Company officials and guests inaugurate the First Aviation Academy (FAA) at the Subic Bay International Airport complex on Thursday. (From left) FAA Director Gerardo Borromeo, SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma, PTC Chairman Emeritus Carlos Salinas, U.S. Ambassador Sung Yong Kim, Philippine Airlines President Jaime Bautista, MacroAsia Chairman Joseph Chua, and Transportation Asst. Secretary Juvy Manwon. (Contributed Photo)

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — A P150-million aviation school that is seen to take the lead in developing world-class Filipino aviation professionals was inaugurated here on Thursday.

The First Aviation Academy (FAA), located at the Subic Bay International Airport, will make use of a comprehensive curriculum, experienced instructors, and state-of-the-art equipment to produce “airline-ready aviation professionals primed for flight operations, said FAA General Manager Raoul Perez.

Aviation support firm MacroAsia Corp. and PTC Group, one of the country’s leading crew management and diversified maritime services groups, will operate the flight academy with the first batch of student-pilots starting the course this April.

The inauguration was led by U.S. Ambassador Sung Yong Kim, Philippine Airlines President Jaime Bautista, PTC Chairman Emeritus Carlos Salinas, MacroAsia Chairman Joseph Chua, Transportation Asst. Secretary Juvy Manwong, and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chair and Administrator Wilma Eisma.

Eisma said the FAA project provides another anchor activity at the Subic airport, which the SBMA has been developing into an MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) hub for the Asian market.

First Aviation Academy officials pour champagne on a brand-new Tecnam P2010 plane during the launch of the First Aviation Academy in the Subic Bay Freeport on Thursday.(Contributed Photo)

Perez said student-pilots at FAA would be trained with advanced equipment like the Redbird MCX and TD2 G-1000 simulators, which are two of the most modern full-motion flight simulation systems in use today.

The school would also field a fleet of brand-new Tecnam P2010 planes with Garmin G-1000 full-glass cockpit electronic instrumentation for actual flight training, he said.

Two units of the Tecnam P2010 were also unveiled here by the company during the inauguration.

FAA sales manager Butch Reyes said the combination of advanced equipment and experienced staff “will enable students to develop the skills set necessary to excel in international aviation.”

He said the academy’s intensive 12-month training program would integrate academic requirements for a private pilot license, instrument rating, multi-engine rating, commercial pilot license, and airline transport pilot license.

Source: business.inquirer.net

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With 7,641 islands, it’s really fun to explore the Philippines and its famous tourists spots plus hidden gems. There are numerous activities to do and places to explore for all types of travelers.

Check out and make sure to add these hot local destinations right now to your 2019 bucket list!

According to Traveloka, Southeast Asia’s leading online booking platform for hotels, flights as well as activities and attractions, the places on this list have seen a 74% increase in tourist arrivals from 2018 to 2019.

1. Basco, Batanes (+386% arrivals)
More local airlines are offering flights to Batanes – making ticket prices more competitive, and even cheaper than before! If flying from Manila, it’ll take two hours to get to Basco, the provincial capital.

Known as the New Zealand of the Philippines because of all the greenery, Batanes is home to the Vayang Rolling Hills, Mount Iraya, and to Valugan Boulder Beach. Travelers are drawn to the overall relaxing feel the island gives.

Best Time to Go: December to February
Popular Batanes Hotels in Traveloka: Shanedel’s Inn, DDD Habitat Lodging House, Nathaniel’s Lodge.

2. Legazpi City (+197% arrivals)

Touted as the “City of Fun and Adventure,” Legazpi City is one of the best places for adrenaline junkies and history buffs. Some of the famous attractions include Albay Park And Wildlife, Cagsawa Ruins Park, and Daraga Church.

Meanwhile, the Legazpi City government announced its latest tourism ventures: a four-kilometer “Walk Meter” at the Legazpi Port District for joggers and visitors, and the Bay and Marine Park Information Center. The latter is for visitors who’d like to know more about the Albay Gulf and Polique Cove.

Best Time to Go: March to June
Popular Legazpi City Hotels in Traveloka: Mayon Backpackers Hostel, F2M Tower, The Oriental Legazpi

3. General Santos (+174% arrivals)

When in General Santos, visitors can now enjoy a more refreshing time at the improved Plaza Heneral Santos. The place has been planted with more trees, making it ideal for joggers and nature-lovers. Don’t forget to try their famous tuna and to explore more of this city down south.

Best Time to Go: March to May
Popular General Santos Hotels in Traveloka: RSG Microhotel, Hotel Giorgio, Dayo Suites

4. Laoag City (+160% arrivals)

The local government of Laoag was recently dubbed top performer in the 2018 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) for Infrastructure in Region 1. This means travelers can expect better roads, bridges, and buildings when they visit the city. It’s time to try their drool-worthy empanadas and visit the famous Malacanang of the North.

Best Time to Go: May to June
Popular Laoag City Hotels in Traveloka: West Gate Hotel, Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel, UKL Ever Resort Hotel

5. Subic Bay (+95% arrivals)

Since it’s very accessible and has several attractions for travelers of all ages including Zoobic Safari, Ocean Adventure Park, and Inflatable Island, it’s no surprise that Subic Bay remains a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

If you want a thrilling overnight stay, then why not book a night at Zoobic Safari’s GlampZ. Putting their own spin on “glamping”, Zoobic Safari has several container vans that have been converted into comfortable overnight stays with a full day’s meals, a day tour, train ride and a visit from the zoos smaller and friendlier animals.

Best Time to Go: November to May
Popular Subic Hotels in Traveloka: Camayan Beach Resort and Hotel, Best Western Plus Hotel Subic, Subic Bay Peninsular Hotel

6. Siargao Islands (+90% arrivals)

Previously more associated with surfing, Siargao has made a name for itself as a great destination for beach and nature lovers because of its breathtaking scenery, beautiful sand, and crystal clear waters.

Thanks to more airline opening flights to Siargao, it’s now easier and faster to reach the island and its awesome landmarks including the Magpupungko tidal pools and lagoons as well as the Sohoton cave.

Best Time to Go: March to October; August to November
Popular Siargao Hotels in Traveloka: Patrick’s on the Beach Resort, Ocean 101 Beach Resort, Viento del Mar

7. Angeles, Pampanga (+53% arrivals)

With several attractions, such as Deca Wake Park and Zoocobia Fun Zoo, and new businesses opening up shop in San Fernando and its surrounding areas, it isn’t hard to see why Pampanga is quickly transitioning from a fairly sleepy province (albeit the infamous Walking Street) to the bustling metropolis it is becoming.

Moreover, going to Angeles City is now easier than ever! Take the new P2P bus from Robinsons Galleria to SM Clark Pampanga.

Best Time to Go: January to February
Popular Angeles Hotels in Traveloka: DM Residente Hotel, Eurotel Angeles, Red Planet Angeles City

8. Dumaguete City (+39% arrivals)

Named as the Best Place to Retire in the Philippines last August 2018 by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), Dumaguete City garnered an average of 87.48% and won over more popular cities such as Cebu, Davao, and Bacolod. Factors that were taken into consideration include “cost of living, the warmth of the community, climate, health care provisions, as well as peace and unity”.

Best Time to Go: June to August
Popular Dumaguete Hotels in Traveloka: The Flying Fish Boutique Hostel, Gabby’s Bed and Breakfast, Go Hotels Dumaguete

9. Alaminos City (+38% arrivals)

Newly constructed, the 56-foot statue of Christ the Savior on top of Pilgrimage Island in Alaminos City is definitely a sight to behold. Tourists have to climb up 263 steps from the beach to get to the top and to enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and the nearby islets.

Alaminos City is the gateway to the famed Hundred Islands National Park and is one of the main reasons why people flock to the area – after all, you can go camping, snorkeling, kayaking, or beach bumming.

Best Time to Go: November to April
Popular Alaminos City Hotels in Traveloka: Villa Antolin Hotel, Asia Novo Boutique Hotel – Alaminos, Islandia Hotel

10. Cagayan de Oro (+29% arrivals)

Are you a night market lover? Visitors of CDO can now enjoy haggling various goods at the Divisoria Night Cafe and Night Market. Whether you’re there to snack on a variety of street food or to buy clothes at a steal, there’s something for everyone to buy!

Best Time to Go: March to June
Popular Batanes Hotels in Traveloka: Red Planet Cagayan De Oro, St Nicolas Inn, GV Hotel Cagayan de Oro

11. Naga (+17% arrivals)

If you love thrill and adventure, make sure to visit Naga’s Adventure Park, Mount Isarog National Park, Caramoan Beach, and Malabsay Falls.

Don’t forget to skip Bicol’s newest culinary destination, Que Pasa. This Spanish restaurant in Naga has an attractive setting, making it IG-worthy as well. Of course, the food is heavenly with a capital H.

Best Time to Go: May to June
Popular Naga Hotels in Traveloka: Eurotel Naga, CBD Plaza Hotel, Villa Caceres Hotel

12.Tacloban City (+13% arrivals)

Tacloban has come a long way since it was devastated by Typhoon Yolanda – with life slowly going back to normal, one of the best ways to bring money back into the city is by supporting local tourism. And why not?

Often used as a jump off point for Samar and Leyte, guests can visit nearby Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge Park, the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, and Tulaan Falls. Other things to try out is the local cuisine, specifically chocolate moron, binagol, and food at Ocho Seafood Grill.

Best Time to Go: February to March, May to July
Popular Tacloban Hotels in Traveloka: Zpad Residences, Go Hotels Tacloban, Hotel Estrella

Ready for your next adventure? Book your hotels with Traveloka to get the best deals!

Source: whereiseduy.com

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The manufacturing facility of Datian Subic Shoes, Inc., located at the Subic Gateway Park.

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Datian Subic Shoes, Inc., the manufacturer of popular shoe brands like Vans and Keds, has committed some USD6 million to expand its operations in this Freeport.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Wilma T. Eisma welcomed the development, noting that the company plans to hire an additional 1,500 employees.

“Although we have experienced a downturn in employment last year because of the layoffs at Hanjin shipyard, we believe that Subic can easily make a rebound because a lot of companies like Datian Subic have been expanding and hiring more skilled workers,” she said.

Eisma said that the company has leased a 29,400-square meter property to extend its existing 42,749-square meter facility at the Subic Bay Gateway Park (SBGP) Phase II.

“The company plans to use half of the USD6-million expansion investment to build another factory building in two years,” she said.

Datian Subic initially invested USD10 million in 2017 for its first manufacturing facility at the Gateway Park.

As of February, this year, the company already employs 3,698 workers.

Datian Subic Shoes, Inc. produces shoes under global brands like Keds, Converse, Sperry, and Vans for the American market, as well as Hugo Boss and Dr. Martens for the European market.

Its Subic factory integrates assembly lines for stitching, rubber compounding, outsoles molding, insoles, and arches sponging, rubber gluing, as well as foxing operations.

Company officials said the existing factory produces an average of 350,000 pairs of shoes per month.

Eisma also said the SBMA expects more expansion projects among Subic business locators, following the current shift in production from China to other countries in Southeast Asia because of the ongoing trade war between China and the United States.

“The current tax incentives being offered by the SBMA to foreign manufacturing companies is another factor for this expansion surge,” she said.

Eisma pointed out that the expansion projects last year amounted to a whopping PHP25 billion in committed investments from existing business locators.

Source:

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ORION, Bataan — A housing project considered as the biggest in Bataan is in store for victims of the fire here that rendered more than a thousand families homeless, municipal Mayor Antonio Raymundo announced on Tuesday.

Set to become recipients of the project are 1,089 families displaced by the big fire in Sitio Depensa, Barangay Capunitan last January 28.

The families have been staying in evacuation centers with full support from the local government and some organizations in the aftermath of the fire.

The mayor said the project will be situated on a 6.8-hectare land near the sea in Barangay Daan Pari, which is about 1.3 kilometers from Sitio Depensa. Construction will start next month.

Raymundo estimated the project cost at PHP1.18 billion.

The municipal government will provide 3.7 hectares of land while the provincial government will give 3.1 hectares, all valued at PHP18 million. The remainder of the project cost will be for the materials and actual construction of the housing units.

“The National Housing Authority has allocated almost PHP1 billion for housing including a community center, roads and sort of yacht club for fishing boats,” the mayor said.

“There will be a police outpost, market, commercial establishments, high school, health center, water supply, and other amenities in the area,“ he added.

The relocation site will be named Bataan Discipline Village.

The low-cost housing project will comprise several three-storey buildings, each to be occupied by 48 families.

Each family will have to pay PHP300 a month for 30 years for their unit.

This town continues to be under a state of calamity as a result of the fire.

“No one will be allowed to reconstruct their house in the burned area, the place being subject of mandamus from the Supreme Court in the clean-up of Manila Bay,“ Raymundo said.
Source: pna.gov.ph

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SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has started the implementation of a PHP530-million infrastructure program in an effort to upgrade the facilities in this Freeport.

SBMA chairman and administrator Wilma T. Eisma said several rehabilitation projects that include the repair of roads and other related facilities are now ongoing or in the initial stages of preparation.

“More projects will be underway soon, so I ask Subic stakeholders, as well as visitors to the Freeport, to please bear with us on the temporary inconveniences like traffic jams, and a little noise and dust pollution because of the ongoing road projects,” she said.

“We’re doing this to improve the core business infrastructure here and to sustain the attractiveness of the Subic Bay Freeport as a globally-competitive trade and tourism center,” she added.

Eisma said most of the road rehabilitation projects are funded under the national government’s “ Build, Build, Build” program.

“This was the first time that a massive road rehabilitation program is undertaken ever since Subic became a free port zone in 1992,” she noted.

Eisma said the agency was able to first secure from the national government a PHP500-million fund for the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) rehabilitation program in 2017 and this was followed in 2018 by a PHP530-million fund for road rehabilitation.
She added that the SBMA Board of Directors has approved and awarded two new major rehabilitation projects: the PHP76-million road rehabilitation project proposed in 2016, and the PHP18-million drainage improvement project along Argonaut Highway-George Dewey Complex.

Meanwhile, Eisma said three other major projects are now up for bidding, namely, the Naval Supply Depot (NSD) Road Rehabilitation Project Phase 2, Road Rehabilitation Project 2018, and Road Rehabilitation Project 2019.

She said the 2018 road rehabilitation package is budgeted at PHP299 million and will include improvements at the Malawaan Park parking area, road ramp along Dewey Avenue, as well as repair of Waterfront Road, road to the New Container Terminal, Rizal Highway and Maritan Highway, as well as several roads in residential areas.

On the other hand, the 2019 road rehabilitation package has a budget of PHP253 million.

This will consist of repairs along main roads like Argonaut Highway, San Bernardino Road, roads to Leyte Wharf and Sattler Pier duct banks, Rizal Highway, Boton Highway, Binictican Drive, and the approaches to Kalaklan Bridge and 14th Street Bridge.

On the other hand, the NSD Road Rehabilitation Project Phase 2, with a budget of PHP85 million, consists of repairs of roads leading to the NSD Compound where most of grain and bulk shipments are done.

Eisma cited the importance of repair projects as some of the US Navy-built roads have deteriorated over the years.

Source: pna.gov.ph

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