Hermosa hopes for industrialization thru EO 675

HERMOSA, Bataan — Local government officials in this town have expressed enthusiasm in bringing to life Executive Order No. 675, which provides for the development of “additional secured areas” that may be operated as special economic zones under the supervision of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Hermosa mayor Danilo Malana said in a dialogue with SBMA officials that local community leaders here are amenable to the implementation of EO 675, as they believe this will help realize their vision of an industrialized municipality.

EO 675 was issued in November 2007 to allow the extension of the secured area of the Subic Bay Special Economic and Freeport Zone (SSEFPZ) to areas within the SSEFPZ but outside the presently fenced-in former US Naval Base.

Malana and members of the Hermosa town council received a briefing on EO 675 from SBMA administrator Armand Arreza at the Sangguniang Bayan Conference Room in the town’s municipal hall.

“We are amendable to Executive Order 675,” said Malana. “The only missing link is the exit (from the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) to Hermosa, and then we can declare an area as extension of the Subic Freeport,” he added.

Malana told Arreza that the municipality has already identified 400 hectares of generally flat land at Sitio Mabiga in Barangay Tipo for the proposed extension area of the Subic Bay Freeport. Mabiga is about 10 minutes drive from Subic Freeport and about 25 minutes from Clark.

“Travel time will be shorter if an SCTEx exit road right in the proposed extension area is opened,” Malana pointed out.

Arreza said that under EO 675, the SBMA may declare areas outside the former US Naval Base as “additional secured areas” that may be operated as a “special economic and freeport zone” to be supervised by the SBMA.

The additional secured areas will be entitled to all tax, fiscal and other investment incentives (except real estate tax for privately-owned property) under Subic’s free port regime. However, only establishments in secured areas may avail of the duty-free
privileges enjoyed by businesses in the free port.

The declaration of an additional secured area may only take effect after a concurrence by a resolution of the concerned town or city council.

Arreza said that many new investment proposals submitted to the SBMA cannot be approved, as the Subic By Freeport has no more space available for industrial parks or even for expansion projects.

“The solution can be found along the stretch of vacant and available spaces along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway which are agricultural or undeveloped,” he said.

Arreza also noted that Olongapo City, which is near the Subic Freeport, does not have enough flat land and open space for industrial use, while the road going to Subic town is narrow and not suitable for trucks and trailers.

With its more than 400 hectares of available open space and its wider access road, “Hermosa is the ideal expansion site for the Subic Bay Freeport,” Arreza added. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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Subic to host 26th ASEAN Council of Teachers confab

Representatives from eight teachers associations in the Southeast Asian region, as well as some international groups, will be meeting in this free port on December 10-12 for the 26th ASEAN Council of Teachers (ACT) Convention.

The convention, which will be held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), will be hosted by the Philippine Public School Teachers Association (PPSTA), an organization composed of more than 200,000 public school teachers all over the country employed under the Department of Education (DepEd).

In a letter to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) administrator Armand Arreza, PPSTA president Mario Ramirez said the three-day convention will convene more than 1,000 public school teachers, half of whom are expected to arrive from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Singapore and South Korea.

“We have decided to hold the convention and all incidental events relative thereto right in the heart of Subic,” Ramirez said.

Ramirez said that the Subic Freeport has all the essential features an ideal venue should have, including superior access and available facilities, as well as tourism attractions that convention delegates may wish to visit during the activity.

The Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center — now the biggest convention facility in the country — can easily seat 5,000 persons comfortably, with plenty of spaces for exhibit booths and displays, as well as for dining, lounging and parking.

Most importantly, the convention venue is located at the heart of Subic and just minutes away from duty-free shops, restaurants, hotels, and health spas. The venue is also close to beaches, theme parks and other recreational and eco-tourism parks in the free port.

“These features guarantee remarkable experience that each delegate will enjoy during their stay here,” Ramirez added.

Meanwhile, Arreza expressed appreciation for PPSTA’s decision to host the convention in Subic, noting that this simply means that Subic is a better option for meetings, conferences, conventions and exhibits of any size.

He added that the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center has been the venue of numerous international conferences because of its outstanding features. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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Subicwater unveils US$1-M sewage treatment plant

Subic Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (Subicwater), a private utility firm operating here and in Olongapo City, inaugurated on Thursday its newest sewage treatment plant worth US$1-million.

The new treatment plant brings the number of Subicwater’s sewage treatment facilities to six. The firm also operates two water treatment facilities here and in Olongapo City.

The inauguration, which was held inside the Subicwater compound here, was graced by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Feliciano Salonga, Subicwater chairman Herbert Consunji, Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce president Danny Piano, SBMA Ecology Center manager Amethya dela Llana-Koval, and Subicwater board president Lex Magrata, who represented the City of Olongapo.

During the simple ribbon-cutting ceremony, SBMA’s Salonga praised Subicwater for what he said was “another major accomplishment towards attaining the vision of this free port to fully comply with the Clean Water Act of the Philippines.”

“This new sewage plant demonstrates Subicwater’s commitment to ensure the health and sanitation of our communities. It is worth its million-dollar cost as, in the end, the bay of Subic from where thousands of people depend for their living, will be protected from wastewater pollution,” Salonga stressed.

Salonga also commended Subicwater officials for “putting their money where their mouth is.”

According to Subicwater officials, the new facility employs the sequencing batch reactor technology (SBR) and is capable of handling five million liters of wastewater daily.

The facility is expected to treat 64 percent of the sewage being generated at the central business district of the Subic Bay Freeport.

Subicwater’s Consunji, meanwhile, said that Subicwater takes pride in being among the best in the country in terms of complying with the Clean Water Act.


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“As we adhere to the Clean Water Act of 2004, the people can expect Subicwater to push for the construction of more sewage treatment plants in the Subic Bay Freeport and in the City of Olongapo,” said Consunji.

Subicwater officials also said that a sewerage master plan for this free port and the adjacent city of Olongapo is currently in the works.

The long-term target, they added, is to totally eliminate the threat posed by untreated wastewater, which environmentalists point out as the greatest contributor of both surface and ground water pollution.

Subicwater implemented the first built-operate-and-transfer (BOT) scheme for a water and sewerage system in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, taking over the operation of the water supply and sewerage system in this free port in 1997.

The firm was formed by a joint-venture agreement in 1996 among the SBMA, Biwater PLC of Great Britain, DM Consunji Inc., and the now-defunct Olongapo City Water District. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

Photo: SBMA Chairman Feliciano G. Salonga (2nd from left) tours the $1-million wastewater treatment plant put up by the Subic Water and Sewerage Company Inc. at the Subic Bay Freeport. The new facility is expected to help reduce water pollution in the Subic Bay area.

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Subic Freeport honors 10 outstanding workers (updated)

Out of the 90,000-strong workforce in this former US military base, ten exceptional workers were elevated to “local hero” status recently after making it to the ranks of this year’s Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers.

The ten outstanding workers were announced on Wednesday during a ceremony held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) as part of the Subic Volunteers’ Day celebration. The event was organized by the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation Inc. (SBWDFI).

The ten awardees were Jesus Vener Mallen and Alfredo Sadora of Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation, Benamor Labadan and Francisco Roberto of Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc., Jean Castro of Nicera Philippines Inc., Elvira Reyes-Mullis of the Subic Bay Development and Management Center Inc., Mark San Gabriel of Subic Water and Sewerage Company Inc., Marissa Tamayo of NIDEC Subic Philippines Corporation, and Larry Aquino and Nedelyn Catiis of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

In the awarding ceremony, SBMA administrator Armand Arreza lauded the ten winners, noting that they were selected through a rigid screening process that emphasized efficiency, positive work attitude, leadership capabilities and interpersonal maturity.

“The awards that we give out this afternoon do not only represent the best in the more than 1,350 companies located here, but the best of the Filipinos as well,” said Arreza.

“It is not because of the sweet talk done by me and (SBMA) Chairman Feliciano Salonga that investors come here; it is precisely because of the hard work and dedication of workers that these extraordinary ten represent— they show that Subic is the home of world-class workers,” Arreza said.

Meanwhile, SBWDFI president Severo Pastor, who also heads the SBMA Labor Department, pointed out the importance of the annual search for outstanding workers, which is now on its ninth year, by stressing that the annual search institutionalizes the initiatives and programs for customer service and employees’ welfare.

“A great mind balances business practices with people’s welfare and corporate wellness,” Pastor intoned. “Aside from pleasing the firm’s clients, the company management must also nurture the welfare of its employees, who should be considered as the internal customers of the firm,” Pastor explained.

“I sincerely believe that this (award) will inspire more and more workers— the actual driver’ of the businesses here— to attain greater heights, bringing with them their company and also, the economy of the Subic Bay Freeport,” he concluded.

The SBWDFI, which manages the search for the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers, was established in 2001 to help promote SBMA’s thrust for industrial peace and harmony between employees and employers in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

This year’s awards program was organized in cooperation with the SBMA Labor Department and the Mondriaan Aura College. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO:
SUBIC’S PRIDE: The winners in the 2010 search for Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers.

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10 outstanding Subic workers awarded today

As part of the annual celebration of Volunteers Day here, 10 “local heroes” will be honored today (November 24) for their economic contributions to their respective companies and the Subic Bay Freeport.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) labor manager Severo Pastor Jr. said the awardees in the search for the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers (TOFW) will be feted by the SBMA and the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation Inc. (SBWDFI) in an appropriate ceremony at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Now on its ninth year, the TOFW award has turned out workers who personify excellence in their respective fields of expertise. The winners are selected through a rigid screening process that emphasizes efficiency, positive work attitudes, leadership capabilities and interpersonal maturity.

Pastor, who also heads the SBWDFI, said the awards body “recognizes the vital role that Freeport workers contribute in making Subic a prime mover for economic growth and community development.”

“This year, 42 Freeport workers have been nominated for the awards, and only 23 made it as finalists,” Pastor said. “Now, we shall award the final 10 and confer on them the title of outstanding workers for other employees to emulate.”

According to records of the SBWDFI, two of the finalists in this year’s competition come from the SBMA and the rest come from various locator companies here. Two finalists come from the Philippine Coastal Storage & Pipeline Corp., two from the Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium, Inc, one from Nidec Subic Phils. Corp (Sankyo Seiki), another from Nicera Phils., Inc., one from the Subic Bay Development & Management Corp. Inc., and another from the Subic Water and Sewerage & Co., Inc.

The awarding ceremonies for the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers will be held at 3:00 pm at the Subic Bay Exhibition & Convention Center. The event will coincide with a reunion among former SBMA volunteers that will be held at the Volunteers Park here.

The SBWDFI, which manages the search for outstanding workers in Subic, was established in 2001 to help promote SBMA’s thrust for industrial peace and harmony between employees and employers in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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'USS Peleliu' drops anchor in Subic

The “USS Peleliu” dropped anchor here (Monday), carrying some 1,000 sailors and around 1,300 Marines as part of its last tour of duty before returning to San Diego, California.

The 5th Fleet support ship, which is 254-meter long and has a 40-meter wide flight deck, was instrumental in the evacuation of hundreds of Filipinos inside this former United States (US) naval base during the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991.

Before the ship’s scheduled departure, some crew members will join local volunteers in renovating at least two schools in Olongapo City, and conduct a school touring at the PMMA.

According to Lt. JG Beth Gauck, the community relations project will be held at the Olongapo City National High School (OCNHS) and the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) in San Narciso, Zambales.

Parts of the projects were the repair and safety improvement of playgrounds, painting of classroom buildings, and planting of fruit trees.

Nicknamed as the “Iron Nickel,” the USS Peleliu was christened in honor of the 3rd Amphibious Force’s assault and capture of Peleliu Island in the fall of 1944.

In June, 1991, while coming back from the Persian Gulf after joining the Operation Desert Storm, Peleliu participated in the evacuation of US Naval Base Subic Bay personnel following the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines.

Considered as among the world’s largest volcanic incident in the past 100 years, the eruption covered a large region in volcanic ash, and resulted in the destruction of many parts of the former US naval base.

The evacuation included several patients from the maternity ward, resulting in multiple births aboard the ship. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

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NEDA makes new push for logistics corridors

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is making a new push to develop logistics corridors, starting with the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) corridor as part of a national transport plan.

Initial discussions on the infrastructure planning under the 2010-1016 Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) recommend the creation of "strategic logistics corridors," initially starting off with the SCMB then extending the same northward and then southward.

The MTPDP envisions these corridors as having intermodal transport network system to obtain efficiency.

"The SCMB must be developed to become a seamless intermodal logistics corridor," documents on the initial results of the infrastructure planning subcommittee said.

The documents show how an integrated multi-modal logistics and transport system could not only decongest Metro Manila but also create linkages between business centers and nearby provinces.

This, the NEDA papers said, would help facilitate the efficient flow of commodities and inputs to economic and industrial zones.

"The development of seamless intermodal transport and logistics systems along strategic corridors will promote productivity and competitiveness," the documents said.

The NEDA points to inadequate and unstable funding for the construction and development of facilities as the culprit in the deficiencies in our transport system.

"Assessment of the country’s transport infrastructure network indicates that its quality and capacity remain low, even if the quantity of transport compares favorably with most Asean countries," the papers said.

Subic and Clark are the nearest economic industrial zones to Metro Manila, one offering a port and the other an airport. Metro Manila is linked to the two zones through road networks, the North Luzon expressway and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac expressway.

Linked to Metro Manila by the South Luzon expressway down south is Calabarzon, home to specialized industries and processing activities. The corridors complement each zone’s strengths in agriculture and manufacturing.

The corridor now accounts for 80 percent of the national cargo and about half of yearly economic output. (Malaya Business Insight)

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Trans-Asia enters into management deal for 116-MW Subic power plant output

MANILA, Philippines – Publicly-listed firm Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corporation has entered into a power administration and management deal for the output of the 116-megawatt Subic diesel power facility.

The company has disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) that it has already secured the approval of its Executive Committee, as delegated by the Company’s Board, for the arrangement it made with One Subic Power Generation Corporation, mainly in selling the plant’s generated electricity.

It noted that the administration and management arrangement will cover the entire 116MW output of the facility. It has been explained that Trans-Asia will be selling or trading of the capacity of the plant; while operations will be under OSPGC, of which the facility is currently under lease.

Upon the expiration of the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) contract of the Subic power plant last year, the facility was turned over to the National Power Corporation (NPC), which in turn tossed it to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) based on the provisions of the agreement with respect to the facility’s operations and lease arrangements.

The Subic facility was built in 1994 with scandal-ridden Enron Corporation being the project sponsor.

With the lapse of the power facility’s BOT and the lease agreement between NPC and SBMA, the freeport opted to auction the lease arrangement for another five years which was subsequently cornered by OSPGC.

Trans-Asia, on the role it is taking on the administration and management of the power facility’s output, is considerably well-practiced in selling the capacity of diesel power plants.

It has been trading capacities under its charge to the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM); and it is also a licensed retail electricity supplier, hence, it can offer capacity to interested off-takers (buyers).

In the same disclosure to the local bourse, Trans-Asia indicated that it has gotten approval for it to exercise option “to purchase 131,000 square meters of property located at the Phoenix Petroterminals…at the option price of P31.26 million which shall be credited along with the initial down payment of P15.63 million to the total purchase price of P333.825 million.”

It must be noted that Phoenix Petroleum bought the oil handling facility in Calaca, Batangas from Trans-Asia more than a year ago. The purchase of the property has been Phoenix Petroleum’s gateway in expanding its retail oil network for the Luzon market. (Myrna M.Velasco, Manila Bulletin)

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SBMA hosts Region 3 dialogue on employment gaps

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently hosted a dialogue among executives from the business community, local government agencies and the academe to address employment gaps in Central Luzon, which is now a leading economic growth center.

SBMA labor department manager Severo Pastor Jr. said the annual Labor Matching Congress, which is now on its fifth year, has pooled together officials from the SBMA, Clark Development Corp. (CDC), and the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), as well as representatives from the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC), Metro Olongapo Business Club (MOBC), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Public Employment Services Office (PESO), and various schools and local government units in the region.

Pastor, who is the concurrent president of the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc., said the labor-matching dialogue was held because many workers in the region remain unemployed despite the presence of four special economic zones in the area.

According to CHED Region 3 director Maura Consolacion Cristobal, the 2009 records of her office indicated that the courses that registered the highest enrolment are business education, health-related courses including nursing; information technology; and teacher education.

“We already have an excess of graduates in these courses, and we have employment gaps, both qualitative and quantitative,” Cristobal said.

She added that in order to address the over-population in the said four programs, CHED has issued Memorandum Order No. 32, which enjoined all schools not to accept enrollees in the four courses in all levels.

Cristobal added that the move was also meant to strengthen the under-subscribed programs like agriculture, engineering, science, arts and technology, and fisheries, by offering scholarship grants to students enrolling in these programs.

In Subic, meanwhile, SBMA administrator Arreza said that to maximize employment of workers in the Subic Bay area, the agency is now focusing on specific sectors where Subic has the competitive advantage. These include logistics, shipbuilding, tourism, and information technology.

“We want to make sure that we are all set up on the right direction,” Arreza said. “We are looking for our own ‘Manny Pacquiao’ — locators in the Freeport that will defeat any challenger.”

He pointed out that in the case of Hanjin, the Korean shipbuilder has in its list of orders a total of 55 ships, which amount to US$4 billion. With 40 percent of the value going to components that could be manufactured locally, the ship orders could yield about US$1.6 billion for the local economy.

“That is why we encourage a lot of entrepreneurs to explore and look into this sector, as well, and manufacture the 40 percent that Hanjin imports from other countries. This way, we can create more jobs,” Arreza said.

The SBMA official likewise announced that Hanjin also needs marine engineers that are now in short supply in the Philippines since most colleges and universities in the country have stopped offering marine engineering courses and shifted instead to nursing or IT.

“If we build these industries, the SBMA Labor Center has to provide the manpower necessary for these industries to become Manny Pacquiao,” Arreza noted.

In the dialogue, CDC vice-president for business Ernesto Gorospe said that manpower needs in the Clark Freeport include openings for pilots, business processing outsourcing technicians, call center agents, semiconductor technicians, and other skilled workers.

Pastor meanwhile thanked the CHED for accrediting some of schools in the Subic Bay Freeport that introduced new courses in aeronautical maintenance, vocational technical education related to electronics and shipbuilding, and manpower support for tourism such as catering, housekeeping, bar-tending, among others.

“These are giant little steps to patch manpower mismatch in the Subic Bay Freeport,” Pastor said. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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Subic fisher folk launch artificial reef project

Members of fishing communities in the Subic Bay area, in cooperation with local government units and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), recently launched a concrete artificial reef project that was designed to augment traditional fishing grounds in their localities.

Spearheaded by the Subic Bay Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (SB-IFARMC), the project consisted of a total of 1,800 units of culvert pyramid-type concrete blocks formed into 60 artificial reef modules.

The P2.3-million project was made possible through the Environmental Guarantee Fund (EGF) of the SBMA, which has allotted a P4-million financial assistance to fishing communities affected by development projects in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The concrete modules will be installed at various sites identified by fishermen in the towns of Subic and San Antonio in Zambales, Olongapo City, and Morong town in Bataan.

The project launch was attended by Zambales vice governor Ramon Lacbain II, SBMA chairman Feliciano Salonga, SBMA administrator Armand Arreza, Olongapo City mayor James Gordon Jr., and Subic municipal secretary Dick Otero, BFAR-3 assistant director Lilian Garcia, former SBMA director Angela Garcia who represented Bataan Gov. Enrique Garcia, and representatives from the Police Maritime Group and the Philippine Coast Guard.

SB-IFARMC chairman Laureano Artagame said that the artificial reef project was designed to mitigate the effects of development in the area, as well as to rehabilitate fishing grounds destroyed by unscrupulous fishermen who employed dynamite, cyanide and other destructive fishing methods.

“Your presence here today is a solid manifestation that you support us in our mission, and that we all believe that we can still regain the bountiful biodiversity of Subic Bay through this initiative,” Artagame said.

For his part, SBMA chairman Feliciano Salonga stressed the positive impact of the artificial reef project on the marine environment, and urged Subic Bay stakeholders to strengthen their commitment to conservation.

“We are here to implement a solution,” Salonga said. “And the fact that we are here together only indicates a strong likelihood that the solution we are trying to implement would succeed to the benefit not only of the stakeholders in Subic Bay, but also the marine environment from which we all derive our livelihood.”

“I hope that with this artificial reef project, we shall succeed in promoting a higher marine biodiversity in this area and a better, healthier marine environment for fishing, recreation, tourism, and related businesses,” Salonga also said.

Former SBMA director Angela Garcia said, meanwhile, emphasized the need for environmental protection alongside with activities designed to gain economic development.

“These steps are important to ensure that the vision for the sustainable management of our resources is translated into reality. I do hope that our continued efforts and commitments will reach far to regain back the bountiful resources of our municipal waters,” Garcia added.

Aside from launching the artificial reefs, the SB-IFARMC also commissioned into service two newly built motorized bancas that local volunteers will use as patrol boats for their monitoring, control and surveillance activities. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO: SBMA administrator Armand Arreza (2nd from left) cuts the ceremonial ribbon during the launching of the artificial reef project of the Subic Bay Integrated Fisheries and Marine Resources Management Council in Subic, Zambales. Joining him are Subic municipal secretary Dick Otero (left), SB-IFARMC chairman Laureano Artagame (right), and representatives of local fisher folk and the BFAR regional office.

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‘SBMA did not defy RTC order over lease dispute’

The Regional Trial Court of Olongapo City allowed officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to “mark the area covered by the expired lease contract” of a computer college here, which has declined to transfer its facilities presently located within an area set for a major commercial development .

SBMA Deputy Administrator Atty. Randy Escolango and Legal Department Chief Atty. Von Rodriguez led the SBMA team that visited the vacant lot adjacent to the administration building of Comteq Computer and Business College, where about 500 students and faculty members protested SBMA’s re-possession of the 1,200-square meter area here.

“Judge Raymund Viray of the Regional Trial Court has allowed SBMA to mark this area which is covered by the expired lease contract of Comteq, and that was what we did today - nothing more,” said Rodriguez.

Comteq has asked the Olongapo RTC to stop SBMA from demolishing the school facilities to give way to the development of a multi-million peso business and commercial center in the Freeport’s Central Business District that would extend up to the business district of Olongapo City.

“The protesters drew up posters urging us (SBMA) to respect the RTC’s status quo order. Of course, we would not dare defy the court’s order - that would be a foolish thing for us to do. We merely proceeded with what we told the court we would do and which the latter allowed us to,” said Rodriguez.

SBMA records show that the contract which covers the vacant lot has already expired.

Two other lease agreements with Comteq were pre-terminated by the SBMA on Thursday (October 13) since the school has failed to settle its financial obligations amounting to P2,363,000.00 plus US$9,971 in dollar accounts.

“The SBMA twice gave Comteq a 30-day curing period to settle its arrears in full or submit an acceptable terms of payment even if the contracts in fact allowed a one-time 30-day curing period. The second curing period, however, expired last July 7, without SBMA receiving any payment or sincere proposal from the school. The fact that it is already October or more than 3 months after July 7 shows that we have observed utmost leniency with them,” Rodriguez noted.

The fate of the two remaining ‘active’ lease agreements of Comteq with SBMA remains a court issue.

Both parties met with Judge Viray on Friday, who ordered them to file their respective position papers within seven days. From these, the judge will base his decision on whether to issue a temporary restraining order or an injunction.

“If the court issues an injunction, that will enjoin us from pre-terminating the two remaining leases and demolishing the structures there,” said Rodriguez.

“Pag wala, we can proceed,” he added.

Rodriguez said that in the Friday hearing, Comteq asked for SBMA’s commitment not to demolish anything yet. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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CARAT community outreach events

Joint US-Philippine contingent reaches out to communities around Subic Bay as part of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines.

CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia designed to strengthen relationships and promote maritime security.

OPEN WIDE!: A U.S. Navy doctor, Cmdr. Dennis Taylor, examines a student at San Miguel National High School in San Antonio, Zambales Province, during a Medical Civic Action Project (MEDCAP) on October 14. Taylor, a Navy reservist assigned to Naval Hospital Unit Camp Pendleton, provided free dental care to hundreds of patients during the event as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia designed to strengthen relationships and promote maritime security. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Tross)


SHARING AMERICA’S FAVORITE PASTIME: Ensign Crispin L. Cristal, right, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) tries to beat a throw to home plate during a pickup softball game at San Esteban Elementary School in San Antonio, Zambales Province. On October 14, 11 sailors from the USS Essex and sailors from the Philippine Navy donated educational and recreational materials to the school and spent the day interacting with the children playing sports and spending time in the classroom. U.S. Navy sailors from the USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Denver (LPD 9), and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) are in Subic Bay conducting Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2011, an annual bilateral exercise designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness, and develop professional relationships between the two forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Casey H. Kyhl)

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Court orders anew status quo vs. Ayala mall development

Regional Trial Court Judge Raymund Viray ordered the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to maintain status quo for a second time in two days on the controversial issue involving Ayala Land’s mall project and a local college here.

Judge Viray ordered SBMA and Ayala Land not to take any action to disturb the status quo for five days or until a decision is issued by the court.

Ansbert Joaquin, administrator of Comteq Computer and Business
College, said that they do not oppose the mall project, ‘since day one, we have made our position clear that all we want are equal space and amenities.’

Comteq urged the court to compel SBMA to respect Comteq’s lease agreements and provide facilities equivalent to the lease contracts in the event that it agrees to relocate in favor of Ayala Land’s mall. Comteq also asked the court to issue a permanent injunction pending resolution of the case. (30)

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3,000 US servicemen in joint exercises

AT least 3,000 United States servicemen and their assets are in the country for two military exercises with their counterparts in the Armed Forces in Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog, a military spokesman said (yesterday).

The Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise will be held October 13 to 22 at the former US Navy base at the Subic Bay in Zambales, and the Amphibious Landing Exercises (Phiblex) on October 14 to 22 at the former US Air Force base in Clark, Pampanga.

"Around six US Navy vessels and three aircraft (will) participate in these annual events that involve five Philippine Navy ships and around 1,000-strong PN (Philippine Navy) contingent of sailors and marines," said Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo.

Under CARAT are "in port" trainings, including subject matter expert exchanges and community service activities like medical, dental and engineering civic actions and other humanitarian activities, and "at sea" trainings which involve visit, board, search and seizure procedure; maritime interdiction operations and surveillance; and naval gunfire support, among others.

For the Phiblex, Arevalo said a boat ride exercise will be held at the Marine Base in Ternate, Cavite and a mechanized raid at the Naval Education and Training Command in Zambales.

"The exercises hope to attain inter-operability between the two armed services of both countries," said Arevalo.

"Particularly, it seeks to bolster the inter-operability of the participating country’s armed services in territorial defense in pursuit of our national defense strategy," he added. (Victor Reyes, Malaya)

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Japanese developer may take over yacht club

ORIENT Pearl Entertainment and Management, Inc., a Japanese gaming company, is set to revive the Subic Bay Yacht Club into a “mini-Monaco” to increase membership and revenues.

Orient Pearl is said to have reached an agreement to initially acquire 25% of the club with lead creditor Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank), as a way to obtain management control.

Landbank heads a consortium of local banks that foreclosed 40% of the club led by the Triple-V group, when debt-bankrolled construction floundered during the regional financial crisis.

Orient Pearl Chairman Toshio Shimada, who already operates six casino-hotels in the country including the Majestic Networld Hotel on Roxas Boulevard in Manila, will add gaming as part of development plans for the Subic Bay Yacht Club.

However, the planned inclusion of gaming facilities is expected to be opposed by some club members.

It would be recalled that creditor banks of Triple-V had decided to take over the club shares pledged by restaurateur Victor “Vic-Vic” Villavicencio as collateral for P1 billion in loans from various financial institutions.

The P2-billion club was built in 1996 to become the premier yacht club in the Philippines. The facility has a huge swimming pool with imported sand from Australia.

The huge main clubhouse stands over 17,000 square meters of space with 39 guest club rooms. (R. Garcia, BusinessWorld)

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Subic fisher folk to launch artificial reef project

The Subic Bay Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (SB-IFARMC), an organization representing fisher folk communities in all areas surrounding Subic Bay, will launch its concrete artificial reef project on October 15.

The project was funded by an Environmental Guarantee Fund (EGF) from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), which has allotted financial assistance to fishing communities affected by development projects in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

SB-IFARMC chairman Laureano DS Artagame said that about 1,800 units of culvert pyramid-type concrete blocks formed into 60 modules will be installed at various sites identified by fishermen in the towns of Subic and San Antonio in Zambales, Olongapo City, and Morong town in Bataan.

The ceremonial launching program will include the blessing of the concrete artificial reef modules, presentation of the artificial reef project, distribution of livelihood funds to members of the SB-IFARMC, and discussions to raise awareness among stakeholders on the conservation, protection and management of marine resources in Subic Bay.

Those expected to attend the event include officials of the SBMA, the Department of Agriculture, and municipal fisheries councils; the governors of Bataan and Zambales, and the mayors of Subic and San Antonio towns in Zambales, Morong in Bataan, and Olongapo City.
The artificial reef project aims to revive the dwindling marine resources in local fishing grounds and boost the livelihood of the fisher folk here, Artagame said.

The project used up about P2.3 million of the P4-million financial assistance that the SBMA gave to local fishing communities.

SBMA administrator Armand Arreza said the financial assistance was sourced through the EGF that was created as a condition under the Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) issued for the Subic port project and the Hanjin shipyard project. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO: SB-IFARMC volunteers in San Antonio, Zambales fabricate concrete cylinder blocks to be used for their artificial reef project in Subic Bay.

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Quest to save dolphins draws support in Subic (feature)

SUBIC FREEPORT—The season of killing dolphins in Taiji, Japan, is about to begin this year, so A.G. Saño, the artist at the forefront of a movement to rescue them, decided to bring his crusade to this former American naval base and now bustling free port.

The Subic Freeport hosts Ocean Adventure, which draws families to shows featuring performing dolphins, sea lions and killer whales. Saño, 34, tours the provinces painting dolphin murals to highlight his cause.

“It was only appropriate that we should be doing this here in Subic. And contrary to my expectations, we were welcomed warmly and supported not only by our friends here but by the rest of the community,” he said.

No grudge

He said he does not bear any animosity towards Tim Desmond, the American owner of Ocean Adventure.

“But what he is doing is not out of love. It’s for profit. That’s what this [crusade] is all about. If he truly loved these sea mammals, then he’d use his resources and set them all free, back to their natural habitats,” Saño said.

He said he was led to this advocacy by the award-winning documentary feature “The Cove,” which exposed the annual herding and slaughter of some 23,000 dolphins at Taiji Cove in Japan. According to the documentary, the Japanese butchered dolphins, which were “rejects” that failed to pass a filtering process enforced by marine park officials to select dolphin performers for aquatic shows.

Costly performers

A bottle-nosed dolphin that fits the standards of theme park operators will fetch $150,000, Saño said. Saño painted the walls of Lighthouse Marina Resort, an iconic establishment inside Moonbay Marina Complex here, and drew converts to his cause.

Zedrik Avecilla, whose family owns the Lighthouse resort, said he also saw “The Cove.”

“We’ve always been active in the protection of the environment here in Subic, even leading coastal cleanup drives of the bay, and this is no different. When I heard that [Saño and his group] were here, I offered our walls to be painted. It’s our way of showing support for the dolphins,” said Avecilla.

“The hunting season in Taiji is supposed to begin this month. So far we have only heard relatively few incidents of killings of dolphins there, not like before,” Saño said.

Saño said the crusade needs to change the minds of families who are lured to theme parks like Ocean Adventure.

“They should know the toll captivity has on these dolphins. In cages, where theme park operators claim that they are well fed and nurtured, they still do not live out their life expectancies. They only reach about a third of it, in fact. That’s why most of the dolphins in aquatic shows are juvenile, they die before they mature,” he said. (Robert Gonzaga, Central Luzon Desk, Philippine Daily Inquirer)

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SBMA cautions public on “butanding” viewing in Subic Bay

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has issued guidelines to ensure the safety and protection of a whale shark that has been spotted over the weekend at the port of Subic.

The guidelines, which were issued by the agency’s Ecology Center to protect the animal from stressing conditions and elements, temporarily disallowed marine vessels and motorized boats from docking at the Boton Wharf where the five-meter long animal was last seen early Tuesday morning .

However, kayaks and small rubber boats will be allowed in the area but only at a particular distance as designated by the SBMA Harbor Patrol.

The SBMA also disallowed scuba diving in the area, as well as the use of machineries that produce noise.

“We have issued the guidelines, not only to protect the whale shark from harm, but also to take control of the crowd situation,” said Amethya Koval, head of the SBMA Ecology Center, who noted that the reported sighting of the rare animal has brought curious onlookers, as well as news reporters, to the Subic free port.

Koval said that as part of the guidelines or protocol, the SBMA Law Enforcement Department has been ordered to cordon off the area one meter from the edge of the pier to prevent people from accidentally falling into the water.

“We have designated an area in the pier for the benefit of the viewing public, but we shall strictly disallow noise. We are asking the public to turn off their vehicles once they are at the parking area,” she added.

Koval also said that members of the media who would like to view or film the whale shark should coordinate with the SBMA Public Relations Department for proper procedure during the coverage.

The whale shark, locally known as “butanding”, was first spotted last Thursday at the Boton Wharf by workers who were waiting for their service boat to arrive.

After several sightings near the pier, the whale shark not spotted again. However, Koval said the animal is believed to have remained in the bay.

Witnesses, including experts from the Subic-based Wildlife in Need (WIN), earlier reported that the butanding was in stable condition.

Koval also clarified that the whale shark was not stranded, as reported in the media earlier.

“It’s quite normal for butanding to be seen in Subic Bay,” Koval said. “Every year whale sharks are seen in the waters of Morong, Bataan, and around Subic Bay, particularly at the Redondo area,” she added.

Koval also said it is considered a normal behavior for whale sharks to venture into bays or coves in their search for food and then also leave the area after some time.

“Meanwhile, our main task now is to locate the whale and monitor its movement,” said Koval. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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Butanding ends up in Subic

A rarely seen whale shark or butanding was spotted near the pier at Subic Bay’s Boton Wharf (yesterday) in what was erroneously reported as a stranding.

Amethya Koval, head of the Ecology Center of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), said the five-meter whale shark was not stranded and could just be feeding in the bay.

“This is the season when whales feed within Subic Bay,” Koval pointed out.

“It appears that the animal was looking for a way to deeper water, and it looked like it was in good condition,” Koval told The STAR.

According to Koval, the whale shark was first seen last Thursday and later appeared in various areas near the beach. It was last seen yesterday morning.

Koval said that personnel from the SBMA Harbor Patrol had tried to guide the whale out of shallow waters at the Boton Wharf, but the animal kept coming back to the pier.

Quoting a report from the Subic Freeport environmental group Wildlife in Need (WIN), Koval added that the whale shark has several nicks and scratch marks on its dorsal and caudal fin tips.

“But there were no cuts on its skin, as previously reported,” Koval said.

She added that Aeroflite, a flight school based in this Freeport, has volunteered to undertake aerial monitoring of the whale shark in the bay.

Meanwhile, local environment
workers said that it was not the first time that a whale shark was spotted in Subic Bay, formerly the home port of the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet.

According to Rossel Abuyo, who works with fisherfolk in the area, local fishermen told stories of how they spotted whale sharks in Subic Bay when it was still under the US Navy.

“The last time they spotted a big whale shark here, the animal broke the propeller of a small fishing boat,” Abuyo recounted.

She added that in the 10 years that she has stayed in the area, she had already seen two butandings in the bay.

Koval said that as Subic authorities monitor the whale shark, the SBMA Ecology Center has taken measures to minimize “stressors” in the area that could put the animal in distress.

These stressors include unauthorized divers, vehicles, visitors, and even the media, she added. (Bebot Sison Jr., Philippine Star)

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4,000 Subic volunteers join International Coastal Clean-Up Day

Close to 4,000 residents, employees, students, and some visitors in this free port joined this year’s coastal clean-up drive here that was undertaken in support of the International Coastal Clean-Up Day and in connection with an international study on the global problem of marine trash.

The cleanup, which was held at the two-kilometer beachfront along the Waterfront Road here on Saturday, was spearheaded by the Lighthouse Marina Resort (LMR) in coordination with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

The activity was also supported by the International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians, Rotary Club of Cubao West, Philippine Marketing Association of Zambales, Moonbay Marina Complex, Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, Greater Subic Bay Tourism Bureau, and Ideal Niche Business Solutions.

SBMA administrator Armand Arreza said the marine trash monitoring activity will help policy makers draw better solutions to the problem on marine trash, with the recorded data going to Ocean Conservancy, a non-stock, non-profit organization founded in 1972 to identify global marine threats.

He added that the clean-up drive “is a manifestation of SBMA support to activities that aim to protect and conserve the environment, particularly to keep Subic Bay free of pollution.”

A total of 3,927 volunteers scoured the stretch of the beach here, armed with sticks and trash bags to pick up litters and trash along the way.

Some local divers also collected trash in the bay, bringing to shore mostly plastic materials washed into the bay through various tributary rivers.

LMR resident manager Argee Gomez, who coordinated the event, said that the project forms part of efforts by Subic stakeholders to reduce trash and other debris at the Subic’s beachfront, which is one of the most prominent and visited areas inside the free port.

“It is imperative that a pro-active, continuous and sustainable clean-up program be put in place here,” Gomez said, pointing out that Subic Bay is considered the biggest natural asset of the of the free port.

In last Saturday’s event, Gomez said that the 3,927 volunteers in Subic collected a total of 6,075 kilos of trash from collections made in the beach clean-up and underwater dives.

In 2009, Gomez added, some 74,500 volunteers from 60 provinces collected a total of 327,345 kilos of garbage from activities that covered a total of 2,427 kilometers of beaches.

Among the worldwide participants that year, the Philippines ranked second to the United States, which had a total of 218,799 volunteers.

The International Coastal Clean-up Day started in 1986 in Texas and is being observed every third Saturday of September each year.

Aside from the clean-up drive, the Subic activity also included a public forum on conservation, climate change and waste management.

Organizers also put up a photo contest that covered the actual clean-up drive, and an exhibit of photos taken during last year’s clean-up drive. (SBMA Corporate Communications)


PHOTO:
Volunteers from the Subic Bay Freeport and neighboring communities lend a hand in cleaning the beach at Subic’s Boardwalk Park.

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Whale shark stranded in Subic

A small whale shark has been stranded at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone’s waters, marine scientists said on Monday.

The fish, also known as a butanding, was first spotted at the Boton Wharf last Thursday, according to Subic worker Arkilao Villacen.

Villacen, a crane operator, said he and his co-workers were waiting for a speedboat to arrive at the wharf when they saw the 5-meter-long whale shark.

He said he jumped from surprise because he thought it was a carnivorous shark.

Whale sharks are harmless and eat plankton and microscopic plants. They grow up to more than 12 meters long and are the largest living fish species.

Marine biologist Jonathaniel Apurado believes that the small whale shark came from the South China Sea and could have lost its way.

He expressed fears that the creature could be either injured or killed if it is hit by the propellers of ships and speedboats at Subic.

Apurado said the whale shark should return to the open ocean because Subic Bay’s waters do not have enough plankton to feed it.

He added that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will be informed about the creature. (Zyann Ambrosio, ABS-CBN News)

Photo courtesy of www.subictimes.com

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Subic Freeport joins int’l study on marine trash

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has urged the free port community here to sign up for a coastal cleanup drive that will be undertaken in connection with an international study on the global problem of marine trash.

The cleanup will be held on September 25 at the two-kilometer beachfront along the Waterfront Road here in observance of International Coastal Clean-Up Day when hundreds of thousands of volunteers in different parts of the world will spend a day picking up marine trash and recording information on its volume and makeup.

SBMA administrator Armand Arreza said the activity will help policy makers draw better solutions to the problem on marine trash, with the recorded data going to Ocean Conservancy, a non-stock, non-profit organization founded in 1972 to identify global marine threats.

Ocean Conservancy, which pushes for sound practical policies to protect the world’s oceans, has tied up with the Lighthouse Marina Resort here to spearhead the Subic event.

Lighthouse manager Argee Gomez said organizers hope to draw more than a thousand participants in this event, which he described as “not just about removing trash and debris from waterways and beaches.”

“The International Coastal Clean-Up focuses on the need for marine conservation and raising awareness and education among different sectors of society, particularly coastal communities who directly benefit from marine resources,” Gomez explained.

The Subic event, Gomez said, will start at 6:00 a.m. and will include the actual clean-up, waste segregation, data collection, and trash hauling. There will also be an on-site photo contest that will be open to all photography enthusiasts.

In the afternoon, an eco-forum will be held at the Admiral Hall of the Lighthouse to discuss the latest issues on waste management and environmental protection. This will also be attended by officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), as well as local and foreign conservationists.

A beach party complete with guest bands and DJs will cap the event in the evening, when organizers will also make a report on the trash collection data and announce the winners in the photo contest.

In support of the cleanup drive, Arreza said the SBMA has pledged both manpower and equipment, with garbage collection trucks to be dispatched along with personnel from the SBMA Ecology Center, Law Enforcement Department, and Harbor Patrol.

At the same time, Arreza expressed gratitude to the private sector “for taking the initiative to protect our waters.”

“They know how important Subic Bay is to the community,” Arreza noted.

He added that marine conservation has ranked foremost in the SBMA agenda since the agency’s creation in 1992. “We have been stressing that without the bay, there would be no free port,” Arreza said.

The Subic Bay cleanup project is also supported by the International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians, the Rotary Club of Cubao West, the Philippine Marketing Association of Zambales, Moonbay Marina Complex, Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, Greater Subic Bay Tourism Bureau, and Ideal Niche Business Solutions.

For inquiries and registration, the organizers can be reached at (047) 252-5000. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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Subic Joins Int'l Cleanup Event

This Freeport will be one of the venues all over the world that would celebrate the International Coastal Cleanup Day, a global campaign that will help remove trash and debris from waterways and beaches.

The International Coastal Cleanup Day will be held on September 25 wherein more than 75,000 volunteers from different parts of the country will participate to help clean the coastal areas of the Philippines.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Administrator Armand Arreza said that the preservation of Subic Bay’s coastal areas is a priority to ensure that the pristine waters of Subic Bay will remain for many more years.

“We are cooperating with the Lighthouse Marina Resort to help us organize volunteers who are willing to clean up our coasts. They have already spearheaded the organizing of this event, inviting different locators who will help in the conservation,” Arreza said.

Lighthouse Marina Resort chief Jun Avecilla said that the event would be simultaneously held and coordinated on a global scale. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

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Free ports to adopt e-cargo transfer system

The three adjoining free ports of Subic, Clark and Bataan will start utilizing high technology this month to ensure the fast, safe and secure transfer of cargo to their registered business locators as well as to thwart smuggling and diversion of imported goods.

According to the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development (SCAD), officials from the three free ports of Central Luzon recently met with SCAD and Bureau of Customs (BOC) officials “to tie loose ends” before the Sept. 16 implementation of the Enhanced Automated Cargo Transfer System (e-Acts), which is touted to improve the country’s import shipments system.

The free ports summit was attended by officials of the SCAD and the BOC, and representatives of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Clark Development Corp. (CDC) and the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (Afab).

“All concerned agencies vowed to exert greater efforts in responding to the call of President Benigno S. Aquino for a better business environment and a more favorable investment climate in the Philippines that will lead to a better way of life for Filipinos,” the SCAD said in a statement.

The e-Acts was designed to provide for a more efficient movement of imports from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Port of Manila and the Manila International Container Port Terminal to the various export producers located in Subic, Clark and Bataan free ports.

The new system reportedly stands out compared to previous systems because it utilizes modern technology to provide a faster, more economical and simpler process of documenting and processing of clearances, as well as the transfer and admission of foreign merchandise from ports of discharge.

And because e-Acts substitutes electronic or Internet protocols for face-to-face transactions, it is expected to help stamp out corruption in import transactions and to cut overhead costs among free-port locators by allowing the immediate delivery and use of transit goods.

With its built-in antismuggling or antidiversion feature, e-Acts will serve as a showcase of the BOC’s “intention and commitment to put a stop to the abuse of the importation privilege of some unscrupulous free-port zone export producers,” said Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez.

Speaking for the free ports, Afab chairman and administrator Deogracias Custodio said the implementation of the e-Acts “will be a reflection of the constant efforts of the Philippine free ports to improve the level of services that they offer to their locators in order to become the free ports of choice in the world.”

SCAD chairman Nestor Mangio expressed optimism that the new system would create a better business environment in Clark and Subic that would, in turn, result in more investments and more jobs for local residents.

“Needed revenues to fuel the local economy will increase. Entrepreneurship potentials for local suppliers will be developed. Even local tourism will be favorably affected,” Mangio added.

The implementation of the e-Acts will be the latest in a series of cooperation programs between the BOC and the free ports in Central Luzon to curb smuggling and plug revenue leaks from goods imported into the free ports and later sold outside the special economic zones.

On July 15 the SBMA and the BOC began using the electronic Gatepass Management System (GMS) for shipments brought into the Subic Bay Free Port to ensure that only “legal goods” would exit the gates here.

Like the e-Acts system, the GMS was designed to make it even harder for smugglers to use the port of Subic, as well as to reduce the time and cost of doing business in this free port. (Henry Empeño, Business Mirror)

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Marian images featured in Subic festival

A motorcade featuring 22 Marian images went around the major thoroughfares in this free port and Olongapo City on Wednesday to highlight the week-long celebration of the birthday of the Blessed Mother here.

The celebration, spearheaded by the San Roque Chapel and the chaplaincy of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), started September 1 with the arrival of the 22 images owned by devotees from different parishes throughout Olongapo City and the province of Zambales.

The images were part of the “Lakbay Dasal” (prayer pilgrimage) program organized by the local faithful, said SBMA chaplain Fr. Audie Mozo.

While in the free port, the images were adopted by participating SBMA departments, business locators and religious organizations, which held daily prayers and prepared colorful floats for the birthday motorcade on Wednesday morning.

Fr. Mozo said that among the featured images were the Nuestra Señora Virgen de la Regla (Black Mother and Child), which was adopted by the SBMA Administrator’s Office; Our Lady of Expectation (the image of Mary as an expectant mother), adopted by the CFC Handmaids of the Lord; Our Lady of the Assumption, by Puregold Subic; Nuestra Señora de Esperanza, by Pier One; and Ina Poong Bato of Zambales, adopted by the Subic Montessori.

According to SBMA administrator Armand Arreza, the agency, through the San Roque chaplaincy, has promoted the observance of religious traditions in the Subic Bay Freeport and provided pastoral support to workers and residents, not only in the Freeport but also in nearby communities.

“This is why religious festivals and traditions such as Lenten and Easter activities, Christmas and Marian celebrations have also become tourist attractions in the Subic Freeport,” Arreza said.

“At the same time, these activities help provide the Subic community, especially the SBMA employees, with a well-rounded social life,” he added.

Fr. Mozon said meanwhile that this was the 12th year that the Subic Bay Freeport has been celebrating the birthday of the Blessed Mother, who is revered as protector of this former naval base.

In 2004, the entire Subic Bay was dedicated to the “Two Hearts” – the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Fr. Mozo pointed out.

Subic Bay is also the home of the Marian Peace Regatta, which started in 2008 and draws thousands who witness the fluvial parade of Marian images and take part in the day-long worship and prayers. (SBMA Corporate Communications)


PHOTO
Some of the Marian images on display at the grounds of the San Roque Chapel in the Subic Bay Freeport.

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Subic Freeport lauded for conservation practices

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) again received a rave review for effectively promoting environmental protection and corporate social responsibility among business investors, as well as residents and other stakeholders in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

This after a delegation from the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) made an eco-business tour at the Subic free port, along with local and foreign delegates to a recent trade show held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Doris Gacho, officer in charge of CITEM’s Service Business Department, noted during the visit that Subic Bay has retained its holistic character despite having introduced various developments in industry, commerce and tourism.

“Subic is such an integrated community, and everything has been taken care of. I think that the SBMA is doing such a good job,” Gacho said.

“(The SBMA) have taken care of the environment and the indigenous (Aeta) community. Subic is now a place to show the world that industrial, as well as social development and caring for the environment can go hand in hand,” Gacho added.

CITEM, an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), spearheaded the three-day 1st Philippine International Eco-Show (PINES), an event through which the agency committed itself to be the driver of “green” growth and industry in the country at a time when business and sustainable environment are regarded as complementary aspects of a progressive Philippines.

As part of the event, CITEM bought 36 selected delegates to Subic and toured them among various tourism facilities and industrial factories here.

In particular, Gacho said the visitors were impressed with PacTec Inc., an American firm manufacturing heavy-duty hauling and packaging bags for the transportation and waste industry.

“PacTec makes very good products, and I see that it has maintained good relationship with suppliers and they’re very impressive. I think PacTec can be a potential exhibitor for DTI to promote,” she said.

Meanwhile, SBMA administrator Armand Arreza said that the Subic Bay Freeport never fails to make a good impression on visitors because the agency really intended to develop and capitalize on the eco-tourism potentials inside the economic zone.

“While we are promoting Subic as a better place to establish various industries, the bigger part of Subic is still covered with well-preserved forests and pristine bodies of water that we continue to develop into some of the best tourism facilities in the country today,” Arreza said.

He added that the SBMA has also programmed the development of Subic’s potentials in adventure tourism in line with the nationwide campaign to promote eco-tourism and adventure tours in the country and make the Philippines the best adventure destination in Asia.

To sustain this program, Arreza said the SBMA regularly undertakes tree-planting and beach clean-up activities, and other environmental protection and conservation programs and projects. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO:
Delegates to 1st Philippine International Eco-Show (PINES) visit the PacTec factory in the Subic Bay Freeport.

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Collector cleared in immorality charge

Subic Customs Collector Atty. Marietta Zamoranos was cleared by the Court of Appeals in an immorality case filed against her by her husband Iligan Customs Collector Samson Pacasum, Jr.

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Court of Appeals okays prosecution of Subic Customs collector for bigamy

MANILA, Philippines - The Court of Appeals (CA) has ordered the prosecution of a female official of the Bureau of Customs for alleged bigamy.

In the 29-page decision, the CA’s 23rd Division in Mindanao gave the go signal for the prosecution of Marietta Zamoranos, a collector of the Bureau of Customs at Subic Bay.

The appellate court dismissed the petition of Zamoranos arguing that the Iligan Regional Trial Court has no jurisdiction over the case and it committed grave abuse of discretion in junking her motion to dismiss the complaint of bigamy against her.

The CA said Zamoranos should have faced the charges of bigamy instead of questioning the jurisdiction of the lower court or simply filing a motion to dismiss the case.

The CA earlier ordered the six-month suspension of Zamoranos for immorality following discovery that she was married to different men.

Zamoranos was indicted by the Department of Justice on August 2009 for the crime of bigamy.

The complaint was filed by her second husband, Samson Pacasum Sr., a Customs collector of the Iligan Port who found out that his wife was already married to another man.

Zamoranos argued that as a Muslim woman, she is allowed to marry more than once.

Zamoranos claimed she married her first husband, Jesus de Guzman, in a Muslim wedding and divorced him a year later.

Zamoranos then married Pacasum before an Iligan court judge.

The DOJ said Zamoranos is still married to De Guzman despite the supposed divorce.

The DOJ dismissed the defense of Zamoranos of being a Muslim convert, citing her statements before the Iligan court judge during her wedding with Pacasum that she is a Christian and had never converted to Islam.

Even if she indeed converted to Islam, the CA said Zamoranos is still liable for bigamy under our laws. (Sandy Araneta, Philippine Star)

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Philip Morris inaugurates 2nd phase of Subic leaf warehouse

Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing Inc. (PMPMI) unveiled here on Thursday its new P600-milllion facility, the second phase of its P1-billion tobacco leaf storage hub project for Asia-Pacific operations.

This new facility boosted PMPMI’s leaf storage capacity from 6,100 metric tons to 14,000 metric tons, and would also allow expansion up to 10,000 tons more, said PMPMI managing director Christopher Nelson during the posh inauguration ceremony held at PMPMI’s 50,000 square-meter lot at the Subic Techno Park here.

“This development establishes the Philippines—particularly the Subic Bay Freeport Zone—as a major center for regional tobacco leaf trading and distribution,” said Nelson in his inaugural message.

“As Philip Morris grows its business in the Philippines, we will continue to act as a responsible corporate citizen and to conduct our business with the highest degree of integrity,” he told guests that included former Sen. Richard Gordon, Bureau of Customs deputy commissioner Alexander Arevalo, and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) administrator Armand Arreza.

For his part, Arreza said that PMPMI’s decision to locate its international leaf tobacco warehouse in this free port “is a clear manifestation of Subic Bay’s business advantages—its strategic location, business incentives, support industries, security and skilled workforce.”

“Thank you for your strong belief in our country, in our people, and in Subic Bay. SBMA salutes Philip Morris for its vote of confidence in Subic, and for its commitment to further socio-economic progress in this region,” Arreza added.

According to Nelson, the Subic facility is one of their largest investments in Southeast Asia. The firm has also invested $300 million for a cigarette factory in Tanauan, Batangas in 2003.

He added that Philip Morris International has chosen the Subic Bay Freeport over Singapore, Malaysia, and other Asian sites based on the advantages of location, cost efficiency, as well as support from partner government agency.

The professional attitude of the workforce in the Subic Bay Freeport was also “one of the key factors” in choosing Subic, added Nelson.

Nelson also cited the indigenous Aeta tribe in the Subic Bay Freeport for allowing part of their ancestral domain to be used for development.

The new Philip Morris warehouse features state-of-the-art humidity control, fire suppression equipment, and air conditioning system to better handle tobacco leaf imports from China, Indonesia, Thailand, and India, among others.

“As with other investments of Phillip Morris here in the Philippines, this leaf warehouse further cements our commitment to the economic development of the country,” Nelson concluded. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO: PMPMI managing director Christopher Nelson presents a token of appreciation to Subic Aeta elder Bonifacio Florentino during the inauguration of Philip Morris’s leaf tobacco warehouse at the Subic Bay Freeport. Also in photo are Aeta leader Leonardo Abraham, former Sen. Richard Gordon and SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza.

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SBMA foots P48-M bill for FSC separation benefits

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has announced that it will advance a total of P48 million to its manpower subsidiary, the Freeport Service Corporation (FSC), in order to guarantee the full payment of separation benefits for 241 workers affected by the cessation of the firm’s operations.

This decision was made “with the welfare of FSC employees foremost in mind,” said SBMA administrator Armand Arreza in a press conference held at the SBMA administration building recently.

Although the two are entirely different entities, Arreza explained, the SBMA will be loaning funds for the FSC to provide separation benefits equivalent to one month’s pay for every year of service, which is above and beyond what the law requires.

He added that notices of separation will soon be issued to the remaining 241 FSC employees, with the full payment of workers’ benefits set 30 days thereafter.

“No, we’re not going to abandon the workers,” assured Arreza, as he committed the P48-million fund from the SBMA. “We are watching out for their welfare, as they have nothing to do with the company’s financial woes.”

He added that he has also directed the SBMA Labor Department to conduct a job fair and work out a livelihood assistance program for FSC workers.

FSC was created in 1995 to provide manpower services to the SBMA. Eventually, SBMA leased out to its subsidiary several tourism facilities under a revenue-sharing arrangement, with the SBMA share fixed at only 5 percent.

Arreza said the SBMA even paid FSC P6 million per month as “management fees” for overseeing SBMA’s assets. Despite these concessions, the FSC has incurred debts with its parent company in the amount of P56 million.

Records showed that more than 800 personnel were listed in FSC’s payroll before the first manpower reduction was undertaken in 2008. Officials said that for the size of its business operations, 200 personnel would have been enough.

In the first manpower reduction, some 652 FSC employees were absorbed by the SBMA, which also advanced some P 40 million for the partial payment of their separation benefits.

With the company’s manpower down to 270, the SBMA reduced its monthly subsidy to the FSC to P 4 million a month until it was totally stopped by January this year.

Since the FSC cannot sustain its operations, the FSC Board decided to mothball the company, declaring it in a “dormant state”.

Arreza said the mothballing was made “precisely to avoid the impending situation of FSC being unable to pay the salaries of its own employees and enable FSC employees to receive their separation benefits.”

Arreza explained that in a bankruptcy state, the assets of the company will have to be liquidated and divided among its creditors, with employees getting the first priority.

“However, if we declare FSC as bankrupt, employees will get nothing since it has virtually no assets. The FSC only has a facilities management agreement with the SBMA, and it is the SBMA that owns the assets,” he added.

Arreza said that the SBMA could, by right, declare the FSC bankrupt. “But that would be unconscionable, kawawa ang manggagawa,” he said.

With this, Arreza urged FSC employees not to direct their anger on the SBMA. “I repeat: SBMA and FSC are separate entities, and SBMA has nothing to do with FSC’s financial losses,” Arreza said. “In fact, the SBMA has disbursed a total of P3.2 billion to help out in FSC’s operations.” (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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