Subic Bay gaining ground in sports tourism

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia expressed optimism for the future of sports tourism in this free port, after it successfully hosted another international triathlon on Sunday.

Garcia said the first Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon, which drew more than 600 foreign and Filipino triathletes, will carry the torch for Subic in the international sporting circuit for the next three years.

“We are surely gaining ground as far as sports tourism is concerned,” Garcia said in after the inaugural run. “We’re very proud to have hosted this event, and we have a lot of foreign and local athletes, all of whom were very happy about the unique and challenging course,” he said.

The Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon was the first 5i50 distance event sanctioned by the World Triathlon Corp. or WTC in Southeast Asia. It was composed of a 1.5-kilometer swim, a 40-kilometer bike, and a 10-kilometer run that took participants along the most scenic routes in this free port.

Garcia said the SBMA has signed a contract with Sunrise Events, Inc. for the staging of the event until 2014.

“So we look forward to a bigger field next year, and as far as our sports tourism program is concerned, we will continue to promote triathlons, marathons, biking events and all other sports events which have chosen Subic Bay as their venue,” he added.

In last Sunday’s races, Australian triathlon veteran David Dellow emerged as the first 5i50 Subic Bay champion after finishing with a time of 2 hours, 3 minutes and 02 seconds. Dellow was also the champion in Ironman Cairns 2012 held on June 3, and was 5th placer at the Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship 2012 in Melbourne last March 24.

Following close behind Dellow was three-time Olympic Triathlon qualifier Csaba Kuttor of Hungary, with total time of 2:03:27. Kuttor finished eighth place in the 2012 5i50 in Klagenfurt, Austria.

In third place was Australian Xterra elite Ben Allen with 2:04:43, while Canadian Mathieu O’Halloran finished fourth with 2:05:23. Allen won first place in the 2012 Xterra Asian Triple Crown and first place at the 2012 Xterra Philippines, while O’Halloran finished first place in the Pico De Loro Triathlon 2012, first place in the Zambales Beach Games Triathlon in 2011, and first place at the Bantayan Beach Games Triathlon.

Another Australian, Belinda Granger, ruled the women’s category, clocking 2:22:35 overall.

Meanwhile, the relay category was led by the Wetshop Tri Team, which recorded an aggregate time of 02:16:27. Team Wetshop Para-Tri clocked 02:31:30 for a second finish, while Meralco Lightspeed Team 1 finished third with 02:32:35.

A total of 619 participants, including 45 relay teams of three members each, joined the race which totalled 51.50-kilometer triathlon distance.

The Subic Bay sports event also drew international professional triathletes like Canadian Ali Fitch, British Jacki Slack, and Justin Granger, as well as Filipino celebrities like Senator Pia Cayetano, TV hosts Kim Atienza and Drew Arellano, actor Matteo Guidicelli, and news anchor Raffy Tima.

Organizer Alaska Milk Corp. president and CEO Fred Uytengsu said the Olympic-distance triathlon race will be held here annually until 2014 and will be organized by Sunrise Events, Inc., the company behind Ironman 70.3 Philippines. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia raises the hand of Australian Belinda Granger, winner in women’s division of the First Century Tuna 5159 Triathlon held at the Subic Bay Freeport last Sunday.

Read More

Maritime logistics confab set in Subic this August

A conference highlighting the Subic Bay Freeport Zone’s attractions as an investment and logistics hub and as gateway to Asia’s expanding market will be held here on August 23-24 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

The Subic Bay Maritime Conference and Exhibit is expected to attract more than 300 investors, shippers, and logistics and supply chain executives and will look at the advantages of Subic as a vital investment area for shipping and logistics companies.

Themed “Subic Bay: Asia’s Emerging Logistics and Investments Hub,” the conference is being organized by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority in cooperation with the Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC), which operates Subic’s New Container Terminal (NCT 1 & 2).

Organizers said prominent local and international speakers will be invited to give updates on projects and initiatives at the port complex, as well as provide insights on regional trade developments and their implications for the transport and logistics sectors.

There will also be discussions on the attractiveness of Subic Bay as a transshipment port and investment center, the synergy between Subic and Clark, trade facilitation initiatives by the Bureau of Customs in Subic, and the greater push to raise productivity and efficiency at the Subic container terminals.

The conference is also expected to tackle the impact of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Plus China free trade agreement and best practices among ASEAN seaport operators.

The Subic Bay Freeport, which rose from the former US Naval Base, is now being developed by the SBMA as a prime maritime logistics and services hub.

The upcoming conference is being supported by the Philippine Maritime Industry Authority, Association of International Shipping Lines, Maritime Law Association of the Philippines, Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council, Philippine Exporters Confederation, and the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, with Australia-based Baird Publications as media partner.

Interested parties may inquire on details of the Subic Bay Maritime Conference & Exhibit from event manager PortCalls at (632) 552-7072, 551-1775, 551-1972 or email info@subicmaritimeconference.com, info@portcalls.com. Regular updates will also be available at www.subicmaritimeconference.com or on Twitter @subicconference. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
A container ship unloads cargo at the New Container Terminal in the Subic Bay Freeport. A maritime trade conference to be held in Subic Bay in August will highlight the free port’s advantages as a maritime logistics hub and investment center.

Read More

DTI Woos Taiwanese Electronics Firms, Formulates 5-Year Timetable Roadmap

MANILA -- The Department of Trade and Industry is crafting a five-year “Taiwan Roadmap” to attract electronics companies to relocate here as computer-maker Wistron Infocomm has substantially slowed down its manufacturing operation in Subic.

Trade and Industry for Trade and Investment Promotions Group Cristino L. Panlilio said that roadmap should highlight the Philippines’ competitiveness as a manufacturing location “We should be able to capture other electronics firms in Taiwan because of the rising cost in China,” Panlilio said adding the roadmap has a five-year timetable to bring in other Taiwanese firms.

Panlilio noted that Wistron, which used to manufacture most of its electronics products in Subic, has substantially reduced its operations as it relocated the bulk of its production in China because of competitiveness issues and the supply chain problem in the Philippines.

“Wistron is producing laptops only in Subic,” Panlilio said. It has reduced operations since the past three to four years.

Wistron Infocomm Philippines was the largest exporter in 2007 with freight on board (FOB) value of $448.7 million out of $971.7 million total Subic exports that year. In 2011, Wistron’s exports substantially declined to only $75.3 million.

But, Panlilio pointed out that the situation has reversed as cost in China has gone up substantially and some manufacturers like Taiwanese businesses are looking elsewhere. The Philippines is deemed gaining back its competitiveness as a manufacturing hub.

Panlilio said that Taiwanese could put up another economic zone although it has already an existing ecozone in Subic.

“Subic is always prepared to accommodate them,” he said.

In fact, he said, the 100 businessmen who joined in the one-day trade mission and business matching event yesterday at Dusit Hotel in Makati are going to visit Subic.(Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat, Manila Bulletin)

Read More

US nuclear-powered sub on ‘routine port call’ arrives in Subic

A nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine of the US Navy arrived here on Monday for what American officials called a “routine port call.”

USS Louisville (SSN 724), which is currently stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, belongs to the Los Angeles class of attack submarines that are considered the backbone of the American submarine force in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

The 360-foot long, 6,900-ton ship is said to be armed with sophisticated MK48 torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles.

According to a statement from the US Embassy in Manila, the Louisville will be in port from June 25 to June 30 to replenish supplies and to give the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation.

The visit also “highlights the strong historic, community and military connections between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines,” the embassy said.

The submarine’s arrival came 40 days after the USS North Carolina, another nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine of the next-generation Virginia class, docked in Subic amid tension between the Philippines and China over Scarborough Shoal, a resource-rich rocky outcropping some 130 nautical miles northwest of this free port.

According to the official US Navy web site, the Louisville’s mission is to “seek out and destroy enemy ships and submarines, and to protect our naval interests.”

Like 31 of the 51 Los Angeles types in the US Navy’s submarine fleet, the Louisville is equipped with 12 vertical US launch system tubes for firing Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles. It also carries Harpoon anti-surface ship missiles with a range of 70 nautical miles (130 km) and has mine-laying capabilities.

As an attack submarine, the Louisville has received awards for its role in the Navy’s Middle East campaign. It reportedly carried out the first war patrol conducted by an American submarine since World War II as Operation: Desert Storm began in January 1991, and also earned the distinction of being the first to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles against targets in Iraq, as well as having fired the first war shot of Desert Storm.

The submarine again participated in Operation: Iraqi Freedom in 2003, launching 16 Tomahawk missiles from the Red Sea against targets in Iraq.

The US Embassy said the Louisville will not be open to any media activity during its stay at Subic Bay Freeport.

Lt. Col. Omar Tonsay, Philippine Navy spokesman, said there was nothing unusual with the submarine’s presence in the country.

Its “diplomatic clearance is only for replenishment. [It has] no involvement with the Philippine Navy,” he added.

Tonsay said the Louisville applied for clearance to dock at Subic as early as May this year. (Henry Empeño, BusinessMirror)

PHOTO:
Crew of the nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Louisville can be seen on top of its hull and conning tower, as it slides into Subic Bay Freeport on Monday. The US Navy ship is slated for a few days of resupply, and rest and recreation.

Read More

Aussies click in Subic triathlon

Australians David Dellow and Belinda Granger showed they’re not just long-course race specialists as they topped the Olympic-distance Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon Series Philippines in contrasting styles at the tough course here at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

The 33-year-old Dellow needed one burst of speed in the final three kilometers to overtake former three-time Olympian Csaba Kottur of Hungary and another Aussie Ben Allen to wrest his first victory in this 1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run in over a decade.

“It’s been a while since I last did short course races, maybe 10 years because I’ve been focusing my energy on doing long-course races,” said Dellow, whose long list of victories included Ironman Champion Cairns 2012.

“It’s two different sports really but I’m glad I won here, it’s unforgettable experience competing over here,” he added.

Dellow reached the finish line in two hours, three minutes, three seconds. Kuttor, who competed in the triathlon in Athens, Sydney and Beijing Olympics, was second in 2:03.27 while Allen was third in 2:04.43.

Granger, who topped the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 in Camsur last year, ruled the women’s pro side in 2:22.35, or a whopping five minutes ahead of second placer Ali Fitch of Canada (2:27.47).

“It’s always special for me competing here in the Philippines and winning makes it more special,” said the 41-year-old Granger, whose other notable triumphs were the 2012 Geelong Long Course and 2011 Ironman 70.3 Japan.

Charming Jacqui Slack, the women’s division leader of the European Xterra Off-Road Triathlon series who admits to be in a serious relationship with Allen, bucked a couple of flat tires by emerging with the fastest sprint run. She finished third in 2:52.33.

The day, however, belonged to a 20-year-old Olongapo City native and a relay team consisting of a one-legged swimmer, one-foot cyclist and one-armed runner.

John Leerams Chicano, representing local-based Tri-Monkey team, stole the thunder from the favorites by emerging the best Filipino finisher in 2:11.35, that is also good for fifth overall behind Dellow, Kuttor, Allen and Matthieu O’Halloran, who wound up fourth in 2:05.23.

“I’m not really surprised to win because I’ve been training hard for this race,” said Chicano, a member of the national youth team, in Filipino. “I’m just happy that I beat some of the favorites, I will never forget this.”

Among the victims of Chicano were top Filipino triathletes Neil Catiil of LBC Solutions (2:16.04) and Arland Macasieb (2:19.46).



Representing coach Vince Garcia’s Wetshop Para-Tri Team, tanker Arnel Aba, who swam with just a left leg, cyclist Godfrey Taberna, who rode despite having a right club foot, and runner Isidro Vildosola came through with a ride to remember, finishing second among 23 teams in the team relay.

The only other team to beat Aba, Taberna and Vildosola was Wetshop’s other team headed by three-time Tour champion Santy Barnachea.

“We just want to prove that disability is not a hindrance if you will just believe in yourself,” said the 26-year-old Alba, who has already collected five gold medals in the Southeast Asian Para-Games.

Alaska’s TBB team, which consisted of four pros and six locals, also made heads turn and was spearheaded by 16-year-old Banjo Norte who wound up 12th overall in 2:26.54.

Monica Torres, who is busy preaching the sport online, won the local female elite section in 2:36.33, barely edging former Phl No. 1 LC Langit, who came in second in 2:36.33 despite getting his rear tire busted at the start of the bike part of the event.

The event is being presented by Century Tuna and sponsored by Alaska Milk, Gatorade, David’s Salon, 2XU, Timex, Intercare, Oakley, SBMA, with The Philippine STAR and Multisport Magazine as media partners.

For updates, you may visit its website at www.5i50philippines.com.

5i50 Notes: A lot of celebrities both from showbiz and politics joined the race, including Senator Pia Cayetano, Kuya Kim Atienza, Erwan Heussaff, Drew Arellano, Ernie Lopez and organizer Fred Uytengsu ... Aussie Ben Allen and Brit Jacqui Slack built their love affair in the triathlon circuit and are going steady for a year now. Coincidentally, they both finished third in the pro section ... Mattieu O’Halloran has given up his chance to play for Canada to represent the country but his plan to get naturalized didn’t push through. He did it for love, particularly Joyette Jopson, whom he has been with for almost four years now. (Joey Villar, Philippine Star)

Read More

$450M deal ends Hanjin’s order drought

HANJIN Heavy Industries & Construction (HHIC)-Phil, the local unit of the Korean shipbuilding giant, has won an order to build 10 mid-size container ships worth $450 million at its Subic shipyard, the first bid won by the company since last year.

HHIC-Phil’s Subic Shipyard said it signed a contract with European shipowners to build the ships, which will be capable of carrying 5,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) of container.

This is the first bid won by the company since last year as the debt crisis in Europe and budget problems in the United States, the world’s two biggest export markets, led to weak global trade that softened demand for shipping.

Shipowners have had to idle capacity or cancel newbuilding orders as freight rates fell to record lows in the past two years amid the demand slowdown, worsened by soaring oil prices and oversupply as vessels previously ordered were delivered.

HHIC said that despite the impact of the financial crisis in the West, the company moved to improve its management and performance, which paved way for the success of the bid.

“Based on recently dramatic improvements in cost-competitiveness, HHIC-Phil’s Subic Shipyard has finally been able to win this bid,” the shipbuilder said in a statement.

The company said it is also in negotiations with other shipowners, and expect “good news may come soon.”

An official from HHIC said currently mid-size vessel orders have been rare due to increasing demand for larger, more efficient vessels as shipping companies aim to cut costs in view of escalating fuel prices.

“Due to economic slowdown around the world, it has been difficult for us to win a new bid,” the official said.

“However, we have been eventually able to win (the $450 million order) thanks to superior cost-competitiveness, high quality and great reliability,” he said.

“Empowered by this success, we are going to keep promoting our sales activities,” he added.

HHIC-Phil said its latest contract involves building state-of-the-art container vessels adopting the eco-design technology. The ship dimensions are 255 meters in length, 37m in width and 22m in depth, and with a maximum speed of 21.5 knots.

Early in 2007, HHIC opened a skills development center in Subic Bay, Olongapo City, and began construction of a shipyard in the first quarter of the same year.

In July 2008, HHIC delivered the first vessel order made from the Subic shipyard.(Jennifer Ambanta, Malaya)

Read More

Unique races await cyclists

THREE unique races await cyclists from different sports clubs when the 2nd Aboitiz Power Tour of Subic is held on July 7-8 at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Stage 1 is a 40-kilometer time trial that begins at Causeway Road stretching out to two turnaround points (at Subic International Raceway and at Argonaut Highway and back.)

Stage 2 will be a 45-minute plus 2 laps criterium race for female racers, Category 4 racers, and Category 3 racers.

Stage 3 of the event sponsored by Aboitiz Power, Unilab Active Health, Pocari Sweat, Timex, the 3rd District of Bohol, Crystal Clear Mineral Water, Subic Holiday Villas, Orbea, Corima and Bike King will be a 90-kilometer road race for female, Category 3 and Category 4 entries that will begin at 6 a.m.

Entry fee is pegged at P1,200 per stage. Interested parties may contact Bike

King by sending an email at raulm4@yahoo.com or calling tel. no. 856-3362. (Malaya)

Read More

Subic ‘back to school’ outreach grooms Aeta pupils

A total of 155 pupils at the public elementary school in the remote village of Kanawan in Morong, Bataan, learned how to look best in school during a lecture on proper grooming and proper hygiene undertaken by volunteers from this free port.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority-Public Relations Department (SBMA-PRD) facilitated the Kanawan outreach project, which was undertaken by the team-up of the Lighthouse Marina Resort in Subic Freeport and international personal products manufacturer Johnson & Johnson.

The school children, most of whom belong to the Aeta tribe, were taught proper bathing, grooming and wellness through an audio- visual presentation by Johnson & Johnson. The firm also provided grooming products so that the children could apply what they have learned in the lecture.

Aside from the hygiene products, the children also received books, umbrellas, slippers, medicine and other personal items that the children would need for school.

In return, the Kanawan youngsters expressed their appreciation for the gifts by doing traditional Aeta song and dance numbers.

After the gift-giving activity, the adults also took time for a tree-planting activity at the back of the schoolhouse where they planted hardwood tree species like Lauan in the rich soil of the area.

Rolando Lazo, Johnson & Johnson supply chain director for Southeast Asia, remarked that not even the rainy weather could stop the Subic groups from undertaking the project. “Our visit here seeks to improve the lives of others with our products,” he said.

Sitio Kanawan is inhabited predominantly by members of the indigenous Aeta tribe, who have built their homes on the grassy plateaus and mountain slopes.

The community is located about eight kilometers from the Morong town proper and can be reached only by crossing a 30-meter long hanging bridge which spans the Batalan River. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Employees of Johnson & Johnson’s Supply Chain Division distribute hygiene products to around 150 Aeta students during a joint outreach program with the Lighthouse Marina Resort and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority at SitioKanawan in Morong, Bataan.

Read More

Environment Impact: Subic Power Plant Undergoes Review

The $1.28-billion 600-MW Redondo coal fired power project in Subic Freeport is facing another review as stakeholders and experts call for a 're-scrutiny' of the power plant, approved during the previous SBMA Board, largely on environmental impact issues.

The review of the Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc., which is 50 percent owned by Meralco PowerGen Corp.

Aboitiz unit Therma Power Inc. and Taiwan Cogeneration Corp., was called after the completion of the Social Acceptability Process (SAP) conducted by the SBMA in December last year.

The power plant’s construction was scheduled to start in 2009 and the initial commercial operation of the first phase 300 mw was supposed to commence this year and the second phase of 300MW to start three years after the commercial operation of the first phase.

“Based on their analyses of the subject matter, the specialists recommended that the SBMA re-scrutinize the coalfired power plant project,” the SBMA’s final SAP report released recently said.

Based on the report, a revisit of the project, which was already approved by the former SBMA Board under the then administration of President Gloria Arroyo, is meant to effectively determine the impact on environment and health; ensure comprehensive impacts zone study; properly determine actual and potential cost; and, to ensure the project is coherent and compatible with SBMA's mandate, vision, mission and development plans, including its protected area management plan. (Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat, Manila Bulletin)

Read More

Subic ‘Independence Run’ to benefit Aeta children

Runners from communities around this free port literally ran the extra mile recently to raise funds for indigent Aeta children in the Subic Bay area.

This was made possible through a fun run dubbed as the “2nd Independence Run” held on June 12 in commemoration of the 114th Independence Day.

The event, which was organized by the Lincoln Lodge 34 of the Free and Accepted Masons in Olongapo City, was sanctioned by the Department of Education (DepEd) and supported by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Ayala Land’s Harbor Point mall here.

According to lead organizer Jordan Dizon, proceeds of the run will benefit some 200 Aeta children now under the care of the Saint Francis Learning Center School for the Aeta, a non-government organization run and operated by Franciscan sisters in Mangan-Vaca, Subic, Zambales.

He said that each peso raised from the registration fees in the fun run will be used to purchase school supplies and other necessities for the children in the Center.

“We expect that proceeds from this year’s event will surpass the P120,000 that we raised last year. This will be a big help to these children from various remote Aeta villages in Zambales and whose parents are so poor that they cannot afford to send them to school,” Dizon noted.

At the same time, Dizon lauded the DepEd for endorsing the event to public schools in the Olongapo City and Zambales, and also thanked the local police and the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) for sending participants.

“The remarkable support of the SBMA for the 2nd Independence Run has made the event bigger and more exciting for the participants, as well as for the spectators,” he also said, pointing out that the event drew a total of 1,570 runners.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, meanwhile, reiterated his agency’s commitment to help in the development of sports in the country by hosting sports events in this free port and assisting organizers in planning and implementing their events in Subic.

“As we gear up towards sports tourism in the Subic Bay Freeport, we also help develop discipline and good health, especially among the youth, and this is one contribution the SBMA is proud of,” he said.

Meanwhile, Olongapo City vice mayor and race director Rolen Paulino said the 2nd Independence Run was dominated by some of the best athletes in the country today.

Paulino said the winners in the 21-kilometer men’s division were Roveno Javier, first place, with a time of 1 hour, 23 minutes and 47 seconds; Ronny Rosete (1:25:14), second place; and Christian Denothia (1:33:03), third.

In the 21-kilometer women’s division, first place was won by Monica Torres (1:38:29); second, Karen Marie Bregger; and third, Jesselyn Morales (2:13:06).

On the other hand, the 10-kilonmeter men’s race was bagged by John Leerams Chicano, champion; Michael Abad, second; and Rogel Anajao, third. The women’s 10-kilometer run, meanwhile, went to Rinalyn Santos, first; Christine Levi Gaspas, second; and Jady Dine Cantores, third.

Those who led the 3-kilometer race for men were Alvin Dionisio, first place; Clyd Drefferd Supnet, second; and Florentino Navalta, Jr., third. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Participants in the 2nd Independence Run at the Subic Bay Freeport join to raise funds for Aeta school children.

Read More

Women’s national team conducts basketball clinic in Subic Freeport

The Discovery Perlas ng Pilipinas national women’s basketball team conducted a three-day basketball clinic at the Subic Bay Gym on June 6-8 in an effort to promote the game among youngsters and develop better players among the youth.

The clinic was open for both boys and girls aged 15 and below, who wanted to learn the basics of the country’s most popular ball game.

Haydee Ong, head coach of Discovery Perlas, said the women’s team is making the rounds and conducting basketball clinics all over the country in the hope of finding future national players.

“We want to promote basketball and also women’s basketball. Pero para maiba naman, sa halip na ‘yung mga lalake ang magtuturo, babae naman,” she said.

“It’s also our own way of giving back something to the young basketball fans,” she added.

Hundreds of young basketball enthusiasts from Olongapo City and the Subic Bay area attended the clinic, grabbing at the chance to be mentored by members of a national team.

“Enjoy kami, at maraming natutunan, tulad ng defense at proper dribbling,” said Gabriel Dimaano, 12, who hurried to the Subic Gym right after classes at the St. Joseph’s High School in Olongapo.

Kid brother, Daniel, 11, admitted that the training was a little bit hard to a beginner like him, but he also enjoyed the clinic because it was fun.

While only a few girls joined the training, Ong said it was good enough that they were able to spread awareness regarding women’s basketball.

“Gusto namin siyempre na makahanap kami ng women players sa mga clinic. Kahit mga dalawa o tatlo para may ma-develop,” she said.

Ong added that the team has coordinated its clinic schedules with government units in order to gain support for the basketball clinic program.

“Nagkausap na kami ng mga local government unit katulad nung kay Governor Imee (Marcos) sa Ilocos, then sa Bacolod and Bataan, so hopefully this year makakatapos kami ng six or ten clinics,” she stated.

Ong said the Discovery Perlas team has been together for several years now, and has proudly represented the country in several international events. The team is also set to compete in an invitational tournament this November. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Members of the national women’s basketball team coach aspiring players on the basics of the game at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Read More

SBMA to require permit to operate from locators

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will begin strictly enforcing on July 1 the requirement for all business locators in this free port to secure a permit to operate (PTO).

According to Stefani Saño, SBMA senior deputy administrator for business and investment development, the agency will require all locators to comply with this regulation in view of recent findings that some locators have begun operation when they have yet to comply with all the requirements.

“If you don’t have a permit to operate, you have no business operating in the Subic Bay Freeport. The rule is, you need to comply first,” Saño stressed.

“This new system is not only beneficial to the government; it is also for the protection and for the interest of private businesses here,” he added.

Saño explained that in the existing system, the Certificate of Registration and Tax Exemption (CRTE) given to new locators before they open their business is also being considered as PTO. However, as the CRTE does not spell out other requirements, like an environmental compliance certificate, the system allowed some businesses to go around these requirements.

“The new board of directors saw this flaw, so we would have to change the system and stress compliance first before operation,” he added.

Saño said the SBMA had conducted a public forum with the business community on May 31 in order to enlighten Subic Freeport locators about the new permitting system.

He added that the new business permit will be implemented by the SBMA in addition to the current regulatory requirements already in existence.

“If the businesses are compliant, the system is sustainable because there is order. This is the principle behind this,” Saño also said. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

IN SUBIC, BAGUIO, CLARK; P5B power subsidy for mega projects

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) plans to continue a power subsidy plan for mega projects or those worth over $1 billion in Subic, Baguio and Clark.

Trade Undersecretary Cristino Panlilio said that P5 billion is being budgeted to replenish an old fund-industry competitive fund- started during the term of President Gloria Arroyo.

The subsidy can last for seven years. Panlilio said the electric power support scheme is now awaiting approval of Malacanang after it has gotten the endorsement of the economic cluster for appropriation in the budget.

He declined to identify the companies that would benefit from the plan nor the power rates they would be enjoying but previous reports had tagged Texas Instruments in Clark and Baguio, Hanjin Heavy Industries Philippines in Subic, Samsung through unit Phoenix Semiconductors in Clark, Intel Corp. and Mindanao Electronics Inc. as the initial beneficiaries of the reduced power scheme.

Despite this incentive, Intel chose to shift operations to Vietnam and closed its Cavite plant.

The subsidized power rate was P2.15 per kwh, which is about half the current cost to ordinary consumers and includes generation, transmission and distribution charges.

Generation charge was 20 to 30 percent cheaper.

Panlilio clarified that the new scheme being worked out is for just projects worth over a billion dollars and is separate from the one earlier forged by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) for reduced power rates for about 279 ecozone locators.

“It would be an adequate support for them to be competitive,” said Panlilio of the electric power support scheme.

The ICF was part of a commitment granted by the Arroyo government to the mega investors in Clark, Subic and Baguio ecozones. The support was contained in Executive Orders 701, 856 and 666 and expired in March 2011.

The scheme reportedly cost government P500 million annually because the locators were few and operations were small..

Korean firm Hanjin invested $2 billion for shipbuilding in Subic; Texas Instruments also invested $2 billion for its expansion project; Phoenix Semiconductor invested $500 million in Clark.

The ICF was used to support and incentivize qualified power intensive industries which contribute significantly to the economy.

The ICF was used to recover any financial impact that PSALM had to incur for the subsidy. (Irma Isip, Malaya)

Read More

'VFA should govern use of former bases by US troops'

MANILA - American troops, warships and planes will use the former US military facilities in Subic and Clark temporarily on rotation basis and in accordance with the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), the military said yesterday.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said the recent docking of nuclear-powered attack submarine USS North Carolina in Subic Bay is an example of this military-to-military arrangement.

“As long as they have coordinated and got clearance from the government and they comply with the VFA, we see no problem with that,” he said.

US troop presence on a temporary basis is expected to increase in Subic and in other areas in the country following US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta’s statement that they are increasing their military presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

Panetta declared that 60 percent of US warships would be redeployed in the region, a new US military strategy seen as an equalizer to the increasing Chinese naval might in the South China Sea.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Defense Undersecretary Honorio Azcueta said the US warships and planes can use the former US naval base and its airfield on a temporary basis while in the country, provided that these visits have prior clearance from the government and are in conformity with the VFA.

“They can come here provided they have prior coordination with the government,” he said. Azcueta said US troops, warships and fighter planes would be allowed access to their former naval base in Subic.

“That’s what we want... increase in exercises and interoperability,” he said.

However, Malacañang said US troops can only use Clark and Subic during joint military exercises.

Speaking to reporters, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said US warships will only be allowed to use naval and air facilities in Subic and in Clark during drills. American ships and submarines will be allowed to make port calls for refueling and supply replenishment, he added.

Due to the US shift to expand its presence in the Asia-Pacific, more requests for port calls of US warships and aircrafts are expected, Lacierda said. (Jaime Laude with Delon Porcalla, The Philippine Star)

Read More

Central Luzon holds search, rescue drill

MARIVELES — The Office of Civil Defense has sounded the alarm over 20 to 30 townspeople missing amid storm signal No. 2 over widespread flooding caused by overflowing rivers.

This is a drill in a mission set by OCD director Josefina Timoteo at the incident command post during the 4th Central Luzon annual Water Search and Rescue Simulation Exercises, dispatching 20 go-teams from different localities.

Responding to the call were teams from Provincial Government of Bataan; city government of Balanga, Bataan; Provincial Government of Pampanga; Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority; Provincial Government of Tarlac; Provincial Government of Bulacan; local governments of Marilao, Calumpit, Sta. Maria, Pulilan, and San Jose Del Monte City of Bulacan; Provincial Government of Nueva Ecija; and city governments of Palayan and Cabanatuan City of Nueva Ecija.

“We want to institutionalize ICP so that every local disaster management team will know how to handle any emergency,” she said.

Rescuers equipped with rubber boats, life vests, and oxygen tanks flocked to municipal waters under the watch of Mayor Jesse Concepcion who hosted the exercises.

“People will have more confidence to the rescuers if they know they are well-trained,” he said. “The camaraderie among rescue teams in the region was also reinforced in the holding of WASAR”.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council activated the Incident Command Post which coordinated the operations.

Administrator Luis Gonzales said Mariveles paramedics in ambulances participated in the drill. (Butch Gunio, Manila Standard)

Read More

Vale, SBMA launch Subic Bay iron ore transshipment operations

Brazil’s Vale Shipping Holdings Pte. Ltd. (VSH), along with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), formally launched a partnership for the transshipment of iron ore from this free port.

In a ceremony held at the Lighthouse Marina Resort here on June 1, VSH executives led by Jose Carlos Martins, executive officer for ferrous minerals operations, and officials of the SBMA led by Chairman and Administrator Roberto Garcia, announced the start of Vale’s transshipment business here.

VSH is an affiliate of Vale SA, the world’s largest producer of iron ore, which also controls the largest share of the seaborne market for iron ore.

The company will carry out iron ore transshipment operations from its Valemax mother vessel to be anchored in Subic Bay, and then supply ore to smaller daughter vessels or feeders, which are either Panamax or Capesize types.

The project is expected to boost Subic’s port revenues by up to P70 million in the first year of operations alone.

In his message during the project launch, Martins thanked the SBMA for its warm reception of the project and expressed hope that the partnership between his company and the SBMA would continue to grow and benefit both the Philippines and Brazil.

“The Philippines is growing now at almost the same pace with China, and the Philippines is emerging in the world economy,” Martins noted. “With this opportunity, now is our time — now is the time for countries like Brazil and the Philippines.”

Garcia, meanwhile, said that the Vale project will help thrust the Philippines forward in the maritime industry and stressed its importance to the SBMA.

“In our strategic plan, we were very dead-set in continuing to promote the maritime business, and the Vale project is an important pillar of our strategy to maximize the use of Subic Bay,” he said.

“We have a very good future here,” Garcia added, pointing out that the Philippines is in a current state of rapid development, having achieved a 6.4 per cent GDP growth rate this first quarter compared to 4 per cent last year. “And what is outstanding is the fact that it is the second highest growth rate in the region, second only to China,” he added.

For his part, SBMA director and treasurer Joven Reyes said that the agency is much honored that VSH had chosen Subic Bay as its major transshipment port.

“We hope even more that your business continues to move from success to success and that this partnership, which we are officially launching today, would lead to better and greater developments for Vale, Subic Bay, and of course our country down the road,” Reyes said.

The Vale project began in late 2010 when SBMA and Vale proposed a solution that matched Vale’s transshipment operations model with SBMA’s logistics business model.

Stefani Saño, SBMA senior deputy administrator for business and investment development, said that Vale needed to optimize its large-scale iron ore distribution and delivery system and the SBMA offered the bay as a suitable offshore location.

“This logistics model would allow Vale’s huge vessels to tranship the commodity with maximum efficiency in terms of time and cost, given the scale of operations required,” Saño added.

Saño also said that apart from Vale, the SBMA is also trying to attract more logistics companies to invest in the Freeport. He said that at least two logistics companies engaged in different line of commodities for offshore-based distribution operations have expressed interest in locating at Subic Bay. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia welcomes Jose Carlos Martins, executive officer for ferrous minerals operations of the Vale Shipping Holdings Pte. Ltd. ( VSH), during the June 1 ceremonial launch of the Vale iron ore transshipment operations in Subic Bay. Looking on, at left, is SBMA chief operating officer Joven Reyes.

Read More

US troops can use Clark, Subic bases

MANILA - American troops, warships and aircraft can once again use their former naval and air facilities in Subic, Zambales and in Clark Field in Pampanga as long as they have prior clearance from the Philippine government, a senior defense official said.

“They can come here provided they have prior coordination from the government,” Defense Undersecretary for defense affairs Honorio Azcueta told reporters after his meeting with Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, on Monday.

oming straight from the just-concluded three-day Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Dempsey was in the country the other day for a follow-up meeting with senior defense and military officials.

Azcueta pointed out that a shift of US security focus toward the Asia-Pacific region is expected to increase with more military engagements between the two long-time allies.

Earlier, US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced that the US is increasing the deployment of its naval presence in the region, without necessarily establishing permanent military bases in any country in the region.

Asked if US troops as well as their warships and fighter planes would be allowed access to their former naval base in Subic, Azcueta said yes.

“That’s what we want... increase in exercises and interoperability,” Azcueta said.

Aside from offering a safe haven for ships due to its secured location from cyclones, the former US naval base in Subic has an airfield that can accommodate civilian and military planes.

During the Vietnam war in the 1970s, Subic Naval Base, especially its airfield, was used by the US military as staging point of all its major air operations against the Vietcong.

However, in 1992 Subic Naval Base and the Clark Air Base in Pampanga, the two biggest US military bases outside mainland America, were shut down after the Philippine Senate rejected an extension of their presence in the country.

China wary of US AsiaPac plan

Meanwhile, China’s top newspapers expressed concern over the US plan, saying that such move might widen the rift between the two countries.

Although Panetta gave assurance that the plan was not aimed at containing China, whose fast-modernizing navy has kindled worries among its neighbors, the People’s Daily did not buy that.

“Opinion across the Asia-Pacific generally does not believe that the United States’ strategy of returning to the Asia-Pacific is not aimed at China; it’s there plain for all to see,” said a commentary in the paper, which reflects the current thinking in Beijing.

“The United States verbally denies it is containing China’s rise, but while establishing a new security array across the Asia-Pacific, it has invariably made China its target,” it said.

“This strategy is driven with contradictions and undoubtedly will magnify the complexities of Asia-Pacific security arrangements, and could even create schisms.”

The People’s Daily commentary was blunter than Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin, who responded to Panetta’s announcement by saying China hopes the United States will respect its regional interests, and by calling the Pentagon’s steps “out of keeping with the times.”

Beijing appears keen to avoid outright confrontation with the US, but the comments in state newspapers reflected persistent worries that Washington is bent on frustrating its emergence as a major power.

“After this new (US) military deployment and adjustment is completed, the intensity of US meddling in Asia-Pacific affairs will surely increase,” the Liberation Army Daily quoted a People’s Liberation Army researcher as saying.

“This trend will increase people’s fears about the United States using its military dominance to interfere in the sovereignty of the region’s countries,” said the researcher, Han Xudong, a professor at China’s National Defense University.

China is focused on ensuring stable conditions for a Communist Party leadership transition later this year that will see the appointment of a new president to succeed Hu Jintao.

Still, Beijing and Washington have repeatedly been in dispute over US arms sales to Taiwan, which China sees as an illegitimate breakaway from its control; and the South China Sea, where China confronts a mosaic of disputes over islands and seas also claimed by Southeast Asian nations.

The US has backed a multilateral approach to solving those territorial disputes, which Beijing has rejected as meddling. (Jaime Laude, The Philippine Star)

Read More

Tourists' Food Haven In Subic

Aside from shipbuilding magnate Hanjin Heavy Industries, and Construction (HHIC), other factories, auction companies and catering services are now eyeing this premier Freeport for its tourism potential.

With the construction of Ayala Land's Harbor Point mall, more and more restaurants and bars are opening just within the Subic Bay Freeport's gates.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials said the Subic Free port has been a favorite destination for local and foreign tourists.

These tourists want to explore this Freeport while having a great time and seek good places to dine.

This is where food stores and restaurants come in, officials said.


They said that tourists who come into this premier Freeport will need a fine dining experience and places to hang out.

Restaurants such as Gerry's Grill, Lighthouse Marina's, Coco Lime and Meatplus are just a few of the best restaurants that tourists here frequent when they stay at Subic Bay Freeport.( Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

Read More

Meralco says Subic plant running by ’15

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s largest power distributor, said it is on track to finish its 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant in the Subic Bay freeport zone by 2015 despite various challenges.

“The Subic project is moving, we recently filed for our Board of Investment (BOI) registration with the proper endorsement from the Department of Energy,” said Oscar Reyes, president and chief executive officer of Meralco.

Reyes said the biggest challenge, the transmission line, has been tabled for discussion with the National Grid of the Philippines (NGCP).

He added that certain matters raised by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) with the firm are being addressed as well.

“We are in constant communication with NGCP, SBMA, with the other stakeholders in the area, and the DOE,” Reyes said.

“We committed to bring this capacity on stream by 2015, and I think that remains to be our target because the Luzon grid clearly needs it,” he added.

The project is being undertaken by Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. (RP Energy), a joint-venture company among Meralco, Aboitiz Power Corp., and Taiwan Cogeneration International Corp. (TCIC).(Richmond S. Mercurio, Malaya)

Read More

Puregold to set up Subic unit

LISTED Puregold Price Club Inc., the country’s second-biggest supermarket chain, is setting up a subsidiary to handle stores in the Subic Bay Economic Zone in Olongapo City.

In a filing to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday, Puregold said its board approved the incorporation of PPCI Subic Inc., which is wholly owned subsidiary.

The company has been widening its footprint outside Metro Manila, where the bulk of its stores are situated.

Earlier this week, Puregold acquired the 19-store Parco supermarket chain with 12 Metro Manila-based stores and seven in nearby provinces.

Following the acquisition of Parco and sister-company S&R Price Club Inc., Puregold +will have a total network of 131 stores, with more than half situated in the country’s capital.

The retailer reported earlier that net income in the three months to June rose 24 percent to P469 million as sales rose 30 percent to P10.7 billion. Puregold shares declined 0.44 percent to P22.60 each on Wednesday, giving it a market value of P45.2 billion.(Miguel R. Camus, Business Mirror)

Read More

Redeveloped Subic airport to raise P150B investments

Redeveloping the Subic Airport site into a family-oriented tourism facility will raise investments of over P150 billion, according to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

Moe Villamor, chief of staff of SBMA administrator Robert Garcia, in a presentation before government agencies about the Philippine Investment Promotion Plan, said the SBMA is pushing for the redevelopment of the 200-hectare property which had been largely unused after the pullout of Federal Express in February 2009.

SBMA wants the airport redeveloped since Clark, just 30 minutes away, is now being promoted as the country’s premier airport.

Tourism is the emerging industry in Subic, according to Villamor.

Villamor said the project is still under consideration of the Office of the President and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

“We have some indicative plans on what we believe should be the layout. We have our own environmental impact study,” he said.

He added: “We are willing to coordinate with the appropriate agencies. But if the President says there is some other use for it, or if he says to maintain the facility, we are going to back off.”

Villamor said following the withdrawal of the FedEx Asia Pacific hub – which moved to Guangzhou in China – the Subic airport is hardly being used, mostly serving general aviation and flight training, and is not making as much money.

There are about 22 locators at the airport.

FedEx operated its AsiaOne hub in Subic for 13 years.

SBMA had been looking for a more viable use for the airport since 2010 as it had to shoulder up to P250 million annually to have the airport running, of which P150 million went to debt service and another P100 million to maintenance costs.

To break even, the SBMA had said in the past, the airport should be able to mount 12 to 15 flights a day.

The airport served as a secondary airport and the main diversion airport of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. This airport used to be the Naval Air Station Cubi Point of the United States Navy. .(Malaya Business Insight)

Read More

Brazil’s Vale invests to get around Chinese megaship ban

Brazilian diversified mining major Vale, the world’s number two mining group in terms of market capitalisation, has announced that it is to establish a second floating iron-ore transfer station, in Subic Bay, in the Philippines.

This station will transfer iron-ore from the miner’s giant Valemax bulk carriers to smaller Capesize and Panamax ore carriers, which will then convey the ore to ports in China.

The first of these floating transfer stations, also in Subic Bay, started operations in February and cost the Brazilian group $52-million.

The Valemax ships are the largest bulk carriers in the world. Each of them has a length of 362 m, a beam of 65 m and is able to carry 400 000 t of iron-ore. Each Valemax can carry three times the cargo of a Capesize bulk carrier – Capesize ships currently carry 80% of the world’s seaborne iron-ore.

Vale has ordered 35 Valemax ships, of which eight have been delivered. But Chinese shipowners, alarmed by the competitive threat they pose, have persuaded the Chinese authorities to ban them from that country’s ports.

The floating transfer stations are Vale’s response. They allow the company to deliver its iron-ore some 85% of the distance from Brazil to China on board the more cost-efficient Valemax ships, and then conclude the last 15% on the smaller vessels.

In addition, Vale has an operational land-based distribution centre in Oman and is building a second such centre in Malaysia. Together, these floating transfer stations and the distribution centres will be able to absorb the total capacity of all 35 Valemaxes, which comes to 60-million tons of iron-ore a year.

However, Chinese steelmakers, eager to benefit from the cost reductions the Valemax ships could bring, are reported to be pressurising the Chinese government to lift the ban on the vessels. One of the first Valemax ships successfully docked at Dalian last year, before the ban was imposed.

Moreover, nearly half of the Valemax ships – 16 out of 35 – are being built in China by Rongsheng Heavy Industries, an order worth $2.1-billion. (The rest are being built in South Korea. One of the South Korean ships recently developed cracks in its hull on its maiden voyage, but Rongsheng states its ships are very safe.) Not all the Valemax ships will be owned by Vale, but those that are not owned by the group will be on long-term lease to it.

Should the Chinese government change its policy and allow the Valemax ships into its ports, this will not render the floating transfer stations superfluous. As each transfer station is actually a modified bulk carrier, they will simply be moved to new locations to serve other markets in Asia and South-East Asia.
The development and deployment of the Valemax ships has had a severe impact on the value of Capesize vessels. The website VesselsValue.com last month reported that new Capesize ships that had been worth $69.9-million in April 2010 were now worth $39.9-billion. The website also reported that, as a result of the Chinese ban, the value of Valemax ships had fallen by 36%. But, for Vale, it is the value of the iron-ore and the utility of the ships that are important; the book value of the vessels is a secondary issue.

Meanwhile, closer to home, the Brazilian miner’s Mozambican operation has ordered 33 200 railway sleepers from agriculture and forestry company Montara Continental, which operates in Mozambique and Tanzania and is 75%-owned by the British Obtala Resources group. The railway sleepers will be delivered over the next seven months and will be used in the upgrading of Vale-owned railways in Mozambique and Malawi and in the construction of a new line in Malawi. (Keith Campbell, Creamer Media's Mining Weekly)

Read More

SBMA, LGUs take part in open space technology workshop

Taking up the challenge of President Aquino in forging a social contract with the local community, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) met with neighboring local government units (LGUs) in an Open Space Technology Workshop held on May 19-20 at the Subic Bay International Hotel.

The workshop was an open-type of seminar wherein the participants themselves determined the agenda that would be up for discussion the following day. It was facilitated by Greg Forbes, a consultant at the Office of the President-Adviser on Peace Process.

According to SBMA director Bienvenido Benitez, the workshop aims for transformational leadership, institutional reform, economic stability and inclusive growth in the province of Zambales and Bataan, the municipalities of Subic, Hermosa and Morong, and Olongapo City. These are the communities that will be greatly affected by the current developments in the Freeport.

“Hopefully we will find a common denominator amongst us, and we will pursue that common denominator. It could be about environmental issues, industrial issues, eco-tourism, housing, or education. Maraming mga field ang maaring lumabas,” Benitez said.

Benitez also mentioned that the SBMA board of directors had recently created a community program aptly named Project Unity, which endeavors to create synergy and development and promote investment projects that have larger multiplier effects on local economies.

“Its underlying goal is promoting inclusive growth and progress that will ultimately lead to poverty reduction and translate into a stronger platform for sustainable sub-regional development,” Benitez further noted, adding that the committee has already met with the LGUs to discuss issues concerning their respective communities.

For his part, SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia said that the Open Space Technology Workshop is an opportunity to create rapport with the communities surrounding the Subic Freeport.

“’Yung SBMA at ‘yung mga LGUs, hindi naman tayo magkaiba ng layunin,” Garcia pointed out. “Dapat sama-sama tayo dito. Kaya ‘yung kaunlarang mangyayari dito sa loob ng SBMA, ang gusto namin kasama kayo.”

Garcia then stressed the importance of letting the LGUs be aware of developments inside the Freeport.
“Importanteng malaman ninyo ang direksyon ng SBMA para sa ganun, kayo naman sa inyong pag-paplano tignan ninyo kung saan tayo pupuwedeng magkapit-bisig at gumawa ng hakbang,” he said.

Garcia said that he had already talked with some of the LGUs regarding projects that will benefit both the Freeport and the local communities. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

 PHOTO:
SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia asks for support from neighboring local government units during the Open Space Technology Workshop at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Read More

Garcia bares Subic tourism masterplan

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is aiming to model the Subic Freeport after Singapore’s Sentosa Island in order to make it a truly viable world-class tourist destination.

SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia said during the Third Planning and Development Conference on Rural Tourism held here recently that the SBMA is conducting feasibility studies on the conversion of the Subic Bay International Airport into an integrated family resort similar to Sentosa.

“This is the centerpiece of our tourism program,” he said, pointing out that the conversion could bring in millions of foreign tourists to Subic.

He pointed out that Sentosa Island alone is responsible for bringing in 20 million visitors to Singapore and expressed hope that building a Sentosa-like theme park here will generate the same number of tourists for Subic.

“Remember that the target of the Aquino administration is to draw 10 million tourists by 2016. However, if we can build a world-class iconic tourist destination just imagine how many million tourists it would bring in,” he said.

Garcia also revealed that the SBMA will enhance its eco-tourism program and capitalize on existing nature-themed parks here like the Ocean Adventure Marine Park, Treetop Adventure, and Zoobic Safari.
“These three theme parks are responsible for bringing over 1.2 million tourists last year,” he said.

He added that Subic has other tourist attractions that let tourists enjoy horseback riding, trekking, and camping.

Apart from local tourists, Garcia said that Subic’s eco-based tourism is attracting more foreign visitors, as evidenced by the recent visit of a UK-based cruise ship, whose passengers were awed by Subic’s biodiversity and the culture of its indigenous Ayta tribe.

He also said that Subic is now well-prepared to host various international sporting events since the Freeport has the facilities and the manpower needed in staging events like the Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon on June 24 and the recent Subic International Triathlon held on May 5-6. “In fact, many triathletes actually live here in Subic because they love to train here in the natural environment that we have,” he added.

Garcia also noted that because of its well-protected bay, Subic is able to host different water sport events so that it is now being regarded as the sailing capital of the Philippines, after serving as venue for events such as the Commodore’s Cup, which is part of the Asian sailing circuit competition.

In his message, Garcia also invited the delegates to see what Subic has to offer and expressed support to the Subic-based International School for Sustainable Tourism (ISST), which organized the conference.

“SBMA always stands ready to constantly promote eco-tourism. That’s why we are fully supporting the international school headed by Dr. Mina Gabor to see in what way we can further promote Subic as an eco-tourism center, considering the unique environment that Subic has compared to many other places in the Philippines,” he said.

Noting the international delegates who participated in the conference, Garcia then expressed hope that they would be able to share with the SBMA their experiences in the promotion and management of biodiversity and eco-tourism areas. (FMD/MPD'SBMA)

Read More

Hanjin Plans $700-M New Investments

MANILA - Hanjin, world’s leading ship manufacturer, is expanding its existing shipyard facility in Subic Freeport cementing the Philippines rank as the world’s fourth largest shipbuilder and construct a 200-megawatt power plant for estimated new investments of up to $700 million.

Trade and Industry Undersecretary for International Trade and Investment Promotion Cristino L. Panlilio revealed the Korean firm’s additional investment forays in the country after attending the recent investment promotion conference in Seoul organized by the ASEA-Korean Center where he spoke on the country’s favorable macroeconomic factors.

According to Panlilio, Hanjin through its local unit Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction – Philippines, Inc. (HHIC-Phil, Inc.) would undertake the construction of its third slipway drydock at a cost of $300 million and plans to put up a 200 megawatt power plant that may cost between $200 million to $400 million.

Of the 200-mw power, Hanjin is expected to allocate between 50 to 60 MW for its own requirement and the rest to be supplied to the national grid.

For its shipyard facility, Panlilio said the construction of the third drydock would enable the facility to further expand its capacity to accept more shiprepair jobs. At present, HHIC-Phil is concentrating on shiprepairs and maintenance jobs because of a global slowdown in orders for new ships.

Panlilio said that Hanjin, which occupies 600-hectare lot in Subic Freeport, is working on a lease contract with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority for an additional 100 hectares in the Redondo Bay for the new drydock.

The expansion of its Subic facility followed after Hanjin’s decision to abandon its expansion plan in Phividec in Misamis Oriental as it encountered problems with the local government units. In fact, it reservation for a 400-hectare property inside the industrial estate had already expired.

Since its first vessel delivery in 2008, Hanjin has already accumulated worth P125 billion in annual export sales as of the end of 2011.

Jin Kyu Ahn, president of the Korean shipbuilder giant, said that the recent vessel deliveries by Hanjin highlighted the competitiveness of HHIC-Phil’s Subic shipyard which produced the state-of-the-art commercial vessels.

Its newly delivered vessels are: M/T Brightway, a DWT 160,000 Crude Oil Tanker ordered by a Liberian company Modmal Shipping Limited and M/V FMG Matilda, a DWT 205,000 Bulk Carrier owned by Bocimar Hong Kong Ltd. based in Belgium. Both ship owners are engaged in international shipping and maritime solutions.

At present Hanjin employs 20,000 people at its Subic facility and plans to hire more this year.

Ahn said that, once targets for ship orders are reached this year, Hanjin could add over ten thousand workers which “would clearly benefit the Philippine economy, and bring opportunities to Filipino entrepreneurs and skilled workers, and much needed revenue to the Philippine government.”(Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat, Manila Bulletin)

Read More

US submarine docks at Subic Bay

A United States attack submarine, the USS North Carolina, docked at Subic Bay on Sunday, the US Pacific Command (Pacom) said in a report.

According to Pacom , the Virginia class fast attack submarine’s Philippine visit was part of the vessel’s Western Pacific deployment.

In a text message on Tuesday, Foreign Affairs spokesperson Asec. Raul Hernandez confirmed the sub’s Philippine presence. “USS North Carolina… [is] in Subic Bay, on routine ship replenishment.”

Hernandez noted the submarine will be in the Philippines until May 19.

“North Carolina is one of the stealthiest, most technologically advanced submarines in the world,” Pacom claimed.

With a crew of 133, the submarine measures more than 350 feet long and weighs more that 7,800 tons when submerged.

“She brings to the region the capability to conduct the full spectrum of potential submarine missions including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and mine warfare,” Pacom noted.

Master chief Jon Consford said the visit constitutes “rest and relaxation.”

“Everyone is looking forward to some good liberty, rest and relaxation during our port visit here in Subic Bay… The crew has worked hard and developed tremendously as a team over the last five and a half months,” he said in the same Pacom report.

A regular visit

Meanwhile, the country’s defense agency seemed clueless about the USS North Carolina.

“Wala pang official report. I have no knowledge of it,” Department of National Defense spokesperson Peter Paul Ruben Galvez told GMA News Online over the phone.

If a submarine visited in the country, it should be perceived as regular, he said.

“I have no information kung ano ‘yung nature ng visit kung meron man. Pero regarding that, may regular visits naman talaga,” said Galvez.

US presence escalates tension–CPP

Amid brewing tensions between Beijing and Manila over Panatag Shoal, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said in a statement on Sunday that US military presence escalates the tension between the two Asian countries.

“It is US military buildup… in the Asia-Pacific that is pushing China to further aggressiveness, resulting in worsening territorial conflicts and stoking diplomatic tensions between China and the Philippines,” the statement read.

Though the group backed the assertion of Philippine sovereignty over Panatag Shoal, it noted that the country should not lean on the US for military aid.

"In the past, the conflicts in the South China Sea have never been a source of great tension between the Philippines and China,” they said.

“Without the presence and interference of the US, claimant countries, including China, have been able to work together with each other with the aim of resolving the conflicts through diplomacy and negotiations,” CPP claimed.

Amid the dispute, the US and the Philippines issued a joint statement on April 30 reinstating the alliance “undergirding regional peace, security, and prosperity. (VS/KG, Rouchelle R. Dinglasan, GMA News)

PHOTO:
File photo of the the US Navy's USS North Carolina (SSN777) attack submarine.

Read More

Hanjin to employ more workers

Helping boost the Philippine economy even through a slump in the world market, Korean shipbuilding industry leader Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines Inc. is set to aim higher and employ thousands of additional workers in its shipyard here this year.

Since its first vessel delivery in 2008, Hanjin had posted P125 billion in annual export sales as of end-2011, making it the consistent top exporter in this premier freeport. It has also made the Philippines into a shipbuilding nation in the process.

Jin Kyu Ahn, president of the Korean shipbuilder giant, said Hanjin’s recent vessel deliveries highlighted the competitiveness of its Subic shipyard in producing state-of-the-art commercial vessels.

The two vessels recently delivered were M/T Brightway, a DWT 160,000 crude oil tanker ordered by Liberian company Modmal Shipping Ltd., and M/V FMG Matilda, a DWT 205,000 bulk carrier owned by Bocimar Hong Kong Ltd. based in Belgium. Both ship owners are engaged in international shipping and maritime solutions.

Jin said that as operations of the Subic shipyard expand, “we will require more employees to join the Hanjin workforce, creating employment opportunities for residents in the surrounding area of the freeport zone, including the provinces of Bataan, Zambales, and the city of Olongapo.”

Once targets for ship orders are reached this year, Jin said Hanjin could add over 10,000 workers which “would clearly benefit the Philippine economy, and bring opportunities to Filipino entrepreneurs and skilled workers, and much-needed revenue to the Philippine government.”

Since 2006, Hanjin has been operating two state-of-the-art Skill Development Centers, one at this freeport’s Industrial Park and another in Cagayan de Oro City, to fully equip its Filipino workforce with skills in shipbuilding, which will enable them to attain global competitiveness.
(The Philippine Star)

Read More

PLDT data center to drive Subic BPO development

MANILA - Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.’s newly launched VITRO Data Center in Subic has been cited as a boost the development of the area’s business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.

“We see BPOs sprouting all over the Philippines but it still remains very underdeveloped here. We aim to increase our BPO seats here as we pursue a major program for this industry,” Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Bobby Garcia said during the launch of PLDT’s VITRO Data Center at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“We hope we can make use of the facilities that PLDT has installed in the area. The data structure and the network that we have in place now is a reason why we can make Subic a central place for BPO. We are very happy to have PLDT as our partner”, he added.

The Subic VITRO Data Center provides companies the full information management and telecommunication services essential in business such as co-location, server hosting, disaster recovery/ business continuity, data security, network management, and other IT services. These services minimize costs of running and managing their own data centers which are essential for BPO companies.

“Subic’s continuously developing economic zone is home to a growing business community, one that will reap the many benefits of having our data center services within easy reach,” PLDT EVP and head of enterprise and international and carrier business Eric Alberto said.

“We are committed not just to building this facility but to replicate the achievements of our flagship site in Pasig – to ensure that we deliver the same consistent levels of quality service in all our data centers,” he added.

The opening of the Subic VITRO Data Center is also aligned with the SBMA objective of setting up a business operations resiliency zone in Subic. Garcia aims to declare Subic as a resiliency zone for companies in Metro Manila, especially for big multinationals, which are looking into setting up their disaster recovery centers.

“The VITRO Data Center in Subic assures stability, security, and reliability for the ICT demands of our clients, coupled by PLDT’s unparalleled domestic fiber network in the country as well as the robust wireless connectivity of Smart,” Alberto said.

The first VITRO Data Center in Pasig has already received numerous citations and multiple ISO certifications from various organizations. It acts as a global gateway for all major BPOs, local telcos, leading international telcos, and major Internet service providers (ISP). It houses the country’s only high-speed local IP peering platform that facilitates seamless delivery of bandwidth-intensive contents to carriers and ISPs. (Mary Ann Ll. Reyes, Philippine Star)

Read More

Herbalife triathletes finally top team event

HARD work and team pride paid off for Herbalife Formula 1 as it ended Fitness First Body Comba’t four-year reign of the Team Competition in the recently held K-SWISS ITU Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) presented by Century Tuna.

Composed of triathletes Monica Torres, Hiroshi Takei, Dante Macalintal, John Omar Paredes and Julian Valencia, Herbalife Formula 1 won the grueling 1.5 Km swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run event’s team competition at last with a combined time of ten hours, twenty-two minutes and fifty-four seconds. Fitness First Body Combat (members Rizelle Tangan, Melvin Wong, Mark Ellis, Miguel Lopez and Andy Leuterio) clocked 10:31:22 for the silver medal. For the previous few years, Herbalife Formula 1 won bronze medals

At third place in the event sponsored by K-SWISS, Century Tuna, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), SPEEDO, Harbor Point Ayala Malls, SM City Olongapo, David’s Salon, Travelers Hotel, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Gatorade, Fitness First, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Standard Insurance, was Fitness First Attack which timed 10:34:28.

Prior to the race, a late lineup adjustment was made between the two Fitness First teams with Doray Ellis transferring from team Body Combat to team Attack due to illness. All in all, over twenty-five clubs took part in the event which attracted around eight hundred participants from around the nation and overseas. (People's Journal)

Read More

Subic Hosts Eco-Regatta As Run Up To Recycling Talks

A regatta, showcasing boats made from recyclable materials, will be held here to promote ecological awareness among different schools and organizations competing in the event on Sunday.

Dubbed the Columbia Recyclable Regatta, the eco-regatta is organized as a kick-off event to Columbia’s “Recycling Talks” for schools and organizations.

Organizers said the main requirement for those participating in the recyclable regatta is for all boats to be 80 percent made up of recycled materials.

The participants are encouraged to find an innovative and resourceful way to transform recyclable materials into a fully functional watercraft for the regatta.

The Lighthouse Marina Resort, in cooperation with Philippine Dragon Boat Federation and the UP Mountaineering, is building two boats made entirely of recyclable materials.

One of the main materials used for the watercraft are slippers that Team Lighthouse found on Capones Island in San Antonio, Zambales during a coast cleanup drive last April 27, 2012 in celebration of Earth Day.

The coastal clean-up was also held in line with The Lighthouse’s “Save Capones Island” campaign.

In this race, participants must paddle their recycled watercrafts over a 200-meter course on the seafront of The Lighthouse Marina Resort in Subic. This match is open to teams of two (either under the “Mens” or “Mixed” categories), of all ages and professions, so everyone is encouraged to join. Cash prizes and Columbia gift certificates await the winners.

The first leg of the regatta will be at The Lighthouse Resort, Subic Bay Freeport Zone and the second leg of the race will be in Cebu City. The registration fee is P2,500 inclusive of rash guard. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

Read More