SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) is gearing up with a multi-million rehabilitation program to recapture its lost glory as a major port for international commercial flights.

“The government is set to pour P502 million for various landing instruments and communications systems, with funds from the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM-PS), said Wilma Eisma, chairman and administrator of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Eisma said the DBM-PS will also bid out the component projects that will include procurement of Air-Ground VHF radio communication system, Area Navigation (RNAV) design, Doppler Very High Frequency Omni Directional Range (DVOR) for homing aircraft, Airfield Ground Lightings (AGL), Movement Area Ground Signages (MAGS), Airport Rescue & Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles, Air Passenger Boarding Bridges (APBB), and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B).

Some P232 million worth of equipment will also be needed for the airport. These include X-ray machines, closed circuit television (CCTV), ambulance, sweeper truck, Flight Information Display System (FIDS), Fire Detection and Alarm System (FDAS), aerial platform, and pickup trucks and passenger vans, she said.

The SBMA started refurbishing the SBIA with a new P51 million Automated Weather Observation System (Awos), which provides continuous, real-time information on weather conditions. The Awos is not covered by the P502 million funding, Eisma said.

“The AWOS is already installed and operational, which is why Subic is now ready to accommodate planes because its communications and night-time capability are fully functioning. In fact, Subic recently took in flights from Bangkok that were diverted from Clark Airport,” she said.

She added that SBMA is also arranging for other commercial operations at the Subic airport, including maintenance repairs for Gulf Stream, flying school for the Philippine Airlines, Subic-Macau-Subic flights for Royal Air, as well as for China Eastern Airlines.

According to SBIA manager Zharrex Santos, the Subic airfield can accommodate almost all types of modern aircraft at more than 20 movements per hour because of its 2,744-meter runway with effective width of 45 meters. It also has ramps and aprons that could take in 24 wide-body aircraft for parking at one given time.

Meanwhile, the two tubes at the SBIA terminal building can process 700 passengers per hour, Santos said.

Recently, Senator Richard Gordon called for the immediate upgrading and operation of the Subic airport after a runway mishap caused hundreds of flight cancellations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

Gordon said the national government has already appropriated P553 million from the 2017 General Appropriations Act for the restoration of facilities and procurement of instruments at the SBIA.

The Subic airport, which was built in 1951 as the US Navy’s Naval Air Station Cubi Point, was converted into a commercial airport under the SBMA and became the Asia One hub of Federal Express until 2009.

Subic proved its capability as a major diversion airport in December 1995 during another problem at the NAIA when it served 1,674 passengers from international liners and 212 passengers from local airlines and in August 2007 when it sheltered 37 various aircraft, 19 of which were passenger planes from Taiwan, because of Typhoon “Sepat.”

source: sunstar.com.ph

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MANILA — Weather bureau PAGASA sees good weather returning to the country by Monday as typhoon Ompong moved towards southern China.

In a press briefing at 5:06 a.m. on Sunday, PAGASA senior weather specialist Gener Quitlong said Ompong maintained its strength of 145 kilometers per hour (kph) maximum sustained winds with gustiness of 180 kph.

At 4 a.m., the eye of Ompong was 480 kilometers west northwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (outside of the Philippine Area of Responsiblity).

It was forecast to be 1,215 kilometers west of Basco, Batanes (outside PAR) by Monday morning.

“With this development and unless re-entry occurs, this is the final warning for this weather disturbance,” PAGASA said.

Quitlong said the typhoon could still get stronger before hitting landfall near Hong Kong, China.

Ompong was still having an impact on coastal waters, which is why gale warnings were still up, he said.

PAGASA advised that fisherfolks, especially those with small seacrafts, should still not venture out over the northern and western seaboards of Luzon.

Quitlong said Luzon would still have cloudy weather on Sunday, and blamed the typhoon’s cloud band for the rain still being experienced in parts of the country.

In its 5 a.m. Severe Weather Bulletin for Ompong, PAGASA said: “The Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) enhanced by the typhoon will bring occasional gusty winds and scattered light to moderate to at times heavy rains over Western Visayas, MIMAROPA, Ilocos Region, Batangas, Bataan, and Zambales.

“Residents in these areas, especially those living near river channels, in low-lying areas and in mountainous areas, are advised to take appropriate actions against possible flooding and landslides, coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and to continue monitoring for updates.”

Quitlong said the country would experience good weather for 2 to 3 days starting Monday.

source: abs-cbn.com

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Along with 9 other provinces, Zambales is still under Signal no. 2 as of Saturday afternoon, September 15

STRONG WINDS. The northern towns of Zambales are battered by Typhoon Ompong. Photo by Randy Datu

ZAMBALES, Philippines – Some 1,605 families, or a total of 5,520 individuals, were evacuated from 9 towns here due to Typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut).

Strong winds battered the northern towns of the province Saturday morning, September 15. As of Saturday afternoon, Zambales was still under Signal No. 2.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said that 9 of the province’s 13 towns were the most affected, especially the northernmost town of Sta. Cruz, where some 969 families or 3,279 persons were taken to 28 evacuation centers.

In Candelaria town, 215 families were evacuated, while 200 families in Masinloc were moved to safer areas. In Palauig, 46 families were evacuated; 122 in Botolan; 7 in San Antonio; 19 in San Marcelino; 23 in Castillejos; and 4 in Subic town.

CLEARING. Residents and rescue workers clear debris in Zambales. Photo by Randy Datu

The capital town of Iba and 3 other towns were not badly affected.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council maintained a red rainfall alert over Zambales and Bataan as of 12 noon Saturday, warning of flooding in low-lying areas and those near the rivers.

source: rappler.com

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source: SBMA Labor Msd FB Page

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Typhoon “Ompong” gained speed while changing its direction Thursday afternoon.

Ompong,’ the 15th to threaten the Philippines this year, has practically placed the entire Luzon area under Signal 1, has prompted thousands to evacuate ahead of its heavy rains and fierce winds set to lash the northern Philippines before moving on to China

“Ompong” was spotted 560 kilometers northeast of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, moving west northwest at 25 kph, the weather bureau said in its 4 pm bulletin.

Forecaster Nikos Peñaranda of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration warned that storm surges of six meters or 19 feet high could hit the coasts of Cagayan, Isabela, Aparri, Palanan and Ilocos Sur as “Ompong” approaches the Luzon landmass.

“Based on historical storm surge data, such [A strong] typhoon could trigger five- to six-meter high storm surges,” he said.

“We will consistently issue advisories to our fisherfolk. Right now, don’t venture out to sea, especially in areas where warning signals have been raised,” he added.

“Ompong” is forecast to become a super typhoon before making landfall.

resident Rodrigo Duterte (center) monitors the path of Typhoon ‘Ompong’ at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Operations Center at Camp Aguinaldo on Thursday.

Packing maximum sustained winds of 205 kms per hour and gusts of up to 255 kph.
Tropical cyclone warning Signal No. 1 was raised over Metro Manila and 37 provinces or nearly the entire Luzon.

The areas under Signal No. 1 include Batanes; Cagayan, including Babuyan Group of Islands; Apayao; Abra; Kalinga; Mountain Province; Ifugao; Isabela; Benguet; Pangasinan; La Union; Ilocos Norte; Ilocos Sur; Quirino; Nueva Vizcaya; Aurora; Pampanga; Bataan;
Zambales; Tarlac; Nueva Ecija; Bulacan; Rizal; Cavite; Batangas; Laguna; Quezon, including Polillo Island; Northern Occidental Mindoro; Northern Oriental Mindoro; Masbate; Camarines Norte; Camarines Sur; Catanduanes; Albay; Sorsogon; Burias and Ticao island, and Northern Samar.

The weather bureau said “Ompong” will make landfall in the Cagayan-Isabela area on Saturday morning if it does not change its direction.

Gener Quitlong, Pagasa forecaster, said those to be affected by the powerful typhoon and the concerned government agencies still had about 36 hours to prepare.

Pagasa forecaster Rene Paciente likened Typhoon “Ompong’s” strength to that of Super Typhoon “Lawin” (Haima), which hit northern Luzon in October 2016, leaving at least eight people dead.

The bureau previously said that “Ompong” will likely peak at 220 kph in maximum sustained winds with gusts of 270 kph, a little weaker than Lawin’s 225 kph top sustained winds.

The typhoons are also similar in diameter, Pagasa noted, with Ompong measuring 900 kilometers and Lawin 800 kilometers.

In Northern Luzon, heavy to intense rains will persist today and will peak on Saturday when “Ompong” makes landfall.

According to Pagasa, Baguio City and Tuguegarao will receive the highest rainfall on Saturday, while monsoon rains also will bring occasional heavy rains to Palawan, Zamboanga and the Visayas.

Chris Perez, forecaster, said only the “outermost periphery” of Metro Manila would be affected by “Ompong.”

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday designated presidential political adviser Francis Tolentino as his conduit for preparations and disaster response.

Duterte also tasked Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, NDRRMC executive director Ricardo Jalad, and Tolentino to closely monitor the provinces in Northern Luzon along Ompong’s expected path.

The President said he was satisfied with the typhoon preparations.

Meanwhile, 30 domestic flights scheduled for Friday and Saturday have been canceled by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air, in anticipation of bad weather.

PAL announced on Thursday it has suspended four flights—Clark to and from Basco and Tuguegarao —scheduled today (Sept. 14) and eight other domestic flights—Manila to and from Laoag, Clark to and from Basco, and Clark to and from Tuguegarao scheduled on Sept. 15.

“In view of the existing current path and strength of Typhoon Ompong (International Codename ‘Mangkhut’), Philippine Airlines has canceled the following flights originally scheduled on September 14 (Friday) -September 15 (Saturday),” said Maria Cielo Villaluna, PAL corporate communications department chief and spokesperson.

On the same dates, Cebu Pacific and its sister airline CebGo also canceled domestic flights affecting 18 flights in Manila to and from Tuguegarao, Virac, Basco, Naga, Cauayan.

Both airlines are closely monitoring the weather situation and assured air travelers they will provide updates should other routes be affected.

Heavy rains are expected in Northern and Central Luzon as well as the National Capital Region throughout the weekend until Monday.

PAL encouraged passengers to check the status of their flights within 48 hours to flight departure by logging on to the airline’s flight status page or by downloading the PAL Mobile App.

Cebu Pacific officials, on the other hand, advised affected passengers not to proceed to the airport, but instead avail any of the options, without penalties: rebook their flights for travel within 30 days from original departure date; place the cost of the ticket in a Travel Fund for future use, or get a full refund.

Manila International Airport Authority general manager Eddie Monreal earlier asked passengers to coordinate with their respective airlines for any announcements of flight cancellations, rescheduling, or rebooking of flights in anticipation of Typhoon Ompong’s effect on flight operations.

Air Swift has also canceled four flights to and from Basco in connection with the anticipated arrival of the super typhoon.

The Civil Aviation of the Philippines has advised all airport general managers in Laoag, Tuguegarao, Basco, Legazpi, Naga and Virac to be prepared for the bad weather condition.

CAAP director general Capt. Jim Sydiongco reminded the area managers to be present and be in their respective areas before, during and after Ompong makes landfall to secure the airport especially the runway from all kinds of debris and other foreign objects that can disrupt airport operations.

Already, the typhoon has forced the cancellation of sea trips in Manila, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Northern Samar and Negros Oriental, the Coast Guard said Thursday.

Some 2,828 passengers were stranded after their trips were canceled. The Coast Guard added that 188 rolling cargoes, 10 vessels and four motor boats were stranded in various ports.

The Palace assured the public that the government is ready for Ompong.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said several government agencies have been ordered to facilitate emergency measures to make sure that the country’s state of readiness will be at the highest level.

“The Department of the Interior and Local Government has been monitoring the preparations of the local governments, particularly their preemptive evacuation plans,” said Roque in a Palace press briefing Thursday afternoon.

Also, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has readied food packs and assistance worth P1.7 billion to aid the possible casualties of the storm. The relief goods will be distributed to the expected path of ‘Ompong’ in Northern Luzon.

“The Department of Health also prepared enough medicines, medical supplies, and deployment of medical teams to respond whenever needed,” Roque said.

“We also have deployed quick response teams in the province of Batanes and established alternative communication devices to ensure that clear line of communication as Ompong hits the country,” said Roque. “We are prepared.”

The Palace official also called on the farmers in Benguet to try harvesting the vegetables and harvest those that can be salvaged before Ompong makes its landfall in Northern Cagayan.

Typhoon Mangkhut, as Ompong is called internationally, has already blasted through the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam, and was speeding across the Pacific with winds that can gust as high as 255 kilometers per hour.

Authorities said some 10 million people in the Philippines are in the storm’s path, not including millions more in heavily-populated coastal China.

Thousands began evacuating in seaside areas of the northern tip of Luzon, where the storm is expected to make landfall early Saturday.

“The pre-emptive evacuation is going on in our coastal municipalities, the villages that are prone to storm surge,” local government spokesman Rogelio Sending said. “We are going to evacuate more.”

Flooding, landslides and wind damage from the coming storm were top concerns as authorities prepared equipment for rescue and relief operations.

Schools were shuttered and some farmers took to their fields to start early harvest of corn and rice that could be ruined by flooding.

An average of 20 typhoons and storms lash the Philippines each year, killing hundreds of people and leaving millions in near-perpetual poverty.The country’s deadliest on record is Super Typhoon Yolanda, which left more than 7,350 people dead or missing across the central Philippines in November 2013.

The state weather service said Ompong will be the strongest typhoon so far this year, with sustained winds of 205 kilometers per hour.

The typhoon is expected to boost the intensity of seasonal monsoon rains that have already caused widespread flooding in central Luzon.

Poor communities reliant on fishing are some of the most vulnerable to fierce typhoon winds and the storm surge that pounds the coast.

“It will bring destruction. They are the ones greatly affected. Even moderate winds can topple their houses,” regional civil defense official Dante Balao said.

Hong Kong is also in Mangkhut’s sights and preparations there were already under way, though the storm was not expected to hit until Sunday.

Social media users and radio commentators in Hong Kong said they were stocking up on food and supplies.

The Hong Kong Observatory warned residents to prepare for the storm, saying it posed a “considerable threat.”

The Philippines state weather service said heavy rains and strong winds are expected from Friday over the north and center of Luzon, along with rough seas on the coasts.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said it expects “substantial damage” on the Philippine path of Ompong.

Storm surges of up to seven meters (23 feet) are expected to hit coastal areas, it said, while heavy rains could trigger landslides and flash floods.

source:< a href="http://www.manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/275494/entire-luzon-now-affected.html" target="_blank">manilastandard.net

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