(From left) Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, MTD Clark Inc. chairman Isaac David, MTD Clark Inc. president Nicholas David , Bases Conversion and Development Authority president and CEO Vivencio Dizon, and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade led the media on a tour of the New Clark City spanning the city of Angeles in Pampanga and the towns of Capas and Bamban in Tarlac, today, July 4, 2018. New Clark City is one of the flagship projects under the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program, which Secretary Dominguez said will drastically alter the Philippine economic landscape, create over a million jobs per year and bring the country’s logistics backbone up to par with other economies in the world’s most dynamic region.

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation on Wednesday floated again its plan to revive the Subic Bay International Airport, which could be operational before the first or second quarter of 2019.

Speaking to reporters, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said “serious talks” are ongoing on the proposed revival of Subic airport. He declined to give an estimate for the cost of the project.

To “give life” to the airport, Tugade explained that Subic airport’s aviation instruments must be upgraded to ensure safe landings. There are no problems with the airport’s structures, he added.

“I think the airport will be operational in due time,” the Transportation chief said. “Perhaps it will be operational before the first… second quarter next year.”
In 2010, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority planned to convert the airport after US delivery giant Federal Express transferred its Asia Pacific hub from Subic to Guangzhou in China.

Tugade first mentioned the DOTR’s plan to restore the Subic airport in 2016. The proposal aims to decongest the overstretched Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Seeing the deterioration of the Manila airport, Tugade earlier said the government is “entertaining” proposals to build airports outside the capital.

source: philstar.com

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Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairperson and Administrator Wilma Eisma says more than 30 investor-companies have cooperated to settle long-due obligations, negotiating payment arrangements approved by the board

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT. The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority is looking to collect around P144.8 million through upfront settlements or via payment schemes over the next 5 years.

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines – Efforts of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to collect overdue rent and other fees from businesses here are expected to pay off, with the agency looking to collect around P144.8 million through upfront settlements or via payment schemes over the next 5 years.

SBMA Chairperson and Administrator Wilma Eisma said more than 30 investor-companies here have cooperated with the current administration to settle long-due obligations, negotiating payment arrangements approved by the SBMA board.

“We’re gaining much headway in our collection program because our investors understand that we are serious in managing Subic with transparency, impartiality, and consistency,” Eisma said.

She added, “They can see for themselves that we are applying rules uniformly in keeping with the thrust of President Duterte to fully utilize government assets and maximize their benefits.”

Eisma pointed out that the current SBMA board approved the staggered payment of accounts in order to collect debts that accumulated but were not acted upon by previous administrations.

“We simply inherited these problems, but it is now incumbent upon us to set things right and prevent more losses to the government,” she said.

She added that the payment schemes approved by the Board of Directors since January 2017 had so far accounted for P102.45 million in peso accounts and $847,203 in dollar accounts, leading to an approximate total of P144.8 million in principal alone, based on conversions at the time.

These amounts cover payments for arrears, mostly for land rentals and leasing of facilities, as well as unpaid common use service area (CUSA) fees, deposits, performance bonds, and other charges.

The payment schemes will also yield more than P5.6 million and $53,000 in future interests, Eisma added.

Among the companies with approved payment schemes are the following:

Lyceum of Subic Bay – P31.58 million in arrears, deposits, and other fees
Global Daeil Subic, Inc. – P16.68 million
Subic Bay Yacht Club – P10 million
Speed Subic Corporation – P6.77 million
The latest firm to take advantage of a payment scheme was Japanese pioneer company Koryo Subic, Inc.

According to the payment scheme approved by the SBMA Board, Koryo will pay $219,688 for the lease rental of its 3 expansion areas, as well as a CUSA fee amounting to P394,491.

The Board also called for upfront payments of $43,937 in rent and P78,893 as CUSA fee, as well as escalation rates for the computation of its back lease rentals.

Recovery of unused assets

Eisma said aside from the SBMA’s program to collect overdue debts, the agency is also vigorously pursuing the recovery of unused assets that were previously contracted out for management by Subic-registered companies.

“We have, in fact, repossessed some SBMA facilities that have been left idle or unimproved by lessee- companies, and we have also revoked the contract of investors who failed to meet their contractual obligations,” the SBMA chief said.

“We have to do this because the SBMA and the government are losing money every single minute that these prime assets remain unproductive,” Eisma explained.

She added, “Land, and the buildings and facilities on it, is a very precious commodity in the Subic Bay Freeport because of the limited space here, so we have to be diligent in optimizing these assets for productive economic activities.”

She said an audit started by her administration in December 2017 resulted in gross revenue billings amounting to more than P18 million from 13 companies in the Freeport.

“These are all part of our transparency drive, which in the long run would rebound to a better business climate in the Subic Freeport,” Eisma said.

source: rappler.com

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139 human smuggling victims bound for Micronesia rescued in joint-operation by PH Coast Guard and NBI at Port of Orion in Bataan. Photo from PCG

Authorities rescued 139 human smuggling victims from a cruise ship in Bataan before dawn Tuesday.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) launched a joint-operation at about 1:00 a.m. on the MV Forever Lucky, a cruise ship docked at the Port of Orion and bound for Micronesia.

The raid was launched after the PCG and the NBI were tipped off by the National Coast Watch Center (NCWC) after the latter discovered that the ship was involved in human smuggling.

After boarding the ship, PCG and NBI operatives discovered that 139 of its passengers were undocumented, while 41 of its crew members were tagged in illegal activities.

The PCG and NBI also discovered that the cruise ship was not issued a franchise to travel outside the country.

“Investigation is ongoing for filing of necessary charges against persons behind this illegal activity,” PCG spokesman Armand Balilo told reporters in a text message.

source: newsinfo.inquirer.net

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By: Anne A. Jambora

Ovation of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in Asia,makes a double maiden call at Subic and Manila

It was a surreal moment for Wilma Eisma, chair and administrator of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) when, at 5 a.m., the colossal Ovation of the Seas was seen in the horizon, slowly steering its way toward the Subic port.

Eisma has been joining cruise-ship conferences abroad for more than a decade now, trying to convince the major players in the industry to come to the country. They declined owing to the country’s alleged lack of on-shore excursions.

When her team included Bataan among the exciting places to see aside from Subic, Eisma finally got the green light. And Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas made not one but two “test” port of calls—first in Subic, second in Manila.

Should there be enough positive feedback from the guests, the Philippines will become one of Royal Caribbean’s regular stops in Asia, said Capt. Nikolaos Antalis, AVP for marine and safety of the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

“Only then shall we announce the future calls of Royal Caribbean,” he said.

Ovation of the Seas, the largest cruise ship of Royal Caribbean in Asia, is the first cruise ship of this magnitude and caliber to ever make a maiden call in the Philippines. During her test call in Subic and Manila, she brought with her more than 6,000 guests and crew. She is 1,138 feet long with a total of 18 decks (16 guest decks).

When it made its maiden voyage in April 2016, Ovation of the Seas featured many of Royal Caribbean’s first-at-sea innovations—Ripcord by iFly (indoor skydiving), North Star (an observation capsule rising 302 feet over the ocean, Bionic Bar (robots serving cocktails), FlowRider Surf Simulator, bumper cars, rock-climbing wall.

The cruise ship also features interior virtual balcony staterooms with real-time ocean views, luxurious lofts with spacious living areas and private concierge service, 18 dining venues, including Jamie’s Italian by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

Next generation

“Royal Caribbean aims to bring more of the next generation cruising experience to its fans in the Philippines and Asia,” master of Ovation of the Seas Capt. Flemming B. Nielsen said. “As we continue to grow in Southeast Asia in a big way, we look forward to bringing more ships and tourists to more ports in the Philippines in the future.”

Ovation of the Seas will be cruising around North Asia for the summer out from Hong Kong and Tianjin, before heading to Singapore and then Sidney in October.

The popular Bionic Bar,where two robots man the bar and serve drinks

The popular Bionic Bar, where two robots man the bar and serve drinks

In Subic, guests visited antique shops and, in Bataan, Spanish colonial-era mansions during the Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Heritage Tour. They traveled through picturesque river valleys and took a dip into the warm waters of Puning Hot Spring, and watched marine animal performances at Ocean Adventure.

The Manila call offered options for Tagaytay tour or Manila City Tour. Tagaytay highlighted the panoramic view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano, plus a trip to a pineapple plantation where they shopped for souvenirs or tried the local pineapples. Those who opted to stay in the city were toured around historic landmarks such as the Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church and its museum, and Fort Santiago.

Royal Caribbean’s Capt. Nikolaos Antalis and Capt. Flemming B. Nielsen with Arpain Air SVP and COO Joy Abrogar–PHOTOS BY EARVIN PERIAS

Royal Caribbean’s Capt. Nikolaos Antalis and Capt. Flemming B. Nielsen with Arpain Air SVP and COO Joy Abrogar–PHOTOS BY EARVIN PERIAS

“This used to be a dream, and now it’s a reality,” Eisma said. “We’ve convinced them to come, and now for the difficult part—to keep them coming, We want to make sure they have the best experience, the best time, to feel secure and safe… We want the Philippines to become Asia’s next cruise ship playground.”

Assistant Tourism Secretary Roberto Alabado III said he not only wants the country to become an important player in the regional cruise ship business, but also to become a major resource for manpower, shipbuilding, and maritime training.

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

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Subic Bay Freeport is getting additional 24,725 hectares, majority of which come from neighboring towns, to expand the former American naval base which has been running out of space it can offer to new investors and expanding existing locators.

Photo credit: Subic Bay News

Of this expansion area, five neighboring towns have initially allotted a total of 21,495 hectares of land to the Subic Bay Freeport, which has been running out of the property to lease to more investors in the former American naval base.

Data showed that six local government units have initially allotted these properties for Subic expansion. The biggest lot contributor is San Marcelino with 10,000-hectare allocation followed by San Antonio with 9,000, Olongapo with 900 hectares, Subic with 500-600 hectares, Hermosa 505 hectares, and Catillejos with 500 hectares.

Usually, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) leases out properties to investors at certain rates. Under the plan, the San Marcelino lot would be used for mining, quarry and agriculture projects while San Antonio has been reserved for resort development and leisure industry.

The Olongapo LGU allocation would be used for housing, light industry, and tourism projects while the 500-600 hectares in Subic could be offered for factories, agriculture, and energy facilities.
Hermosa may be developed to house light to heavy industry, renewable energy, metal industry and staging of trucks auctions. The Castillejos land allocation can also be used for light to medium industry warehousing.

The remaining properties would come from the Redondo Peninsula with 3,000 hectares; infill development of 150 hectares and reclamation of 20 hectares.

Earlier, SBMA chairperson and administrator, Wilma Eisma, also inked strategic tie-ups with major US ports for Subic’s expansion and business plans this 2018.

Port expansion is seen as a priority by SBMA in order to make Subic a global maritime trade player.
In response to the growing demands of international trade, the SBMA plans to improve local infrastructures and develop industrial zones while increasing port capacity through national funding.

SBMA has set a target to fully develop the Subic Bay Freeport Zone by 2022.
“Our priority is to make Subic a more open and competitive Freeport in international trade. With additional investment prospects in the works, Subic Bay is moving forward with positive momentum,” said Eisma.

SBMA reported a 34 percent net income in 2017 to P91 million from P68 million in 2016. Total revenues reached P3 billion or 4 percent higher than 2016’s P2.95 billion.

source: business.mb.com.ph

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