SBMA eyes P140B Big-Ticket Projects to boost investment in Subic Freeport

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Martin B. Diño disclosed the multi-billion-peso big-ticket projects that the agency will be undertaking in anticipation of the upsurge of foreign investors by next year.

In a recent meeting with the press, Diño said that he will be sending to Malacañang his budget proposal in the amount of P140 billion (US$2.8 billion) to fast-track six major projects he intends to implement during his term as SBMA chairman.

SBMA Chairman Martin B. Diño

“Before I came here, the president (Duterte) instructed me to improve and make Subic the best investment area in Asia. But how can I achieve that when there is no area that I could offer to new investors?” Diño asked, adding, “I have to find new land.”

He said that after surveying and studying the geographic location of the Freeport, Diño was able to identify a 3,000-hectare industrial zone that can be potentially developed at the back of South Korean shipyard Hanjin Heavy Industries Corporation at Redondo Peninsula, Subic, Zambales.

He further stated that there is more than enough land for investors at Redondo, but infrastructure such as roads and bridges should be built first to make it accessible via Subic Freeport to the new industrial zone in Zambales.

Diño explained that the "big ticket projects" include the construction of four major roads and bridges that would cost around P126 billion (US$2.52 billion), and eventually shorten the travel time of cargo trucks and passenger vehicles to and from Northern Luzon and Metro Manila.

First on the list with a proposed budget of P11 billion (US$220 million), is the construction of a 17.273 kilometer bypass road that would connect the Subic container terminals to Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) without passing the busy commercial and leisure areas of the Freeport.

Second, with a proposed budget of P22 billion ($440 million) is the 25.73 kilometer Tipo-Castillejos By-Pass Road which will also include the construction of seven bridges. The by-pass road will be connected to Tipo Road at the exit of SCTEX and run directly to Castillejos, Zambales by-passing heavy traffic in Olongapo City and Subic, Zambales.

Third, with a proposed budget of P91 billion ($1.82 million) is the construction of a 65-kilometer multi-modal expressway that would directly connect Subic Freeport to Manila.

And fourth, with a proposed budget of P2 billion ($40 million) is the Tipo-SCTEX Road Widening project which aims to improve the capacity of Tipo Road. This will entail adding another lane on both sides of the road with the improvement of the existing tunnel and the construction of an additional tunnel.

These projects, according to Diño, should provide easy access to and from Subic Freeport for both cargo haulers and tourists, especially those coming from or going to North and Central Luzon, as well as Metro Manila.

“These infrastructure projects will bring Subic Freeport and other centers of commerce in Luzon area closer to each other,” he said, noting that travel time from point-to-point will be greatly shortened, making development faster and easier, while at the same time helping decrease the volume of vehicles plying major roads of Metro Manila that cause traffic crisis.

“Where these roads pass, expect rapid economic growth which means more jobs being created and more revenue being collected. There will be more progress for everyone,” he added.

Meanwhile, to maximize the economic benefits brought about by the new roads, SBMA is also proposing the construction of additional container terminals and the expansion of Naval Supply Depot here.

According to Diño, he is proposing the construction of New Container Terminal 3 and 4 in the amount of P10 billion (US$200 million) which will the constructed parallel to the existing NCT 1 and NCT 2.

The Naval Supply Depot, which mostly serves as storage facility for bulk grains and other non-containerized cargoes, is being proposed for expansion and improvement in the amount of P4 billion (US$80 million).

Diño said that he has coordinated with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to seek its endorsement to Malacañang for the approval of the proposed projects.

“We have already sent a memorandum to NEDA seeking its endorsement to Malacañang so that we could go ahead and fast track these big ticket projects and complete them the soonest possible time,” he said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

Hanjin cited as top ship exporter in PH

Subic Bay Freeport – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has awarded the country’s biggest shipbuilding firm Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction – Philippines (HHIC-Phil) as the top exporter for the shipbuilding sector yesterday at the Philippine Trade and Training Center (PTTC) in Pasay City.

With last year’s exportation of 16 large vessels to foreign shipping lines, HHIC-Phil, bagged the Top Sectoral Exporter citation during the National Export Congress.

With the theme “Advancing SMEs through Inclusive Business: From Local to Global,” the event is aimed at promoting the business environment by assisting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), exporters, and domestic producers in enhancing their capabilities in supplying and maintaining their presence in the international market.

“We are honored to receive such an award from the DTI. We are more than proud of the craftsmanship of the Koreans and the diligence of the Filipino shipbuilders, without them, we wouldn’t have won the award,” said Hanjin President Jung Goo Heo.

He added that the company will continue to help the economic growth of the Philippines.

President Duterte graced the awarding ceremony along with Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Kim Jae Shin, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, DTI Undersecretary Nora Terrado, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PhilExport) President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., Presidential Adviser on Entrepreneurship Jose Maria Conception III, Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña, Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Rodolfo Salalima and DTI Director Senen Perlada.

The National Exporters Congress is an annual event led by the DTI, PhilExport and the Export Development Council (EDC).

The yearly celebration of the Exporters Week was made to obtain the total commitment of the government and the private sector to continuously work together to sustain export promotion and development. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
HANJIN’S SHIPBUILDING, EXPORT MUSCLE – The LPG carrier Kaprijkie, shown at Hanjin’s shipbuilding facility in Subic Bay in 2015, is one of several ships exported by the shipbuilding giant with the help of Filipino shipbuilders and engieneers. (Jonas Reyes)

Read More

SBMA employees urge Diño to respect Malacañang on Escolango

THE SBMA Employees Association (SEA) is urging Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman Martin B. Diño to bury the hatchet and work hand-in-hand with OIC Administrator Randy B. Escolango.

“It’s the SBMA that suffers, including the employees, because of the dispute between Chairman Diño and OIC Administrator Escolango,” said Elmer L. Libo, president of the close to a thousand strong members of SEA.

“With Malacañang’s clarification that Atty. Escolango’s designation as OIC Administrator is still in full force and effect, we hope Chairman Diño will set aside his personal ambition and honor Malacañang’s decision like a gentleman,” Libo said.

Libo was speaking in reaction to the Office of the President’s Nov. 28, 2016 reiteration of Escolango’s Oct. 19, 2016 designation as OIC Administrator, in response to Diño’s letter Nov. 21, 2016 saying that despite his (Diño) appointment by President Duterte as Chairman only, he has also assumed the position of SBMA Administrator.

Diño just arrived from Korea, his fourth (4th) trip outside the Philippines in less than two (2) months since assuming office on Oct. 3, 2016. He is expected to be back on Dec. 8 but has cut short his trip to attend the agency's flag-raising ceremony Monday.

SBMA employees are witness to the almost weekly “tele-novela,” referring to Diño’s outbursts during flag ceremonies which began with a dressing down of Escolango, who did not react, in front of all present, after Escolango was designated as OIC Administrator.

When Escolango started to perform the duties of the Office of the Administrator, Diño always comes up with orders and memos nullifying his (Escolango) actions.

With the reiteration of his designation as OIC Administrator by the Office of the president, however, Escolango said he will no longer allow Diño to usurp the position of Administrator.

Escolango said Diño may have to face administrative and criminal charges for usurping the office to which he (Diño) has not been appointed to.

Escolango expressed his gratitude for the support and words of encouragement from SEA and the management personnel of SBMA. “I am humbled by the understanding and support of our managers and rank & file employees,” Escolango said, “We can understand each other, after all, we are the ones who worked together to bring SBMA out of the doldrums.”

In the past six (6) years, SBMA, under the stewardship of former Chairman & Administrator Roberto V. Garcia, grew from virtual bankruptcy to a healthy agency, raking in unprecedented, record-breaking revenues through sound management practices and innovations.

While losing billions of pesos in the past with no subsidy or budget support from the national government, SBMA now has some P4B in the bank and has already contributed hundreds of millions of pesos to the national coffers. (VVV)

PHOTO:
SBMA Employees Association (SEA) officers led by President Elmer L. Libo (4th frm R) during a courtesy call on SBMA OIC Administrator Randy B. Escolango (seated). SEA has expressed support for Escolango and called on Chairman Martin B. Diño to respect Malacañang's designation of Escolango so as not to further hamper the normal operations of SBMA. (FBphoto/ell)

Read More

Int'l chess tourney opens in Subic Bay, Torre leads PH team

The Philippine International Chess Championship reels off today at the Subic Bay Peninsular Hotel, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo City, Zambales.

The nine-round Swiss System tournament has drawn the participation of 10 foreign grandmasters led by Wang Hao (2678) of China.

PH Grandmaster Eugene Torre

The other prominent foreigners entered in the event are GM Anton Demchenko (2629) of Russia, GM Boris Savchenko (2613) of Russia, GM Mikheil Mchedlishvili (2611) of Georgia, GM Levan Pantsulaia (2607) of Georgia, GM Kovalev Vladislav (2603) of Belarus, GM Merab Gagunashvili (2588) of Georgia, GM Kirill Stupak (2562) of Belarus, GM Tigran Kotanjyan (2473) of Armenia, GM Sriram Jha (2416) of India, International Master Tran Tuan Minh (2478) of Vietnam, IM Abhimanyu Puranik (2476) of India, FIDE Master Tran Minh Thang (2399) of Vietnam, Harshit Harnish Raja (2399) of India and FM Lee Qing Aun (2227) of Singapore.

Also seeing action are Woman Grandmaster Lei Tingjie of China, WGM S.Vijayalakshmi of India and WIM Sarvinoz Kurbonboeva of Uzbekistan.

Grandmaster Eugene Torre leads the local contingent which includes GM Mark Paragua, GM John Paul Gomez, GM Joey Antonio, GM Darwin Laylo, IM Paulo Bersamina, IM Oliver Dimakiling, IM Haridas Pascua, IM Jerad Docena, IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia and International Master Ricardo De Guzman and WGM Janelle Mae Frayna.

The opening ceremony will be graced by Rep. Prospero “Butch” A. Pichay, Jr., chairman and president of National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), secretary-general Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, vice-president Ruel V. Canobas and former Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares.

Another international event, also supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), is set Dec. 12-19 at the same venue.

http://tempo.com.ph/2016/12/06/torre-leads-charge-in-ph-intl-tourney/

Read More

SBMA plans to develop Smart City, Green Zone

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is set to develop a Smart City that is expected to spur investments and international trade in the country.

SBMA Chairman Martin Dino said in a statement that the Smart City will be developed in the Redondo Peninsula in Zambales where the shipyard of Hanjin Philippines, the world’s fourth biggest shipbuilding facility, is located.

Redondo Peninsula c/o Google maps

The SBMA proposes to convert 3,000 hectares of the narrow 15-km long rugged peninsula into a new industrial park he designated as Subic 2.

“This would become Subic’s Smart City – an exclusive enclave of modern high-tech corporations and a hub for scientific development and innovation. No other site in the country could match its advantage in location and accessibility,” Dino said ina statement.

In addition, SBMA plans to build Subic 3 in Morong, Bataan called “Green Zone”.

The Green Zone would be home to non-tech industries and a Mecca for commercial, financial investment and academic locators.

“We want to take Subic Bay Freeport to the next level of development. In line with President Duterte’s partnership for growth, Subic will continue to be a major contributor to the economic growth, countryside development and national progress,” Dino said.

Dino’s other plans include upgrading the Subic Bay International Airport to become regional logistics transshipment hub and air terminal for tourists, guests, investors and junket operators for tourism-and-entertainment related events.

With the “Smart City” and “Green Zone” as centerpieces of our economic vision, Subic would become one of the most exciting locations for businesses not only in the Philippines but all of Southeast Asia, and maybe Asia and the Pacific, Dino stressed. Subic earlier recorded P111.5 billion worth of investments for first three quarters of the year. These investments have the potential to create 55,000 new jobs.

To date, it has a combined investment of some $102.8 billion brought in by some 1,700 business locators, both foreign and local that provided jobs for 109,000 workers, since the former US naval base was turned into a special economic zone through Republic Act No. 7227. (Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat, Manila Bulletin)

http://business.mb.com.ph/2016/12/03/sbma-plans-to-develop-smart-city-green-zone/

Read More

LOOK: The M/V Susitna arrives in Subic Bay

The M/V Susitna, a 195-foot military prototype vessel sits atop a barge as she arrives in Subic Bay Friday afternoon (Dec. 02).

Acquired by the Philippine Red Cross, it will serve as a multi-purpose vessel for emergency units’ fast transport and landing, relief supply transport, sea rescue, mobile operations command post and also for humanitarian education and training ship.

PRC Chairman and Senator Richard J. Gordon said a ship was essential for the PRC and the Red Cross Movement, as well, in order to effectively perform its humanitarian mandate in the Philippines and the Asia Pacific Region.

"Since it is designed for direct beach landings and to operate and land cargo and passengers on unimproved areas and damaged ports and wharfs, we won’t have to go through what we have experienced during Yolanda again,” Gordon said.

Read more here: http://www.manilalivewire.com/2016/07/philippine-red-cross-acquired-the-mv-susitna-ferry-to-effectively-perform-humanitarian-duties/

Lights from the heavy load carrier BigLift Happy Star illuminate the twilight sky in Subic Bay Freeport. The carrier is tasked to lift the M/V Susitna from atop a barge and settle it down onto the waters of Subic Bay.

https://www.facebook.com/SubicBayFreeportZone/

Read More

Malacañang resolves confusion over SBMA top posts

MALACAÑANG has finally clarified that Martin B. Diño is not the SBMA Administrator, only Chairman of the Board of Directors.

“Please be advised that the designation of Atty. Randy B. Escolango as Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Administrator, SBMA, has not been revoked by the Office of the President and thus remains in full force and effect,” said Menardo I. Guevarra, Sr. Deputy Executive Secretary in a letter dated Nov. 28, 2016.

Guevarra’s letter is in response to Diño's letter dated 21 November 2016 informing the Office of the President that he (Diño) has “assumed the functions of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman/Administrator pursuant to Republic Act No. 7227.”

“More importantly, under Section 13(d) of Republic Act No. 7227, the Administrator of the SBMA shall be appointed by the President and no other,” Guevarra told Diño.

Diño was appointed SBMA Chairman on September 23, 2016 and he assumed office on Oct. 3, 2016.

When erstwhile Chairman & Administrator Roberto V. Garcia announced that while he has been replaced as Chairman, he will continue to function as Administrator until one has been appointed in his steed, Diño declared himself the SBMA Administrator in an Office Memorandum on Oct. 10, 2016 sent to SBMA offices and locators.

However, nine (9) days later, on Oct. 19, 2016, after Diño’s self-appointment, the Office of the President thru Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea, accepted the resignation earlier filed by Garcia and designated Escolango as OIC Administrator.

Read More

Press Statement of SBMA OIC Administrator Randy Escolango

This is to bring to the fore the facts behind the various media reports pertaining to the Accounts Receivable of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Cash Advances made by some key officers.

The reports evidently show that the source thereof had made a flawed appreciation of facts and great misimpression on audit observations made by the Commission on Audit (COA) dealing on the transactions and actions mentioned therein.

As the Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs of the SBMA for more than six (6) years prior to being designated as OIC-Administrator and CEO, and having also served the past administration of former Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia, the undersigned has first-hand knowledge of the transactions and actions made during the latter’s time including those subject of the recent media reports.

Contrary to reports that the administration of former Chairman and Administrator Garcia had entered into transactions and made management actions disadvantageous to SBMA, tangible reports and records would attest that SBMA during his time was given various distinctions for sound financial and administrative management, breaking records in terms of increased revenue collection and robust financials for SBMA. What came out from the reports are hereafter controverted.

The Annual Audit Report dated June 27, 2015 of the Commission on Audit states that the Balance of SBMA’s Accounts Receivable as of December 31, 2015 is Php4,106,523,069.14; that 85% of said balance is doubtful because the existence and correctness thereof was not established since a majority of the notices sent by COA to locators and residents seeking to confirm SBMA’s receivable from them had been returned due to the fact that said locator or resident could not be located; and that 11.92% of said balance remained non-moving since 2013.

The SBMA has consistently and seasonably replied to these COA observations explaining that the correctness and validity of the Balance of SBMA’s Accounts Receivable cannot be doubted simply because most of the notices sent by COA to the locators and residents who have liabilities to SBMA have not replied. Most of the residents sent notices by COA had already moved out, or refused to receive or acknowledge the notices lest they admit and establish their payables to SBMA.

Furthermore, most of the locators who did not reply or cannot be located where already evicted by the SBMA from their lease premises precisely because of their failure to pay their accountabilities. What is real, valid and on record is that each and every entry in the Balance of the Accounts Receivable of the SBMA is fully substantiated by a signed contract and/or an official billing statement that establishes the legitimacy and validity of the receivable.

That 11.92% of said Accounts Receivable Balance remained non-moving since 2013 is easily explained by the fact that these accounts are either under court litigation, or the SBMA has already repossessed all of the defaulting locator’s assets and yet its receivable still cannot be satisfied. To take the example of three of the SBMA’s biggest Accounts Receivable:

a) Financial Building Corporation (FBC) with total accountabilities to SBMA of Php1,285,803,796.75 has questioned in the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Olongapo City the lease billings of SBMA. Pending since 2004, certain incidents of the proceedings in the RTC have been elevated to the Court of Appeals, but the RTC has yet to promulgate a decision in the main case. Most of FBC’s assets have been foreclosed by Home Guaranty Corporation (HGC), a government arm, and the SBMA has been able to work with HGC by collecting from the latter the amount of Php36,688,583.01 representing a portion of FBC’s unpaid rentals and charges on the foreclosed assets.

b) The SBMA in 2009 obtained and executed a court judgment against Legenda International Resorts Limited (“Legenda”) in the amounts of Php884,419,064.36 and US$225,886.99 representing Legenda’s unpaid accountabilities to SBMA. However, Legenda was already insolvent at that time, and had already filed for corporate rehabilitation and receivership, which ultimately led to its liquidation. Its only remaining asset was the Legenda Hotel, which the SBMA fully repossessed and took control of also in 2009, and subsequently leased out to another locator. Almost all of Legenda’s movable assets, on the other hand, were attached by PAGCOR.

Thus, even if SBMA obtained a court judgment in its favor and repossessed Legenda’s main asset, the latter no longer has any other assets that the SBMA can run after in order to collect the rest of its receivables. The SBMA has been working with COA to allow this receivable from Legenda to be written off since SBMA has exhausted all legal means to collect.

c) The SBMA in 2007 took over from the Universal International Group of Taiwan (UIG) the Binictican Golf Course and all of the assets contained therein due to UIG’s failure to pay SBMA the amount of Php91,459,412.01 representing unpaid rentals and charges. The court cases between SBMA and UIG remain unresolved, but the SBMA has already repossessed all of UIG’s fixed and movable assets. Even if SBMA subsequently wins in the court cases, which it expects it will, UIG has no other assets that SBMA can levy or collect from.

Aside from FBC, Legenda and UIG discussed above, there are 3 other locators, namely the Freeport Services Corporation, KT Global Subic, Inc. and Subic Leisureworld Inc., with significant accountabilities to SBMA totaling a combined Php266,987,925.66 that remain unsatisfied, because even if SBMA had already repossessed their lease premises, they no longer have any assets that the SBMA can levy or run after.

Clearly, it is not due to a lack of effort that a significant portion of SBMA’s receivables has remained non-moving. The pace of litigation is not something the SBMA can control, and on the several instances that the SBMA has exhausted all legal means to collect and has in fact repossessed almost all of the assets of a defaulting locator, the unfortunate reality is that such repossessed assets are insufficient to satisfy SBMA’s receivable.

It is also relevant to highlight that it was precisely due to the SBMA’s collection efforts across all revenue sources, including receivables, that the SBMA was able to achieve successive record revenues of Php2.02Billion in 2013, Php2.442Billion in 2014 and Php2.755Billion in 2015 – the three highest revenue years in SBMA history.

For 2016, all indications are that SBMA will exceed its year end target revenue of Php2.9Billion. These efforts are what led to SBMA being awarded the 2015 Best Freeport Zone in Asia by FDI Magazine (Financial Times of London) and the 2016 Executive Leadership Team of the Year by the Asia CEO Awards.

As to the alleged irregular Cash Advances by the SBMA’s key officers, these have all been fully liquidated within the prescribed period, and, except for the minor fact that these officers were not covered by written designations as disbursing officers, complied with all the requirements under COA Circular No. 97-002 that: a) the cash advances be for a legally specific purpose and used only for such purpose; b) no cash advance to an official be allowed until the latter’s previous advances are fully settled; c) the submission of a cash advance report; d) the officials to whom the cash advances were issued hold permanent appointments; and e) the cash advances are duly obligated and cannot be used to pay expenses of prior years.

Note that further Cash Advances could not have been made by said officials if there were substantial or relevant requirements not complied with in the previous Cash Advances. Attached is the Report of the SBMA Accounting Department for the Year Ended December 2015 showing the particulars, purposes and status of the Cash Advances cited in the COA Report.

Read More

House leaders back vital Subic-Manila coastal highway

HOUSE Leaders yesterday endorsed the construction of the 65-km coastal highway from Subic Bay to Manila to dramatically unclog the premier international shipping gateway to the country and decongest traffic in the metropolis.

In separate interviews, Quezon City Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo, Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, and Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone joined Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Martin Diño in seeking the approval of President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte to prioritize the project.

“Any road development towards MM is welcome due to the magnitude of the traffic problem. However, we should study further the best infrastructure available as the best alternative,” Castelo said.

“I am one hundred percent behind this proposal. However, let us start to lessen the centralization of economic activities in Metro Manila and prioritize the dispersal of industries to the provinces. And we can not start this process if we continue building structures going to Manila,” Batocabe, president of the Party-List Coalition (PLC) and chairman of the House special committee on climate change.

For his part, Evardone, who chairs the House committee on bank and financial intermediaries, said: “Any good plan that will help decongest Manila and its worsening traffic should be supported.”

Diño was referring to the new multi-modal highway for rail cargo and vehicular traffic, linking the Subic and Manila ports by the shortest route possible, dovetails with the Freeport’s planned expansion of its Container Terminals 3 and 4 to increase its handling capacity to 1.2 million TEUs or Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit.

He said the SBMA would boost as well the handling capacity of the Naval Supply Depot Compound and Bulk Cargo Port Wharves for loose cargoes, and rehabilitate the Sattler Pier, as modernizing its port facilities and rebuilding its aging infrastructure shift to high gear.

Diño said he has also sought the help of Public Works Secretary Mark Villar to provide technical assistance for the proposed widening of the narrow Tipo Road, which links the Freeport facility to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), into a four-lane highway and the construction of a new tunnel and bridge to accommodate the new lanes are also among his priorities.

He stressed that these projects should be undertaken simultaneously in this “golden age of infrastructure” as the Philippines rides the momentum as the best-performing economy in the region.

Also considered a vital part of the new road network is the 17.273-km bypass road for cargo trucks that would connect the Freeport terminals directly with the SCTEX in Hermosa, Bataan to provide easy transport for goods and services at the export processing zones in the area and in nearby towns in Pampanga, he said.

The bypass road would also relieve traffic buildup at the steep Tipo Road for vehicles and heavy trucks going in and out of the Freeport.

“Our goal is to connect Subic to Manila and the economic zones in Luzon,” Diño said. (Ryan Ponce Pacpaco, Journal Online)

PHOTO:
Aerial shot of the Port of Subic showing its container terminal, piers and warehouses.

Read More: http://www.journal.com.ph/news/top-stories/house-leaders-back-vital-subic-manila-coastal-highway

Read More

LOOK: The Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers of 2016

The winners of the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers pose for a souvenir photo during the awarding ceremony held at the Ayala Harbor Point Mall in Subic Bay Freeport zone.

Dennis Pablo, from an Aeta community of Iram in Olongapo City and works at Cresc Inc., proudly shows his plaque after being recognized as one of the awardees of the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers.

Dennis Pablo joins his family for a souvenir photo.

SBMA Office of the Administrator Officer-in-Charge Randy B. Escolango (6th from left) and Senior Administrator Ramon O. Agregado (9th from left) joins the winners of the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers for a souvenir photo. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

2016 ten outstanding Subic Freeport workers awarded

An Aeta tribal member and a school paper adviser complete the ten workers in this freeport who were recognized Friday (Nov. 25) for their exemplary performance and contributions in their respective workplace.

The Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers, also known as “Ten-O,” is an annual event initiated by the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. (SBWDFI), a non-government entity established by Freeport-based locators and investors, in partnership with the Labor Department of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

SBMA Labor Department manager and concurrent SBWDFI president Atty. Severo Pastor, Jr. said that the ten awardees are the epitome of the best Filipino workers in the country.

The “Ten-O” were selected among more than 100,000 freeport workers, hundreds of which were nominated to undergo a battery of interviews, performance appraisal and screening by the board of judges.

The selection focused on the advocacy of welfare and values of workers, to honor and recognize the “best among the best” for their discipline, dedication and commitment to excellence.

Officials from the SBMA and TESDA led the Freeport workers and executives in the recognition of the ten outstanding workers.

Among the ten awardees is a member of the Aeta tribal community and a school paper adviser who, because of their passion and dedication to their jobs, have performed exceptionally in their own field.

Dennis Pablo was a high school graduate from the Aeta tribal community of Iram and currently works as maintenance leader at Cresc Incorporated whose dedication to work and his knowledge in technical matters contributed to increase productivity. Cultural differences did not hinder him from contributing ideas that improved the company’s products;

Sergio Ontuca, a respected professor, program head and moderator of school organ of the Mondriaan Aura College, unselfishly gave his precious time in the curriculum development area, particularly in languages and social sciences and inspired students who found themselves gifted with the power of pen. Ontuca, who started as a part-time college instructor, is also well-loved by faculty members, non-teaching personnel and students.

Other awardees include Mark Dwin Alqueza, a Spare Parts Interpreter at DunBrae Subic who provides timely and efficient service to customers and service technicians in Australia in the sourcing and provision of spare parts. He has been consistently rated as an excellent customer service provider who stays true to the company’s core values and vision;

Jeaneth Alvarez, Quality Controller at Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation. She monitors the quality of the fuel being received, stored and delivered by checking the certificates of analysis, making sure that all parameters are within specifications. She also acts as adviser to the Operations superintendent and manager, providing recommendations concerning fuel quality;

Catherine Bondoc, Document Controller Supervisor at FBM Systems and Electronics, Inc. who continually performs document control, internal and external audit, ISO certification maintenance, among others, and for six years has been an excellent asset for the company. Persistent and with positive attitude, she influences her co-workers and promotes good teamwork—qualifications that made her an Excellent FBM Employee 0f 2016;

Mark Henson Calunod, is a dedicated and highly deserving employee who serves as the head butcher at the Subic Duty Free Shop Inc. (Meatplus Café). Serving for 12 years, he exuded dependability, efficiency and consistent punctuality;

Engr. Rolinda Escaño, Process Shift Engineer for SubicWater. Engr. Lyn moved her peers and colleagues to work and thrived in an environment where culture of competence, honesty professionalism and teamwork have been exemplified.

Riza Gallardo works at Wistron InfoComm Phils. Corp. as function leader, Gallardo has a strong knowledge in materials management such as planning, purchasing, controlling and monitoring of material inventory, and has system control over activities of over 60 different warehouses of the company. She also helped the company attain two major audit certificates: ISO 9000, an international standard related to Quality Management Systems and ANSI ESD S20.20, an international standard related to the global need of electronics industry;

Albert Manuel works at the Mega Subic Terminal Services Inc. as information and document personnel and concurrently pollution control officer. Manuel is a consistent outstanding employee because of his honesty, dedication and enthusiasm to his job, and a leader who serves as source of inspiration among peers to get the best out of their duties; and

Nhoel Pulido, a Management Information System (MIS) Engineer II at Nicera Philippines whose main task as database administrator manages the company’s whole logistics, production and financial database records. His competency earned him the management’s trust to administer the company’s file and application servers, as well as its application systems. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

GQMC recognizes SBMA’s quality management system

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently was given recognition by the Government Quality Management Committee (GQMC) for attaining ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems Certification which led to achieving successful years for the agency.

The GQMC annually recognized government agencies, including government-owned and controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, and local government units whose quality management systems (QMS) have attained ISO 9001 Certification from January 2012 to October 2016.

In a communication sent to SBMA, GQMC chairman and Budget Sec. Benjamin Diokno stated that the conferment was in recognition of the established QMS of SBMA in conformity with the ISO 9001 Standards.

ISO 9001:2008 Certificate is awarded by International Standard Organization (ISO) certified Registrars to an organization which meets specified quality system requirements to be able to consistently provide conforming products, either material or services to meet customer's expectations.

In the Philippines, ISO certification and quality management in government institutions was required through Executive Order 605 and Administrative Order 161, respectively, signed by then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

SBMA obtained the ISO Certificate since January 2013 and was re-certified on June this year, according to SBMA OIC-Total Quality Management (TQM) Office John Aquino, who received the certificate in a ceremony held at LBP Auditorium in Manila.

The First Surveillance Audit was conducted by AJA Registrars Inc. which resulted in the “zero major non-conformity, zero minor non-conformity and nine observations”. This, according to Aquino, was considered a legacy in the history of government offices.

“This is the fruit of an all-Agency effort and utmost commitment to QMS and good governance by the dedicated men and women of the SBMA headed by Chairman Martin Diño,” Aquino said.

Aquino said that SBMA started working to meet with the requirement based on standards specified on ISO 9001:2008 since October 2012 with AJA Registrars.

All departments of SBMA had conformed to the ISO 9001 resulting to the issuance of ISO 9001:2008 Certification last April 2013, he said.

These offices include the Internal Services Group with 10 offices/departments; Maritime, Business and Investment Group with seven offices/departments; Regulatory Group with six offices/departments, and Chairman and Administrator-CEO Group which composed of six offices and departments.

The GQMC is being co-chaired by Trade Sec. Ramon Lopez with members DILG Sec. Ismael Serena and Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) Pres. Antonio Kalaw. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Martin B. Diño poses with other officials as he presents the GQMC certificate recognizing SBMA's attainment of the ISO 9001 QMS during the agency's flag ceremony Monday. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

USS Comstock arrives in Subic Bay

USS Comstock (LSD 45) with embarked Marines of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, docked in Subic Bay Thursday (Nov. 17) to provide the crew and Marines an opportunity to rest and recuperate after nearly a month and a half at sea.

Subic Bay marks the second port visit for the Comstock after departing Naval Station San Diego on October 14. Several Filipino-American Sailors and Marines will also spend time with their families and experience the local culture while learning about their own heritage.

"I am very proud that my first port visit as the Commanding Officer of the Comstock was to my birthplace, Guam, and I'm even more honored that our next port visit will be to the country where my mother and father were born - the Philippines,” said Comstock Commanding Officer Cmdr. Gervy Alota. “It will be a fantastic opportunity for my crew to enjoy and learn about the history and culture of the Philippines and to strengthen the already close ties between our two nations. I look forward to reuniting with my family and forming new friendships with the people of Subic Bay."

The Comstock and embarked 11th MEU, part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, have been conducting training together for nearly a month and a half at sea. Comstock and other ships of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group are currently on a routine patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the region. The Comstock is based out of Naval Station San Diego, Calif. The 11th MEU is based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. (U.S. Embassy, Manila)

PHOTOS:

The US Navy ship USS Comstock (LSD-45), a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship, docked at the Alava pier of Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales province for a replenishment port call Wednesday (Nov. 16) afternoon as joint US and Philippine special operations forces begins its annual combat exercise dubbed “Balance Piston” in the western province of Palawan. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings released

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT: Ninety-six Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings, a seriously endangered species of sea turtles, slowly crawled their way to the sea after they were released at the beach here last Saturday.

Amethya dela Llana Koval, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Ecology Center manager, said the ritual is a tradition these turtles must follow for them to remember their footprints when they decide to come back to the same place years later to nest and lay their eggs.

The All Hands Beach, like most other coastal areas in this former US naval base that is now a bustling freeport and economic zone, regularly hosts turtles on its shores and the owner of the beach has ensured that they return to their nesting ground without being “disoriented” and the eggs laid will be protected until they hatch and are ready to make their trip to the open sea.

According to experts, these turtles have a very small chance of survival once they are in the sea and only a mere one percent of them are likely to survive the perilous journey.

“There are actually 105 in this batch of turtle eggs but six did not make it that’s why only 96 are being released now,” says Nick, a turtle expert at the beach who watches over the eggs throughout their hatching period.

According to him, female turtles lay about a hundred eggs but may nest up to three times in a year.

The nesting season starts somewhere in the latter half of the year and lasts until December.

Aside from SBMA Ecology Center officials and other Subic investors, beach goers joined in releasing the hatchlings.

Koval said more people should be encouraged to help in preserving the endangered pawikan turtles as well as other sea creatures by avoiding the use of plastics and throwing them in the sea.

“These turtles sometimes mistake the plastic for jellyfish and ingest them, resulting in their death,” she added.

The Olive Ridley, which has a lifespan of up to 50 years, feeds on jellyfish, snails, crabs, shrimp and occasionally eat algae and seaweeds. (Patrick Roxas, Manila Times)

PHOTO:
newly-hatched baby turtles scurrying their way to the sea at the All Hands Beach in Subic Bay Freeport (photo from Ameth DL Koval's FB page) 

http://www.manilatimes.net/olive-ridley-turtle-hatchlings-released/296541/

Read More

Subic Bay Port’s Container Freight Station now open for business

More ships are expected to call on the port of Subic with the opening of the first Container Freight Station (CFS) that caters to the Central Luzon market.

This, as the Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation (SBITC), in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Bureau of Customs Subic (BOC-Subic) inaugurated early this week the newly-built CFS located at SBITC’s New Container Terminal at the Port of Subic.

SBMA Chairman Martin B. Diño stressed the importance of the CFS in this port as this will boost more trade in the region. "This new facility will definitely encourage our importers and exporters in Central Luzon to regularly ship their cargoes through the port of Subic," Diño said.

In the meantime, SBITC President Roberto R. Locsin thanked the SBMA and the BOC for supporting the completion of the CFS, adding that the project is clearly a good example of an effective public-private partnership. "We are one with SBMA in ensuring the growth of businesses inside the Freeport, particularly in the shipping business,” Mr. Locsin said.

Subic Bay's CFS will be utilized to consolidate into, or de-consolidate goods from containers for transport to their next destination for Less-than-Container Load (LCL) shipments.

With eight loading bays capable of stripping and stuffing eight containers simultaneously, the facility has an initial storage space of 840 square meters, expandable up to 1,860 square meters. It also features state-of-the-art equipment and a 24-hour CCTV system.

SBITC has tapped ECU Worldwide (through ECU-Line Philippines, Inc.), one of the country’s top consolidators, to cater to exporters and importers’ LCL requirements.

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. (NBM/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO: 
The newly-built on-dock Container Freight Station of the SBITC at the Port of Subic. (SNL)

Read More

New SBMA investments reach P111.5 B in Jan-Sept

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has approved P111.5 billion in new investments in the first nine months of the year.

These new investments are expected to create more than 55,000 new jobs.

Read more here: http://www.philstar.com/business/2016/11/11/1642430/new-sbma-investments-reach-p111.5-b-jan-sept

Read More

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)

Read More

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)

Read More

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

Read More

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.

Read More

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

Read More

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/

Read More

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)

Read More

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)

Read More

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)

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More