USS Stethem arrives in Subic Bay

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) arrived in Subic Bay for a brief port call that highlights the strong community and military connections between the Philippines and the United States.

The ship’s crew will use the stop to conduct some minor repairs with the assistance of Philippine companies.

The United States and Philippines continue to build upon their 70-year history of partnership through defense cooperation, port visits, and military training activities.

The American and Philippine militaries have worked together on areas of mutual interest including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and maritime security.

USS Stethem is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

PHOTO:
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) transiting waters east of the Korean Peninsula in March.

Read More

Subic Bay opens new wave pool

A newest attraction was opened here last Saturday, giving tourists another reason to spend their vacation in this premier Freeport.

The Moonbay Marina Waterpark was opened with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Martin Diño and Administrator Wilma Eisma cutting the ceremonial ribbon with Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino and other SBMA officials.

Eisma said this new addition to the many tourist spots at the Freeport is geared towards making this area Luzon’s No. 1 tourism site, especially during the summer season. At present, the Subic Bay Freeport ranks as the top tourist destination in Central Luzon.

Moonbay Marina Waterpark’s General Manager Edward Fernandez said that aside from the 3,000 square meter wave pool, the attraction also boasts of a raging river, and 45 big and small cabanas.

Aside from the facilities, the waterpark also houses local and known food stands, its very own food kiosk called the Garden Grill and a full service restaurant, the Captain A,” said Fernandez, adding that their aim is to give the best summer experience possible to visitors. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:

FAMILY DAY IN SUBIC BAY — A mother takes photos of her kids, capturing their fun moments for sharing in social media, during their visit at the Moonbay Marina Waterpark in Subic Bay Freeport last Sunday.

http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/04/10/subic-bay-opens-new-wave-pool/

Read More

LOOK: Holy Week 2017 begins in Subic Bay

Rev. Fr. Kenneth Masong of the Diocese of Iba rides a donkey after blessing of the palms in a re-enactment of the entry of Jesus to Jerusalem in the observance of Palm Sunday at Holy Land Subic prayer sanctuary in Hermosa, Bataan.

Rev. Fr. Masong joins Ayta children for a souvenir photo during Palm Sunday commemoration at Holy Land Subic prayer sanctuary in Hermosa, Bataan Sunday morning.

(AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

LOOK: Subic Bay's fisher folk organizes run for a cause

Participants in the 3-kilometer fun run kicks-off the activity dubbed “Takbo para sa pagmamahal ng karagatan”, an annual gathering organized by fishermen in Subic Bay to advocate for the protection of the marine resources which is the main source of their livelihood.

Fishermen also showed their skills in banca boat paddling as they race over the waters of Subic Bay, a side event of “Takbo para sa pagmamahal ng karagatan” held at the Boardwalk area in Subic Bay Freeport zone.

SBMA Administrator and CEO Atty. Wilma T. Eisma (far right) shares a light chat with fisherfolk leaders led by Restituto del Rosario (center), Chairman of Subic Bay Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMC).

(AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

Juvenile Olive Ridley sea turtle released

A juvenile green sea turtle was recently released at the Camayan Beach Resort here on March 30.

The sea turtle was rescued in Danacbunga, Botolan, Zambales on March 1. It had a hook stuck in its throat and a wounded right flipper.

According to Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc. (SBMEI), the sea turtle they named “Wendy” was brought to Wildlife In Need (WIN) animal rescue center here on March 14.

It had undergone a medical procedure to remove the hook and was nursed back to health under the supervision of SBMEI veterinarians.

The SBMEI statement said that "After allowing time for Wendy to heal, the release was made with the guidance of DENR region 3 and Ocean Adventure's animal care team.”

Earlier, another sea turtle they named “Hook” was released on March 23. It was rescued in San Felipe, Zambales on February 22 and was operated on March 3 to remove a hook stuck on its throat. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

Local tourists and resort staff witness the release of a juvenile Olive Ridley sea turtle back to the sea after it undergone wound treatment at the Ocean Adventure marine theme park in Subic Bay Freeport zone. The rescued sea turtle was turned over weeks ago to the Wildlife in Need animal rescue center by fishermen from Danacbunga village in Botolan, Zambales after it was found with a fishhook stuck in its neck. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

Subic hosts ParaTriathlon Asian meet

Asia’s best paratriathletes converge on April 29 in Subic Bay Freeport Zone for the ASTC ParaTriathlon Asian Championships 2017.

Organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) under the supervision of technical officials of the ITU and the Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC), the event has attracted close to 50 participants from Japan, Korea, Singapore, Macau, Malaysia, and Kygyzstan.

The Philippines will be led by Sixto Ducay and the blind siblings Jerome and Joshua Nelmida.

The technical delegate in the race is Koji Koganezawa while Daniel Sng of Singapore is the referee.

The race, supported by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Subic Travelers Hotel, ASTC, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, and Gatorade, will start at the ACEA Beach Resort for the 750 meter swim followed by 18 kilometer biking reaching up to Argonaut Highway and 5 kilometers running along San Bernardo Road finishing near ACEA.

At stake for the Top 3 winners of the paratriathlon categories of PT1, PT2, PT3, PT4 and PT5 are qualifying points to the World ParaTriathlon Championships, specially designed medals and winners’ t-shirts. The awarding ceremony will take place at 5PM at the finish line area and will be graced by Asian Triathlon Confederation president Justin Park and PHILSPADA president Mike Barredo (Manila Bulletin)

http://sports.mb.com.ph/2017/04/03/subic-hosts-paratriathlon-asian-meet/

Read More

Subic Freeport gears up for holy week events

Honoring tradition, this premier Freeport is gearing up for the most solemn Catholic event, the Holy Week.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Atty. Wilma T. Eisma unveiled the agency’s plans for the upcoming Holy Week events yesterday, showing that this Freeport is not without observance of its religious traditions.

The start of the Holy Week will be welcomed with the Reenactment of Jesus Christ Entering Jerusalem at the San Roque Chapel, the oldest chapel in the area. This day’s event will culminate with the Blessing of the Palm on April 9, Palm Sunday.

Eisma said that aside from the event in San Roque Chapel, there will also be another reenactment in Holy Land, where a priest presiding in the mass will ride a donkey towards the chapel there. There will also be an animal parade at the religious theme park as mass goers will be able to interact with two camels, two donkeys, sheep, horses and ponies.

“On April 10 and 11, a ‘Pabasa’ will be held also in San Roque Chapel. And on Wednesday, a procession will be held at the San Roque Chapel, while the Boardwalk area will have food and specialty shops, with entertainment from local bands and DJs to liven up the place,” Eisma said.

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper and Washing of the Feet and the Reenactment of the Last Supper will be held at the San Roque Chapel. Tourists will be able to visit the chapel as part of the Visita Iglesia tradition on Maundy Thursday.

Good Friday events will include Private Station of the Cross at the San Roque Chapel, Guided Way of the Cross Meditation at the Holy Land, and a stage play of “The Passion and Death of Jesus” at the Boardwalk area.

Part of the Black Saturday events is the Black Saturday Concert at the Boardwalk area, and an Easter Vigil Mass will be held at the San Roque Chapel. The mass will include the Blessing of Paschal Candle, Blessing of Fire and Blessing of Water.

“And on Easter Sunday, we will have the ‘Salubong’ procession and an Easter Egg Hunt at the San Roque Chapel grounds. The ‘Salubong’ procession will be held at the Dewey Avenue as the Risen Christ and Mary Dolorosa will meet up at the San Roque Chapel,” Eisma said.

Eisma also said that these events are part of the SBMA’s thrust to show that the agency honor religious Filipino traditions and would like to make this an opportunity to get families closer while in Subic Bay Freeport. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] Holy Week 2017 schedule of activities to be held in various locations at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

[2] Schedule of activities for this year's Holy Week at the Holy Land

Read More

SBMA intensifies cooperation with BOC to curb smuggling outside the Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is intensifying its cooperation with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to guard against the smuggling of goods outside the Freeport’s borders.

“The SBMA is very vigilant about cases like this and we are closely working with the BOC to ensure that Subic Bay’s tax-free regime is not being used and abused in attempts to smuggle out goods from the Freeport,” SBMA Administrator Wilma Amy T. Eisma said.

At the same time, Eisma denied reports of rice smuggling in the Freeport, saying the agency will not allow any rice shipment to even enter Subic Bay waters under SBMA jurisdiction without a permit from the National Food Authority (NFA).

She said that before any rice shipment or any cargo comes into the Freeport, these should first undergo strict evaluation by the SBMA.

The SBMA Administrator was responding to information reportedly received by Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol that Subic Bay Freeport is being used as an entry port to smuggle rice inside the country.

“Tinatanong muna namin kung may permiso yan sa NFA. Kung walang permiso, wag na kayong dumaong,” Eisma said in a radio interview.

Furthermore, she added that apart from it being a regulated product, rice is usually shipped as bulk cargo and it is only when it reaches the pier that the grains are packed in sacks thereat, making it difficult for someone to hide the shipment.

Eisma clarified that the task of guarding against smuggling is not solely on SBMA’s shoulders, but more so, it is the responsibility of the customs bureau.

“Under the law, one can pretty much bring anything into the Freeport for as long as it is not illegal. The important thing is that these goods should not be brought out of the Freeport without paying the proper duties and taxes,” she said.

“Ang pagbabantay po ng pagbabayad ng buwis ay nasa Bureau of Customs, kaya po dalawa na po kaming nagbabantay,” Eisma said. (RBB/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

USS Fitzgerald in brief call at Subic port

THE Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) arrived on Friday in Subic Bay for a brief port call and minor repairs.

The United States Embassy in Manila said the brief port call highlights the strong community and military connections between the Philippines and the US.

The USS Fitzgerald arriving in Subic Bay Freeport

According to the Embassy, the ship’s crew will use the stop to conduct some minor repairs with the assistance of Philippine companies.

The US and Philippines continue to build upon their 70-year history of partnership through defense cooperation, port visits, and military training activities.

Both American and Philippine militaries have worked together on areas of mutual interest including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter terrorism, cyber security, and maritime security.

USS Fitzgerald is forward-deployed to the US 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (Manila Times)

http://www.manilatimes.net/uss-fitzgerald-brief-call-subic-port/320460/

Read More

China’s JOVO prepares ship-to-ship cargo handling in Subic Bay

All is set for China’s leading clean energy service provider JOVO Group Company Ltd. Guangdong to commence its ship-to-ship (STS) operations here for liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The STS transfer operations involve mother vessels loaded with LNG which were transferred to vessels before shipping to ports of China.

A petroleum carrier that transports Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LNG) through ship-to-ship transfer

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) administrator Atty. Wilma Eisma said that the SBMA Board of Directors recently approved the STS operations of JOVO in Subic Bay and preparations for the maiden voyage tentatively scheduled on the third week of April is in the progress.

“We are expecting more STS operators to use Subic Bay as their hub. Because it is more cost-effective due to its strategic location,” Eisma said.

SBMA Seaport General Manager Jerome Martinez said JOVO will bring LNG to the Philippines from Australia and Indonesia using a 94,000-ton mother vessel. While anchored, it will be transferred to smaller 47,000-tonnage feeder vessels and bring them to China.

In terms of revenue, it is expected that the Port of Subic will earn $500,000 from services, including tug boat services, port services and anchorage, chandlers, bunkering and food supplies.

Aside from JOVO, Martinez said that three more ship-to-ship service providers have expressed keen interest to operate in Subic Bay.

“There are actually four proponents of ship-to-ship operations that submitted letters of intent to operate here in Subic Bay,” Martinez said.

“They already presented their proposals to a committee, headed by SBMA director Cecille Bitare, which evaluates STS proposals prior to approval of the board,” Martinez added. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)


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

Read More

Japan's largest naval ship to visit Subic Bay in June

Helicopter carrier JS Izumo, one of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s largest vessels, will pay a visit to the Philippines this coming June.

“The JS Izumo, the largest of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s vessel, will be visiting Subic Bay, Philippines this coming June and we’re looking forward to that visit,” Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado said after the turnover ceremony of the two Beechcraft King Air TC-90 aircraft in Sangley Point, Cavite on Monday.

Japan's helicopter carrier JS Izumo (DDH-183)

Mercado said the PN was still planning possible events with the Japanese ship and personnel.

“We are still planning whatever activities that we are going to have with them, but definitely they are going to allow the visit by some of our troops to have an idea of that particular vessel,” Mercado aid.

He also said that he was able to board the ship during a recent visit to Japan.

The construction of the JS Izumo began in 2011 at an IHI Marine United shipyard in Yokohama, with 113.9 billion yen (USD1.5 billion)funds set aside in 2010 budget.

Ships of this class were initially intended to replace the two ships of the Shirane class, which were originally scheduled to begin decommissioning in 2014.

JS Izumo, weighing 27,000 long tons and measuring 248 meters long, is the largest Japanese naval vessel since World War II.

She was laid down on Jan. 27, 2012 and launched on Aug. 6, 2013. The ship began sea trials on Sept. 29, 2014 and was commissioned on March 25, 2015. (Priam Nepumuceno, PNA)

Read More

24th Subic Bay Int'l Triathlon lures record field

Nostalgia has gripped the country’s triathlon community in the run-up to the NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon slated at Subic Bay Freeport Zone on April 29 and 30.

With its hash tag #balikSubit, the country’s premier standard triathlon celebrating its 24th edition (longest running event in Subic Bay) has already over 800 entries in its registry book.

All out to spoil the Filipino triathletes’ trip are their counterparts from the United States, Great Britain, Australia, Switzerland, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Korea, India, Syria, Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, Uzbekistan and Singapore.

Top finishing elite athletes earn points towards qualifying for the ITU World Triathlon Championships as SUBIT is a leg of the Asia Cup series under the aegis of Asian Triathlon Confederation.

SUBIT also serves as big test for the seven Filipino SEA Games hopefuls before the Asian Triathlon Championships in July. (Philippines copped the two gold medals staked in the last SEA Games.)

List-up for the SUBIT with SBMA, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Finis, Century Tuna, Philippine Star, Gatorade, Standard Insurance, Cablelink, The Lighthouse Marina Resort and ACEA Subic Bay as major sponsors ends on April 1.

Ramon Marchan, president of the organizing Triathlon Association of the Philippines, said, “The response to our campaign to return to the root of international triathlons in the Philippines is, indeed, heartwarming that we have to deny entries three weeks before SUBIT.”

Coming in as minor sponsors are Subictel, Foton, PTT, Moonbay Marina The Villas and Asian Center for Insulation, Subic Bay Traveler’s Hotel is the official hotel; Subic Holiday Villas and Subic International Hotel are partner hotels.

Complementing the press and broadcast coverage are media partners: Raceday Triathlon, SBR.ph, Trilife Magazine and AsiaTRI.com.

Interested parties may visit TRAP’s website: www.triathlon.org.ph. or Facebook pages https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil/ and https://www.facebook.com/ITUSubit/.

Read More

LOOK: Binibining Pilipinas 2017 candidates in Subic Bay

The stunning candidates of the Binibining Pilipinas pageant 2017 held their swimsuit photoshoot at the Camayan Beach Resort, and also had their workshop activities at the facilities of Ocean Adventure.

The swimsuit photoshoot and workshop activities gave the Binibining Pilipinas candidates a chance to bond with each other, and prepare for upcoming events in their busy calendar, which will culminate in the Grand Coronation at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on April 30.

Bb. Pilipinas candidates also got the chance to interact with Dakila, one of the stars of the Sea Lion Marine Patrol show at Ocean Adventure. Dakila, a South American Sea Lion born at Ocean Adventure, gamely posed with the Binibining Pilipinas candidates for a photo op that everyone enjoyed.

According to event organizers, this year’s roster of candidates consists of local pageant winners, degree holders from top schools, honor graduates, artists, sports and fashion enthusiasts, and working professionals who excel in their respective fields.

Representing various provinces in the country, the official candidates bested hundreds of aspirants that went through rigorous screenings and interviews in January.

Check out Ocean Adventure's facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/oceanadventuresubicbay/

Read More

LOOK: SBMA, farmers and barangay leaders celebrate World Water Day

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), in cooperation with barangay officials and local farmers celebrated the annual World Water Day on Wednesday, March 22 with a river clean-up and a water project for the people of Bangal in Dinalupihan, Bataan.

This year's celebration carries the theme "Why Waste Water?" which focuses on taking action for issues in saving and reusing water which is vital resource for millions of people worldwide.

Barangay officials, members of the Bangal Farmers Association and SBMA Ecology Center Social Development Division staff conduct a clean-up drive along the river banks of Bangal, Dinalupihan, Bataan.

Leaders of the local farmers association, barangay officials and SBMA Ecology Center Social Development Division staff applaud after inaugurating a community water project in Barangay Bangal, Dinalupihan, Bataan, coinciding with World Water Day.

Barangay Councilor Arthur Quarto gives a thumbs up sign as leaders of the local farmers association and residents fill up their water containers from the newly inaugurated community water project in Barangay Bangal, Dinalupihan, Bataan.

(AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

Proposed Subic-Clark Railway project listed in forthcoming PHL-Japan trade, infrastructure talks

The Philippines and Japan are set to begin a new round of discussions on trade and infrastructure late this month, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

The high-level meeting, which will take place in Tokyo, is part of the commitments of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe when he visited the country in January.

The Subic-Clark Railway Project is part of the #BuildBuildBuild program of the Duterte Administration

Neda Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said the discussions will include finalizing the projects to be funded by the Japanese government.

One infrastructure project that could be discussed in the meeting is the hotly contested Subic-Clark Railway project, which is being eyed for funding by both the Chinese and Japanese governments.

The P35.044 billion worth project involves the construction of a 65-kilometer cargo and passenger standard gauge railway.

Envisioned to be a “speed train”, the project will traverse the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and the Subic Freeport Expressway.

“The project will connect Subic to the major economic hubs in Central Luzon. The project can decongest Metro Manila by transferring portions of business activity to Clark and Subic,” the Neda documents stated.

On the trade side, it is known that the Philippines has a bilateral trade agreement with Japan, the Japan–Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (Jpepa).

The Jpepa agreement was signed in Helsinki in 2006 and was ratified by the Philippine Senate in 2008.

In 2015 the Department of Agriculture (DA) said the Philippines is seeking to bring down tariffs for sugar once a review of the Jpepa begins.

Based on figures from Japan Customs, tariffs for cane sugar range from 18.9 percent to 26 percent.

Agriculture Undersecretary Segredo R. Serrano said the Philippine government is also asking Japan to lower tariff for other agricultural products, such as processed food, fish products and tropical fruits, including bananas, mangoes and pineapples.

In 2007 the DA estimated that the Philippines would earn some $419 million in potential revenues from farm exports under the Jpepa. The department said the amount represents the tariff cuts due that will be implemented under the free-trade scheme. (Cai Ordinario, BusinessMirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/proposed-subic-clark-railway-project-listed-in-forthcoming-phl-japan-trade-infrastructure-talks/

Read More