mixer at rama mahal - alan rigolettosbfcc.com/newsletters/may2008.pdfhardships of working abroad to...

THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE SUBIC BAY FREEPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Inside This Issue

SBFCC Working Committees

SBFCC News

SBMA News

National News

Science and Technology

SBFCC Board Members

Volume 58 Issue 122 May 2008

Mixer at Rama Mahal Many members of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce are adventurous enough to try exotic food. For some, however, it is no longer a matter of trying but already of craving.

Those who have an appetite for Indian food were lucky enough to have their cravings satisfied in the recent Chamber mixer/networking night. It was held in no less than the Rama Mahal Bar & Restaurant, an institution in its own right when it comes to authentic Indian cuisine.

The cozy atmosphere amidst framed Indian sceneries and soft lighting lent an impression of family or friends getting together… which is what it really is, considering that many members of the Chamber are not only businessmen looking for business connections, but have cultivated real friendships with other members as well.

MAY 2008 SBFCC Newsletter 2

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covering 6 consecutive issues All articles must be in digitized format with payment required on or before 10TH of each calendar month. Articles / ads received past the deadline will not be entertained. Artwork must be submitted in .pdf, .jpg, .doc, .tif, .gif, or .html file format. If camera ready artwork needs to be prepared, we can provide for a nominal additional fee.

SECURITY and EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMMITTEE

Chairman: Rose B. Baldeo E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 252-7064

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Chairman: Danny J. Piano

E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 252-3934

LABOR COMMITEE Chairman: Peter Tumanda


LIAISON COMMITTEE Chairman: John E. Corcoran


MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Chairman: John E. Corcoran


NORTH LUZON EXPRESSWAY MMOOTTOORRIISSTT HHAANNDDBBOOOOKK &&

Available @ the Chamber office. Great value for only

P20.00 – Motorist Handbook

P10.00– Gabay Lakbay 120 pages of full-color General Tips for Driving the NLEX,

Handling Emergencies, Road Signs and Signals, Traffic Rules and Regulations and excellent linear maps of each

NLEX interchange.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESS RELEASES ARE PUBLISHED FREE OF

CHARGE FOR MEMBERS. PRIORITY WILL BE

ACCORDED TO RELEASES OF NEWS VALUE AND ARE SUBJECT TO EDITING.

PLEASE SEND TO:

The Editor, SBFCC Newsletter at SBFCC, Bldg. 866, Waterfront Road, SBFZ Tel 252 3180; Fax 252 3190 Email: [email protected]

CHAMBER SECRETARIAT


THE PHILIPPINES DESERVES BETTER!

You can’t read a newspaper, listen to the radio, watch television or surf the Internet,

without the subject of corruption raising its ugly head. While every nation faces some

level of corruption (and I don’t mean to imply that anything is acceptable), the estimated

losses to the people of the Philippines are significant!

As a foreigner, who now calls this land his home, I have grown to love this country and to respect its

people. The love, the selfless work ethic, the sacrifices and the giving that are so engrained in the Filipino

culture, are the very qualities that I so admire in the people of this nation. Filipino OFWs endure the

hardships of working abroad to help support their families back home. Here at home, in times of need,

families pool precious little resources when called upon, in order to assist another family member, always

without a word of complaint. I am a better person today, because I have learned a valuable lesson in life

from the people of this nation.

That is why I stand with all those who are incensed by the toll that corruption places on the people of the

Philippines. This nation’s people deserve better! If the losses to corruption were to be channeled to

addressing the needs of this nation, all of the people of the Philippines would be the beneficiaries.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have more funding for schools, for aid to the poor, for affordable housing, for

feeding those who go to bed hungry, for roads and infrastructure and for medical care for all those in

need?

This country is blessed with people who care, who are conscientious, who are hard working and who will

help to advance this nation, if only they are given a level playing field. Monies rightful due the Filipino

people, however, must be used to the benefit of the majority and not for the corrupt few. I look to

Singapore, a nation that rose from a third world status, fraught with corruption, to what it is today. I am

not suggesting that Singapore’s methods be used as the role model for this nation; I simply suggest that

change for the better can be achieved. I believe in the Philippines and the potential and resolve of its

people. There are countless role models who work for the good of this country and the people each and

everyday.

It is my earnest prayer that this country will have the full benefit of what rightfully belongs to the people,

so that the great nation of the Philippines might provide a quality of life that better serves the majority of

its citizens and not the special interests of a few.

God bless you and God bless the Philippines.

John

Message from the President:


WHAT HAS YOUR CHAMBER BOARD DONE SINCE LAST MONTH?

• Hosting of the 4th Annual Golf Tournament at Subic Bay Golf And Country Club

• Participated in BCDA’s invitation for a dry run tour of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway Project

• Spearheaded the Security and Emergency Response Committee Meeting on April 1st at the Subic Enerzone Boardroom.

• Organized a series of SBFCC Business Development Committee Meetings to discuss impact of BIR RMC.

• Adopted the SBFCC Board resolution to amend the SBFCC Treasurer to Steven J. Hauch.

• Attended the inauguration of the new George Dewey Medical and Wellness Center, formerly the Subic Bay Medical Center.

• Crafted SBFCC position paper in opposition to the proposed BIR RMC regarding imposition of VAT, excise tax and documentary stamp tax within the Freeport. For more info, check out www.subicchamber.org

Highlights of the last Liaison Meeting with SBMA Senior Officials

• Encouraged SBMA for immediate implementation of smoke-belching program.

• Requested SBMA response/opposition to proposed BIR RMC regarding imposition of VAT, excise tax and documentary stamp tax within the Freeport.

• Discussed impact of impending Kalaklan gate and Main Gate bridge closures scheduled for Q4/2008.

DATE ORGANIZATION EVENTS / ACTIVITY VENUE

APR 19 SBFCC 4TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

DINNER AND AWARDS CEREMONY SBGCC

SUBIC PARK HOTEL

APR 20 YOKUBARI FOUNDATION 1ST SUMMER FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL REMY FIELD

APR 25 – 27 SBMA BIAY FESTIVAL BOARDWALK

APR 26 – 27 MIKE ATHAB BEACH FOOTBALL BOARDWALK

APR 29 SBFCC MIXER / NETWORKING NIGHT SIBIL, BOARDWALK

MAY 02 PADYAK PINOY “PADYAK PINOY INVITATIONAL CHALLENGE ‘08” SBF

MAY 03 CANCER SOCIETY SITTI LIVE! CONCERT-FUNDRAISING AND

BENEFIT SHOW (tickets available for sale at Chamber office)

SBECC

MAY 10 - 11 TRAP SUBIC BAY INTERNATIONAL TRIATHLON SBF

MAY 17 SBMA TOURISM / GJRE BEACH BODIES 2008 BOARDWALK

MAY 17 PHILIP MORRIES MFG MARLBORO ROAD TRIP BOARDWALK

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

“Until input (thought) is linked to a goal (purpose) there can be no intelligent accomplishment.” - Paul G. Thomas


LEO H. LARKIN, JR. 1924 - 2008 Born July 4,1924 in New York City, raised in Forest Hills, New York, and was convinced that American Independence Day was celebrated in his honor....

Born 3rd generation American Irish family of 5, younger brother Jimmy, 1 younger sister Anne and his parents Leo "Senior" and mother Mitsy. The family hailed from Ross Common, Ireland.

By December 7, 1941 immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor at 17 years old he was in line with the rest of his friends signing up for the US Navy. He was a Jesuit priest for 28 years, majority of which time was served in his 53 years in the Philippines. After leaving the Society he married Leila Tabib, it was very evident through all his continued friendships and contacts with the Jesuits that he was always well respected into his final days by the Jesuit brotherhood.

While he never had children of his own, Leila’s children, Monsour, Mike, Marcial, Tisha, were Uncle Leo’s kids.

During his lifetime, he was a soldier, a priest, a volunteer fireman, an educator, a Trustee with the Brent School Board in Subic, first President of the Subic Bay Chamber of Commerce, (1995) a scholar, businessman and pioneer, and a husband and a father.

I know they will all miss you as much as we do and carry you in their hearts, as you soar on the fast track to heaven.

May 1 (Thursday) Labor Day (Regular Holiday)

June 9 Independence Day (Regular Holiday) Monday nearest June 12

August 18 Ninoy Aquino Day (Special Holiday) Monday nearest August 21

August 25 National Heroes' Day (Regular Holiday) Last Monday of August

TBA Eid'l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan) see Section 2 of Proc No. 1463

November 1 All Saints' Day (Special Holiday)

December 1 Bonifacio Day (Regular Holiday) Monday nearest November 30

December 25 (Thursday) Christmas Day (Regular Holiday)

December 26 (Friday) (Special Holiday) Additional special (non-working day)

December 29 (Monday) (Special Holiday) Additional special (non-working day)

December 30 (Tuesday) Rizal Day (Regular Holiday)

December 31 (Wednesday) (Special Holiday) Last Day of the Year

REMAINING HOLIDAYS for 2008 (Proc. 1463)

“If you raise your children to feel that they can accomplish any goal or task they decide upon, you will have succeeded as a parent and you will have given your children the greatest of all blessings.” – Brian Tracy


SubicDock expanding operations

ANILA, Philippines— Subic Drydock Corp. (SubicDock), a ship repair company in

Subic, has installed a second drydocking facility called the AFDL-21 at the free port, bringing the market value of its facilities to $8 million.

“Although the total investment was $4 million in both docks, all from internally generated funds, the current market value of the facility is $8 million,” SubicDock president Catalino Bondoc said via text message.

SubicDock earlier said it had acquired the AFDL-21, a small auxiliary floating dry dock, and had installed it at Subic’s Bravo Pier alongside the AFDM-5, a medium auxiliary floating dry dock installed at the free port in 2007.

Bondoc said SubicDock bought the two docks for $4 million. After upgrading them, it received an offer from a Japanese company willing to buy the AFDM-5 for $7 million and the AFDL-21 for $1 million. But the company decided not to sell the docks to be able to expand its services.

“With these two dry docks, we are now able to serve a wider range of vessels and aim to be one of the leaders in the Philippine ship repair industry,” Bondoc said. “Our vision is to be a world-class provider of ship repair, overhauling, installation, fabrication, and port general services.”

By Riza T. Olchondra Philippine Daily Inquirer

M

“We aim above the mark to hit the mark.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson


Subic’s container port receives first cargo he New Container Terminal-1 (NCT-1) formally started operation first week of April , receiving the

first shipment of cargoes to be unloaded in this newly-constructed $215-million container facility.

MV Eagle Excellence, a 1,200-TEU-container ship operated by the American President Lines Ltd. (APL), brought the first cargo from Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

The historic unloading was witnessed by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Feliciano Salonga, SBMA senior deputy administrator for operations Ferdinand Hernandez, and officials of Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC), which won the concession to operate and manage NCT-1.

Hernandez, who is concurrently SBMA deputy administrator for port operations, described the first cargo unloading at NCT-1 as a signal of bigger things to come. "This is the first test for our new container terminal, which is of international standards, and we’re

very excited about it because we expect more vessels and more cargo to follow this first shipment," Hernandez said.

"The operation of NCT-1 is expected to be a catalyst for growth not only in Central Luzon, but even as far as the northern regions, and also help decongest the port in Manila," Hernandez added. "It will entice a lot of businesses and open up more trade opportunities not only in Subic Bay, but also in the Central Luzon growth corridor."

The NCT-1, which comprises the first phase of Subic’s $215-milion port development project, has a cargo-handling capacity of 300 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).

Built in part with funding from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), the terminal is expected to boost Subic’s bid to become a major maritime service and logistics hub, especially with the opening of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). Malaya

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“It is those who concentrate on but one at a time who advance in this world.” - Og Mandino


SBMA URGES BUSINESSMEN TO INVEST IN SUBIC-CLARK GROWTH

CORRIDOR Anticipating the expansion of business activities into areas near the Subic and Clark free ports in the next few years, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has encouraged local businessmen to put up more investments in the Subic-Clark growth corridor and hasten the development of surrounding communities.

SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza, in a message to business leaders and professionals during a recent conference said the impending integration of the Subic Bay Freeport with the nearby Clark Freeport will provide greater opportunities for local investors.

“But along with great prospects for business, we must also consider the equally bigger opportunities to create more jobs and to do community service,” Arreza told members of the civic organization.

“I invite you to invest in the Subic-Clark growth corridor and in the communities that make up the Subic and Clark free port zones. I am confident that investing would allow you to serve other people, and bring your endeavors to a higher plane of service,” he added.

Arreza sounded this call in face of the scheduled opening of the P27.4-billion Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), which will cut travel time between the two free ports to just 30 minutes.

Arreza said the integration of Subic and Clark will open up the area for more investments, especially along the 94-kilometer stretch of the new expressway.

With the SCTEX and Executive Order No. 675, which recently extended the tax- and duty-free regime in the Subic Freeport to any other contiguous area that the SBMA may identify and secure, the agency can enhance Subic’s logistical strength while pushing development to surrounding communities, he added.

Arreza explained that after successfully creating in Subic more jobs than those lost from the US pullout in 1992, the SBMA has now taken on the new mandate of actively participating in the development of Central Luzon and the rest of the country.

He said that last year, the SBMA increased the number of investors in Subic to a total of 931, with committed investments worth a total of $5.4 billion.

The new investments, he added, created in turn an environment for greater economic activity that led to a 17 percent growth in employment in 2006-2007, a 40.6 percent surge in exports, and close to 20 percent increase in government revenues in the same period.

Because of this, Arreza said the SBMA is pushing for the

concept of “service beyond borders” that will further develop Subic into a unique eco-urban development and a regional city in South East Asia.

The new Subic, he added, will offer “a convergence of investment, financial and business opportunities” while complementing Clark as a new catalyst for grown in the Mega Luzon area.

“Our concept of service beyond borders brings with it both opportunities and responsibilities,” Arreza clarified, as he pointed out the need for the SBMA to partner with the business sector in pursuing its development goals.

“There will be opportunity to develop not just Subic, but the whole lot of communities beyond its borders. There will be opportunity for investing companies to make handsome profits, but there will also be opportunity to create more jobs and enhance the livelihood of residents,” Arreza stressed.

The expansion into nearby communities, the SBMA official said earlier, will also address the problem of limited space in the Subic Bay Freeport, which is composed in large part of protected areas that are preserved as among the most ecologically diverse locales in the country. (30)


Subic woos Dubai investor The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority plans to allocate at least 100 hectares of land along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway for the 51 auctioneers of used vehicle imports that face eviction from the Freeport.

SBMA administrator Armand Arreza told reporters that the relocation of the auctioneers and importers of used vehicles outside of the Freeport would facilitate the entry of Dubai’s Jafza International, the world’s fourth-largest marine terminal operator.

Jafza Dubai earlier announced plans to invest between $200 million and $250 million over the next three to five years to re-develop the Freeport as its logistical hub in the region. It operates Economic Zones World, a free trade zone in Dubai with 6,000 locator-companies. Arreza said some of these companies, which handle logistics operations, also wanted to offer their services in Asia.

The Dubai-based company is choosing among four areas within the Freeport—the Industrial Technopark, Boton Wharf, the Subic Bay International Airport and the residential Cubi area for its proposed industrial and logistics zone.

Arreza said the ideal place for such an investment is the Boton area, where the auctioneers are located. He said the area needed further development to Jafza’s requirements.

“We can perhaps allocate 100 hectares along the SCTEx [for the Subic auto auctioneers] and compensate them for any improvement or expropriation made in Boton,” said Arreza.

The 51 auctioneers occupy around 55 hectares in the Boton area, each with their own auction yard.

Arreza said the Boton area was being leased to the auctioneers for P30 per square meter against the going rate of $1.25 per sq. m. or roughly P50 per sq. m. The contracts with the auctioneers range from 25 to 50 years.

“Should they agree to the relocation, they can still unload the used vehicles in Boton but the actual auction would be done some place else,” said Arreza.

He said the delegation from Jafza visited Subic earlier this year to negotiate directly with the auctioneers. The Dubai firm is proposing to expropriate or buy out the rights of the auctioneers over the property.

He said SBMA could also help the auctioneers by providing them incentives for investments in the new site. A new Malacañang directive gave SBMA the power to grant incentives to an expanded area outside of the Subic Freeport, including Olongapo City and other areas.

Arreza said it was about time that Subic Bay Freeport was redesigned into a logistics zone.

“Subic is being eyed as the logistics hub in the country and there’s an opportunity to tie up not only with Jafza but also its sister company, Dubai Autozone,” said Arreza.

Dubai Autozone is the largest second-hand auto trading company in the world. It provides used vehicles to the rest of the Middle East market and Africa.

“We’ve invited them to come here also to re-export their used vehicles to Africa and the rest of Southeast Asia,” said Arreza. Dubai Autozone, he added, re-exports at least 30,000 units per month to Middle East, Africa, South and Southeast Asia as well as Pakistan.

The investment commitment from Jafza Dubai was among those raised by the official visit of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to the United Arab Emirates earlier this year . By Elaine Ruzul S. Ramos

“From a certain point onward there is no longer any turning back. That is the point that must be reached.” – Franz Kafka


UPS, another US-based cargo handler worldwide, was reportedly being eyed to replace FedEx but so far has stayed in Clark as its regional base.

Its departure means lost of job losses and adversely affect the companies which support FedEx operation in Subic.

FedEx will make its facility in Guangzhou, China as its Asia Pacific hub, which has 80,000 square meters of floor space seated in the 63,000 hectares of land, its biggest facility outside the mainland USA. FedEx will be maintaining its operations in the country through Air 21, nevertheless its transfer means a significant loss to the government as it closes its local hub. By BERNIE CAHILES–MAGKILAT - Manila Bulletin

$20-M medical and wellness center inaugurated in Subic

SUBIC BAY Freeport: A $20-million medical facility was inaugurated here Tuesday by Dr. Solita Monsod, who will serve as chairman of the center.

The George Dewey Medical and Wellness Center in Subic is among the best in the country and can be at par with medical facilities in Metro Manila, such as St. Luke’s once it becomes fully operational, said Chairman Dante A. Ang of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), who was one of the dignitaries at the event.

“This medical and wellness center when completed will have amenities such as a nursing home, a gym, a shopping center, a swimming pool, a bowling alley, and a billiards hall, so that visitors and patients would have extra activities when they are here,” he added.

Ang described the medical and wellness center as a “one-stop medical and wellness community.”

Operated and maintained by the George Dewey Medical College, the George Dewey Medical and Wellness Center will employ 300.

Ang said they have recruited doctors trained from Singapore and Europe.

Located at the former Cubi Hospital Complex, which is in the heart of Subic Bay, the medical facility now has 50 beds and has plans to add another 150.

Besides the amenities, Ang said the medical and wellness center also boasts of the latest equipment.

Among those who also attended the inauguration were Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Administrator Armand Arreza, Olongapo City Mayor James Gordon Jr., SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investments Hermenegildo Atienza III, and directors and members of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce. -- Anthony Bayarong - Manila Times

UK firm takes over FedEx Subic facility Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has forged an agreement with UK-based Stratospheric Airship Technologies (SAT) which has committed to invest $500 million for aircraft manufacturing by taking over the facilities of logistics giant FedEx, which is leaving Subic Bay Freeport to transfer its regional logistics hub to China.

SAT legal counsel Atty. Inky Reyes said that SAT UK Ltd. managing director Bryn Lloyd Williams and SBMA administrator Armand C. Arreza recently signed the memorandum of agreement.

According to Reyes, SAT is not going to replace the Asia Pacific hub operations of FedEx but rather transform the facility into an aircraft manufacturing hub. The airships are designed to become communication platforms.

"It is an entirely different operations," Reyes said. Its facilities will be located in a 20-hectare area adjacent to the FedEx facilities, Reyes said.

“It will not operate as a logistics facility but if there is a company interested to operate like the operations of FedEx we will make adjustments so everybody can be accommodated," Reyes said. The lease contract of FedEx with SBMA will expire in December this year.

This will be SAT’s first entry into the country although but it has operations in Spain, India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

In a statement, FedEx confirmed that some employees who hold positions that do not support the operations of the Asia Pacific Hub in Subic Bay have been offered an option to relocate to Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore, or China.

"We are taking immediate steps to keep as many employees in the FedEx family as possible," the statement said.

During the transition and after the relocation of employees, FedEx operations in the Philippines will operate as normal. FedEx remains committed to providing the best possible services to its customers in the Philippines.

"We are taking immediate steps to keep as many employees in the FedEx family as possible," the statement added.

Affected employees who are not successful applying for other comparable jobs within FedEx or who do not have the opportunity to relocate will be provided a severance payment which is in excess of that required by the labor law in the Philippines.

Since FedEx informed the government of its decision to relocate to Guangzhou, China, the SBMA also started looking for possible replacements.


Singapore is No. 1 choice

among expatriates Singapore is the best city in the world for Asian expatriates to live in due mainly to its quality of life and low crime rate, a survey released recently by ECA International showed. Within Asia, Manila was ranked 24th and globally 133rd, while Jakarta was 39th regionally and 190th worldwide. Sydney was rated 2nd with 3rd spot shared by Melbourne and Kobe in Japan. Rounding out the top 10 list for Asian expatriates was Copenhagen in 5th spot, followed by Canberra and Vancouver. Wellington and Yokohama shared 8th spot, with Dublin next.

RP expensive to foreign investors

The Philippines is one of the most expensive investment venues among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and other places in Asia surveyed by the Department of Finance (DOF). The Finance department’s consolidated reports showed that compared to select Asean countries mentioned in its report—Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam — the Philippines has the highest power rates, the 2nd highest labor costs in the capital city, and the peso appreciation against the US dollar last year was also the biggest in the region. The Philippines was even more expensive than Asian economic powerhouses China and India. Sources of the DOF information include press reports, Japan External Trade Organization, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, World Bank and IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2006.

Address all editorial comments, Suggestions and material to the Editor.

SBFCC Bldg. 866 Waterfront Road, SBFZ Tel #: 252-3180; Fax: 252-3190;

E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.subicchamber.org

DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY

Every effort is made to provide accurate and complete information. However, with the thousands of documents available, we cannot guarantee that there will be no errors. With respect to information contained herein. SBFCC makes no warranty, expressed or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to documents and programs available. SBFCC assumes no legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, process disclosed herein and hoes not represent that use of such information would not infringe on privately owned rights.

METERED TAXIS NOW ALLOWED AT NAIA

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has finally implemented a metered taxi service at Ninoy Aquino International Airports (NAIA) Terminals 1 and 2, on top of the coupon taxi service companies that charges high rates. Flag-down rate at these new metered airport taxis will be PhP70 for the first 500 meters and an additional PhP4 will be charged for every succeeding 300 meters. While these are higher than the flag down rate of PhP30 for regular taxis in Metro Manila, fares at these metered airport taxi cabs are expected to be much lower than the fares charged by the current taxi coupon service, where passengers normally pay up to PhP1,200 to go to the northern part of Metro Manila from the airport. From the airport to Makati by coupon taxi is around Php500 whereas the fare in a normal taxi (depending on the time of day) is only around Php100.


POEA passport satellite office

now open - DFA MANILA, Philippines – Effective April 15, a full-service passport satellite office at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration on Ortigas Avenue was opened to serve Filipino workers who are going abroad, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced earlier.

The new passport office is meant “for the benefit and convenience” of an estimated 2,000 Filipinos who leave for work abroad every day and who process their documents at the POEA.

The DFA said passport applications of OFWs filed at the POEA office would be processed and released after a maximum of seven working days for a fee of P750, or after 14 working days for a fee of P500.

“These passport fees remain among the lowest in the world. Moreover, most countries in the world take at least six weeks for passport processing,” it said in a statement.

Since July 2007, DFA has been issuing maroon-colored machine readable passports (MRPs), each containing a data summary pertaining to the passport holder in a format that a machine can recognize and read. Before that, the Philippines was the only country left in the world whose passports were manually prepared and were therefore not as secure.

“All countries in the world now issue and use MRPs,” the DFA said, adding that the Philippine passport now meets all the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization, making for faster passport check at port of entry, higher credibility for the Philippine passports, and better security for the passport holder's identity.

At the same time, the department has encouraged the public to file their passport applications way ahead of their intended travel date and not to wait until the last minute.

Passport application requirements include personal appearance and submission of the completed application form, three colored passport photos with royal blue background, authenticated birth certificate, and at least two government-issued identification cards and documents proving the applicant's identity and citizenship. The passport application form and guidelines may be downloaded from their website at www.dfa.gov.ph. By Veronica Uy INQUIRER.net

Graft, politics, poor tax collection worsen poverty - ADB

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said rampant corruption, political instability and poor revenue collections are the main culprits in the country’s worsening poverty incidence. In the report, Philippines: Critical Development Constraints, the Manila-based lender said the pace of poverty reduction has been slow, and income inequality remains high in the country.

Data released by the government showed that 26.9 percent of families in 2006 were below the official poverty threshold, up from 24.4 percent in 2003.

The ADB said the economy has fallen behind its neighbors in East and Southeast Asia over the past 5 decades.


CORRUPTION HINDERS GROWTH e all know it, but it needs to be continuously restated. The Asian Development Bank (ADB)

has again advised the Philippine government it needs to address the problems caused by corruption if it wants to sustain the 7.3 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth recorded in 2007. In its report titled Philippines: Critical Development Constraints, the ADB’s Economics and Research Department said addressing governance concerns should be made a top development priority in the Philippines. The report said poor infrastructure is a result of insufficient development spending and of poor governance in the Philippines. Poor governance, it said, causes leakages and the misappropriation of public funds. "Similarly, poor governance hinders the pace of poverty reduction, as it reduces growth of incomes and productive employment opportunities," it said. "It is also a major factor contributing to inequalities in access to education, health, infrastructure, and other productive assets, as well as to weaknesses of many poverty reduction programs. Therefore, addressing governance concerns will go a long way toward relaxing the critical constraints to growth and poverty reduction and should be made a top

development priority in the Philippines," the report added. The study said improved infrastructure alone is not enough to lower the costs of doing business and stimulate private investment as it needs to be accompanied by significant improvements in investor confidence, which requires the government to address adequately governance concerns by reducing corruption and improving political stability. The report proposed several policy actions to address the critical constraints to private investment, growth, and poverty reduction for the next five to eight years. It asked the government to institute efficient tax collection machinery, rationalize the fiscal incentives, streamline corporate and personal income tax systems, and enhance revenues from excise taxes. "Government procurement reforms should be monitored constantly to determine if they actually deliver a transparent and efficient system of bids and awards," it said.

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See something NQR? Help SBMA LED (Law Enforcement Dept) help you!

REPORT IT… Emergency: from landline, call 911

from cell phone, call 9111

Non-emergency or traffic violation report –Call 252-4550

For Binictican Housing 252-5347; For Kalayaan Housing 252-5346

Even better, for more serious offences, submit a Voluntary Statement to LED. Blank Voluntary

Statement Forms are available at all LED detachments or print one from the Chamber website at

www.subicchamber.org

If necessary, sign it as a concerned investor or resident drop it off at any LED detachment or FAX to 252-4667. Better yet — take a photo or two, to help substantiate

your complaint..

A picture is worth a thousand words!

“It is for us to pray not for tasks equal to our powers, but for powers equal to our tasks, to go forward with a great desire forever beating at the door of our hearts as we travel toward our distant goal.” - Helen Keller


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For sale at the Chamber Office:

EZ Map Subic Bay/Olongapo®

Connecting You To Your Destination

P100.00 only Call the Secretariat at 252-3180

Black 1995 Chevrolet Suburban, Blue Plate, 9 passenger executive vehicle. 8 Cylinders, 4 wheel drive, Power Steering, Anti-skid Brakes. Full Heavy Duty Towing Package, Warn Winch (9,000 pound) rating, full winch accessory kit, Bench Seat for rear passengers, Fully Air Conditioned. Many spare parts included all from USA. Fresh Registration and all documents available.

Price: Php 350,000 Available May 1, 2008 Contact Steve 0918-908-2874


ven if greenhouse emissions stopped overnight, the concentrations already in the atmosphere would still mean a global rise of between 0.5 and 1ºC. But what if the global temperature increased by another degree?

According to Mark Lynas, author of National Geographic’s “Six Degrees Could Change the World” the changes would no longer be gradual. Greenland’s glaciers and some of the lower lying islands would start to disappear. At 3ºC higher the Arctic would be ice-free all summer, the Amazon rainforest would begin to dry out and extreme weather patterns would become the norm, as we are already seeing with worldwide floods and droughts. An increase of 4ºC would see the oceans rise drastically. Then comes the twilight zone of climate change, if the global temperature rises again by another degree. Part of once temperate regions could become uninhabitable, while humans fight each other for the world’s remaining resources. The sixth degree is what is called the doomsday scenario as oceans become marine wastelands, deserts expand and catastrophic events become more common.

If we do nothing to reduce this threat, where will the tipping point be that may mean we are no longer able to stop global warming?

Simple things YOU can do to help combat global warming! Use Compact Fluorescent Bulbs - Replace 3 frequently used light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Save 300 lbs. of carbon dioxide and P2,400. per year.

Inflate Your Tires - Keep the tires on your car adequately inflated. Check them monthly. Save 250 lbs. of carbon dioxide and P3,400. per year.

Change Your Car Air Filter - Check your car's air filter monthly. Save 800 lbs. of carbon dioxide and P5,330 per year.

Use Recycled Paper - Make sure your printer paper is 100% post consumer recycled paper. Save 5 lbs. of carbon dioxide per ream of paper.

Check Your Water heater Keep your water heater thermostat no higher than 120°F. Save 550 lbs. of carbon dioxide and P1,230. per year.

Change the AC Filter - Clean or replace dirty air conditioner filters as recommended. Save 350 lbs. of carbon dioxide and P6,150 per year.

Take Shorter Showers - Showers account for 2/3 of all hot water heating costs. Save 350 lbs. of carbon dioxide and P4,000. per year

Buy Products Locally - Buy locally and reduce the amount of energy required to drive your products to your store.

Buy Minimally Packaged Goods - Less packaging could reduce your garbage by about 10%. Save 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide and P4,100 per year.

Buy a Hybrid Car - The average driver could save 16,000 lbs. of CO2 and P15,375 per year driving a hybrid

Buy a Fuel Efficient Car - Getting a few extra miles per gallon makes a big difference. Save thousands of lbs. of CO2 and a lot of money per year.

Carpool When You Can - Own a big vehicle? Carpooling with friends and co-workers saves fuel. Save 790 lbs. of carbon dioxide and hundreds of dollars per year.

Don't Idle in Your Car - Idling wastes money and gas, and generates pollution and global warming causing emissions. Except when in traffic, turn your engine off if you must wait for more than 30 seconds.

Reduce Garbage - Buy products with less packaging and recycle paper, plastic and glass. Save 1,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide per year.

Plant a Tree - Trees suck up carbon dioxide and make clean air for us to breathe. Save 2,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide per year.

Insulate Your Water Heater - Keep your water heater insulated could save 1,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide and P1,600. per year.

Replace Old Appliances - Inefficient appliances waste energy. Save hundreds of lbs. of carbon dioxide and hundreds of dollars per year.

Weatherize Your Home and Office - Caulk and weather strip your doorways and windows. Save 1,700 lbs. of carbon dioxide and P11,234 per year.

Unplug Un-Used Electronics - Even when electronic devices are turned off, they use energy. Save over 1,000 lbs of carbon dioxide and P10,500. per year.

Insulate Your Home - Make sure your walls and ceilings are insulated. Save 2,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide and P10,045. per year.

Air Dry Your Clothes Line - dry your clothes in the spring and summer instead of using the dryer. Save 700 lbs. of carbon dioxide and P3,075. per year.

Switch to a Tankless Water Heater - Your water will be heated as you use it rather than keeping a tank of hot water. Save 300 lbs. of carbon dioxide and P16,000 per year.

Buy Organic Food - The chemicals used in modern agriculture pollute the water supply, and require energy to produce.

Bring Cloth Bags to the Market - Using your own cloth bag instead of plastic or paper bags reduces waste and requires no additional energy.

Turn off Your Computer - Shut off your computer when not in use, and save 200 lbs of C02. Conserve energy by using your computer's "sleep mode" instead of a screensaver.

Be a Meat Reducer - The average diet contributes an extra 1.5 tons of greenhouse gases per year compared with a vegetarian diet. Eliminating meat and dairy intake one day a week can make a big difference.

Ditch the Plastic - 2.5 million individual plastic water bottles are thrown away every hour. Start using a reusable water bottle and just say no to plastic!

E


SBFCC ANNOUNCES exclusive MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY

Members receive for one complete calendar year:

Ongoing recognition through banner ad on the SBFCC website;

Opportunity to display banners at all SBFCC events; Live acknowledgement during SBFCC events throughout

the year; One year quarter page ad in monthly SBFCC Newsletter; Logo inclusion of event t-shirts and on-site banners at

special events; Recognition as Silver Circle member in SBFCC Directory; Recognition and banner placement as hole sponsor for

Annual SBFCC Golf Tournament; Unlimited mass emailing to all SBFCC members; Two (2) players at the Annual Golf Tournament;

Priority endorsement of products to SBFCC members and third party inquiries

Two (2) Complimentary admission tickets to all monthly SBFCC social events

AAllll iinncclluussiivvee ppaacckkaaggee pprriiccee:: PPhhpp 5500,,00000000

GGOOLLDDEENN EEAAGGLLEE MMEEMMBBEERR FOR A 2ND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

COMPANY: GLOBAL TERMINALS DEVT INC. GLOBAL SHIP MANAGEMENT & MARINE SERVICES INC.

Representative: ROSE B. BALDEO Type of Business: Marine Terminal Operation and Prime Real

Estate Development

Address: Bldg. 12P Rivera Pier SRF Compound, SBFZ

Tel. No.: 252-7064; 252-3158

E-mail Address: [email protected]

SSIILLVVEERR CCIIRRCCLLEE MMEEMMBBEERRSS COMPANY: ABSOLUTE SERVICE INC. Representative: Prof. DANNY J. PIANO Type of Business: Data entry, typesetting, Pre-press Technology Services Address: Bldg. 1149 George Dewey Complex, SBFZ Tel. No.: 252-3934; 252-5235 E-mail Address: [email protected]

COMPANY: INNOVE COMMUNICATIONS Representative: JESSIE ALANO Alternates: DAX APOLINARIO Type of Business: Telecom Services Address: 15/F Globe Telecom Telepark

111 Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Tel. No.: 0917-797-5282 (DA) E-mail Address: [email protected];

[email protected]

COMPANY: OCEAN ADVENTURE Representative: JOHN E. CORCORAN Type of Business: Marine Theme Park Address: Camayan Wharf, West Ilanin Forest Area, SBFZ Tel. No.: 252-9000 E-mail Address: [email protected]

COMPANY: PACTEC SUBIC BAY, INC. Representative: LEWIS STRICKLAND Type of Business: Manufacturing, packaging, handling, transpo,

IT design and fabrication and deliver packaging system

Address: 98 Lots 22 & 38 Efficiency Ave. SBIP P1, SBFZ Tel. No.: 252-8262 / 8393 / 8394 / 8086 E-mail Address: [email protected];

[email protected]

COMPANY: PETRON FREEPORT CORPORATION Representative: JEFFREY MANLAPAZ Type of Business: Retail of petroleum products Address: Rizal Avenue cor Argonaut Highway, SBFZ Tel. No.: 252-1858 E-mail Address: [email protected]

COMPANY: SUBIC ENERZONE CORPORATION Representative: ENGR. DANTE T. POLLESCAS Type of Business: Electric Distribution Address: Labitan St., Cor. Canal Road, CBD, SBFZ Tel. No.: 252-7398; 252-7392 E-mail Address: [email protected]


MMEEMMBBEERRSSHHIIPP RREENNEEWWAALLSS Individual Member: DAVID AND CYNTHIA BARNWELL Address: Subic Bay Freeport Zone E-mail Address: [email protected]

COMPANY: AMITY TRAVEL CORPORATION Representative: LUIS GALLEGO / THERESE COLLANTES Type of Business: IATA Travel Agency Address: Ground Flr VIP Bldg. 1150 ROXAS BLVD.,

ERMITA MANILA Tel. No.: 02 524-9671 to 76 E-mail Address: [email protected]

COMPANY: KEIHIN-EVERETT Representative: EDGARDO B. AUSTRIA Type of Business: Freight Forwarding Business, Import/Export Service

Provider, Cargo Consolidation Address: Unit 3-5 Gamma Comm’l Complex, Rizal Ave. cor

Manila Ave. CBD, SBFZ Tel. No.: 252-3108 252-3109 E-mail Address: [email protected]; [email protected]

COMPANY: SUBIC GAS PHILIPPINES & COMMERCIAL CENTER CORP.

Representative: FRANCISCO BARRETTO Type of Business: Gas Station & Shopping Mart / Convenience Store Address: BLDG. 724 Dewey Ave. CBD, SBFZ Tel. No.: 252-3120 E-mail Address: [email protected] COMPANY: SUBIC HOMES, INC. Representative: DARREL U. VILLANUEVA Type of Business: Developer & Sub-Lessor, rental and leasing of

residential houses in Binictican, SBFZ Address: 55 A Lansones St. Binictican Tel. No.: 252-1907 252-1906 E-mail Address: [email protected]

COMPANY: TRIBOA MEDTECH, INC. Representative: DR. LEONCIO DOMDOM, M.D. Type of Business: Medical Services Address: 2ND FLR TIME SQUARE Bldg. Sta. Rita Road, SBFZ Tel. No.: 252-8242 E-mail Address: [email protected]; [email protected]

COMPANY: VISION AIR AND SEA SERVICES, INC. Representative: KARIM N. ISRAEL Type of Business: Aviation and sea related services Address: Suite 147, Bldg 8015 Subic Bay International

Airport,SBFZ Tel. No.: 252-7571 E-mail Address: [email protected]; [email protected]

COMPANY: YUSEN AIR & SEA SERVICE PHILS. Representative: DONNA MERIGILDO Type of Business: International Forwarder Address: Unit 27 Gamma F Comm’l Complex CBD, SBFZ Tel. No.: 252-6774; 02 852-7101 E-mail Address: [email protected]

COMPANY: ZEN STEP PROFESSIONAL MGT. CORP. Representative: PETER R. TUMANDA Type of Business: Real properties management, company services Address: Canal Road cor manila Ave. CBD, SBFZ Tel. No.: 252-8137 E-mail Address: [email protected]

“Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.”

NNEEWW MMEEMMBBEERR Individual Member: R.B. PATTEN

Address: Subic Bay Freeport Zone

E-mail: [email protected]


PETER R. TUMANDA Phone No: 252-8137; 224-8084

SBFCC Corporate Secretary Fax No: 252-8137

President, ZEN STEP Professional Management Corp. E-Mail: [email protected]

Subic Loft Admin Building Canal Road cor Manila Avenue, Central Business District, SBFZ

Bus. Nature: Real properties management, company services

DANNY J. PIANO Phone No: 252-3934; 252-5235

SBFCC Director Fax No: 252-3935

President / CEO, Absolute Service Inc. E-Mail: [email protected]

Bldg. 1149 George Dewey Complex, SBFZ Bus. Nature: Data Entry, Typesetting and Prepress Technology Services

JOHN E. CORCORAN Phone No: 252-9000

SBFCC President Fax No: 252-5883

President, Ocean Adventure/ Camayan Beach Resort E-Mail: [email protected]

Camayan Wharf, West Ilanin Forest Area,

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE

Bus. Nature: Marine Theme Park & Beach Resort Hotel

ROSE B. BALDEO Phone No: 252-3159; 7064

SBFCC Vice President Fax No: 252-3072

Pres.& CEO, Global Terminals & Dev., Inc. (GTI) E-Mail: [email protected]

Pres & CEO, Global Ship Management & Marine Services Inc.

Bus. Nature: General Shipping Agency & International Ship Supplier

12P Bldg. Rivera Pier, SRF Compound, SBFZ

STEVE J. HAUCH Phone No: 252-1310 252-7906

SBFCC Treasurer Fax No: 252-7905

Vice President and Country Director, CORPORATE AIR, INC. E-Mail: [email protected]

Bldg. 8128 Subic Bay Int'l Airport, SBFZ Bus. Nature: Air Charter

RASHEDUL CHOWDHURY Phone No: 252-1340 252-1341


Vice President for Operations, D-J AEROSPACE, INC. E-Mail: [email protected]

#12 Aim High Corner Commitment St., SBIP, Phase 1, SBFZ Bus. Nature: Assembly of Aircraft Parts

DANTE T. POLLESCAS Phone No: 252-7392 / 7398


VP and General Manager, SUBIC ENERZONE CORP. E-Mail: [email protected]

Labitan St., Cor. Canal Road, CBD, SBFZ

Bus. Nature: Electric distribution

mixer at rama mahal - alan rigolettosbfcc.com/newsletters/may2008.pdfhardships of working abroad to...

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