region 6 (Western Visayas), Judy Gabato of Region 7 (Central Visayas) and Mary June Bugante of Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula).

Also invited were DOT regional directors Martin Valera (Ilocandia), Marie Venus Tan (Cordillera Autonomous Region), Virgilio Maguigad (Cagayan Valley), Rebecca Labit of (Southern Tagalog) and, Dir. Tiotuico for Central Luzon, to open the NorthPhil. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Subic Bay provides the ideal environment for various sports competitions (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Shoe manufacturer now in Subic Bay Freeport Zone (updated)

Construction of a manufacturing facility that will produce branded shoes for export is now in progress in this freeport.

Datian Subic Shoes, Inc. will have its 42,800-square meter area shoe facility located at Phase II of the Subic Bay Gateway Park.

A statement from Datian Subic said the company was established in Taiwan in 1972 and in China in 1992 and is now expanding its scale of business to suffice the capacity of production and comply with international trends.

The statement said the company has chosen the Philippines "thru Subic Bay Freeport Zone, being a strategic location as it is near the (sea) port and airport."

"Its secured environment, accommodating, friendly and well-educated workforce are the key factors why Subic was the choice among the rest of location that was studied for," it added.

Datian Subic will produce branded vulcanized shoes for export and is expected to generate additional jobs for communities around the freeport zone.

Datian Subic President Vincent Chen said the company is looking forward for a strong and harmonious relationship with the Freeport and its community.

"The company’s philosophy is to meet customers need, seek excellent quality service and primary welfare to all employees," Chen said.

"This will be a good start for the year 2017 with the new Freeport Leaders and will be the year for Datian Subic Shoes full operation," Chen added.


PHOTO:

A construction worker pushes his wheelbarrow in front of the building that will house the assembly line for Datian Subic Shoes, Inc. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic International Marathon slated this weekend

The longest running full marathon race in the country, Subic International Marathon (SIM), now on its 11th year, is set on November 12 to 13, 2016 starting at the Remy Field in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

SIM’s premium full marathon and half marathon categories (42.195km and 21km respectively) will fire off on the late afternoon of Saturday, giving the runners a unique feel and experience while tackling the scenic and challenging course of the freeport at night.

November 13 is the setting of the 10km, 7km, 5km and 3km no-frills fun run, capped in the beautiful, chill and relaxed atmosphere of a Sunday morning in Subic Bay. This is catered for everyone wanting a shorter, family friendly run.

With the expected 5000 runners, SIM continues on with its yearly commitment to support the beneficiaries: Dilaab Foundation, Inc., God Bless Our Cops Movement and the Subic Chapter of Bukas Loob sa Diyos Covenant Community.

SIM is organized eXtribe, Inc., supported by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Tekton Manufacturing Corp. makers of ProteinCare and Perfect Muscle, Salomon Philippines, Subic Bay Peninsular Hotel, Pacific Cross Health Care Inc., Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund Inc., Slimmers World Subic, Ambucore Ambulance Services, and Cycles & Brew by Hubble.

Further details on the event can be found more at www.facebook.com/subicinternationalmarathon or www.extribe.com.ph/sim

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Zoobic reopens famous night safari

The animal theme park Zoobic Safari has again opened one of its famous attractions, the Night Safari, at this premier Freeport on Saturday.

The Night Safari will give tourists a glimpse of how animals interact during night time. Zoomanity Group President and CEO Robert Yupangco led tourists and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials to a tour around the facility.

Howls and growls were the first greetings tourists got during their tour. The growling intensified during the Tiger Safari where they rode a reinforced jeepney inside a tiger enclosure.

“It was quite exhilarating to see tigers with their eyes glowing in the dark. Our guide even fed them, putting them face to face with us,” said SBMA Chairman Martin B. Diño who took part of the tour.

Aside from the Tiger Safari, they were also treated to a Greyhound Walk were they tried to maneuver themselves across a woodland path being led by greyhounds. Bred for races, these greyhounds are now guides at night here.

After a brisk walk, visitors were treated to a presentation by Aetas as they told how important the preservation of the environment is to humanity. They also told how they talked to the trees and the animals, showing that both humans and animals can coexist in nature.

Animals were also paraded to tourists while fire dancers and musicians rocked the crowd during a stage play at the amphitheater of the theme park. Workers of the theme park themselves performed live, teaching how to take care of the environment.

“It really is a wonderful experience, it does not only give you a thrilling ride, but will also teach you the importance of eco-preservation,” Diño stated.

The night safari is held only during Saturday nights and is open to everybody. Yupangco said that this is the time that many predators hunt and display their skills. He added that Night Safari has been an annual event, stressing that is a one-of-a-kind event in the country. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

Photo:
Zoomanity Group President Robert Yupangco with SBMA Chairman Martin Dino together with Ms. Tourism candidates as they feed a very rare white tiger cub during Night Safari. Chairman Dino highly recommends Night Safari as a must try unique experience in Subic.

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Subic-Clark cargo railway sees fruition under Duterte's massive infra push

The Subic-Clark corridor will finally have its cargo railway system that will link the port of Subic to Clark's international airport, boosting cargo transport efficiency in the two free ports and at the same time decongest traffic in Metro Manila.

This, as the Duterte administration is set to launch the biggest infrastructure push in Philippine history to propel economic growth in the next five-and-a-half years.

The Subic-Clark Cargo Railway Project under the Duterte administration's infrastructure plan

Big-ticket infrastructure projects, specifically roads and bridges, mass urban transport and alternative green city solutions are among the key investments to be made by the Philippine government. These will solve the problems brought about by traffic congestion, inadequate mass transport facilities, air pollution, and the lack of healthy, green liveable community spaces.

The development mantra is: build, build and build.

The Duterte administration sees increased infrastructure spending as key to move the country forward and improve the lives of the Filipino people by generating massive investments, creating millions of jobs and lowering prices of commodities.

The country's lead infrastructure agencies are working in close coordination to build new facilities. The National Economic Development Agency (NEDA), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) are crafting the Duterte Infrastructure Plan. In three to five years, new and better roads, bridges, railways, rehabilitated airports and a new metropolis are envisioned to benefit the Filipino people.

According to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) 2017 National Expenditure Program, in the first year of the Duterte presidency, infrastructure spending will represent 5.4 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product. This will be the highest since the Marcos era spanning 21 years when infra spending was at 3.2 percent of GDP.

Among the "game-changing solutions" of the DOTr that guarantee better transport and passenger experience are the Metro Manila Clark Railway which will assure one-hour travel from Metro Manila to Clark International Airport; the Metro Manila Bus Rapid Train System which will yield on-time trips along EDSA; and the Mindanao Railway which will provide the much-needed connection of people and goods across Mindanao.

For its part, the DPWH will build new linkages to ensure better connectivity between key destinations. These include the Santa Monica-Lawton-BGC Viaduct which will directly link BGC going to Ortigas; the UP-Miriam-Ateneo Viaduct which will cut down travel by 80 percent in Katipunan Ave at CP Garcia; and the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road which will reduce travel time to 30 minutes going to Alabang from Balintawak.

BCDA also eyes big-ticket projects in Central Luzon and Metro Manila. The Clark International Airport New Terminal Building is envisioned to be a world-class airport which will reduce traffic at the NAIA. BCDA also will continue to build a new city proximate to Metro Manila, a 9,450-hectare smart, green and disaster-resilient city that will be a long-term solution to traffic congestion in main urban centers.

Another project is the BGC to NAIA Bus Rapid Transit that will facilitate a 15-minute travel time from Fort Bonifacio to NAIA, preventing delays for passengers rushing to catch their flights whether for leisure or business.

The Philippines has been lagging behind its Asian neighbors in attracting foreign direct investments due to poor infrastructure, which has been traced to government underspending on such projects.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported: "At 21.8 percent of GDP [gross domestic product] in 2014, the investment rate in the Philippines is well below regional peers, as reflected in its low capital stock and infrastructure quality.”

Given the Duterte administration's development platform, a complete turnaround is expected in the next six years with bold solutions and swift action in responding to the pressing needs of the public through massive infra spending.

At present, feasibility studies are being done for the infra projects of the DPWH, DOTr and BCDA. These projects will be subject to public tender following stringent Philippine government procurement rules. In two years, these are envisioned to break ground, with a launch eyed in three to five years. (MARO-PCO)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2131478178859/build-build-build-duterte-to-launch-biggest-infrastructure-program-in-ph

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Ronda Pilipinas to hold qualifying races in Subic

The search for the country’s future cycling stars continues, as the LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2017 edition will hold its first of two qualifying races on November 6 that will also coincide with the LBC Giro de Pilipinas in Subic Bay.

A total of 30 riders will make it to the culminating event, the biggest cycling race in the Philippines slated to start up North in the Ilocos region on February 4 and end in Iloilo City on March 4 next year.

“The top 30 cyclists in the LBC Ronda Pilipinas Subic qualifying race will make it to the main Ronda event in February next year,” said Jingo Hervas, who is on his second year as race director.

Hervas said those who couldn’t make the cut could still qualify during the final qualifier in Bacolod City on Dec. 4, which will also be held simultaneously with the Dans 360 Beynte bike event.

The 60 qualifiers will then join the more or less 50-man pool that have already automatically qualified for joining last year’s race.

Hervas, however, reminded the outright qualifiers to register first to secure their spots.

“Those who are automatically in, they should claim their slots by registering,” said Hervas.

On its seventh edition, the 12-stage main event will give a whopping P1 million to the champion.

Ronda sports development head Moe Chulani said they’ve raised the stakes so that they could discover more promising young riders from the provinces just like Ranlen Maglantay, who brought a cheap, second-hand bike, an old pair of rubber shoes and a dream to get a chance to compete in an annual race of this magnitude.

“We believe that somewhere out there, there are gems in the rough waiting to be discovered like Ranlen Maglantay,” said Chulani.

“LBC Sports Devt Corp. feels everyone should have the chance to join Ronda Pilipinas 2016, which is the fourth biggest race in the world in terms of distance covered, not just the elite riders,” he added.

LBC Ronda will officially start on February 4 with Ilocos Sur-Ilocos Norte Stage One and followed by the Ilocos Sur Stage Two criterium the next day.

Stage Three will go to Angeles City, Pampanga to Subic on February 8 and then the Naga-San Jose Stage Four individual time trial on Feb. 14 followed by the Pili-Daet Stage Five on February 16 and Daet to Unisan Stage Six on February 17.

Next are the Paseo Stage Seven is in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on February 19, Tagaytay-Batangas-Tagaytay Stage Eight on February 19, Calamba-Antipolo Stage Nine on February 23 and Antipolo Stage 10 criterium on February 24.

Iloilo City will then host Stages 11 and 12 on March 3 and 4.

http://www.manilatimes.net/ronda-pilipinas-hold-qualifying-races-subic/293927/

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Ocean Adventure announces its new bundle of joy

ON AUG. 7,2016, at around 12:55 p.m., one of Ocean Adventure’s resident dolphins, 14-year-old “Hali,” gave birth to the park’s newest bundle of joy.

Approximately a little over four feet in length and weighing around 15-20 kg., the dolphin calf gave Ocean Adventure another reason to celebrate its 15th anniversary.

14-year-old "Hali" and her calf

“We’re very happy for Hali and her calf and we will continue to provide the best care and attention to them,” said Arthur Tai, chief executive officer of Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium, Inc.

Aside from being excited about welcoming this newest addition to announces its new bundle of joy their family, the veterinary and animal care team of Ocean Adventure is also keeping a very careful watch over the progress of the dolphin calf through round-the-clock monitoring.

After surpassing the critical first 30 days of its life, Ocean Adventure considers the good health of the calf as more than just a blessing but a valuable testament to the welfare and the kind of care the dolphins receive in their facility.

Dr. Leo Jonathan Suarez, director of veterinary services, said: “Hali is a very good mother and she is doing a wonderful job in taking care of her baby.

The next challenge for us is to help the calf get through its first year of life. We have to ensure that both Hali and her baby continue to be healthy.”

Ocean Adventure enjoins everyone to take part in making the final decision on what to name this baby dolphin.

Until today (Nov. 3), participants of all dolphin interaction programs, park guests, Ocean Adventure employees and online followers have a chance to cast their vote via an online survey.

For more details on this “Naming the Calf,” just log on to
www.Facebook.com/OceanAdventureSubicBay. (BusinessWorld)

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LOOK: Subic Bay theme parks at Mardi Gras 2016

Different tourism destinations and theme parks inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone were showcased at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority-sponsored stage during the three- day Mardi Gras in Olongapo City.

The Freeport community regularly participates in the annual Mardi Gras held along historic Magsaysay Drive in Olongapo City.

The SBMA stage also featured top local bands, as well as music and entertainment hosted by the deejays of Subic Bay Freeport's official radio station, 89.5 FM Subic Bay Radio and organized by the SBMA Tourism Department. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Diño leaves on a business mission to US, names OIC for SBMA

The Chairman/Administrator and CEO of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Martin Diño, leaves Wednesday (Nov. 2) on a major business mission to the United States to woo prospective investors and formalize a Sister Port agreement with the Port Authority of San Francisco.

While away for ten days, he designated Atty. Michael Quintos as officer-in-charge to manage the Freeport’s day-to-day operations.

Diño’s first stop is Las Vegas, Nevada where he will meet with prospective investors from November 3 to 4, topped by a visit with a solid waste management investor on the second day.

He will leave on November 6 for San Francisco after the November 5 fight between Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and Jessie Vargas, who will stake his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title in a 12-round fight at the Thomas and Mac Center.

A busy day awaits Diño in San Francisco. After paying a courtesy call on Philippine Special Trade Representative Nicanor S. Bautista at 9 in the morning, the SBMA Chairman heads to the Port Authority of San Francisco for a scheduled 90-minute meeting with its executive director, Elaine Forbes.

Diño will formalize the Sister Port Agreement between the two major ports, allowing the sharing between them of policies and best practices on port planning and building, port management and operations, supply chain logistics, port safety and security and environmental protection measures.

Diño sees the partnership as one way to boost trade between the two ports, as well as encourage business opportunities by promoting Subic’s great growth potential and its current-five year plan to turn it into Asia’s premier Freeport.

The Authority’s website lists 10 sister port agreements with different ports all over the world.

A meeting at 2 o’clock follows with Diño’s visit at Paragon Premium Outlet with Leo Padilla, director of Golden LT Company.

Diño will travel south the following day to Los Angeles where he will meet with the manufacturer of hybrid renewable energy ECO-GEN Energy. A visit to the power firm’s facility in Van Nuys follows on November 9.

Before flying home, Diño will meet with members of the Filipino community in Los Angeles. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBITC completes freight station

The Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC) has completed construction of its newest facility, the On Dock Container Freight Station (CFS).

The CFS is the first and only facility catering to the Central Luzon market with a storage space of up to 1,860 square meters.

The CFS is also capable of stripping or stuffing eight containers simultaneously.

With the completion of the facility, more ships are expected to be attracted to call at Subic Bay Freeport.

“The advocacy is to develop the Subic port as a major port, not just an alternative port (to Manila),” said Malou Balano, executive director of Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT)-Region 3.

“We see (the use of Subic port) not just a temporary solution but a permanent one to support cost reduction and trade facilitation efforts of the PHILEXPORT R3,” Balano added.

She said Region 3 has a number of advantages as a maritime base. The region has excellent infrastructure such as the North Luzon Expressway and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, modern roadways that facilitate access to the port.

Stevedoring and arrastre rates in the region “are even lower compared to the Manila ports,” providing the manufacturing and exporting sectors in North Luzon “relief from increased hauling and congestion related charges,” she said.

Region 3, or Central Luzon, is composed of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.

SBITC has tapped ECU Worldwide (through ECU-Line Philippines, Inc.), one of the country’s top consolidators, to cater to exporters and importers’ less-than-container load (LCL) requirements. ECU Worldwide’s array of value-added services and outsourcing solutions makes it competent in handling and transporting complex cargo anywhere in the world.

Construction of the CFS began in May this year.

The facility will have an initial storage space of 840 square meters, expandable up to 1,860 square meters. It will feature state-of-the-art equipment and a 24-hour CCTV system. The freight station will be capable of stripping or stuffing eight containers simultaneously.

With an annual capacity of 600,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), the Port of Subic continues to handle growing volumes. It surpassed the 100,00th mark in TEUs lifted in November 2015, ending the year with 123,558 TEUs processed, up from just 77,618 TEUs in 2014. It reportedly overshot its 2014 port revenue of P908.6 million by 25 percent in 2015, collecting P1.16-billion last year.

SBITC is a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), which is engaged in port operation, management, and development. ICTSI’s portfolio of terminals and projects spans developed and emerging market economies in the Asia Pacific, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. (Malaya Business Insight)

PHOTO:
Representatives from both the SBITC and ECU Worldwide Phis. Inc. conducted the inspection of SBITC’s newest facility. In photo are (from left) Henry Dungca, SBITC engineering manager; Mayette Manalo, ECU Worldwide sales coordinator; Jayleede Juliu, ECU Worldwide sales and operations; Jomel Rosete, broker; Chay Angeles, broker; Ernie Balois, assistant general manager - operations and commercial; Santi Fuentes, SBITC terminal manager; Mitch Madriaga, SBITC safety superintent; and Donat Teodoro, SBITC assistant operations manager.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/sbitc-completes-freight-station

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Subic body asks shipping lines to use co-loading law

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority urged shipping lines to take advantage of the co-loading law to cut cost and improve efficiency.

SBMA chairman Martin Diño said the co-loading law would help increase the competitiveness of the country’s exporters and importers in the face of a more dynamic trading business.

The Port of Subic

“The co-loading law will allow ships calling to one destination to load or unload goods to another domestic port. This scheme is seen to help businesses cut their costs and save time,” he said.

The co-loading law signed in June 2015 allows foreign vessels to transport and co-load foreign cargoes for domestic trans-shipment and other purposes.

Two shipping lines calling in Subic Bay have availed of the benefits of the co-loading law.

“We hope that more shipping lines will use this advantage. This is not only for the businesses but also for the end consumers of the transported goods,” Diño said.

Transportation costs play a huge part in pricing commodities and other goods. Reduced transportation costs would benefit consumers, Diño added.

The two shipping lines that have capitalized on the co-loading law made Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. its port of call.

“We have a highly competitive port here in Subic, doing businesses here is an advantage especially for businesses in Northern Luzon because the infrastructure has already been laid and is fully functional,” Diño said.

Subic Port is now technically advanced after completing its first container freight station, a facility that few several ports in the country have.

The CFS, the only facility to serve Central Luzon market, features an initial storage space of 840 square meters, which can be extended up to 1,860 square meters.

It features state-of-the-art equipment and 24-hour CCTV cameras and is capable of stripping or stuffing eight containers simultaneously. It will be inaugurated in second week of November. (Othel V. Campos, Manila Standard)

http://thestandard.com.ph/business/220022/subic-body-asks-shipping-lines-to-use-co-loading-law.html

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LOOK: NYC chair Aiza Seguerra graces IP month

National Youth Commission Chair Aiza Seguerra delivers a message before SBMA employees and Aeta tribal representatives during the celebration of the Indigenous Peoples Month held at the activity center of Harbor Point Mall in Subic Bay Freeport.

Indigenous people's month is held every October of the year. This year's theme is "Katutubong Kabataan, Yaman ng Bayan."

The Philippine National Police also supported the celebration with the presence of PNP PD/G Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa's official mascot, adding excitement to the event. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Pres. Duterte names Escolango as OIC SBMA administrator

President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed lawyer Randy B. Escolango as officer-in-charge administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

In a memorandum order dated Oct. 19, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said Escolango’s appointment was “in the exigency of service and to ensure uninterrupted delivery of public service.”

Atty. Randy B. Escolango

Escolango was the SBMA Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs prior to his appointment as OIC Administrator.

Escolango replaced Roberto V. Garcia, chairman and administrator of SBMA for the last five years.

In a text message, Escolango said he was honored by the appointment and President Duterte’s confidence “and I will certainly do my best to live up to it.”

“In tandem with Chairman Martin Diño, we will build on what SBMA has accomplished under Chairman Bobby Garcia whose leadership has turned the agency in tiptop shape as records and statistics will show,” the newly-appointed administrator stressed.

A respected lawyer in Olongapo, Escolango holds a doctoral degree in public administration, a master’s degree in public management, a law degree from the Far Eastern University, and a bachelor’s degree from the New Era University.

Just recently, he successfully passed the Career Executive Service Written Exam (CSE-WE), a part of the CES eligibility examination process duly administered by the Career Executive Service Board (CESB) for appointment to a “third level” position in the government.

Jake Escalona, an SBMA locator, and residents of Olongapo welcomed the appointment of Escolango.

"Local businessmen and traders who are confused as to who is the designated administrator, have been somewhat appeased with the designation of an OIC Administrator," Escalona said.

"At long last, somebody from Olongapo has been tapped to lead the SBMA. Not to forget that he is a career official with CESO qualifications and who already knows the intricacies in running the agency,” Dennis Legaspi, an Olongapo resident pointed out.

“We assure Administrator Escolango of our full support as he leads the agency to new heights,” Marcus Gonzales, an SBMA employee said.

He is married to Michelle Cortez-Escolango and is blessed with four children. (Jelly F. Musico, PNA)
RMA/JFM

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=933748

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Gordon eyes Subic airport inclusion in restoration funding of E-Powers Act

SEN. Richard J. Gordon is proposing inclusion in the emergency powers bill of the funding needed to repair and upgrade the runway and terminal facilities of the Subic International Airport.

Gordon is also calling for the restoration of the full operations of vital equipment, like the radar and instrument landing system (ILS), so it can be used to decongest the four Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) terminals.

Per estimates derived from preliminary findings of the Senate blue-ribbon committee inquiry into the apparent failure by officials at Subic and Clark free ports to maximize what Gordon described as “prime facilities left at the former US bases,” the repairs and restoration at Subic airport will need anywhere from P600 million to P1 billion.

“We have to spend on it; otherwise, it will go to seed like Sangley,” he told the BusinessMirror, referring to the former US naval base in Cavite that was neglected for decades.

Gordon said the blue-ribbon committee was inquiring into the apparent neglect at Subic where he was the first chairman, after the US dismantled its bases when the Senate voted down the treaty extension of the RP-US Military Bases Agreement in September 1991. He thought it wiser to “fix the problem first” and then look “for who to pin the blame later.”

The immediate concern, Gordon said, is to restore what was once “one of the best airport facilities” in the world, noting the superior runway, the radar and related equipment when the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority harnessed the former US military site for civilian purposes.

He recalled that among the big-ticket investors that first located operations at Subic Airport was global logistics giant FedEx. (Butch Fernandez, Business Mirror)

PHOTO: 
Senator Richard Gordon, the first Chairman & Administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. (photo from facebook) 

Read more: http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/gordon-eyes-subic-airport-inclusion-in-restoration-funding-of-e-powers-act

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Chinese firm eager to invest in tourism ventures in Subic

A CHINESE firm is keen on investing in the Philippines, following the thawing of previously icy diplomatic ties between Manila and Beijing.

In a news statement, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Bai Fan, CFO of the Beijing Tourism Group Co. Ltd. (BTG), expressed the company’s intent to invest in the Subic Bay free-port zone.

“Subic has many beautiful types of scenery and has a lot of potential to the market, and it is also close to Manila. I think this is the best time to invest in the Philippines, since you have good relationship with China,” Fan said. The DOT did not say, however, in what area of the tourism industry BTG intends to sink in its money.

The new Chinese investment was revealed on the heels of an agreement signed between the DOT and the China National Tourism Administration of Beijing to implement a tourism cooperation program from 2017 to 2022. The agreement includes, among others, a framework to encourage investments in tourism infrastructure, and a scheme to increase tourism traffic in both countries.

BTG is a holding firm based in Beijing that operates hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and other tourism-related enterprises, as well as catering, entertainment, department stores and shopping malls, through several subsidiaries.

According to its web site, the company was founded in 1998 and, since then, has grown to be one of China’s top 10 tourism companies, and ranks among the country’s top 500 firms. A budget hotel subsidiary, the Home Inns Group, is listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange in New York.

BTG was among the Chinese companies that met with Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon T. Teo on Thursday. The DOT chief was part of the official delegation of President Duterte on his first state visit to China. In their meeting, Teo highlighted investment opportunities in the Philippines’s fast-growing tourism sector, especially in the hotel sector. She said the Philippines would also welcome Chinese investments in infrastructure and aviation.

Teo pointed out that the Philippines will need over 100,000 rooms, especially in the four- and five-star categories, as the DOT targets to increase tourist arrivals to 12 million by the end of President Duterte’s term in 2022.

“We encourage you to invest in the Philippines now, as our country and China strengthen our bilateral trade and business relations,” she said, adding that the Philippines “enjoys the highest growth rate in international arrivals in Southeast Asia.”

In the same meeting, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) Chief Operating Officer lawyer Guiller Asido discussed fiscal incentives available to tourism zone investors.

“We are offering a tax holiday for six years to investors, as well as tax exemption on equipment that you will bring in,” he said. Formerly known as the Philippine Tourism Authority, Tieza is a unit of the DOT tasked to “develop, manage and supervise tourism-infrastructure projects in the country,” as well as set up tourism economic zones.

The DOT secretary also encouraged the Chinese investors to consider other destinations in the Philippines, such as Samal Island in Davao; Bataan; Bohol; and Siargao in Surigao del Norte.

The Asean is composed of Brunei Darussalam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The regional group has a free-trade agreement with China, which was signed in November 2002. (Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo, BusinessMirror)

In Photo:
Philippine Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon T. Teo (center) with members of the Philippine delegation, which includes Tourism Assistant Secretary Rolando Canizal (first from left, standing), and TIEZA’s Guiller Asido (right, seated), with key Chinese investors. (BusinessMirror)


Read More: http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/chinese-firm-eager-to-invest-in-tourism-ventures-in-subic/

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China’s Jovo to start ship-to-ship cargo handling in Subic

China’s leading clean energy service provider Jovo Group Company Ltd. Guangdong (Jovo) on Wednesday said it is ready to engage in ship-to-ship operations in Subic Bay.

The ship-to-ship (STS) transfer operations will involve oil tankers carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Asia Pacific that will be transferred to smaller vessels bound to ports in China. STS addresses the shipping of petroleum products to China as most of its ports cannot accommodate bulk carriers because of depth issues.

A petroleum carrier that transports LNG through ship-to-ship (STS) transfer

In a public consultation, Jovo International Business general manager Yuan Lu said the LNG will be brought to Subic Bay from Australia and Indonesia by Belgium-flag carrier, a 94,000-ton bulk carrier. The cargo will then be transferred while at sea to a smaller 47,000-tonnage capacity ship bound for China.

Lu said that the STS operations of Jovo in Subic will be assessed after five years, results of which will determine if a regional hub should be established here to accommodate delivery of LNG to the local market and the rest of Southeast Asia.

He said Jovo’s long-term plan is to introduce the LNG to local markets in the Philippines, especially those in the transportation sector as this kind of fuel is safe and environmentally friendly.

Lu said that company Jovo has decades of comprehensive experience in clean energy shipping, storage, processing and sales with zero accidents, and assured that LNG and the STS operation will be environmentally safe.

The consultation was attended by local fishermen, members of the Philippine Coast Guard, PNP Maritime Group and workers of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) held at the SBMA Seaport Admin Building.

Fishermen belonging to Subic Bay Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (SBFARMC) said they are grateful to SBMA and Jovo for the holding of the consultations prior to the start of the STS operation in Subic.

“We are thankful for the invitation of SBMA headed by its new chairman Martin Diño and Jovo for this consultation for them to hear our concerns and enlighten us on this ship-to-ship operation that might affect our livelihood,” said SBFARMC chair Laureano Artagame.

Artagame noted that large ships oftentimes occupy the fishing areas of small fishermen in Subic Bay, but with the consultation, accidental “intrusion” can now be avoided.

Meanwhile, China Classification Society (CCS) senior engineer Fan Hong Jun, in his presentation, compared highly combustible gasoline or liquefied petroleum gas against LNG which has lesser greenhouse effect and is lighter than air, making it safer in case of spillage.

With a property temperature of -162 ̊C, LNG is hard to burn but evaporates rapidly, Fan explained, adding that if it spills into our oceans or even into our water source, it will not affect marine life, and our water remains safe to drink.

“It burns slowly, and does not mix with water nor kill fish or any other marine life. LNG is very environmental friendly,” he said.

In terms of revenue, Fan said the Port of Subic will earn tens of millions of pesos from services, including tug boat services, port services and anchorage. This does not include indirect revenue from payments for tugboats, chandlers, bunkering and food supplies. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA bags top slot in Asia CEO 2016 Awards

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) added another feather to its cap as the Executive Leadership Team of the Year in the recently concluded Asia CEO 2016 Awards night.

On hand to receive the top award of the evening was former SBMA chairman and current administrator Roberto Garcia during whose term as chairman the agency’s exceptional performance and financial breakthroughs were achieved.
In his brief acceptance remarks, Garcia said that when he assumed the chairmanship in 2011, “the SBMA’s management team and staff were demoralized for having received only one salary increase for 18 years, and the agency was suffering from tremendous losses”.

“It was a challenge to them to turn around (the agency) and rally to the theme that we had, which was “Good governance makes good business”.

This, Garcia said, spurred the team “to produce historic records for SBMA in terms of revenues, profits, investments, and the number of jobs generated”.

“This award is really a testimonial to them,” Garcia added, referring to the SBMA’s present management team, which has been in place since 2007.

After thanking the Asia CEO for the honor bestowed upon the SBMA, Garcia said, “This is an inspiration and a message to my fellow workers in government that we can excel and we have excelled…that government agencies like the GSIS can deliver world-class service that can compete with the best in the Philippines”.

From among 16 awards given that evening, the GSIS received the Service Excellence Company of the Year award and was the only other government entity aside from SBMA among the roster of winners.

The Asia CEO Awards, which aims to promote the Philippines on the world stage, is the largest business awards event of its kind in the Philippines and the Asia Pacific region, representing the most outstanding grouping of local and international business people and organizations in both the private and public sectors.

The SBMA was chosen from among six (6) finalists by a board of judges, which received the highest number of submissions in the history of Asia CEO Awards.

For the Executive Leadership Team of the Year award, the judges based their choices on five (5) basic criteria, which were leadership and good governance, financial contribution, pioneering achievements, social commitment, and international recognition.

Last year, the Subic Bay Freeport, which is managed by SBMA, was recognized in the Global Free Zones of the Year 2015 Awards as overall winner in Asia, and overall winner in the sub-region of South and Southeast Asia, and commendations in the form of bespoke awards for infrastructure developments and reinvestment.

With Subic acknowledged today as the best performing free port zone in the country, the reins of the SBMA were turned over to SBMA chairman Martin B. Diño last October 3. (SNL)

PHOTO:
Former SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia (middle) relishes a proud moment in SBMA history after the agency was declared the Executive Leadership Team of the Year in the recently concluded Asia CEO 2016 Awards. With him are the top guns of the other finalists in the same category.

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eBPS phase 2: Subic activates online payment for port transactions

Stakeholders in Subic can now pay their port dues online through Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority's (SBMA) Electronic Billing and Payment System (eBPS).

eBPS, carried out in partnership with Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), allows Subic Bay Freeport locators, residents, and seaport users to access, view, and print their online billing statements.

The first phase of eBPS was launched last year to facilitate delivery of monthly statement of accounts (SOA) to locators and residents in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, and remittance of payment, through LBP's electronic banking services.

The deployment of the e-BPS Phase 2 includes other payment transactions, including seaport charges and US-dollar denominated SBMA fees, and the remittance of payment through other BancNet member banks.

Payments can be made online via an automatic debit arrangement using the person's LBP account or ATM card for a minimum service charge of P25 per transaction for peso-denominated billings and US$0.75 per transaction for dollar-denominated billings.

SBMA, in an advisory to locators and residents, said the project is part of its continuing efforts to improve its services.

To avail of the service, the user should go SBMA's website (www.mysubicbay.com.ph). Click on the SBMA-eBPS logo, and complete the online registration process. (Liza Almonte, PortCalls)

PHOTO:
e-BPS login page in SBMA's official website (click on image to go to the page).


Read more: http://www.portcalls.com/subic-activates-online-payment-port-transactions/#

Related: http://subicnewslink.blogspot.com/2015/10/sbma-launches-e-bills-payment-system.html

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Meralco names builder of Subic plant

Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. (RP Energy) consortium has signed a construction contract with Azul Torre Construction Inc. and a supply contract with Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co. Ltd. for the construction of the 600 megawatts (MW) coal-fired power plant it is developing in Subic.

RP Energy which is currently composed of Therma Power, Inc., a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corp. and Taiwan Cogeneration International Corp. each owns 25 percent equity interest while Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen), a subsidiary of Meralco holds 47 percent equity interest in the plant projected to go online by mid-2020.

Construction of the Subic coal plant estimated to cost $1.2 billion was halted when a Writ of Kalikasan was filed against it in 2012 but which was later junked by the Supreme Court (SC) for insufficiency of evidence.

Meralco also recently filed a power supply agreement application with the Energy Regulatory Commission to draw 225 MW from RP Energy once it is completed but is still pending for a decision.

Aside from RP Energy, other coal plant developments where MGen is involved in include the 455 MW San Buenaventura project and the 1,200 MW Atimonan both located in the Quezon province. (Malaya Business Insight)

PHOTO:
Artist's rendition of the power plant located at the REdondo Peninsula. RP Energy is building a $1.2Bn 600MW power plant within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) using circulating-fluidized-bed technology.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/meralco-names-builder-subic-plant

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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/

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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)

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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/

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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

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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

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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)

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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/

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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)

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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/

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'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)

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