Magsaysay challenges Gordons in Olongapo (http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/19015-magsaysay-challenges-gordons-in-olongapo.html)
Written by Henry Empeño / Correspondent
Thursday, 26 November 2009 19:41

SUBIC BAY FREE PORT—In what promises to be the biggest showdown yet in local political history, former Zambales governor Vicente Magsaysay formally declared his mayoralty bid in the city of Olongapo, the vote-rich bailiwick controlled since the early ’60s by the family of Sen. Richard Gordon.

Magsaysay, the longest-serving governor of Zambales, said he will run to put the Gordons to task on the matter of the city’s power debts that, he said, now amount to P2.5 billion.

“I am filing my candidacy for mayor of Olongapo tomorrow. And we go to town on one issue,” he said in a media briefing on Wednesday night at the Scuba Shack restaurant here.

“If they [the Gordon administration] can pay the power bills of more than P2.5 billion until the day before the elections, I will withdraw my candidacy. Hindi na ako tatakbo [I won’t run any more],” Magsaysay declared.

Magsaysay, 69, admitted that he should have retired from politics at this time, but decided otherwise because “I still have work to do.”

“I want to serve and give back something to Olongapo,” he said, pointing out that the city delivered more than 8,000 votes when he first ran for governor of Zambales.

“That helped me a lot in winning the Zambales seat,” added Magsaysay, who became the youngest Zambales governor at age 28.

Since his 1968 foray into the Zambales gubernatorial race, Magsaysay had served as the chief executive of the province for several terms: the first in 1968-1978, then again in 1978-1986, and from 1998 to 2007.

Magsaysay’s declaration has yet to elicit reaction from the Gordon camp which, incidentally, buried their matriarch, former city mayor Amelia Juico-Gordon, on Wednesday afternoon, just hours before Magsaysay stated his intention to run in their city.

While speculations were rife that the Gordons would make an important political announcement sometime after Amelia’s funeral, Olongapo’s first family remained characteristically mum on who would run for the various strategic local positions the clan had controlled since James Sr. became Olongapo’s first city mayor in the early ’60s.

*************

Paano yan, dahil sa pagtakbo ni Govic sa Gapo, mukang sure win na naman si Lolo Gob Deloso sa Zambales...

Freeport to boost Bataan’s economy (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/232457/freeport-boost-bataan-s-economy)
By MAR T. SUPNAD
December 4, 2009, 4:09pm
Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/232457/freeport-boost-bataan-s-economy)

MARIVELES, Bataan – Representative Abet S. Garcia of the 2nd District, expressed optimism Friday that the province will become richer in the coming years with the creation of the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) with the expected pouring in of additional investments and the generation of tens of thousands of employment.

Rep. Garcia was the architect of the creation of the FAB after sponsoring Republic Act No. 9728, which converted Bataan Economic Zone (BEZ) into FAB, which is expected to become a major Freeport and Ecozone since the area is strategically located along the Manila Bay.

Governor Enrique “Tet” Garcia predicted that around 100,000 new jobs will be generated once FAB goes into full swing. Rep. Garcia is a son of the governor.

“In fact, right after the law was created, a number of investors, including foreigners, are getting in touch with us and expressed keen interest in investing in FAB, an indication that the newly created freeport will become bullish,” Rep. Garcia told this reporter.

Balanga City Mayor Joet S. Garcia, another son of the governor, is now also introducing a scheme to make Balanga as a World Class University town, urging his constituents to prepare for the FAB.

Rep. Garcia said that the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of FAB is now being crafted and can be finished anytime soon.

Mayor Jesse Concepcion of this host town, also heaved a sigh of relief with the conversion of BEZ into FAB, saying this has saved BEZ from its imminent collapse and bankruptcy. Rep. Garcia and Mayor Concepcion blamed Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), the umbrella organization of the country’s economic zones, for its total neglect of BEZ, resulting in the closure of a number of companies here and dislocation of tens of thousands of employers for the past several years.

Under the law, Rep. Garcia pointed out, FAB shall have an authorized capital stock of P2 B with the option to increase capitalization.

For his part, Mayor Concepcion said that thousands of dislocated workers inside BEZ have refused to leave Mariveles in anticipation that they will be rehired soon, saying these displaced workers can now have the chance to be employed with the conversion of BEZ into FAB.

“FAB will become a magnet for investors due to the various benefits, such as taxes and other emoluments not to mention its infrastructure which will be improved in the coming days and this means a lot of employment will be created,” added Rep. Garcia.

salamat naman at dadarating na rin ang sm. kaya lang sana huwag sa mainroad. baka traffic nanaman yan.

Actually, SM Savemore is already inside the 2 malls and the last time i went to Mega Center - The Mall, it is undergoing expansion/redesign.

Comebacking NE mayor files CoC (http://centralluzondaily.com/index.php?action=article&n_id=4469)

BY: MAGTANGGOL C. VILAR

CABANATUAN CITY – Comebacking Mayor Julius Cesar “Jay” Vergara and nine of his party-mates trooped to city hall on Tuesday and made a tour of the various offices before filing their certificates of candidacies.

City Election Officer Harold Ramos accepted the COCs filed under the newly formed “Unang Sigaw, Partido ng Pagkakaisa” (USPP) and stamped them “received” amidst wild cheering of a huge gathering of supporters outside the election office sitting astride the city hall building.

Vergara, incumbent Vice Mayor Jolly Garcia and nine other candidates for councilors were accompanied by their respective spouses and other close relatives and avid supporters.

The line-up of city councilors are as follows: re-electionist Ariel Severino, Froy Valino, Joselito “Bunso” Roque, Lito Saclolo, John-John del Rosario, and Raymundo Agapito, Jean Cruz, and Pee Wee Ferrer.

As of this writing, only one Elpidio de Belen, a businessman, has filed his COC as candidate for city mayor.

Running under a platform of a continuing reform for growth in various agriculture and industrial pursuits, Vergara has promised to pursue what he had begun after his nine-year term ended in the 2007 elections.

He had prepared and set as his blueprint various infra projects in the city such as the integrated sewerage project that had rendered the city literally flood-free, and the massive road network that would open this growing metropolis as trade partner for future developing provinces in the region.

Bannering the USPP in the city, Vergara had run in the past elections under the Liberal Party.

Gov. Aurelio “Oyie” Umali, who heads the USPP, had a merging of forces with the Vergaras in the 2007 elections.

The Umali-Vergara union in the 2007 elections had resulted in the trouncing of the daunting forces of the Joson brothers. Where Alvin Vergara, cousin of Mayor Jay, beat Tomas III in the mayoral contest in the city, Umali bested Mariano Cristino “Boyet” in the gubernatorial seat.

Umali’s wife Czarina outvoted former Vice Gov. Eduardo “Ding Liit” Joson in the 3rd congressional district contest.

Only Edward Thomas, eldest son of ex-Gov. Tomas survived and lorded it over at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. He is now pitted against Gov. Umali.

Former Gov. Tomas Joson, who chairs the Bagong Lakas ng Nueva Ecija party, would be serving as campaign manager for his son.

Umali vs Joson (http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2009-11-25&sec=8&aid=107927)

The 2010 gubernatorial fight in Nueva Ecija is going to be a return bout between Gov. Aurelio M. Umali and Vice Gov. Edward Thomas F. Joson.

Stalwarts of the Joson-led Bagong Lakas ng Nueva Ecija Party yesterday announced the fielding of Edward Thomas, eldest son of former four-termer Gov. Tomas N. Joson III, against Umali.

The selection of Edward Thomas finally ended weeks of speculations on who among the Josons or from the Balane camp will challenge Umali.

Edward Thomas will have actor and senior Provincial Board Member Rommel Padilla as his running mate, said Tomas III, the Balane party chairman.

Padilla, brother of action star Robin Padilla, will be pitted against Umali’s running mate GP Padiernos under the Unang Sigaw Partido ng Pagbabago.

Tomas III also named the congressional bets for the province’s four districts: Josie Manuel-Joson (1st district), Leopoldo Tomas (2nd district), Eduardo “Ding Liit” Joson IV (3rd district), and Rep. Rody Antonino (4th district).


Gov. Oyie Umali versus Vice Gov. Edward Joson

The Joson-Balane led majori provincial board members:

1. Rommel Cariño-Padilla, Balane of Cuyapo town and brother of BB Gandanghari Rustom Padilla (1st Dist.)
2. Eric Salazar, Balane and son of retire Talavera town teacher (1st Dist.)
3. Cesar Cucio, Balane politician from Guimba town (1st Dist.)
4. Wilfredo Munsayac, Balane politician from San Jose City (2nd Dist.)
5. Melchor Morales, Balane of Cabanatuan City and son of retired PJGMRMC Hospital director Dr. Morales (3rd Dist.)
6. Raquel Agapito, Balane and daughter of retired Judge Agapito of Baler, Aurora (3rd Dist.)
7. Romanito Juatco, Balane and businessman from San Leonardo town (4th Dist.)
8. Zaldy G. Matias, Balane politician of Gapan City (4th Dist.)
9. Lance Jarwin Santos - Balane

The Umali-Unang Sigaw minority board members:

1. Joseph R. Ortiz, Lakas-CMD of San Jose City (2nd Dist.)
2. Lamberto S. Salvador , Lakas-CMD of (2nd Dist.)
3. Teresita Patiag, Lakas-CMD of Peñaranda town (4th Dist.)
4. Romeo Borja, Lakas-CMD of Pantabangan
5. Edmund Abesamis, Lakas-CMD of Gen. Tinio town

Gov. Oyie Umali is in all-out mode campaigning for the ouster of all Joson-Balane member of the provincial board who are opposing his administration programs, projects and progress of the province.

The Joson-dominated Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has slashed by a whopping P325 million the proposed budget of the province of Nueva Ecija, a move which has raised a howl of protest from the camp of Gov. Aurelio Umali. The amount is lower by P325,503,861 from the P1,400,117,806 proposed by the governor’s office.

Edward Thomas Joson came with his wife and daughter, along with the other Josons, namely his father, former four-time Governor Tomas III, mother May, aunt come-backing former three-term Congresswoman Josie Manuel-Joson, uncles former Vice Governors Mariano Cristino and Eduardo IV, nephew businessman Rey Joson and the other candidates of the Bagong Lakas ng Nueva Ecija.

Josie Manuel-Joson and Eduardo “Ding Liit” IV are running for Congress in the first and third congressional districts against VP for Luzon Rene Diaz and Gov. Oyie wife Rep. Cherry Umali, respectively; Mariano Cristino “Boyet” as mayor of Quezon town against Col. Peter Hizon, and Rey, son of outgoing first district Rep. Eduardo Nonato as board member in his father’s district.

The following are the popular re-electionist Team Vergara city councilors Froy Valino, Joselito “Bunso” Roque, Lito Saclolo, and John-John del Rosario.

Experts welcome BNPP rehab prospect (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/19334-experts-welcome-bnpp-rehab-prospect-.html)
Business Mirror (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/19334-experts-welcome-bnpp-rehab-prospect-.html)
Written by Lyn Resurreccion / Science Editor and James Mendoza / Researcher
Thursday, 03 December 2009 22:22

EXPERTS welcomed the recommendation of Korea Electric Power Corp. (Kepco) to rehabilitate the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), which has been mothballed for two decades.

“I hope they [nuclear experts rehabilitate] and open the nuclear power plant [as soon as possible],” Dr. Carlo Arcilla, director of the University of the Philippines National Institute of Geological Sciences, told the BusinessMirror at the sidelines of the national conference held by the Geological Society of the Philippines on Thursday.

Arcilla said Kepco has been running an “exact copy”—known as Kori 2—of the BNPP for two decades already, which explains the Korean company’s expertise on the same generation of the nuclear power plant.

“This [Kepco recommendation] tells me it is really feasible to run the plant [BNPP],” Arcilla said.

South Korea currently has 20 nuclear power plants and has six others being constructed, International Atomic Energy Agency data show. There are a total of 436 nuclear power plants in operation and 53 being constructed worldwide.

In the same conference, Pangasinan Rep. Mark Cojuangco said Kepco’s report confirmed the studies done in 1996 which said the rehabilitation of the BNPP is indeed feasible.

Kepco was commissioned by the National Power Corp. (Napocor) to do a feasibility study on the BNPP. Napocor president Froilan Tampinco told reporters on Wednesday that Kepco has submitted its report and recommended that “it is possible to rehabilitate” the nuclear power plant.

Asked by BusinessMirror on whether Napocor could go ahead with the rehabilitation and subsequent operation of the BNPP independent of the approval of his bill pending in Congress on the same matter, Cojuangco said, “My action [legislation] is independent of Napocor. The executive can decide on its own.”

But he quickly added: “A legislative mandate [which would allow the process go through public discussion] would make the people own it.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Alumanda de la Rosa, director of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), told BusinessMirror in a separate interview that whoever will rehabilitate the BNPP will have to apply for a license with the PNRI.

“There should be a regulatory review. The PNRI is the regulatory body. They have to apply [for a license to rehabilitate the power plant]. They cannot rehabilitate and operate it on their own. There should be a regulatory oversight,” de la Rosa explained regarding the required process.

Kepco has not yet submitted an estimate of the cost and the time frame for the rehabilitation of the power plant.

De la Rosa said initial estimates of the rehabilitation cost were from $800 million to $1 billion.

Most of the equipment that need to be replaced involve the conventional side (control system and electrical), while the nuclear side (nuclear-reactor core) “is fine,” Tampinco told reporters earlier.

Asked if the Kepco recommendation was caused by its alleged desire to run the plant on its own, Cojuangco said Kepco is not interested.

“This is a small potato for them,” he said. “Kepco has 20 running plants, much bigger than BNPP in Korea today. They’ll be commissioning seven more in the next two years, and in the next five to seven years they’ll have a total of 38 running plants in Korea,” Cojuangco explained.

Cojuangco also dismissed fears on BNPP’s proximity to Mount Natib, a volcano.

“As it stands today Mt. Natib is considered an extinct volcano,” he said.

He explained that geologists who oppose the operation of BNPP could not find any evidence of any recent eruption of the volcano.

“They found a piece of charcoal carbon-dated to 150 years. We know in history that there was no eruption of the volcano between the last 150 years.”

He said that the charcoal could possibly be the product of wood burnt by forest fires in the area.

Arcilla said: “Personally I think it [volcanic danger to BNPP] is a nonissue.”

He said the two recorded dates of Mount Natib’s eruption was 27,000 years and 60,000 years ago.

He added that since studies have shown that no earthquake fault exists under or near the BNPP, “the issue should be laid to rest.”

Cojuangco said he is calling for a vote on House Bill 6300 but it is being hampered by the absence of a quorum.

“I believe that I can get it to a vote if I can get a quorum in the Congress. I can’t get a vote because everybody is now focused on the election,” he said.

Cojuangco authored House Bill 4631, which was consolidated with similar measures into House Bill 6300, that is seeking to recommission the BNPP. The solon argued that by 2013 the country will have a 3,000-megawatt energy shortfall that will put its economic activity to a halt.

He said renewable energy is “too expensive” for now and incapable of providing the country with the power of baseline capacity.

Bataan to become richer with creation of FAB (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/19411-bataan-to-become-richer-with-creation-of-fab-.html)
Business Mirror (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/19411-bataan-to-become-richer-with-creation-of-fab-.html)
Written by Butch Gunio / Special to the BusinessMirror
Monday, 07 December 2009 21:30

MARIVELES—Bataan Second District Rep. Abet Garcia expressed optimism that the province will become richer in the coming years with the creation of the Free port Area of Bataan (FAB), along with the expected pouring of additional investments and the generation of tens of thousands of jobs.

The solon was the architect of FAB, after sponsoring Republic Act 9728, which converted the Bataan Economic Zone (BEZ) into FAB, seen to become a major free port and economic zone because of its strategic location along the Manila Bay.

“In fact, right after the law was created, a number of investors, including foreign, are getting in touch with us and expressed keen interest in investing in FAB, an indication that the newly created FAB will become bullish,” Garcia revealed.

“FAB will become a magnet for investors due to the various benefits, such as taxes and other emoluments, not to mention its infrastructures which will be improved in the coming days. This means a lot of employment will be created,” he added.

The solon predicted that around 100,000 new jobs will be generated once FAB goes full-swing operation.

Garcia said the implementing rules and regulations of FAB is now being crafted and can be finished anytime. He added that the composition of the FAB sole authority is also being finalized.

The solon also said FAB shall have a capital stock of P2 billion coming from the national government.

He said he is working to include the initial release of fund for FAB in the General Appropriations Act next year.

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority, umbrella organization of the country’s economic zones, has been blamed for the neglect of BEZ, resulting in the closure of a number of companies here and dislocation of tens of thousands of employees for the past several years.

Magsaysay challenges Gordons in Olongapo (http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/19015-magsaysay-challenges-gordons-in-olongapo.html)
Written by Henry Empeño / Correspondent
Thursday, 26 November 2009 19:41

SUBIC BAY FREE PORT—In what promises to be the biggest showdown yet in local political history, former Zambales governor Vicente Magsaysay formally declared his mayoralty bid in the city of Olongapo, the vote-rich bailiwick controlled since the early ’60s by the family of Sen. Richard Gordon.

Magsaysay, the longest-serving governor of Zambales, said he will run to put the Gordons to task on the matter of the city’s power debts that, he said, now amount to P2.5 billion.

“I am filing my candidacy for mayor of Olongapo tomorrow. And we go to town on one issue,” he said in a media briefing on Wednesday night at the Scuba Shack restaurant here.

“If they [the Gordon administration] can pay the power bills of more than P2.5 billion until the day before the elections, I will withdraw my candidacy. Hindi na ako tatakbo [I won’t run any more],” Magsaysay declared.

Magsaysay, 69, admitted that he should have retired from politics at this time, but decided otherwise because “I still have work to do.”

“I want to serve and give back something to Olongapo,” he said, pointing out that the city delivered more than 8,000 votes when he first ran for governor of Zambales.

“That helped me a lot in winning the Zambales seat,” added Magsaysay, who became the youngest Zambales governor at age 28.

Since his 1968 foray into the Zambales gubernatorial race, Magsaysay had served as the chief executive of the province for several terms: the first in 1968-1978, then again in 1978-1986, and from 1998 to 2007.

Magsaysay’s declaration has yet to elicit reaction from the Gordon camp which, incidentally, buried their matriarch, former city mayor Amelia Juico-Gordon, on Wednesday afternoon, just hours before Magsaysay stated his intention to run in their city.

While speculations were rife that the Gordons would make an important political announcement sometime after Amelia’s funeral, Olongapo’s first family remained characteristically mum on who would run for the various strategic local positions the clan had controlled since James Sr. became Olongapo’s first city mayor in the early ’60s.

*************

Paano yan, dahil sa pagtakbo ni Govic sa Gapo, mukang sure win na naman si Lolo Gob Deloso sa Zambales...

I am not a fan of political dynasty but in this regard I would rather endorse the Gordon dynasty than the Magsaysay's. The Gordons have done a lot for Olongapo while the Magsaysays haven't done anything for Zambales. The province trails behind the rest of central and western Luzon in terms of economic progress. At least the Gordon has continually supported SBMA to extend its positive impact throughout the rest of the province.

06 December 2009
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/4168846640_2856b9be69.jpg

Actually, SM Savemore is already inside the 2 malls and the last time i went to Mega Center - The Mall, it is undergoing expansion/redesign.

that is great, at least sm will come na talaga.

Gov. Oyie Umali versus Vice Gov. Edward Joson

The Joson-Balane led majori provincial board members:

1. Rommel Cariño-Padilla, Balane of Cuyapo town and brother of BB Gandanghari Rustom Padilla (1st Dist.)
2. Eric Salazar, Balane and son of retire Talavera town teacher (1st Dist.)
3. Cesar Cucio, Balane politician from Guimba town (1st Dist.)
4. Wilfredo Munsayac, Balane politician from San Jose City (2nd Dist.)
5. Melchor Morales, Balane of Cabanatuan City and son of retired PJGMRMC Hospital director Dr. Morales (3rd Dist.)
6. Raquel Agapito, Balane and daughter of retired Judge Agapito of Baler, Aurora (3rd Dist.)
7. Romanito Juatco, Balane and businessman from San Leonardo town (4th Dist.)
8. Zaldy G. Matias, Balane politician of Gapan City (4th Dist.)
9. Lance Jarwin Santos - Balane

The Umali-Unang Sigaw minority board members:

1. Joseph R. Ortiz, Lakas-CMD of San Jose City (2nd Dist.)
2. Lamberto S. Salvador , Lakas-CMD of (2nd Dist.)
3. Teresita Patiag, Lakas-CMD of Peñaranda town (4th Dist.)
4. Romeo Borja, Lakas-CMD of Pantabangan
5. Edmund Abesamis, Lakas-CMD of Gen. Tinio town

Gov. Oyie Umali is in all-out mode campaigning for the ouster of all Joson-Balane member of the provincial board who are opposing his administration programs, projects and progress of the province.

The Joson-dominated Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has slashed by a whopping P325 million the proposed budget of the province of Nueva Ecija, a move which has raised a howl of protest from the camp of Gov. Aurelio Umali. The amount is lower by P325,503,861 from the P1,400,117,806 proposed by the governor’s office.

Edward Thomas Joson came with his wife and daughter, along with the other Josons, namely his father, former four-time Governor Tomas III, mother May, aunt come-backing former three-term Congresswoman Josie Manuel-Joson, uncles former Vice Governors Mariano Cristino and Eduardo IV, nephew businessman Rey Joson and the other candidates of the Bagong Lakas ng Nueva Ecija.

Josie Manuel-Joson and Eduardo “Ding Liit” IV are running for Congress in the first and third congressional districts against VP for Luzon Rene Diaz and Gov. Oyie wife Rep. Cherry Umali, respectively; Mariano Cristino “Boyet” as mayor of Quezon town against Col. Peter Hizon, and Rey, son of outgoing first district Rep. Eduardo Nonato as board member in his father’s district.

napanood ko sa tv patrol kanina, nasa hotspot ng comelec ang nueva ecija. ehehehehe...

Ayala Land Inc. to craft master plan for Subic-Olongapo business triangle (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/19585-ayala-land-inc-to-craft-master-plan-for-subic-olongapo-business-triangle.html)
Business Mirror (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/19585-ayala-land-inc-to-craft-master-plan-for-subic-olongapo-business-triangle.html)
Written by Henry Empeño / Correspondent
Thursday, 10 December 2009 19:02

SUBIC BAY FREE PORT — Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), one of the biggest property developers in the country, will be drawing up the master plan for a unique business-development project in this free port and the neighboring city of Olongapo.

The project, to be called the Central Business District (CBD) Triangle, will straddle the boundary between the Subic Bay Free Port and Olongapo City near the free port’s main gate.

Armand Arreza, administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), said the project will cover about 7,000 square meters of prime business land and will be the first step in the agency’s push to develop areas beyond Subic’s “secured area.”

ALI has formally committed to draw the project’s master plan in a memorandum of understanding signed on Wednesday by ALI president Anthony Aquino, Olongapo City Mayor James Gordon Jr. and Arreza.

Arreza said in a statement on Thursday that the CBD Triangle project aims to make the adjoining portions of Subic Free Port and Olongapo City “into a green, environment-friendly residential, commercial and institutional area.”

“This will be the initial project in accordance with the SBMA’s thrust to extend the physical boundaries of the Subic Free Port, and in the process generate more livelihood opportunities for people in the surrounding communities,” Arreza said.

The CBD Triangle project “will effectively generate economic activities in the city, provide more jobs, and improve the quality of life of the residents,” he said.
According to a land-use plan presented by ALI, the project will be located inside the triangle formed by Magsaysay Dr., Rizal Ave. Ext., and Perimeter Rd. in Olongapo City.

It will also include the former SubCom area inside the free port, which will be transformed into a mixed-use area, but predominantly for retail establishments.

Olongapo’s famous entertainment district which is bounded by Magsaysay Dr. and Rizal Ave., will be transformed into a commercial-office block.

Nearby, an institutional area will rise within the area bounded by Fendler, Third, Hansen and First Sts., also in Olongapo.

ALI’s Aquino said all the construction projects in the CBD Triangle “will be relevant to the history, culture and dynamics of Subic Bay and Olongapo City.”

The project will be environment-friendly, with the banks of the Kalalake River inside the CBD Triangle turned into a waterfront garden for relaxation, picnics and small-group activities.

“Any transformation should be planned well. Otherwise, the deterioration of the environment will continue,” Aquino added.

Arreza said the SBMA began entertaining the expansion project into Olongapo after President Arroyo signed on Nov. 5, 2007, Executive Order 675, which granted tax and duty-free privileges to investors locating beyond the “secured area,” but within the Subic Special Economic and Free Port Zone.

He added that aside from undertaking the master plan for the CBD Triangle, ALI has also volunteered to draw the plans for beach areas in Olongapo City that are eyed for development into world-class tourist resorts.

Ayala Land tapped for Subic masterplan (http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/business-columns/7741-ayala-land-tapped-for-subic-masterplan)
Manila Times (http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/business-columns/7741-ayala-land-tapped-for-subic-masterplan)
Monday, 14 December 2009 00:00


BY BEN ARNOLD O. DE VERA REPORTER

STATE-RUN Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said it has tapped Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) to create a master plan for a central business district (CBD) encompassing an area between Subic Bay Freeport Zone and Olongapo City.

SBMA and the Olongapo City government recently forged a memorandum of understanding with ALI, appointing the country’s largest property firm as developer of the project dubbed as “Central Business District Triangle.”

Armand Arreza, SBMA administrator, said the CBD Triangle was conceptualized after President Gloria Arroyo in 2007 signed Executive Order 675, which granted tax and duty-free privileges to investors locating beyond the “secured area” but within Subic Special Economic and Free Port Zone.

SBMA said the upcoming CBD Triangle would cover a 7,000-square-meter land along and inside the triangle formed by Magsaysay Drive, Rizal Avenue Extension and Perimeter Road in Olongapo City, and of the freeport’s former SubCom Area.

According to the land use plan proposed by ALI, Magsaysay Drive would become a commercial office block, while Rizal Avenue Extension would be a residential area.

The plan also called for the establishment of an institutional area within the block composed of Fendler, First, Hansen and Third streets.

SubCom would be converted into a mixed-use area, with emphasis on retail establishments.

“The master plan aims to transform a portion of Olongapo City and the Subic Bay Freeport into a green, environment-friendly residential, commercial and institutional area,” Arreza said.

“This will be the initial project in accordance with the SBMA’s thrust to extend the physical boundaries of the Subic Freeport, and in the process generate more livelihood opportunities for people in the surrounding communities,” he added.

The appointment of ALI as developer of the new Subic CBD comes in the wake of the property firm’s establishment of its first green multi-use development project called NUVALI.

Straddling Santa Rosa and Canlubang in the province of Laguna, NUVALI would involve the development of a residential-cum-commercial zone that would tap green technologies, such as the use of recycled water and the deployment of clean energy.

This agreement with Ayala is great news. This area of Olongapo really needs a major facelift and who can better do it other than ALI.

sad news, Alvin Vergara vs. Jay Vergara in 2010 sana magteam-up na lang sila imbes na maglaban. Pulitika talaga dito sa Nueva Ecija napakakulay.:nuts:

sad news, Alvin Vergara vs. Jay Vergara in 2010 sana magteam-up na lang sila imbes na maglaban. Pulitika talaga dito sa Nueva Ecija napakakulay.:nuts:

Nabasa ko nga rin yan eh sa isang local paper. Mukang nung Nobyembre lang nagkaganyan, eh nung mga earlier months it hinted that Mayor Alvin Vergara was supposed to go back na lang sa Celcor with jay retaking his seat.

Jay Vergara will be staging his political comeback under the Umali-led Unang Sigaw which is a Lakas-Kampi affiliate, while Alvin Vergara will be running under the Balane (Joson) side, am I correct with this one?

For the vice mayoralty, Jay will have incumbent Marius Garcia; sino ba ang running mate ni Alvin Vergara? (Besides a majority of Alvin's men went with Jay, who is also supporting incumbent Councilor Nero Mercado for the board seat in NE)

Ayala Land eyes free port perks for Olongapo project (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=532548&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Bebot Sison Jr. (The Philippine Star (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=532548&publicationSubCategoryId=66)) Updated December 15, 2009 12:00 AM

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT , Philippines — The extension of Subic Bay Freeport’s tax and duty-free privileges to Olongapo City will be a key factor in the P3-billion development project proposed by Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) for the city’s business district.

ALI president and chief executive Antonino Aquino said that fiscal incentives like Subic’s minimal five percent gross income tax, if successfully extended to the 7,000-square meter Olongapo City central business district (CBD) Triangle, would set the stage for robust trade in the area.

Aquino said these tax and duty-free incentives would enable the planned tripartite committee to offer attractive deals to win the cooperation of Olongapeños, particularly the business group, which he said would be the “lifeblood of this development.”

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) administrator and chief executive Armand Arreza assured Aquino that this prospect would be realized as soon as President Arroyo approves the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Executive Order 675, which was signed by the President on Nov. 05, 2007 to expand the area where tax and duty-free privileges would apply.

“Once the President gives her approval, it is up to the city of Olongapo to decide what particular incentives to offer,” said Arreza.

Per agreement, ALI will commission the master plan for the project free of charge, granted that the city government would give ALI the option to develop or purchase, subject to applicable laws, Olongapo City’s properties inside the 7,000-square meter project area.

ALI announced recently that it would invest P3 billion for a mixed-use master-planned community in the Subic Bay Freeport – a 7.5-hectare property separated from the proposed Olongapo City CBD Triangle only by a man-made channel.

Arreza, who pushed for the expansion of Subic’s free port regime to nearby communities, said the proposed project would boost Subic’s drive to gain more investments and create more livelihood opportunities for local residents.

He added that the recent moves of ALI, one of the biggest real estate developers in the country today, “clearly demonstrates what EO 675 can do to the regions between Subic and Clark.”

Arreza explained that under the EO 675, tax- and duty-free privileges within the Subic Special Economic and Free Port Zone (SSEFPZ) “shall apply within the secured area consisting of the presently fenced-in former Subic Naval Base and such other areas that may be identified, fenced, secured, or declared as additional secured area by the SBMA.”

The IRR for EO 675, a collaborative work of the SBMA and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) here, details the process of identifying, administering, and regulating the areas where incentives can be extended.

Among the incentives the SBMA offers to investors registering in the Subic Bay Freeport are tax- and duty-free importation; exemption from all local and national taxes, with only a five percent corporate tax on gross income; unrestricted entry of foreign investments; no foreign exchange control; visas for foreign nationals; and expanded allowable deduction and higher percentage of income allowable from sources within the Customs territory for regional enterprises.

is there a way to drive from bagac to morong without going back to roman highway and sctex?

Duty-free privileges key to Ayala Land’s Olongapo development plan (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/19752-duty-free-privileges-key-to-ayala-lands-olongapo-development-plan.html)
Written by Henry Empeño / Correspondent
Tuesday, 15 December 2009 19:23
Business Mirror (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/19752-duty-free-privileges-key-to-ayala-lands-olongapo-development-plan.html)

SUBIC BAY FREE PORT— The tax- and duty-free regime that has made this free port one of the biggest generators of foreign direct investment in the country would also be crucial to the realization of a 7,000-sq-meter Ayala Land development project in this free port and nearby Olongapo City.

Armand Arreza, administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), said the project proponent has stressed that Subic’s tax- and duty-free privileges would be “a key component in realizing the P3-billion development project proposed by Ayala Land Inc. [ALI].”

According to ALI president and CEO Anthony Aquino, fiscal incentives like Subic’s minimal 5-percent gross income tax, if successfully extended to the 7,000-sq-meter Olongapo City Central Business District (CBD) Triangle, “would set the stage for robust trade in the area.” He added that the tax- and duty-free incentives would be part of the package that the developer could offer to prospective investors and business locators.

Aquino also said that the developer is eyeing the participation of businessmen from Olongapo for the proposed CBD Triangle project, adding that local investments would be the “lifeblood of this development.”

Arreza said he has assured Aquino that tax- and duty-free perks will be applied to the CBD project as soon as President Arroyo approves the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Executive Order (EO) 675.

Arreza also said that the IRR for EO 675 has become a collaborative work of the SBMA and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) office in this free port.

The IRR details the process of identifying, administering and regulating the areas where said incentives can be extended, he added.

Arroyo signed the said EO on Nov. 5, 2007, citing the need to expand the area where Subic’s tax- and duty-free privileges would apply.

Arreza said that EO 675 provides that tax- and duty-free privileges within the Subic Special Economic and Free Port Zone “shall apply within the secured area consisting of the presently fenced-in former Subic Naval Base and such other areas that may be identified, fenced, secured, or declared as additional secured area by the SBMA.”

“Once the President gives her approval, it is up to the city of Olongapo to decide what particular incentives to offer,” he said.

Arreza, Aquino and Olongapo City Mayor James Gordon Jr. signed a Memorandum of understanding last week for the proposed Olongapo CBD Triangle project.

Under the agreement, ALI will commission the master plan for free, granted that the Olongapo government would give ALI the option to develop or purchase, subject to applicable laws, the city’s properties inside the 7,000-sq-meter project area.

Arreza, who has pushed for the expansion of Subic’s free-port regime to nearby communities, said the proposed project will be the first step in the agency’s push to develop areas beyond Subic’s secured area.

The CBD Triangle project aims to develop adjoining portions of the Subic Bay Free Port and Olongapo City “into a green, environment-friendly residential, commercial and institutional area.”

The project is expected to boost Subic’s drive to gain more investments and create more livelihood opportunities for local residents.

Arreza also said that among the incentives offered to Subic business locators are tax- and duty-free importation; exemption from all local and national taxes, with only a 5-percent corporate tax on gross income; unrestricted entry of foreign investments; no foreign exchange control; visas for foreign nationals; and expanded allowable deduction and higher percentage of income allowable from sources within the Customs territory for regional enterprises.

Good news talaga ito. This will definitely encourage businesses to consider Olongapo. Medyo crowded na kasi ang SBMA CBD so expanding its CBD to Olongapo is win-win proposal.

OLONGAPO CITY: “CITY OF VOLUNTEERS”

The City Council of Olongapo recently passed an ordinance adopting the title “City of Volunteers” for Olongapo City. All through out the country as well as the world, Olongapo City has been known to have strong values in volunteerism.


After a thorough deliberation, the City Council finally approved the ordinance sponsored by Councilor Gina Perez entitled “An Ordinance Adopting the Title of Olongapo City as “City of Volunteers” (Ordinance No. 31 series of 2009).


The Ordinance states that Olongapo City has to establish an identification which will reflect its entirety in terms of people, places and culture. With tourism becoming the prime source of income all throughout the country, the city has to initiate deep measures of promotion and recall to target tourists.


According to the ordinance, “The act of Volunteerism has been shown in 1991 when the Unites States Naval Forces pulled out from its geographical location adjacent to the locality, which unfortunately resulted to loss of employment and economic regression.”


It can be recalled that on November 24, 2009 Olongapo City celebrated the 17th Anniversary of Volunteers Day headed by Senator Richard Gordon and City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. during the wake of former City Mayor and Assemblywoman Amelia J. Gordon at the Olongapo City Convention Center.


“Ang isang tunay na volunteer ay ang gumagawa ng mga bagay na hindi nag-aantay ng anumang kapalit, ang aking ina ay tunay na halimbawa ng isang matatag na leader,” Mayor “Bong” Gordon, Jr. said during the program.


More than three thousand (3,000) volunteers and their relatives filled the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC). Prior to the program, the Bagumbayan volunteers led the floral offering and prayers for Ma’am Amelia Gordon, an original volunteer and the rest of the volunteers at Volunteers’ Shrine.

OLONGAPO CITY: “CITY OF VOLUNTEERS”

The City Council of Olongapo recently passed an ordinance adopting the title “City of Volunteers” for Olongapo City. All through out the country as well as the world, Olongapo City has been known to have strong values in volunteerism.


After a thorough deliberation, the City Council finally approved the ordinance sponsored by Councilor Gina Perez entitled “An Ordinance Adopting the Title of Olongapo City as “City of Volunteers” (Ordinance No. 31 series of 2009).


The Ordinance states that Olongapo City has to establish an identification which will reflect its entirety in terms of people, places and culture. With tourism becoming the prime source of income all throughout the country, the city has to initiate deep measures of promotion and recall to target tourists.


According to the ordinance, “The act of Volunteerism has been shown in 1991 when the Unites States Naval Forces pulled out from its geographical location adjacent to the locality, which unfortunately resulted to loss of employment and economic regression.”


It can be recalled that on November 24, 2009 Olongapo City celebrated the 17th Anniversary of Volunteers Day headed by Senator Richard Gordon and City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. during the wake of former City Mayor and Assemblywoman Amelia J. Gordon at the Olongapo City Convention Center.


“Ang isang tunay na volunteer ay ang gumagawa ng mga bagay na hindi nag-aantay ng anumang kapalit, ang aking ina ay tunay na halimbawa ng isang matatag na leader,” Mayor “Bong” Gordon, Jr. said during the program.


More than three thousand (3,000) volunteers and their relatives filled the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC). Prior to the program, the Bagumbayan volunteers led the floral offering and prayers for Ma’am Amelia Gordon, an original volunteer and the rest of the volunteers at Volunteers’ Shrine.

uy, wow dyan sa olongapo ah, malinis, maayos, at talgang may disiplina ang mga motorista dyan.

Subic Freeport Oct-Nov investments reach US$ 44.42M

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Zambales, Dec. 21 (PNA) -- Investments generated in this free port in the months of October and November have reached US$ 44.42 million, putting the cumulative total in the last 11 months at US$ 166.64 million.

Figures from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) indicated that a total of US$ 23.1 million were committed by 12 investor-companies here in October, while 22 firms pledged a total of US$ 21.32 million in November for their projects.

Among the top investors in the two-month period is real estate developer Ayala Land, Inc., which pledged US$ 21.4 million for the construction, development and operation of a retail and commercial center here.

Other investors with substantial project commitments included Aeroframe Composites, Inc., which pledged US$ 465,000 for the processing of composite parts and materials; Hamomo Corp., with US$ 385,274 for the operation of a real estate business; and Honey & Money Subic Corp., with US$ 321,062 for the development, management, and operations of a condominium, hotel and commercial complex.

SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza, who noted the resurgence of investments here following a slowdown late last year until early this year due to the global economic crisis, said this is “an encouraging sign.”

“As far as we can tell, Subic is fast regaining its footing in terms of investment generation,” Arreza said.

“While there has been a noticeable drop in FDIs (foreign direct investments), Filipino companies like Ayala Land have more than made up for the slump,” he said.

According to Arreza, FDIs recorded in the Subic Bay Freeport actually fell by more than 67 percent in January-November this year compared to the total in the same period last year.

The 2008 figure for the first 11 months was US$ 224.82 million, while the 2009 tally was only US$ 73.82 million.

On the other hand, 139 investment projects put up by Filipino companies contributed a total of US$ 96.22 million in investment pledges, or 57.74 percent of the US$ 166.64 million total for January-November.

After the Filipino investment commitments, the next biggest pledges were put up by 26 Korean firms with a total of US$ 55.86 million, or 33.52 percent; a Swiss project worth US$ 7 million, or 4.2 percent; six Taiwanese projects totaling US$ 2.86 million; and four Japanese projects with a total of US$ 1.27 million.

The 10 biggest investments in the 11-month period were committed by Ocean Nine Philkor, Inc., a Korean company that pledged US$ 52.38 million; Filipino developer Ayala Land, Inc., with US$ 21.4 million; Tountzis Shipping Inc. (Filipino), with US$ 20.23 million; Jadelink Subic Inc. (Filipino), US$ 16.85 million; Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing, Inc. (Swiss), US$ 7 million; Pure Petroleum Corp. (Filipino), US$ 6.22 million; Subic Business and Technology College (Filipino), US$ 4.29 million; Bonsure Evergreen International Corp. (Filipino), US$ 2.21 million; Chifil International Import-Export Manufacturing Co., Inc. (Filipino), US$ 1.41 million; and Eastern Subic Fuel Depot Corp. (Filipino), with US$ 1.05 million.

So far, the 163 projects approved by the SBMA this year are expected to contribute a total of 6,340 new jobs.

As of November this year, there are a total of 1,310 approved investment projects in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The cumulative investment commitments generated by these projects now total US$ 5.918 billion. (PNA)

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is there a way to drive from bagac to morong without going back to roman highway and sctex?

According to the newest map of Bataan, their is a road directly linking Bagac
to Morong, so that is the best way instead of making a long trip to SCTEX.


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Subic seaport 2009 income to top P490M (http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/20153-subic-seaport-2009-income-to-top-p490m.html)
Regions
Written by Henry Empeño / Correspondent
Thursday, 24 December 2009 16:57

SUBIC FREEPORT, Olongapo—The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said on Wednesday it expects to close the year with a P490-million income from seaport operations. This marks a record for the seaport department since 1992, the year when the Subic Bay freeport was established.

SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said Subic seaport’s earnings from January to November this year already stood at P449.15 million, or about 78 percent more than last year’s total of P252.63 million for the same 11-month period.

With the SBMA seaport department now earning an average of P40.8 million monthly, the 2009 seaport revenue total could easily reach P490 million, Arreza said.

Describing the record surge in seaport income as “unprecedented,” Arreza said this year’s earnings not only breached the agency’s revenue target for 2009, but also surpassed year-on-year figures for the last 16 years.

“This is one record that would be hard to beat even in the next few years,” Arreza added.

Vessel and cargo charges, leases and rentals, processing fees, SBMA shares from joint ventures, and other billings for port users make up the revenue sources in seaport operations here.

Figures released by the SBMA showed that the surge in seaport income started in January this year when it earned P37.6 million, or 167 percent more than the P14.07-million earnings in January 2008.

The positive growth continued all through the following months, with comparative figures rising by 165 percent in February, 209 percent in March, 101 percent in April, and 168 percent in June.

By November this year, total seaport income already exceeded the January-November 2008 income by P196.5 million, said Arreza.

According to SBMA seaport manager Federico Pascual, the Subic seaport has been consistently posting increases in the last four years, recording an income of P181.09 million in 2005, P190.88 million in 2006, P221.39 million in 2007 and P276.24 million in 2008.

Pascual said the rebound began after 2005, when the seaport’s income dipped by 20.39 percent, compared the P227.46 million earned in 2004.

“Since then, seaport operations picked up, especially this year, when the global recession turned out to be an opportunity for the Subic port,” Pascual said.

“In the first six months of 2009 alone, seaport revenue already exceeded the previous year’s 12-month performance,” he added.

Pascual traced the increase in seaport income mainly to the operation of Subic’s New Container Terminal 1 by the Subic Bay International Terminal Corp., as well as to income from vessel lay-ups and wharfage fees for petroleum products, fertilizer and grain imports.

He also said SBMA efforts to aggressively market the Subic port attracted more shippers, importers, brokers and forwarders that brought in increased income.

He added that the SBMA marketing program resulted in a revenue of P60.7 million in June, the highest in the 11-month period, as well as a P51-million collection in March.

Because of the hefty earnings, the SBMA Seaport Department’s 11-month revenue has exceeded its 12-month revenue forecast of P316.3 million by P133 million, or 52 percent, Pascual said.

SM Cabanatuan tuloy na daw sa 2011 ayon kay former Mayor Jay Vergara. Sa radio program niya last saturday sinabi niya na may agreement ang SM at ang 2 local mall na sa 2011 na sila papasok sa cabanatuan para bigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga local mall na mabayaran muna ang kanilang mga pagkakautang. Sa 2011 palang kasi inaasahan na makakabayad sa kanilang pagkakautang ang 2 local mall.:)

O HUWAG MUNA MA EXCITE KASI GANYAN DIN ANG NANGYARI SA SM URDANETA..SM DAGUPAN...SM SANTIAGO... PERO MAS CLASSIC ANG SM URDANETA. IT WAS VERY DEFINITE NA 10 YEARS AGO AND YET UNTIL NOW WALA PA RIN KAHIT BAKOD LANG. UNTIL MAY MAKITA KAYONG BINABAKURAN NA MALAKING VACANT LOT AT MAY FENCING NA NG SM LOGO,,,YUN NA...PERO HABANG WALA... HUWAG MUNA MA EXCITE OK

^^hehe korek ka dyan.:)
Happy New Year!:cheers:

O HUWAG MUNA MA EXCITE KASI GANYAN DIN ANG NANGYARI SA SM URDANETA..SM DAGUPAN...SM SANTIAGO... PERO MAS CLASSIC ANG SM URDANETA. IT WAS VERY DEFINITE NA 10 YEARS AGO AND YET UNTIL NOW WALA PA RIN KAHIT BAKOD LANG. UNTIL MAY MAKITA KAYONG BINABAKURAN NA MALAKING VACANT LOT AT MAY FENCING NA NG SM LOGO,,,YUN NA...PERO HABANG WALA... HUWAG MUNA MA EXCITE OK

Tarlac magkakaroon na ng SM.

Aba! Ang mag-pinsan maglalaban sa eleksyon. Hindi ba sinuportahan ni former mayor Jay si present mayor Alvin? Anong nangyari?

grabe, na-amazed ako dito nung naligo kam sa olongapo, tagal na din yun, at ang laki ng pinagbago. sobrang linis. at ang galing ng mga motorista, may disiplina. ang mga tryke, motor, de-pidal, lahat nasa outer lane. at ang palengke, daig pa ang mga mall sa linis.

^^Ganyan talaga pulitika dito sa Nueva Ecija makulay...walang kamaganak walang kaibigan.:nuts:

^^wala din palang pinag-kaiba ang pulitika diyan sa ibang panig ng Pilipinas

Ayala mall to attract more Subic tourists, says SBMA

Tourists visiting Subic Bay in Pampanga are expected to double in the next three years with Ayala Corp.’s P3-billion mall project.


The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is promoting the former site of the US Naval base as a world-class water sports destination and a convention center after the Subic-Clark expressway was completed.


"People will have the chance to enjoy the same water sports attraction without traveling as far as Camarines Sur," SBMA Administrator Armand C. Arreza said in an interview.


Along with the proposed mall, Ayala will also develop surrounding areas that will include parks, roads and pathways that should encourage the improvement of existing commercial establishments inside the Subic Freeport zone, he said.


Subic will offer interesting attractions with the opening of Ocean9 casino, a golf course and the development of a high-roller casino island resort in the next three years.


Existing attractions such as the Camaya Beach Resort, Legenda Suites and amusement parks are also expected to expand.


The Ayala mall project is expected to be finished by 2012, Ocean9 by next year, the $200-million Neo Cove by 2013, the expansion of Camaya by 2012, the high-roller resort and the improvement of the Legenda suites by 2013.


Arreza said they would also develop an area devoted to culture and the arts, an attraction that Subic missed to offer a long time ago.


“Subic will have a total face-lift in the next three years," Arreza said.


The Subic Freeport attracted the most number of visitors at more than two million as of October last year.


Next to Subic was Camarines Sur with 900,000 tourists, followed by Cebu with 830,000; Boracay with 383,000; Baguio with 371,000; Davao with 326,000; Puerto Galera with 215,000; Bohol with 160,000 and Negros with 146,000.


“We aim to sustain this in 2010 as we see bigger growth in commercial tourism," Arreza said. — GMANews.TV

matagal na rin akong hindi nakakapasyal dyan sa Cabanatuan. Pero dati nung wala pang SM clark madalas dyan sa may NE Pacific ako namimili ng school supplies pag marami akong bibilhin kasi dyan lang may National Bookstore dati at pari na rin mga damit.

Yun ngang frame sa bahay sa Cabanatuan ko nabili.

Masarap kasi magtravel from tarlac city to cabanatuan. Refreshing ang view panay ricefields ang makikita mo. At 1 hour lang ang travel time. Yun nga lang tanda ko noon di ka pwedeng abutan ng gabi kasi 6pm ang last trip ng bus na dadaan ng tarlac. Usually kasi non sa Lapaz sila nag eexit. Ewan ko lang ngayon.

Noong college ako progressive na ang Cabanatuan (Nueva Ecija). Napag iwanan nga ang Tarlac noon pero may nabasa akong write up na medyo lagging na daw yata ngayon ang Nueva Ecija compared sa mga neighbors nito dito region natin? How true ba?

But one thing about Nueva Ecijanos...they have a great fashion sense. Kasi kita ko noon sa mga malls nila tuwing pupunta ako. Magaganda yung bihis ng mga tao at yung mga kabataan fashionable manamit. Siguro attributed na rin yun sa ecomomic stature ng Cabanatuan. At maraming good-looking na nueva-ecijanos (lalake at babae).

US$ 68M first RP-made oil tanker delivered by Hanjin

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Zambales, Jan. 11 (PNA) -- The shipbuilding industry in this free port recorded another milestone as Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp.-Philippines (HHIC) recently unveiled its first oil tanker during a ceremony inside the Hanjin compound at the Redondo Peninsula here.

The 114,000-deadweight ton tanker was named “Leyla K” by its Turkish owners, the Kaptanoglu Shipping Line.

Hanjin officials said it is the first and biggest oil crude tanker ever built in the Philippines.

Leyla K measures 241.3-meter in length and 44-meter in breadth. The first steel for the ship was cut on November 2008, while its keel was laid on May 2009.

The ship was launched last October.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Feliciano Salonga, who witnessed the naming ceremony along with SBMA administrator Armand Arreza and Zambales Gov. Amor Deloso, was visibly impressed by record-setting event by Hanjin, as well as the growing skill of its Filipino employees.

The naming ceremony was also attended by HHIC-Philippines president Seung Chil Lee and staff, representatives of the ship classification society Lloyd Register, and officers of the Turkish shipping line Kaptanoglu, headed by Engin Kaptanoglu, who ordered the vessel from Hanjin.

Salonga said the production of the first oil tanker marks a new era for Subic.

“Subic Bay Freeport is now in the big league of shipbuilding,” Salonga said.

“I won’t be surprised if (Hanjin) will start constructing several oil tankers at the same time. Our Filipino workers are getting the hang of shipbuilding, and it won’t be long before Filipino shipbuilders will be famous in this industry,” he added.

The $ 1.7-billion Hanjin shipyard in the Subic Bay Freeport is now the world’s fourth largest shipbuilding facility and currently employs 17,000 workers.

Salonga said that as of end-2009, Hanjin has produced eight container and bulk vessels.

By 2012, Hanjin is due to deliver 36 more vessels to customers from all over the world.

Hanjin started constructing its Subic shipyard on February 2006 and delivered its first product on July 2008 — the 4,300-TEU container ship “Argolikos.”

Hanjin’s first ship was delivered to the Greek shipping company Dioryx. (PNA)
LOR/zst/MALOU DUNGOG/ps

Bataan cited for effective coastal management

BALANGA CITY—Bataan has been cited as among the best local government units (LGUs) in implementing a coastal-management program in the East Asian region.

Bataan is a peninsula with 11 of 12 towns surrounded by seas.

Butch Baluyot, officer in charge of Bataan’s project management office, said the province is the only LGU in the Philippines cited for effective coastal management in the recent East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2009 held last November in the country.

The EAS Congress 2009 here was hosted by the Philippine government through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). It was organized by the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (Pemsea) and the DENR, and supported by the Global Environment Facility, United Nations Development Program, United Nations Office for Project Services and the Coastal Management Center.

Bataan province, led by Gov. Enrique Garcia, has also been commended for the successful cohosting of the Pemsea Network of Local Governments for Sustainable Coastal Development  (PNLG) Forum.

PNLG Forum was one of the side events of the EAS Congress 2009. In the forum, Garcia was also reelected as vice president of PNLG.

Baluyot said Bataan is the only province in the country with an effective public-private partnership in protecting its sea waters, marine resources and coastlines.

The Bataan Coastal Care Foundation Inc. (BCCFI) was formed by environmentally responsible companies operating in the province.

BCCFI serves as the catalyst and provides counterpart funding for the integrated coastal-management program here to build better governance, explore ways for a sustainable public-private partnership in environmental management, increase public awareness and promote community participation.

Bataan is also the first province in the country to implement a sea-use zoning plan, said Baluyot. A book was released by the BCCFI on Bataan’s sea-use zoning plan.

The establishment of fish sanctuaries in the municipal seas here is included in the sea-use zoning plan adopted by the Bataan provincial government.

The provincial government is also regularly conducting cleanup activities along its coasts. The installation of artificial reefs in the seas here is also a thrust of the provincial government.

In May 2007 artificial reefs were installed at the waters off sitio Marina, barangay Alas-asin, Mariveles town. The project was spearheaded by Total Philippines Corp. in coordination with concerned government agencies.

The project involved the setting up of 200 concrete reefs 60 meters deep into the water and 150 meters away from the shore to serve as shelter and breeding grounds for different fish species and other marine organisms.  

The governor is also seeking the closure of the Manila Bay to commercial fishing to reverse depletion and propagate fishes for small fishermen. Nine towns of Bataan are fronting the bay. [businessmirro]

PLARIDEL INTERCHANGE PROJECT IN BULACAN TO DECONGEST TRAFFIC IN CAGAYAN VALLEY ROAD

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PHOTOS BY ICHUO_MX

Aurora province now has its own economic zone (http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/20799-aurora-province-now-has-its-own-economic-zone-.html)

SEN. Edgardo Angara on Sunday led the groundbreaking of the Aurora Pacific Ecozone in Casiguran, the northernmost municipality of Aurora province.

“Aurora stands at the cusp of economic development. It is blessed with natural splendor and great economic potential. It is a gateway to the Pacific, which makes it ideal for international commerce and investment. This makes it a prime location for an economic zone,” said Angara, who hails from Baler, Aurora.

The economic zone located in Casiguran town is composed of 24 hectares of land. It has allocated P437 million for its initial projects that include roads set for completion on May 18, a three-story hotel that will be home for investors and locators, and a two-story administration building targeted for completion by March or April 2011.

Angara said, “This will support our efforts toward decentralization and empowering our local governments. We must make them less dependent on the capital, Manila, which has enough problems of its own.”

The project aims to maximize local content, which means whatever the province has will be used in the development of the economic zone, including the labor force that will provide a maximum of 300 laborer jobs for its first phase.

The province is also aiming to be the center of development of northeastern Luzon after its international airport is finished. The airport is currently under construction and is based near the Aurora Pacific Eco-Zone. When completed, proponents hope to showcase a modern Aurora province.

Angara said each region must be able to stand on its own, not just as a unit of government, but more important, as an engine of economic growth.

He called on the government to give the country’s various provinces the opportunity to build and stimulate their own economies.

The groundbreaking was attended by 300 local government officials and townsfolk together with Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, Rep. Sonny Angara, acting Aseza administrator Vitaliano Sabalo, New Kanlaon chairman Antonio Evangelista, Aurora provincial board members, and members of the Casiguran municipal council.
In Photo: From left is Head Eng.of the project Tony Evangelista, Aurora Gov.Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, Congressman Lone District of Aurora Sonny Angara, and Sen.Edgardo Angara. (Nonie Reyes)

SBMA calls on Asia-Pacific media for greater support

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Jan. 13 (PNA) — Recognizing the power of the mass media to disseminate crucial news and information to target audiences worldwide, officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) have urged for greater partnership between managers of economic zones and media networks in the Asia-Pacific Region.

SBMA chairman Feliciano Salonga and SBMA administrator Armand Arreza issued this call as about 40 executives representing 14 members and five affiliates of the AsiaNet news network met at The Lighthouse Marina Resort here on January 11-12 for the 6th AsiaNet Forum.

The participants included representatives from Australian Associated Press (AAP), United News of Bangladesh, China’s Xinhua News Agency, Hong Kong’s New China News (NCN), Press Trust of India (PTI), Indonesia’s Antara News Agency, Japan’s Kyodo News JBN, Bernama News Agency of Malaysia and Singapore, New Zealand Press Association (NZPA), Pakistan Press International (PPI), Philippines News Agency (PNA), South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, Thailand’s InfoQuest, and Vietnam News Agency.

Representatives from the network’s global affiliates PR Newswire USA, PR Newswire Europe, Canada’s CNW Group, and Germany’s News Aktuell, also joined the forum.

According to Salonga, AsiaNet represents virtually all the leading news wire organizations in the Asia Pacific Region today and could play a big part in promoting local economies like the Subic Bay Freeport.

“As a significant force not only for the dissemination of news and information, but also for the promotion of truth, enlightenment, education and empowerment, AsiaNet could help us disseminate the information that, yes, we’re already making maritime history here in Subic — and also making big strides in the electronics sector, as well as tourism,” Salonga added.

Arreza, on the other hand, stressed that the “virtual treasure trove of news and statistics that the members and affiliates of AsiaNet routinely handle and deliver, gains more importance and significance in this age of globalization.”

He added that the SBMA and its business locators have gained “the unequaled advantage” of being able to promote their policies, programs and projects through the assiduous monitoring and reporting of Subic events by the Philippines News Agency (PNA), which is a member of the AsiaNet.

Arreza also said that through PNA and AsiaNet, the SBMA’s media reach has “become global and instantaneous,” with news about the free port reaching as far as Australia, United States, China, Japan and Germany within a few hours.

With this global reach, Arreza said, AsiaNet’s support and assistance would be a big help in promoting Subic, highlighting its distinct advantages, and generating the attention of global investors.

AsiaNet, which was founded 15 years ago, now delivers full text and unedited releases and images to over 5,000 media outlets in 34 countries and regions across Asia and the Pacific, said Secretary Conrado Limcaoco Jr., director general of the Philippine Information Agency and supervising secretary of the PNA.

The network “offers a direct link between Asia-Pacific and the rest of the world,” he added.

Limcaoco also said the hosting of the AsiaNet Forum in Subic “augurs well for the Philippines, as this will tremendously help our country strengthen its global economic network.” (PNA)

SBMA officials cite need for more economic reportage

SUBIC BAY FREE PORT —Officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) have called for greater partnership between managers of economic zones and media networks in the Asia-Pacific, saying that economic reportage plays a big part in promoting local trade and industry.

SBMA chairman Feliciano Salonga and SBMA administrator Armand Arreza separately made this call during the two-day forum of the AsiaNet news distributors’ group at The Lighthouse Marina Resort here.

Both officials also recognized the power of the mass media in a globalized economy where the dissemination of crucial news and information to target audiences worldwide becomes a necessity.

Salonga, who welcomed some 40 news executives to the forum, said AsiaNet represents virtually all the leading news wire organizations in the Asia-Pacific region today.

“As a significant force not only for the dissemination of news and information, but also for the promotion of truth, enlightenment, education and empowerment, AsiaNet could help us disseminate the information that, yes, we’re already making maritime history here in Subic—and also making big strides in the electronics sector, as well as tourism,” Salonga said.

Meanwhile, Arreza emphasized in his closing message that the “virtual treasure trove of news and statistics that the members and affiliates of AsiaNet routinely handle and deliver, gains more importance and significance in this age of globalization.”

The SBMA and its business locators, he added, “have gained the unequalled advantage of being able to promote their policies, programs and projects through the assiduous monitoring and reporting” of Subic events by the Philippines News Agency (PNA), which is a member of AsiaNet.

Through PNA and AsiaNet, said Arreza, “the SBMA’s media reach has become global and instantaneous,” with news about Subic reaching as far as Australia, the United States, China, Japan and Germany within a few hours.

Arreza likewise said that AsiaNet’s global reach would be a big help in promoting the Subic Bay Free Port, as well as in highlighting its distinct advantages, and getting the attention of global investors.

The Subic forum was the sixth so far for AsiaNet, which was founded 15 years ago.

Fourteen news agencies throughout the Asia-Pacific have so far joined the group. They are the Australian Associated Press, United News of Bangladesh, China’s Xinhua News Agency, Hong Kong’s New China News, Press Trust of India, Indonesia’s Antara News Agency, Japan’s Kyodo News JBN, Bernama News Agency of Malaysia and Singapore, New Zealand Press Association, Pakistan Press International, PNA, South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, Thailand’s InfoQuest, and Vietnam News Agency.

Aside from these, AsiaNet also counts on five global affiliates, including PR Newswire USA, PR Newswire Europe, Canada’s CNW Group, and Germany’s News Aktuell. [businessmirror]

P200-M bridge project starts Subic expansion program (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/20974-p200-m-bridge-project-starts-subic-expansion-program.html)
Business Mirror (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/20974-p200-m-bridge-project-starts-subic-expansion-program.html)
Written by Henry Empeño / Correspondent
Sunday, 17 January 2010 18:58

SUBIC BAY FREE PORT — A P200-million bridge construction project scheduled for implementation at the end of this month will jumpstart a program by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to expand the physical boundaries of this free port.

SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said on Thursday that the existing Kalaklan Bridge, which connects to the highway leading north to Zambales, will be replaced by a new two-lane concrete bridge with covered walkway.

The bridge, built by the US Navy in the early ’60s, serves as one of four entry points from the nearby city of Olongapo.

“This is part of the SBMA program to push beyond Subic’s secured area,” Arreza said, referring to the agency’s plans to develop nearby areas that will also qualify for tax- and duty-free privileges as provided for under Executive Order 675, signed by President Arroyo on Nov. 5, 2007.

The expansion will maximize the free port’s total land area of 55,102 hectares by extending development outside the fenced-in portion that previously housed the Subic Naval Base.

Arreza said the Kalaklan bridge project is part of the program to prepare necessary infrastructure for the eventual expansion into nearby areas.

Two US Navy-era bridges, the Kalaklan span and the Magsaysay bridge leading to the Subic main gate, are actually set for replacement after SBMA engineers discovered that they have been “structurally weakened.”

Arreza said the Magsaysay span, which has been closed to vehicular traffic since last year, is also set for rehabilitation.

In preparing for the Kalaklan bridge project, SBMA project officials met on Tuesday with Olongapo Mayor James Gordon Jr., as well as officials of the Metro-Olongapo Chamber of Commerce Inc., Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce Inc. and the Greater Subic Bay Tourism Bureau to discuss the effects of the project to various stakeholders, as well as motorists and commuters.

According to Joselito Bakuteza, head of the SBMA Project Management Office, an average of 2,500 light vehicles and 300 pedestrians, mostly workers, pass through the Kalaklan Bridge every day.

When the bridge becomes closed to all vehicles and pedestrians starting on Feb. 15 and March 1, respectively, the rerouting to Olongapo “will cause temporary heavy traffic in some main roads of the city, as well as inside the free port, especially during rush hours,” Bakuteza admitted.

He added that the contractor, RD Policarpio and Co. Inc., will close the old span and cordon it off during full-blast construction in order to fast-track the project and ensure the safety of passersby.

Meanwhile, vehicles and commuters may use the free port’s gates at Rizal St. or 14th St. to prevent buildup of traffic, said Capt. Benjamin Evia of the SBMA Traffic Branch.

Olongapo Mayor Gordon said the city government will issue ordinances to minimize traffic problems in the city. These include the implementation of a truck ban from 7 to 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, and the declaration of the busy 14th St. as a tow-away zone.

The SBMA said earlier that the expansion program will generate more livelihood opportunities for people in the surrounding communities.

Among the projects connected with the expansion program is Ayala Land’s P3-billion Central Business District Triangle that is expected to pump-prime robust trade in the Olongapo area.

ATI moves to stop Bataan property sale

THE ASIAN Terminals, Inc. (ATI) has filed an appeal with the Central Board of Assessment Appeals in Bataan to stop the sale of some of its properties in Mariveles in Bataan.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Monday, the terminal operator said it “intends to pursue and exhaust all remedies available to it under the law” to prevent the sale of some of its properties at the Mariveles Grain Terminal. ATI is the operator of the terminal.

The company previously issued an appeal to prevent the sale of its properties but was turned down.

The properties were being sold due to ATI’s alleged failure to pay taxes. -- Emilia Narni J. David

Perhaps it will be better if Bataan is merged with Zambales. And Aurora to be merged with Quezon Province or Nueva Ecija.

This is my first time in this thread at naguluhan ako. Fact is, I visited this because it caught my attention- "Aurora and Bataan..." and I wanted to know if this Aurora was the Aurora province that I knew of.

TheAvenger is correct, Aurora should have been merged to Quezon thread or Nueva Ecija thread. Anyway, neighbors like to talk with each other's business.
Or, IMO, there must be a thread for provinces with slow response from forumers, say, all other Luzon provinces.

This is my first time in this thread at naguluhan ako. Fact is, I visited this because it caught my attention- "Aurora and Bataan..." and I wanted to know if this Aurora was the Aurora province that I knew of.

TheAvenger is correct, Aurora should have been merged to Quezon thread or Nueva Ecija thread. Anyway, neighbors like to talk with each other's business.
Or, IMO, there must be a thread for provinces with slow response from forumers, say, all other Luzon provinces.

By the way, Aurora provinces was formerly part of Quezon province.



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http://www.aurora.ph/history.html

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Philip Morris opens warehouse in Subic

PHILIP MORRIS Philippines Manufacturing, Inc. held groundbreaking ceremonies Monday for its $500-million tobacco leaf warehouse at the Subic free port.

The 20,000-sq.-m. facility will store raw materials for the cigarette maker’s manufacturing operations in Southeast Asia.

“The project that we are groundbreaking today further cements our commitment to the economic development of this country,” Chris Nelson, the firm’s managing director, said. -- Jessica Anne D. Hermosa

By the way, Aurora provinces was formerly part of Quezon province.



Yup! When there was a move to divide Quezon into two (Quezon Del Norte and Del Sur), the separation of the northern towns (to form Aurora) was brought out. Many have opposed the idea of dividing Quezon once again. Even when I was a child, I was dissappointed to know that Baler, being the birthplace of Manuel L. Quezon was not part of Quezon anymore. No offense meant.

Subic seen getting more Taiwanese investments

MORE TAIWANESE investments into the Philippines -- particularly into the Subic freeport -- are expected this year as firms will take advantage of lower tariffs between China and Southeast Asia, an economic zone operator there claimed.

Already, seven new locators from the Chinese territory have committed to sink in $5.966 million for various manufacturing and warehousing operations, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) -- the Philippines’ representative agency in Taiwan -- for its part said.

Subic should become more attractive to Taiwanese investors as trade between Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China was further liberalized after a round of tariff cuts last Jan. 1 under the ASEAN-China free trade agreement, Jeff Lin, president of the Subic Bay Development and Management Corp. (SBDMC) was quoted in the MECO statement as saying.

SBDMC, the operator of the 300-hectare Subic Bay Gateway Park, is a joint venture among the state-run Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and two Taiwanese developers.

Taiwanese firms facing anti-dumping restrictions in the US will be prodded to relocate their export operations into the Philippines, Mr. Lin said.

If so, the increase will be a turnaround from the 44.49% drop to $132.507 million seen in the January to September investment pledges to the Subic freeport, latest data show.

MECO, for its part, pointed to seven new locators that signed lease agreements with SBDMC in the last quarter of 2009.

Five of these will be investing in manufacturing operations: Richway Plastics’ $2.146-million plastic bag factory; Subic Advance Screw Inc.’s and Cano Subic Corp.’s screw and bolts factories worth $1.5 million and $330,000 respectively; Biddeford Subic Inc. medical equipment manufacturing facilitiy worth $880,000; and Tapu Corp.’s $330,000 stationery mill.

The remaining two, meanwhile, will be putting up warehouses for trading operations. -- Jessica Anne D. Hermosa

grabe, na-amazed ako dito nung naligo kam sa olongapo, tagal na din yun, at ang laki ng pinagbago. sobrang linis. at ang galing ng mga motorista, may disiplina. ang mga tryke, motor, de-pidal, lahat nasa outer lane. at ang palengke, daig pa ang mga mall sa linis.

OO nga! Ako din I am so amazed bakit ang linis sa Olongapo...I mean why is it possible sa Olongapo and yet sa ibang lugar madumi...I can name some cities na talagang maraming kalat (sari-saring basura) na mas malaki pa ang income kaysa Olongapo ah.

And Olongapo's biggest pride ay yung palengke (public market). Malinis, wala kang makikitang kalat (wet market pa yun ah).

It makes me wonder how they do it. Bakit sa ibang lugar di natin magawa. Ano ang dapat gawin?

Sa Olongapo maraming lumang pavement kahit na yung mga sidewalks nila sa downtown Olongapo medyo luma na rin...pero mind you maluluma ang ibang lugar sa kalinisan.

As in talagang malinis. May dumi man mga ilang dahon lang na nahuhulog sa mga sanga ng mga puno at halaman pero kahit ang mga yun halos madalang mo lang makikita.

Noon I have no idea kung ano ang hitsura ng Olongapo and it's reputation for being squeky clean until I saw it myself.

Sana kagaya ng Olongapo ang buong Pilipinas sa kalinisan at kaayusan.

salamat sa papuri. dito kasi ako sa olongapo nakatira. hehe siguro nsa namumuno na rin yan. political will ika nga ni bayani.regular din ang pagkolekta ng basura dito. tapos nilagyan pa ng mga plastic na parang drum na trash can ung mga side walk, ilang metro lang ang pagitan. maganda sana ang intensyon nila para kahit saan ka may matatapunan ka ng kalat mo anumang oras, ang problema may ilang pa ring mga walang disiplina talaga. masyado nilang pinupuno. alam na nilang puno na at matagal pa ang koleksyon, tatambakan pa.natatapon lang tuloly.nakakaasar kasi ung isa nasa tabi lang namin.kaya tuloy nalalanghap ang masangsang na amoy.nakakatuwa din ung truck na nangongolekta ng basura, may kanta pa talaga.

"...ang basura ay ating isaalang alang, upang ang olongapo ay maganda.."
hehe

OO nga! Ako din I am so amazed bakit ang linis sa Olongapo...I mean why is it possible sa Olongapo and yet sa ibang lugar madumi...I can name some cities na talagang maraming kalat (sari-saring basura) na mas malaki pa ang income kaysa Olongapo ah.

And Olongapo's biggest pride ay yung palengke (public market). Malinis, wala kang makikitang kalat (wet market pa yun ah).

It makes me wonder how they do it. Bakit sa ibang lugar di natin magawa. Ano ang dapat gawin?

Sa Olongapo maraming lumang pavement kahit na yung mga sidewalks nila sa downtown Olongapo medyo luma na rin...pero mind you maluluma ang ibang lugar sa kalinisan.

As in talagang malinis. May dumi man mga ilang dahon lang na nahuhulog sa mga sanga ng mga puno at halaman pero kahit ang mga yun halos madalang mo lang makikita.

Noon I have no idea kung ano ang hitsura ng Olongapo and it's reputation for being squeky clean until I saw it myself.

Sana kagaya ng Olongapo ang buong Pilipinas sa kalinisan at kaayusan.

Subic expansion projects totaled P1.08B in 2009

SUBIC BAY FREE PORT—A total of 25 expansion projects were carried out by Subic-registered business enterprises last year, notwithstanding the lingering effects of recession that slowed down the global economy since mid-2008.

Committed investments for the 25 expansion projects in this free port totaled $23.7 million, or about P1.08 billion in today’s rates, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced on Tuesday.

SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said, “Clearly, there was substantial growth in the Subic Bay Free Port amid the global recession last year.”

“Despite the global slump, our business locators made additional infusions—proving that Subic has the right atmosphere for growth.”

According to tallies made by the SBMA, most of the expansion were proposed by investors in the manufacturing, leisure and logistics sectors. Eight of the 25 expansion proposals involved additional investments exceeding $1 million each.

Arreza said that of the total $23.7-million commitments for expansion, some $5.45 million were foreign direct investment (FDI) that came from Japan, Korea, the UK and the US.

When combined, the expansion projects and new investment projects approved by the SBMA in 2009 totaled $217.17 million.

Arreza added that even new investment commitments in 2009 fell by 22 percent from the $249-million total recorded in 2008, the $217-million investment total posted by the SBMA last year can be considered significant, considering the global recession.

“It is already a big blessing, so to speak,” Arreza said on Tuesday. “The $217-milllion new commitments brought Subic’s cumulative investments total to $5.97 billion.”

Among the expansion projects approved in 2009, the biggest in terms of investment commitments is that of Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corp., which operates a terminal and oil depot facilities here. The Filipino firm earmarked a total of $7.17 million as additional investments, the SBMA said.

Another Filipino company, Mega Subic Terminal Services Inc., came in second with additional pledges worth $4.06 million. The firm, which operates an integrated cargo-handling facility for bulk and bagged cargoes, initially pledged an expansion fund of $417,000 in February, then announced an additional investment of $3.65 million in August.

In third place is Japanese manufacturer Koryo Subic Inc., with additional investments worth $3.73 million.

Next came United Auctioneers Inc., a Filipino-owned trading, transshipment, warehousing and auctioning firm, with $1.62 million; property developer Innasia Corp., $1.44 million; Grand Pillar International Development Inc., $1.19 million; Puregold Duty Free (Subic) Inc., $1.05 million; and Nicera Philippines Inc. with $1 million.

Arreza also announced that more Subic locators are set for expansion this year. These include R. Joseph Holdings, which is eyeing an additional infusion of $416,000 on top of its initial expansion project worth $125,000; and Southwing Heavy Industries Inc., which announced a projected expansion of $3.2 million.

The two expansion projects alone would create about 100 new jobs, Arreza added.

SBMA expects more investment pledges due to freeport expansion

THE SUBIC BAY Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) expects to receive more investment pledges this year as plans to provide tax perks to firms outside the freeport are now underway, an official yesterday said.

Already, some $2.09 billion in investments for tourism and commercial sites are expected outside the freeport, the official said.

Investment commitments for 2009, in contrast, amounted to just $190 million.

"We expect an increase because we will be able to offer incentives to developments in other areas [outside the freeport]," SBMA Administrator Armand C. Arreza told reporters at the sidelines of a Philip Morris International press briefing.

Executive Order 675, issued by Malacañang in 2007, expands the area qualified for tax perks to locales near the Subic Freeport like Olangapo City.

A draft of its implementing rules, said Mr. Arreza, has been submitted to the President for approval. It may include a lower 5% gross income tax, similar to the tax perk enjoyed by freeport locators.

The economic zone’s expansion has lured investors to put up a $1.09-billion tourism development in Cawag, Subic for instance, he said.

Subic Neocove Corp., a joint venture between Korean firms Heung-A Property Group and Daewoo Securities, will be behind the project.

The firm will initially sink in $312 million to develop a golf course, resort and "town center" in Cawag starting in February, Mr. Arreza said.

Another is the $1-billion investment of Korean M. Castle, Inc. for a theme park resort in Morong, Bataan which will trickle in over a 10-year period, he said.

"[The expanded economic zone] will be more attractive to developers because they can own the land," Mr. Arreza said, noting that property at the Subic Freeport, in contrast, can only be leased. -- J.A.D. Hermosa

Subic Freeport 2009 expansion projects total $ 23.7 million

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Zambales, Jan. 27 (PNA) -- Despite the effects of the global recession during the previous year, investors in this Freeport moved forward and implemented expansion projects totaling $ 23.7 million, or about P1.08 billion.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) administrator Armand Arreza said the agency’s board of directors approved a total of 25 expansion projects proposed in 2009 by Subic-registered companies.

“Clearly, there was substantial growth in the Subic Bay Freeport amidst the global recession last year,” Arreza pointed out.

“Despite the global slump, our business locators made additional infusions — proving that Subic has the right atmosphere for growth,” he said.

Figures released by the SBMA indicated that most of the expansion projects were proposed by investors in manufacturing, leisure and logistics sectors.

Out of the 25 expansion proposals, eight projects involved additional investments exceeding $ 1 million each.

Topping the list in terms of expansion commitments is Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corp., an all-Filipino firm that operates terminal and oil depot facilities in Subic. The firm earmarked $ 7.17 million for its expansion project.

In the second spot is Mega Subic Terminal Services, Inc., another Filipino-owned firm that operates an integrated cargo handling facility for bulk and bagged cargoes. Mega Terminal pledged an additional $ 417,000 in February and $ 3.65 million in August for a total of $ 4.06 million in expansion projects.

Next came Koryo Subic, Inc., a Japanese manufacturer of high precision plastic molding for electronic products, with additional investments worth $ 3.73 million; United Auctioneers, Inc., a Filipino-owned trading, transshipment, warehousing, and auctioning firm, with $ 1.62 million; and property developer Innasia Corp. with $ 1.44 million.

Other firms with expansion pledges in the million-dollar level are Grand Pillar International Development, Inc., with $ 1.19 million; Puregold Duty Free (Subic), Inc., with $ 1.05 million; and Nicera Phils., Inc. with $ 1 million.

Arreza also disclosed that of the total $ 23.7-million expansion projects, some $ 5.45 million accounted for foreign direct investments (FDIs) coming particularly from Japan, Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Combined, the expansion projects and new projects approved by the SBMA in 2009 totaled $ 217.17 million.

While year-on-year figures would show that new investment commitments fell by 22 percent from the $ 249 million total in 2008, Arreza said, the $ 217 million total generated by the SBMA last year “is already a big blessing, so to speak, considering the global recession.”

“This brought Subic’s cumulative investments total to $ 5.97 billion,” he added.

Arreza also announced that more Subic locators are gearing for expansion projects this year. The projects in the pipeline include an additional infusion of $ 416,000 by R. Joseph Holdings, which has initially invested an additional $ 125,000; and that of Southwing Heavy Industries, Inc., with a projected expansion of $ 3.2 million.

The two expansion projects are also expected to generate some 100 new jobs in the Subic Bay Freeport, he added. (PNA)

SBMA expects $ 1.9-B new investments this year
By Malou Dungog

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Zambales, Jan. 28 (PNA) -- The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is optimistic that some $ 1.9 billion worth of new investments will pour in to this Freeport this year.

SBMA Administrator Armand C. Arreza has expressed confidence that year 2010 would be better in terms of investments with the expected completion of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Executive Order 675 which provides for incentives for areas outside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone including Olongapo City.

Arreza said that the investments will mainly come from two Korean firms and the Ayalas.

He disclosed that their three big investors for the year are Subic Neocove Corp., M Castle and the Ayalas.

Subic Neocove will be investing a total of $ 1.090 billion for their tourism and leisure projects.

The first phase of the investment, which includes the construction of an island resort, hotel and condominium, a golf course and a water park will cost $ 312 million.

The groundbreaking for the project will be held next month.

The construction of the Ayala mall, which is worth P3 billion, is set to start in March.

Additional investments from Ayala are expected once the IRR is passed, Arreza said, adding that the Ayalas have already commissioned a commercial development study.

The third big project is the Korean M Castle. The investment is worth $ 1 billion which will be spread over a period of 10 years.

Aside from this, Arreza said, is the impending privatization of the New Container terminal 2 (NCT 2).

He said that they have received an unsolicited proposal from Harbor Center. The contract is worth almost P5 billion and is divided in three phases.

Moreover, Arreza said other new projects are the construction of another oil depot, and a fertilizer and grain terminal. (PNA)
LAP/zst/MD/ps

Satellite firm goes to Subic (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness.htm?f=2010/january/30/business1.isx&d=2010/january/30)
Manila Standard (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness.htm?f=2010/january/30/business1.isx&d=2010/january/30)
by Jeremiah F. de Guzman

Asia Broadcasting Systems, a major satellite operator in Asia, is transferring the control of $800 million worth of equipment to its Subic facility this year.

ABS chief executive Tom Choi said in a statement that the company would beef up its workforce by over 50 percent in two years and train staff for the transfer of the control operations to the Subic center from the southern part of Hong Kong.

“In short, an $800 million worth of satellite equipment will be controlled in our operating center in Subic,” Choi said.

The Subic center, he said, would control five of the company’s satellites—ABS 1, ABS 1-A, ABS 2, ABS 5 and ABS 6.

The satellites serve the firm’s markets in Asia-Pacific, Russia, Africa and the Atlantic. ABS recently acquired Mabuhay Satellite Corp. of the Philippines, which operated the Agila-2 satellite, now renamed ABS-5.

Choi said ABS would invest over $5 million for training and additional infrastructure in its ground facility in Subic, adding that the firm would hire a minimum of 20 new employees this year.

“The investment will include new control equipment, new software, big antennas and satellite control equipment that will all be located in our Subic control center,” he said.

Choi added the company would spend an additional $300 million for another satellite to replace Agila 2 in preparation for its retirement in five years.

“Our investments in the Philippines will be long term,” he said.

ABS, whose control operations are in Hong Kong, said its main clients in the Philippines are telecommunication and broadcasting firms, including Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., Bayan Telecommunications Inc., GMA Network Inc. and ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.

ABS in November signed an agreement for the purchase of Mabuhay Satellite’s business.

“ABS will maintain all of Mabuhay’s operations in the Philippines and the staff will be integrated with the ABS team,” Choi said.

He said revenues from the Philippines would account for 15 percent to 20 percent of the total after the merger.

Investments going to adjacent Subic areas (http://mb.com.ph/articles/242481/investments-going-adjacent-subic-areas)
February 8, 2010, 4:01pm
Manila Bulletin (http://mb.com.ph/articles/242481/investments-going-adjacent-subic-areas)

Communities adjacent to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone may now look forward to hosting free port-registered investments, as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) pushes through this year with its expansion program.

“We expect a jump in investments this year, but most of these will no longer be inside the fenced-in area of the Subic Freeport,” said SBMA administrator Armand C. Arreza.

“We will be moving most of the investments we can generate this year to the new frontiers,” Arreza said.

These neighboring areas are in Olongapo City, Subic town in Zambales, and Morong and Hermosa towns in Bataan,” Arreza said.

“Finally, we shall be realizing this year the SBMA vision to spread development, and directly benefit our partners in the neighboring communities,” said Arreza.

To carry out the expansion program, Arreza said the SBMA is just awaiting the release of implementing rules and regulations (IRR) so that it could start processing investment proposals meant for neighboring areas.

The IRR, which has reportedly passed the scrutiny of agencies like the Bureau of Customs, governs the flow of goods and services in the areas qualified for tax- and duty-free privileges as provided for under Executive Order No. 675, signed by President Arroyo on November 5, 2007.

Arreza also said that under the expansion program, the SBMA is eyeing three billion-dollar investments that are expected to start their initial development this year. These include the resort projects of Korean firms Neocove and M Castle, as well as the re-development project of Ayala Land Inc. in the Subic Freeport and Olongapo City.

Aside from attracting big-ticket projects by both foreign and Filipino companies, Arreza stressed that the SBMA expansion program would level the playing field for local entrepreneurs.

“We have been receiving concerns from Olongapo businessmen that they don’t enjoy the same privileges given to foreign investors,” Arreza noted.

Zambales access to SCTEx pushed

SUBIC BAY FREE PORT—Former public-works secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. has reiterated calls for the construction of an access road from Zambales province to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), saying the proposed connection is “imperative to help Zambales take off in terms of trade, tourism and economic development.”


Ebdane said in an interview with newsmen here during the launch of the fortnightly local newspaper Headline Zambales that a highway connecting to SCTEx “will revolutionize the pace of development in Zambales.”

“As the SCTEx has made the Subic Bay Free Port and the nearby city of Olongapo more accessible to tourists, traders and investors, so will the proposed SCTEx artery do wonders for Zambales,” said Ebdane, who is eyeing the Zambales governorship in the coming local elections.


The SCTEx access project was first broached by Zambales First District Rep. Mitos Magsaysay in a dialog with community leaders in Castillejos, Zambales, last week.


Magsaysay, whose political clan has allied with Ebdane for the May elections, revealed that the Magsaysay-Ebdane coalition is pushing for the construction of a road that would connect Castillejos to the SCTEx.


Castillejos, the second town in south Zambales after Olongapo City, is considered a pivotal location because it links the Zambales highway to the Hanjin shipyard in Subic’s Redondo Peninsula.


Magsaysay added that the proposed road will also benefit billion-dollar tourism-development projects in the area, which are funded by foreign investors.


Ebdane said the proposed Castillejos-SCTEx connection will most likely branch out from the Floridablanca segment in Pampanga and will be about 40 kilometers long.


“In a little more than 30 minutes, tourists could access Castillejos from SCTEx, and from here, could also visit other places in Zambales,” he said.


Ebdane also noted that the only route to Zambales for tourists from Manila often becomes congested during holidays and other peak seasons.


“An express lane must be made to make Zambales more accessible to foreign and local tourists,” he said. “Rather than going the usual route, which is through Olongapo, tourists could use the express lane to avoid traffic. That way, they would have more time to spend on the beautiful tourism attractions in the province.”


In the Castillejos dialog, the former DPWH head also acknowledged that roads and other public infrastructures are “essential to the modernization of rural areas in the province.” Written by Henry Empeño / Correspondent Business Mirror

Ayala Mall Subic

With the P3-billion mall project of Ayala Corp., more tourists are expected visit Subic Bay in the next three years.


After the completion of the Subic-Clark expressway, SBMA (Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority) is upgrading the former site of the US Naval base as a world-class water sports destination and a convention center.


In an interview, Armand C. Arreza of SBMA said that people will now have the chance to enjoy the same water sports attraction without traveling as far as Camarines Sur.


Beside the said proposed project, Ayala will also build up surrounding areas that will include parks, roads and pathways that should encourage the improvement of existing commercial establishments inside the Subic Freeport zone.




More interesting attractions are soon to be offered with the opening of Ocean9 casino , a golf course and the development of a high-roller casino island resort in the next three years.


Moreover, existing attractions including Camayan Beach Resort , Legenda Suites and amusement parks are also expected to expand.


The Ayala Corp.’s project is expected to finish by 2012 including all other expansions like an area devoted to culture and arts.


Subic is targeting to maintain its recognition as the most visited spot of number of visitors at more than two million as of October last year.


And with its total face-lift in the next three years it is expected to have bigger growth in commercial tourism that will also provide more job opportunities to all Filipinos. [via gmanews.tv] Written by Loren
Labels: ayala

Baler emerged as fast-rising local travel destination (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=6&sid=&nid=6&rid=258848)

BALER, Aurora, Feb. 15 (PNA) -- This capital and oldest town of the province has been named the fastest-rising local travel destination during Google’s most-searched items in the Philippines in 2009.

Alipio Tuzon, executive assistant of Governor Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, said this capital town emerged on top of the list of local travel destinations that include the Amana Resort (Pandi, Bulacan), Acuatico Beach Resort (San Juan, Batangas), Coron Palawan, Anawangin Cove (San Antonio Zambales) El Nido (Palawan) and 8 Waves Resort and Eco Park (San Rafael, Bulacan)

Tuzon said Baler’s new-found status as a potential tourism mecca was apparently spurred by the movie shown in late 2008 starring Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales which showcased this town as a surfer’s paradise.

The period film swept major awards during the Metro Manila Film Festival in 2008.

Tuzon said the provincial government, through the provincial tourism office, has been aggressive in promoting not only Baler but the entire province as a tourism destination by participating in various tourism-related activities, including the North Philippines Tourism Fair where it was declared best tourism booth for the past three years.

He said the inclusion of Baler in the Philippine Zeitgest of Google was no mean feat considering it had to compete with Filipino online viewers’ attention fixated with the likes of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, presidential candidate Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, controversial doctor Hayden Kho and social networking site Facebook.

Google’s 2009 Year-End Zeitgest report said it contained what was on the minds of most information-hungry Pinoy Internet users in the past 12 months.

Therese Lim of Google Southeast Asia said 2009 was peppered with events that got Filipinos searching for more information online from politics to sports.

“Google was there to provide them with unlimited access,” Lim said. (PNA)

DPWH defends P100-M dredging project in Aurora (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=259175)

BALER, Aurora, Feb. 16 (PNA) - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has defended the P100–million dredging project in Casiguran town here, saying “it is an aboveboard project that is extremely necessary."

Elmer Dabbay, district engineer of the Aurora-DPWH, told newsmen that the dredging and re-channeling of the Calabgan, Minanga and Tabang rivers, all in Casiguran, were extremely necessary because of the severe flooding that always hits the northern Aurora town even during the slightest rain.

“How can funds for dredging and re-channeling be election funds when flooding has long been a problem in Casiguran? If we don’t re-channel the rivers, water has no way out and Casiguran would perennially be under water,” Dabbay said.

He made this reaction following reports that officials of Casiguran are investigating the project on suspicion it is being used to raise campaign funds.

Earlier, leaders and members of the Nuestra Señora dela Salvacion Parish submitted a petition to the municipal council of Casiguran seeking to investigate the project which they described as “questionable, dubious and anomalous.”

The program of work submitted by the DPWH and the contractors to the municipal council was reportedly “unsigned, undated and unapproved by Mayor Reynaldo Bitong.

Bitong said the work was done haphazardly, as if its proponents were into “campaign fund-raising.”

While he did not identify who was behind the supposed fund-raising, he was clearly referring to Governor Bellaflor J. Angara-Castillo, who initiated the project and tapped the DPWH as implementing agency through a memorandum of agreement.

Dabbay said that the project, built starting last month by renowned multi-million peso contractor Boy Tan of Trans-Aurora and Cecille Uy of ZF Construction, would drastically ease flooding in Casiguran which has perennially been turned into a catch basin of floodwaters coming from nearby areas.

“Those opposing it just don’t understand its impact to the communities. In fact, residents in the beneficiary areas are ecstatic that we are doing this project because if we don’t, flooding would get worse in Casiguran,” he said.

He said it was unfair for critics to claim the project was election related just because the elections are fast approaching.

“Even in other areas, not only in Aurora, when projects are being undertaken during the period near to the elections, these kind of accusations are being peddled. It’s for the good of the people, yet they (critics) oppose it. I don’t know why,” he said. (PNA)

Yup! When there was a move to divide Quezon into two (Quezon Del Norte and Del Sur), the separation of the northern towns (to form Aurora) was brought out. Many have opposed the idea of dividing Quezon once again. Even when I was a child, I was dissappointed to know that Baler, being the birthplace of Manuel L. Quezon was not part of Quezon anymore. No offense meant.

siguro by accessibility. kasi from dingalan town to baler, we have to pass through palayan, neuva ecija. from auroras two town, we have to pass through nueva ecija. how much more going to quezon? hirap ng mga daan, buti nga sementado na ang road going to dingalan eh. dati, pahirapan.

Subic Bay sets summer sailing series

It will be a sizzling long hot summer at the Subic Bay Freeport as sailing enthusiasts set a series of sailing tournaments in its tranquil waters.

The sailing season kicks off on February 20-22 for the 210-nautical mile Subic to Boracay Regatta, one of the country’s longest and most challenging inter-island races.

This will be followed by the Great Zambales Yachting Challenge sails on March 13-14 from Subic Bay to the northern coast of Zambales passing through the idyllic Capones Island in San Antonio town.


The highlight of the sailing events is the inaugural of the Commodore’s Cup Regatta slated on April 6 at the Subic Bay Yacht Club (SBYC). Immediately preceded by the 565-nautical mile Rolex China Sea Race from Hong Kong to Subic Bay, the Cup will draw international sailors of grand prix keelboats.


The regatta is part of the Asian Yachting Circuit which goes around Asia-Pacific’s best sailing sites.


"It should be noted that in these events, the Philippines, Subic Bay in particular, is ranked as among the best sailing destinations for competition or leisure," said Jesus Avecilla Jr., skipper of the multi-awarded Team Selma Star/C! Calibre sailboat and a prime mover of sailing in Subic.


The 36-foot Selma Star/C! Calibre, the 2006 Beneteau cruiser racer yacht of The Lighthouse Marina Resort, won for three consecutive years top honors in the Borneo International Yachting Challenge which sailed in the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah. It also won in the maiden voyage of the Singapore Straits Regatta in 2006, as well as in the Manila-Boracay race in 2006 and 2008,


"Aside from these established races, Subic Bay sailing community holds special races to celebrate national holidays such as Independence Day, Ninoy Aquino Day and National Heroes’ Day, to name a few," he added.


Avecilla said that in addition to competitive racing, The Lighthouse Marina Resort offers sailing lessons and leisure cruises to make Subic Bay the country’s top sailing haven. malaya.com.ph

sana may nagpost ng pic nung kasayahan dyan sa cabanatuan.

Galing ako Cabanatuan last week, and according to the mirons na nakasalimuha ko eto ang nabuong tambalan:

JAY VERGARA (returning mayor known as Citizen Jay) - MARIUS "JOLLY" GARCIA (incumbent vice mayor)

vs

ALVIN VERGARA (incumbent mayor) - JOE "BOY" DEL MUNDO (vice mayorable of Alvin Vergara; known Joson ally)

Pati ung nars na pamangkin ni Tommy at Ding Liit Joson/pinsan ni Edward Joson/anak ng napaslang na si Danding Joson na si EJ Joson, isa sa mga konsehales ni Alvin.

Bataan traders venture into malunggay, camote, squash noodles processing (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=260210)

BALANGA CITY, Bataan, Feb. 22 (PNA) -- Four entrepreneurs in the province have ventured into the processing of malunggay, camote and squash to pancit canton noodles under the veggie noodles project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Yay P. Lasam, DTI provincial director, said the nutritious noodles will soon augment the feeding program of the Department of Education for school children.

“We have promoted the use of the noodles to school officials who readily accepted its implementation to provide additional nutrients for the kids,” she said.

Lasam said the processors will soon make use of camote and squash flour from the present ordinary flour mixed with malunggay and squash to make the products purely organic.

Cindy M. Jaime, trade and industry development specialist, said the noodles in 250-gram pack are sold from P35-P40 in the market.

She said the noodles can be eaten raw like the common “chitseria.”

David’s Food Products of Balanga City processes squash and malunggay pancit canton noodles with daily production capacity of 95 packs of 250 grams per pack.

The Mt. View Veggie Noodles in Mariveles town, on the other hand, develops combination of squash-malunggay in one pack with production capacity of 64 packs of 250 grams per pack in a day.

Five Bro’s Bakery of Bagac produces 51 packs daily of squash pancit canton noodles in addition to its squash pandesal.

The Bagac Veggie Noodles Association on Banawang, Bagac processes combination of camote-malunggay in one pack.

So far, the four entrepreneurs have invested P770,000 and maintains 59 workers. (PNA)

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How about dividing this thread to Bataan and Aurora thread ? para magandang tignan. Tutal naman marami nang nagpo post mula Bataan and mula Aurora.

Madali namang ayusin itong thread na ito at paghiwalayin chronologically ang postings ng Bataan and Aurora.

http://monvalmonte.com/nuevaecijajournal/Bb_Cabanatuan_2010.jpg http://monvalmonte.com/nuevaecijajournal/longganisa_fest_1.jpg

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http://www.nuevaecijajournal.com/

Grand mall to rise in Balanga soon (http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22204:grand-mall-to-rise-in-balanga-soon&catid=45:regions&Itemid=71)

BALANGA CITY—The 25-year-old Balanga Plaza Arcade will give way to a five-story mall at the 5,000-square-meter business center right at the busy commercial district of this city.

Some 134 stalls in four one-story buildings that cater to various needs of customers for years from services to merchandise were closed and already knocked down. Fencing has been made around the arcade, just a stone’s throw from the St. Joseph Cathedral and the city hall. The site is ready for the construction of the new mall.

The newly renovated city plaza, known as Plaza Mayor, which is still undergoing finishing touches, sits in full view.

Balanga City Mayor Jose Enrique “Joet” Garcia III said construction cost was placed at P250 million. Actual construction of the mall begins in March and is targeted for completion in one-and-a-half years.

The modern mall is touted to be the grandest in Bataan.

New San Jose Builders, owned by Jerry Acuzar, will build and operate the mall, and has agreed to pay the Balanga City government P10 million a year in rent, plus a 3-percent escalation fee for 25 years. Acuzar is a native of this city.

The mall, to be named Victoria Mall, will have basement parking good for 140 vehicles, hotel, restaurants, book and grocery stores, kiosks, and about 200 stalls catering to various services and merchandise.

The city mayor said Pure Gold, National Book Store and SM were among the first businesses that registered intent to set up shop in the mall. Butch Gunio

New Pangasinan-Zambales roadline cuts travel time (http://pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p100211.htm&no=32&r=r03&y=&mo=)

By Danny O Sagun

Dagupan City (11 February) -- Motorists from Pangasinan who want to travel to Zambales may now use as alternate route the 54-kilometer Pangasinan-Zambales roadline if they opt to avoid the circuitous route via the western town of Infanta or Mangatarem in central Pangasinan passing thru Tarlac province.

Second Pangasinan engineering district head Rodolfo "Boy" Dion however clarified that the new roadline has yet to be fully developed so that motorists will have to bear some inconvenience. "Na-open na yon pero hindi pa nalagyan ng gravel," he told the Pantongtongan Tayo radio program of the Philippine Information Agency over Radyo ng Bayan-DZMQ last Tuesday.

The Pangasinan side of the roadline is 19 kilometers long starting from the poblacion area in Mangatarem town, he said.

Once completed, motorists will save fuel and travel time, he noted.

Meanwhile, Dion said the perennially-flooded Mayombo-Caranglaan road in this city is scheduled for reconstruction this year. The project with a budget of P40 million includes drainage construction as had been done earlier to the Arellano-Bani road, which used to suffer from floods during the rainy season and during high tide.

"Sana mai-award na yong project before magka-election ban para masimulan na bago dumating ang tag-ulan," he said.

He also bared that upgrading of the Binmaley beach road is due for implementation this year with a budget of P10 million. (PIA Pangasinan)

NEDA approves infrastructure, social projects (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Business_19/NEDA_approves_infrastructure_social_projects.shtml)

MANILA, Feb. 25 (PNA) - The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CC) has approved three infrastructure and social projects.

Approved were the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS): Operation for Barangay and Municipal Action project, the Secondary National Road Development Project (SNRDP), both with grant financing from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and the improvement of the Aurora MemorialHospital in Baler, Aurora.

The KALAHI-CIDSS-MCC project amounting to $ 168.5 million (P7.75 billion) is an expansion program of the KALAHI-CIDSS within Luzon and Visayas. It is geared towards empowering local communities through improved participation in local governance and involvement in the design and implementation of poverty reduction projects.

The project consists of capacity building and implementation support, barangay grants and project management and monitoring and evaluation.

Also, it will cover 4,439 barangays and 193 municipalites in Luzon and Visayas. These municipalities belong to the 50 percent poorest in their respective provinces and with at least 40 percent poverty incidence.

On the other hand, the SNRDP, that will construct a connection of roads across the cities of Catbalogan and Borongan in the province of Samar, will have a total length of 221 kilometers.

It will cost a total of $ 232.44 million (P10.6 billion) and also involves rehabilitation or upgrading of existing roads.

The SNRDP aims to increase the efficiency of road transportation in Eastern Samar, provide good connection to central Samar, and promote tourism development in the area. NEDA noted that improvement in welfare and poverty reduction can be expected if basic infrastructure like the SNRDP will be developed in the province.

The MCC, a United States Government corporation, was established in 2004 that works on the “principle that aid is most effective when it reinforces good governance, economic freedom and investments in people.” Its mission is to reduce global poverty by promoting sustainable economic growth.

The NEDA ICC-CC also approved the improvement of the Aurora Memorial Hospital in Baler, Aurora.

It includes the construction of a new complex for the hospital, procurement of new equipment and facilities, and site development that will cost at an estimated P595.13 million.

The project is in response to the increasing maternal deaths in the area of Aurora compared to the rest of central Luzon.

It also aims to increase the number of medical and health professionals in Aurora and nearby provinces, the hospital’s bed capacity, and to be able to offer midwifery and BS Nursing courses in Baler in collaboration with UP Manila School of Health Science. The project is a proposed Japanese Government assistance under its Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Grant Aid Program.

Meanwhile, the ICC approved the request for increase in cost by PhP 107.38 million for the Northrail-Southrail Linkage Project, Phase I (NSLP 1).

The ICC likewise approved the final nine-month extension of loan validity for the project from March 29, 2010 to December 29, 2010. The project covers the south line of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) from Caloocan to Alabang.

On the other hand, the ICC approved the proposed increase in cost by P1.59 billion for the Northrail-Southrail Linkage Project, Phase II (NSLP 2) to finance some project changes which were recommended during the Korean Government’s Appraisal Mission.

The proposed project changes were approved subject to submission of ICC requisite documents and clarification of some issues by PNR. NSLP 2 covers the south line from Alabang to Calamba. (PNA)

“THERE IS MUCH THAT WE CAN LEARN FROM YOU”

Thus said Guam Senator Edward Calvo in addressing the Filipino and local chief executives and businessmen who attended the third annual Association of Pacific Islands Local Government (APILG) conference at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center and Olongapo City Convention Center.


Senators Calvo and Tina Rose Muña Barnes are eyeing former U.S. Naval base employees and other skilled workers of Olongapo for the military build up on their island in connection with the transfer of the American base from Okinawa, Japan.


“We simply do not have the manpower required and so the number of foreign workers involved in the project will increase by the thousands in the next few years. The people of Guam are facing a significant impact as a direct result of the relocation of the US base in Okinawa,” Barnes said.


“There are a lot of opportunities in Guam, the $15 billion military build-up is unlike anything that we have seen before”, Calvo added.


Barnes also expressed concern on the project’s impact on the environment. She said waste management should be handled properly because “we expect an increase in Guam’s population once the build-up is realized, we are looking at an influx of some 70,000 individuals.”


Mayor James Gordon, Jr. assured the Guam officials that the city is willing and ready to help. “We are all looking forward for this tremendous opportunity that the Guam government has offered us. With the former US base employees and our skills training program, we can assure you that we will provide the needed skills and manpower for this project”.

Aurora e-Village project beneficiaries receive ICT wares (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=261184)

BALER, Aurora, Feb. 26 (PNA) - Farmers in fifteen barangays of the province will now have an easier and greater access to new agricultural technology through online information.

This came as new information and communication technology (ICT) wares were recently turned over to the identified beneficiaries of the Aurora e-Village project.

The new computers that were distributed will be installed in the identified 19 access points.

Each computer was designed in an ATM machine-like kiosk coupled with database on rice and other commodities.

It will also have a system that is connected to the Rice Processing Complex (RPC) which will make transactions for farmers easy.

For the first phase of the project, four central towns of Aurora specifically Baler, Maria Aurora, San Luis and Dipaculao benefited in the turnover of ICT wares.

The 19 selected access points were composed mainly of barangays and cooperatives in these municipalities.

In Baler, Barangays Suklayin and Buhangin together with the Glory to GOD Multi-Purpose Cooperative were selected as access points.

For the town of San Luis, Barangays Nonong Bacor, Bacong and Zarah together with Ditumabo Multi-Purpose Cooperative were the identified access points while for Maria Aurora the barangays of Detailen, Cabaticulan West, Bazal, Quirino, Florida, Debucao and Maria Aurora Development Cooperative will serve as the access points.

Also for the town of Dipaculao, the access points can be found in Barangays Punagi, Salay, Mucdol, Ipil and Dimabuno Kababaihan Producers Cooperative.

Antonio D. Kalaw, president of the Development Academy of the Philippines, Atty. Ronilo A. Beronio of Department of Agriculture (DA)-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and Director Asterio P. Saliot of DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) were present to give inspiring words to over a hundred farmers and barangay officials who attended the event.

Kalaw, in his message, urged the farmers of Aurora "not to be afraid of new technologies."

Beronio, for his part, talked about the role of ICT in increasing rice yield.

"We could use ICT to increase our yield on rice of Aurora to one million tons per year," he said.

"The proliferation of these ICT wares somehow empowers our farmers and fishers and in general the agriculture and fisheries," Saliot said.

Aurora Provincial Administrator Alex Ocampo received the ICT wares for the province in behalf of Governor Bellaflor Angara-Castillo.

"Aurora Province is very fortunate to be the recipient of this project. The Aurora farmers are not only traditional farmers but techno farmers too," Ocampo said. (PNA)

US group starts $50-billion project in Zambales
By Bebot Sison Jr. (The Philippine Star) Updated March 01, 2010 12:00 AM


IBA, Zambales, Philippines – US-based financing firm Swiss Global Connect USA has started the first phase of a massive $50-billion project package focusing on infrastructure, mining, tourism and property development in this province.

Zambales Gov. Amor D. Deloso led the groundbreaking ceremony with Swiss Global through local partner AIPAC Philippines Management Corp., represented by its president Rubina Zahid.

Deloso said the first phase involves a mass housing project in Botolan town for some 5,000 residents displaced by the series of destructive typhoons last year and the rehabilitation of the six-kilometer Bucao river dike.

He said the entire program is in accordance with the build, operate and transfer (BOT) and the build, operate and own (BOO) schemes of the government.

“The provincial government has outlined a 10-year infrastructure development program identifying the Zambales dream project which was envisioned to spur economic growth in the province,” Deloso told The STAR.

Among these priority projects are tourism and real estate development, infrastructure, agricultural research, indigenous power supply, and mineral enhancements and exploration sectors.

“I would like to thank Swiss Global Connect USA and AIPAC Philippines Management Corp. for believing in the Zambales 2020 vision,” Deloso said.

For her part, Zahid told The STAR that their company has been eyeing Zambales due to its natural beauty and topography.

Zahid added that the projects will generate substantial direct ventures through “foreign investment multiplier effect.”

She said renowned Filipino inventor Doroteo Gaerlan designed the Bucao river dike which will feature an “aqua-tech” fish pond to be built in between the walls of the dike. The top concrete surface of the dike will be the alternate access road going to the mass housing project.

Based on the unsolicited proposal unanimously approved by the provincial board in July last year, the $50-billion fund will be earmarked for the economic development projects on tourism such as San Salvador Island, Masinloc resort complex, Mt. Tapulao resort, Palauig tourism complex and the Zambales Fantasy Island in Subic town.

Among the infrastructure developments include the toll by-pass expressway linking Tarlac and Zambales via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) that will traverse through the mountain ranges of Zambales and Tarlac, and the upgrading and rehabilitation of the Iba Airstrip into a domestic airport.

Deloso said the proponent will also conduct exploration on metallic and non-metallurgic minerals in areas initially identified to have substantial mineral deposits. This will involve drilling intended for the mining feasibility study, and if necessary, set up appropriate processing plant consistent with the prevailing environmental policies, laws, rules and regulations.

The project will also be involved in dredging, desilting and other forms of engineering interventions along the river channels of Maculcul, Maloma and Bucao to avoid flash-floods in nearby areas.

In San Salvador Island, a world class island tourism complex will be put up to be the next international tourism destination where visitors can experience supreme tourism facilities such as world-class hotels and restaurants, exclusive deluxe villas in the “Garden of Eden” setting, water sports and yacht clubs.

A central park carved out of a well-planned green park integrated with shopping and leisure complex, souvenir shops, zoo and ethnic village and Odeon theatre equipped with the state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment will also be built on the island resort.

The project will also have a dolphinarium and oceanarium using transport service powered by electric car to ensure an eco-friendly environment within the island resort to maintain its current marine-life sanctuary condition.

In the Mt. Tapulao Complex, an integrated and sustainable eco-tourism complex will rise, promoting ‘green and blue tourism’ in mountain to rival Baguio City, the country’s summer capital, and its coastal area comparable to Boracay Island.

Some of the features of the tourism development include hotels and condominium, shopping centers and restaurants, recreation and fitness centers, golf course and sports centers, and marina park. For nature lovers, trekking and camping areas, mountain recreation parks with view decks and mountain resort will all be built in Mt. Tapulao.

Meanwhile, the Zambales Fantasy Island in Subic will be patterned after the internationally known Oceanside resort, integrating cultural, historical and medical tourism facilities. The project will also feature the latest design and technology concepts on a world-class tourism complex that is environmental friendly.

Features of the Ocean Fantasia include a five-star hotel and condominium, water park and ocean recreation sports center, ocean pension facilities offering underwater photography, specialized restaurants serving Asian and international cuisines. A port facility for cruise ships and yachts will be built with cable cars and golf course.

Another project in the pipeline is a new real estate development in a 620-hectare idle land in Bgy. Cawag in Subic, Zambales to transform the area into a financial district, educational and learning center, with executive housing, parks, hotels, convention center and state-of-the-art hospitals.

Also, the province is eyeing a state-of-the-art agricultural research center on a with possible tie-up with Ramon Magsaysay Memorial State University (RMMSU) for a research and development center.

The center will be equipped with modern laboratory apparatus and machineries for agricultural research to develop and produce high variety of seeds of traditional crops such as rice, corn, mangoes and orchard to increase productivity.

Another involves the conversion of magnesium energy into alternative source of energy. This will involve the allocation of a shoreline area with at least 64-hectares for the construction of a facility to convert magnesium energy into an alternative and affordable power supply for the province of Zambales, as well as meeting the power requirements of all of those tourism and real estate developments.

yung gawi ng Minalungao (part Nueva Ecija, part Bulacan), Dona Remedios Trinidad daw ang madaming insurgents, tapos dami pa illegal loggers... kaya tuloy bumabaha sa ibaba pag umuulan kinakalbo nila yung bundok

mukhang hopeless case na yung kaingin issue jan sa Gabaldon, N.E., minsan pag nagawi ka ng Dingalan madadaanan mo yun kalbong kalbo talaga, kaya nalulusaw na lang pag bumabagyo yung gilid ng bundok

I am from Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, pwede akong sumali sa topic nyo about kaingin? BY now medyo nagkaroon na ng restriction sa pagkakaingin doon at strict na rin ang pagpuputol ng kahoy...grabe pa rin ang baha pag tag-ulan....i hope the government will do something para di makalbo ang virgin forest doon...more restriction ang kailangan para sa mga tao...

Bataan implements bamboo-development project (http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22435:bataan-implements-bamboo-development-project-&catid=45:regions&Itemid=71)

BALANGA CITY—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has initiated the manufacture of engineered bamboo desks in public elementary schools here in line with the bamboo industry development project (BIDP), a flagship initiative of President Arroyo, said Yay Lasam, DTI provincial director here.

Lasam said Central Luzon aims to develop the project as a business model for Northern Philippines that will be replicated in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Lasam said the BIDP business model consists of 12 nodes or primary processing plants that produce bamboo slats as raw materials for the engineered bamboo, and a hub that will further process the bamboo slats into engineered bamboo and assemble into bamboo school desks and other furniture and wood products.

The business model resulted from various interventions of concerned government agencies and offices, she said.

Lasam said a provincial bamboo industry development core group was organized here, composed of the provincial government, the Environment Natural Resources Office, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Project Management Office, Department of Environment Natural Resources, Department of Education (DepEd), concerned local government units, community-based forest management groups, and other stakeholders to oversee the bamboo-project implementation.

She said core group members and farmer-members of CBFMs participated in the regional value-chain validation workshop, action planning workshop for nodes, and benchmarking missions separately held in the provinces of Abra, Iloilo and Tarlac.

The core group members also attended trainings on bamboo treatment, harvesting and selection, plus laminating and composing.

Lasam said two potential nodes were already identified in the province, which are Bagac and Mariveles.

A project proposal for the establishment of seven nodes in Central Luzon was submitted for funding to the National Economic and Development Authority awaiting approval and release of funds.

The DTI provincial director revealed that Bataan Second District Rep. Albert Garcia also approved in principle a proposal for the propagation and processing of bamboo in the province.

She said the advocacy for the use of bamboo products, specifically engineered bamboo school desks, was initiated in the region through the Advocacy for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL), the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc., Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CLGCFI), Bamboo Teams and Councils and other environment advocates.

The DepEd is seen as the biggest market to be encouraged using engineered bamboo desks for at least 20 percent of its school desks requirement.

The Balanga Elementary School here has received 25 engineered bamboo school desks, which is part of the 175 bamboo desks donated by the CLGCFI, through the ADCL, to the seven provinces of Central Luzon.

Lasam disclosed that Garcia also donated fund to pay for another 25 desks to be given to another elementary school in Bataan.

PGMA cites Nueva Ecija farmers, agri officials for helping cushion El Niño impact (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=261880)

GUIMBA, Nueva Ecija, March 2 (PNA) - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo lauded on Monday the agriculture stakeholders, particularly irrigation officials and farmers, for helping the government attain success in cushioning the impact of El Niño phenomenon through modern technology.

The President, together with Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap and Governor Aurelio Umali, personally visited the lateral canal of the multi-billion peso Casecnan Multi-Purpose Irrigation and Power Project (CMIPP) in Barangay Bunol here.

The Chief Executive said that through the ongoing irrigation projects, there would be minimal effects of dry spell on the crops of the farmers in the province as well as in the nearby areas.

The project, which is now being operated by the National Irrigation Administration-Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-UPRIIS), was part of the Arroyo administration's North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle (NLAQ).

The Chief Executive said the NLAQ was an effort of her administration to balance the political and economic growth of the country which in the past has been biased against the countryside.

Engr. Antonio Nangel, NIA-UPRIIS operations manager, said the abundance of water in Pantabangan reservoir allows farmers in most parts of Nueva Ecija to plant three times a year.

The project which was completed in 2008 was mentioned in President Arroyo's State of the Nation Address in 2006.

It has reportedly increased by at least 26,000 hectares the irrigated areas for rice production. (PNA)

7 engineering inventions/designs showcased in Bataan (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=262029)

BALANGA City, Bataan, March 3 (PNA) -- The Microcity Computer College in this city has recently showcased unique and interesting inventions and designs at the Bataan People’s Center here, which were personally conceived and fabricated by students espousing the principles of electronics and communications technology.

Engineer Saudino Lacsamana, Microcity’s dean of engineering department, said the exhibits are original designs of the students that can be paralleled to other schools in and out of the province despite the absence of outside financial support.

“The exhibit basically shows how intellectual the minds of our Filipino students especially in engineering, ” Lacsamana said.

The prototypes are the students’ visualization of solutions to problems encountered at home and the industry using automation and computers, the organizers explained.

Among the exhibits are a Mobile Robot that demonstrates robotics technology that picks up things and places in the desired area; a Line Follower Robot that follows a black line that will be interesting as toys for children.

A Time In and Time out and Locator System tracks the presence of an employee in a given place good for accurate recording of time as aid in precise computation of salaries; a TXT-Switch that turns on any home appliance or light bulbs through Short Message Service (SMS) technology;

Greenhouse in automated operation; a PC-Based Ferris Wheel that enables any rider to stop the ferries wheel at any given time; Electronics Sign Display good for announcements of offices and schools; Interfaced Elevator System and Automated Billboard that rolls up and down through SMS technology.

“This automated billboard will reduce nuisances to properties and lives that can be caused by collapsing billboards during typhoons,” a student explained.

An Automated Train Tracking System show how automatic and control systems work behind the operation of the Light Railway Transit.

Another interesting design is the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machine assembled for only P200 but minus the safety features.

Many students from different schools in the province enjoyed the exhibits of Microcity highlighted with some heavily-applauded dance numbers. (PNA)

Bataan residents get ready for FAB (http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22493:bataan-resdents-get-ready-for-fab-&catid=45:regions&Itemid=71)

MARIVELES, Bataan—“Are you ready for the FAB?”

This question is printed on signboards posted in various parts of Bataan, referring to the Freeport Authority of Bataan (FAB), the former Bataan Economic Zone (BEZ).

Tens of thousands of employment opportunities can be generated from the FAB, according to Bataan Second District Rep. Albert Garcia. The solon authored the bill seeking the creation of the FAB.

Garcia sees Bataan becoming richer with the FAB.

The solon said that in filling up the jobs to be created at FAB, residents, particularly the youth, must have the necessary education and training.

He pointed to the “Iskolar ng Bataan” program that he and Gov. Enrique Garcia implemented. Launched in 2004, the scholarship program has benefited more than 50,000 college scholars in the province.

The representative said the graduates of Iskolar ng Bataan program do not need to go far to find work, as jobs are available at the FAB.

He said high-school graduates and out-of-school youth can also start gaining technical skills as offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).

There will be a domino effect in the progress here, said the solon. Sectors of transportation, housing, banking and services, among others, will flourish.

The representative said big businessmen and aspiring small entrepreneurs must get ready to penetrate sectors that will thrive as FAB goes into full operation.

Mayor Joet Garcia said Balanga City’s “University Town” vision is an apt response by the city in readiness for FAB as the education of the youth here is pushed to world-class level.

Garcia envisioned Balanga City to become a University Town by 2020, by becoming the center of political, cultural, economic and social influence throughout Bataan.

The city government has segregated an 80-hectare University Town area that bounds all the university, colleges, high schools and elementary schools here.

The city mayor outlined a mission of establishing a three-way partnership among the government, business and academe with the purpose of improving the quality of education in all academic institutions in the city.

The city mayor said the quality education provided to Bataan youth at the University Town will be used to the work positions available soon in the FAB.

Garcia also disclosed that he has already talked with Representative Garcia about the concept of industry matching to be able to come out with degree and short courses in the university and colleges here useful at the FAB and local tourism.

Mayor Jesse Concepcion in Mariveles, the host town of the FAB, is coming up with a scheme for the special skills training of local residents in tie up with concerned government agencies.

The mayor said they would get in touch with Tesda and other government institutions for the conduct of the special skills training.

Mariveles municipal administrator Luis Gonzales said the establishment of the FAB will arrest the continued slide down into irrelevance of the first economic zone in the country.

It will be recalled that the BEZ, then called the Bataan Export Processing Zone (BEPZ), was the first public economic zone established in the country though Presidential Decree 66 in November 1972.

He said the 400-hectare zone, as originally projected, would accommodate at least 100 light, medium and heavy industrial firms.

He said the proximity of the FAB to the existing two ports of Manila, all along the Manila Bay, will be of great advantage for transshipment and dockyard commercial activities.

Gonzales said the displaced employees at the economic zone, most of whom came from other places that swelled the unemployed population of Mariveles, can be reemployed at the newly established FAB.

“We do not want the repeat of what happened in the past when the BEZ opened in early ’70s. Many workers came from other provinces because of the lack of preparation by the local leaders at that time. That is why Mayor Jesse Concepcion is coming up with a scheme to ready residents here for employment at FAB,” said Gonzales.

Gonzales said he and municipal consultants Ed Tario and Tito Catipon, as approved by Concepcion, will be initiating career-guidance seminars to help high-school students here correctly choose courses and skills trainings suitable to the soon-available jobs at the FAB.

The municipal consultant also said out-of-school youths here will also be encouraged and given guidance in undergoing skills trainings.

He revealed that at the public hearings in the conversion of BEZ into FAB, Mariveles officials led by Concepcion, batted that Mariveles residents be given priority in the employment at FAB.

Congressman Garcia said with a free port status, the FAB will be ready for foreign trading and is set to become an international logistic hub.

Gano to kahaba at konektado ba sa NLEX?

PLARIDEL INTERCHANGE PROJECT IN BULACAN TO DECONGEST TRAFFIC IN CAGAYAN VALLEY ROAD

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PHOTOS BY ICHUO_MX

In the Mt. Tapulao Complex, an integrated and sustainable eco-tourism complex will rise, promoting ‘green and blue tourism’ in mountain to rival Baguio City, the country’s summer capital, and its coastal area comparable to Boracay Island. Our next summer capital! Amoy pine trees pa dyan :)

Dupinga Bridge, Nueva Ecija

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4372989664_2b88809214_o.jpg
by ADMDisin (http://www.flickr.com/photos/32565263@N04/)

Fisherfolk to build P2.3-M artificial reefs in Subic (http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22424:fisherfolk-to-build-p23-m-artificial-reefs-in-subic-&catid=53:agri-commodities)

Written by Henry Empeño

SUBIC BAY FREE PORT—Fishers in communities adjacent to this free port will be building artificial reefs worth about P2.3 million in Subic Bay to increase fish population in the area and boost their income.

Laureano Artagame, chairman of the Subic Bay Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (SB-IFARMC), said the artificial reef project will be funded through the P4-million financial assistance recently given by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as part of the authority’s commitment to sustainable development of the Subic Bay area.

The fund was coursed through SB-IFARMC and the Olongapo City-IFARMC, which were created under Republic Act 8550, otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.

The two groups represent fisher-folk associations and communities in the Subic Bay area, including those in the municipality of Morong in Bataan, and the towns of Subic and San Antonio in Zambales.

“We will be using the bulk of the fund to build artificial reefs, so that we may increase local fish production,” said Artagame. “The artificial reefs are designed to replace former fishing grounds in Subic Bay, which have been taken over by commercial development and maritime projects.”

Artagame added that apart from the P2.3 million set aside for the artificial reefs, the fisher-beneficiaries will use P.7 million for the operation of the IFARMC; P.5 million for a scholarship program to benefit IFARMC members and their immediate families; and P.5 million for livelihood programs for IFARMC members and their families.

Meanwhile, SBMA officials said the authority granted the assistance “in fulfillment of the agency’s responsibility to communities affected by the development of the Subic Bay Free Port.”

“As we develop the bay—implementing in the process such projects like the Subic port modernization and the Hanjin shipyard—we have closed off some areas that were previously fishing grounds used by local fishermen,” said SBMA chairman Feliciano Salonga. “This assistance is one way whereby the SBMA could contribute to the welfare of fisher folks in the Subic Bay area.”

According to SBMA administrator Armand Arreza, the P4-million assistance provided by the agency was taken from the Environmental Guarantee Fund, which was created as a condition for the issuance of permits for the Subic port development and Hanjin shipyard projects.

Arreza said that both projects affected local fishing communities whose fishing areas have somewhat dwindled due to the growing maritime trade, as well as the development of shorelines, foreshores and adjacent areas in the Subic Bay Free Port Zone.

He added that the SBMA forged an agreement with the SB-IFARMC in August 2009 for the provision of the P4-million assistance.

“As you can see, we’re not just concerned about attracting investors to the Subic Bay Free Port,” Arreza said. “The SBMA also has a very strong presence in corporate social responsibility, and this is just part of our program.”

Oldest Subic fire truck still in active service (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/246238/oldest-subic-fire-truck-still-active-service)

By JONAS REYES

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s oldest fire truck is still being effectively used by the agency’s fire department to put out forest fires.

The 1956 model Howe International HR-62 R 185 Series fire truck with code number “2-1” is mostly deployed in fighting wildfires that are prevalent throughout the whole Naval Magazine (Navmag) area during the dry season.

“We acquired this truck when Subic Bay Freeport was still a US naval base. The US government turned it over in 1992, and we have since used the fire truck for various jobs,” SBMA Fire chief Rannie Magno said.

“The fire truck was used by the US military for airport operations in 1969 and had been at the forefront of the firefighting operations of the US military, and now we are using it. It just goes to show how much effort we put to maintain our equipment,” he added.

A collector’s item, the Howe International fire truck has a reservoir tank and can pump up to 500 gallons of water per minute.

“It is still reliable. We have used this fire truck several times during the summer,” Magno said.

The month of March usually sees the most forest fires since this is the hottest month of the year. And with the El Niño phenomenon upon the country, the SBMA Fire Department expects a lot of forest fires inside the Freeport.

Magno said forest fires occur when all the necessary elements come together in a wooded area: an ignition source is brought into contact with a combustible material such as vegetation that is subjected to sufficient heat, and there is an adequate supply of oxygen from the ambient air.

He added that high moisture content usually prevents ignition and slows propagation, because higher temperatures are required to evaporate any water within the material and to heat the material to its fire point.

Dense forests usually provide more shade, resulting in lower ambient temperatures and greater humidity, and are therefore less susceptible to wildfires.

“Less dense material such as grasses and leaves are easier to ignite because they contain less water than denser material such as branches and trunks,” Magno said.

“Plants continuously lose water by evaporation, but water loss is usually balanced by water absorbed from the soil, humidity, or rain. When this balance is not maintained, plants dry out and are therefore more flammable, often a consequence of droughts,” he added.

Gapo communities get running water, finally (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/246063/gapo-communities-get-running-water-finally)

By JONAS REYES

OLONGAPO CITY — After 30 long years of waiting, more than 1,000 families living in three communities along the city’s Kalaklan Ridge finally got running water in their taps.

According to both Kalaklan and Barretto village officials, they exhausted all means to convince the city government and Subicwater to provide tap water to the communities, but to no avail.

Carlitos Baloy, a two-term village chief, said he finally decided to seek the help of mayoral candidate Vicente Magsaysay during one of his campaign sorties in Barretto. The next day, equipments for the construction of a water system promptly arrived.

“In one week, there was already running water in Dumlao, Skipper and Abra,” Baloy said in the vernacular.

The water system was formally opened last Saturday in an emotional ceremony attended by Magsaysay, Rep. Mitos Magsaysay, and residents and officials from the three communities as well as numerous guests.

“When they told me (about) the problem, I immediately said I will do it,” Magsaysay recalled. “So I told my engineers, do it in five days. They have been waiting for thirty years.”

Danny Elayda, a village councilor, said she knew the former governor would deliver on his promise, but not within five days.

Rep. Magsaysay for her part asked the residents to take care of the water system, which is made up of a series of large water tanks, some 8.5 kilometers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes and scores of water stations along the line.

“The pipe connected two barangays, Kalaklan and Barretto. This is a blessing that we waited for more than 30 years,” Baloy told reporters in an interview.

The pipeline, according to Baloy, snaked through along the ridge connecting the Dumlao and Skipper areas in Kalaklan and the two-kilometer Abra Street in Barretto.

Ligaya Fredericks, 39, has lived all her life on Abra Street. She is one of the beneficiaries of the water system, and she and her neighbors patiently waited for their benefactors to say thanks during the project inauguration.

She explained that a daily bath was considered a luxury for the residents of the three areas before because the nearest water source was more than a kilometer away, and water was expensive.

Elayda, the barangay councilor, said that a drum of water costs only P13, but since the area is located on a ridge, delivery is difficult and water suppliers often charge P100 per drum.

Fredricks said that when they bathe, they even had to use basins to catch the bath water for use in flushing their toilets.

SBMA-Harbour Centre deal not a monopoly (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=263208)

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, March 9 (PNA) -- The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) took exception to claims that the agency’s joint venture agreement with port operator Harbour Centre Port Terminal, Inc. (HCPTI) would ease out cargo handlers operating in this free port.

Lawyer Randy Escolango, SBMA deputy administrator for legal affairs, said the agency’s existing contracts with port operators and cargo-handling firms here will be respected.

Moreover, Escolango pointed out that the SBMA-HCPTI agreement is still far from being considered a done deal.

“We have to clarify that the joint venture agreement between SBMA and Harbour Centre is not a final and executory contract, since the same is still subject to challenge by any interested party who may submit a better proposal,” he said.

“If any other entity would successfully make a better offer under this so-called Swiss challenge, and if Harbour Centre were not able to match this, then that other entity will probably become the partner of SBMA in this project,” he added.

Escolango issued the clarification after the Abono party-list, in a paid newspaper advertisement, asked President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to look into the SBMA-HCPTI joint venture project allegedly for its “disadvantageous nature.”

The group averred that it has received complaints from cargo-handling firms in the Subic Bay Freeport that there was no due process in the SBMA-HCPTI deal, and that the latter will monopolize operations in the Subic port.

SBMA officials, however, pointed out that the agency simply acted upon an unsolicited proposal that HCPTI submitted on November 16 last year and accepted the proposal in accordance with the “2008 Guidelines and Procedures for Entering into Joint Venture Agreements between Government and Private Entities.”

These guidelines were devised by the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) and promulgated by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

“However, such acceptance in accordance with the guidelines was only for the purpose of authorizing and directing the SBMA management to initiate negotiations with HCPTI for the detailed terms, conditions and scope of the proposed joint venture,” Escolango explained.

“After concluding negotiations with HCPTI, the SBMA thereafter signed a joint venture agreement with Harbour Centre on February 24 to document the approved negotiated terms for the proposed joint venture,” he said.

The SBMA official also pointed out that the joint venture agreement itself contained provisions that the HCPTI proposal will be advertised by the SBMA for challenge by other interested parties.

The same agreement also stated that “should HCPTI fail to match the best/better offer within 30 working days from the endorsement thereof by SBMA to HCPTI, the development, management and operation of the joint venture areas will be awarded to the bidder with such best/better offer.”

Escolango likewise gave the assurance that the rights of existing cargo handlers will be respected, as the joint venture agreement provides that HCPTI operations will be undertaken “without prejudice to existing contractual obligations entered into by SBMA affecting certain areas covered by the Joint Venture Areas.”

The document also clearly excluded “wharfs/ports and/or cargoes covered by existing agreements involving SBMA,” he added.

The process of Swiss challenge is expected to take 60 days to complete under the timetable provided by the guidelines.

Added to this is the fact that there is an election ban for the award of projects subjected to bidding, Escolango said.

“In fact, the joint venture proposal has yet to be advertised for submission of comparative proposals, so it is quite hard to understand why some people already alleged that the proposed joint venture is disadvantageous to the government,” Escolango said. (PNA)

Ferry service from Bataan to MOA resumes April 1 (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=263203)

ORION, Bataan, March 9 (PNA) -- The operations of ferry service from this port to Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay City via Manila Bay will resume on April 1.

Bataan second district Rep. Abet S. Garcia said that Aboitiz Shipping Lines will deploy its Super CAT ferry boats to ply the Orion-MOA route.

Garcia expressed optimism that the resumption of the ferry boat service here will be patronized by the public since it will bring directly the commuters to MOA, the largest shopping center in the country.

In the past years, a number of ferry boat companies put up services from Orion to Philippine International Convention Center in Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City.

However, they were not patronized by the commuters due to location and expensive fares.

Travel time from Orion port to MOA is approximately 45 minutes, which is shorter than taking a trip by land.

Garcia said ticketing offices will be put up in RCPI offices in Bataan.

There will also mini buses or jeepneys to ferry passengers in Balanga City, he said.

He also said that ferry service will soon reopen to Mariveles town to serve the investors and workers inside the Bataan Economic Zone (BEZ) now converted by law, into Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB). (PNA)

PWU Balanga campus officials see growth of Philippine tourism (http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22782:pwu-balanga-campus-officials-see-growth-of-philippine-tourism-&catid=45:regions&Itemid=71)

BALANGA CITY, Bataan—Officials of the Philippine Women’s University (PWU) branch here said they are expanding tourism-related courses to accommodate more students and help prepare for the expected growth of the Philippine tourism industry.

School officials said they expect the local tourism industry to grow, and need people educated and trained in tourism. “Compared to our neighboring Asian countries, we still lag behind in terms of the number of tourist arrivals probably because of the peace- and order problem in Mindanao, yet this will surely grow,” said Val Toral, the school’s administrator.

In the recent celebration of the school’s eighth Foundation Day, campus officials bared plans to widen tourism-related courses to accommodate more students.

As part of the strengthening of the campus tourism department, Toral said, the campus has been supporting the tourism activities and thrusts of the Bataan provincial government and the Balanga city government.

Recently, a pack of tour guides from the PWU Balanga assisted officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and bird experts in the conduct of a census of water birds in this city.

The five tour guides from the PWU Balanga campus were  faculty members Jayson Cayanan and Frances Rosselle Gonzales, and tourism students Chyrwin Field, Jinky Larion and Pamela Banzon.

The five underwent a series of tour-guiding seminars conducted by the provincial tourism office and the Balanga City tourism office.

Included in the training package was to develop the skill of identifying and naming the migratory and endemic birds found in the wetlands and mudflats here.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has included the areas in barangays Sibacan, Tortugas and Puerto Rivas in this city among the 12 official bird-watching sites in the Philippines.

The DOT has launched a tourism guidebook of the 12 bird-watching sites in the country.

The wetlands in this city attract one of the largest concentrations of migrant shorebirds and waterfowls anywhere in the Philippines, according to the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, the country’s leading bird-watching society.

The group of tour guides from PWU Balanga campus said tour-guiding in the bird census here was quite easy for they had accompanied bird experts.

The DENR and bird experts counted 18,679 migratory water birds present in the wetlands in this city compared to the 15,251 water birds recorded last year.

1,000 Olongapo families get running water after 30 years (http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22834:1000-olongapo-families-get-running-water-after-30-years&catid=45:regions&Itemid=71)

http://businessmirror.com.ph/images/stories/Daily_Images/2010/Mar2010/03112010/regions01.jpg

OLONGAPO CITY—Until not too long ago, water in two of this city’s villages was considered “gold.”

Now, more than 1,000 families in the hills of Kalaklan and Barretto villages finally have access to running water after waiting 30 years to have the precious commodity flowing through their tap.

This modern-day miracle finally took place after mayoralty candidate Vic Magsaysay mobilized his team of engineers and plumbers to install in the three areas of Dumlao, Skipper and Abra St. about 8.5 kilometers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes that carried water to the hillside homes.

Connected to a series of large water-storage tanks and several public water stations, the system taps a spring source in the Kalaklan Ridge, a stony spine of land flanking Olongapo to the west and separating Barretto and the upper parts of Kalaklan from the rest of the city.

The new water system was formally opened in an emotional ceremony on Feb. 28, when the beneficiaries told their benefactor of their long wait for water service.

Ligaya Fredericks, 39, said she has lived all her life at Abra St. in Barretto, where a daily bath was a luxury for residents, as the nearest water source was more than 1 km away.

“We used pail and dipper for our shower and we saved the bath water for the toilet. I am quite old already, but it’s only now that I can take a shower at home,” a teary-eyed Fredericks said.

The hilly terrain had made it difficult—and expensive—for the residents to avail themselves of a steady source of water, explained Danny Elayda, a barangay councilor.

“At the water-filling station near the highway, we can buy a drum of water for P13. However, if you hire a water carrier all the way to your house, the drumful of water would now cost P100,” he said. “During summer days when water is scarce, the price goes higher. We sometimes fetched water at the barangay hall, but that is about 5 km away from here.”

Carlito Baloy, a two-term village chief of Barretto, said residents have exhausted all means to convince the city government and the local water utility to provide tap water to these hillside communities.

“We wrote letters, pleaded with officials, and explored all possible ways in the last 30 years so that we could avail ourselves of water service, but all came to naught. This was why we brought our problem to Govic [Magsaysay],” Baloy said.

“Much to our surprise, Govic said he’s going to do it,” Baloy recalled. “And indeed, the following day the pipes arrived, and in one week, there was already water flowing at Dumlao, Skipper and Abra.”

Magsaysay, who served as Zambales governor for several terms before setting his political sights on the mayoralty of Olongapo, told residents during the inauguration of the project that problems in the community “must be solved quickly.”

”We don’t need a lot of documents to implement projects. You need water? There, you have it already,” Magsaysay said, vowing that he would do the same in other areas in the city that still lacked water supply.

“When they told me about the problem, I immediately said I will solve it,’ Magsaysay said. “So I told my engineers, do it in five days. These people have already waited 30 years for this.”

Elayda said she knew Magsaysay would deliver on his promise, but she did not expect it to be ready in five days.
“We were really amazed,” Elayda said. “But we are really glad that some people still keep their promises even to poor people like us.”
In Photo: Olongapo City mayoral candidate Vicente Magsaysay (middle) presents the new water system to residents of Kalaklan. With him are village chief Carlito Baloy and Zambales First District Rep. Mitos Magsaysay. (Henry Empeño)

;52992147']Dupinga Bridge, Nueva Ecija

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4372989664_2b88809214_o.jpg
by ADMDisin (http://www.flickr.com/photos/32565263@N04/)

nice pic pero was in gabaldon kanina at stone 8, halos wala ng tubig ang dupinga at bato ferry...

saw one streamer this afternoon, i think hiring ng sm appliance center at ace hardware for megacenter... handyman moving out na ng march 14 sa mega... baka naman mawala na rin poulex department store at gawin ng sm department store. di yata pumayag mga farmers na mabili ng sm yung lupa nila sa likod ng robinsons-ne pacific area...

I am from Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, pwede akong sumali sa topic nyo about kaingin? BY now medyo nagkaroon na ng restriction sa pagkakaingin doon at strict na rin ang pagpuputol ng kahoy...grabe pa rin ang baha pag tag-ulan....i hope the government will do something para di makalbo ang virgin forest doon...more restriction ang kailangan para sa mga tao...

i agree... kanina marami pa rin makikita na nagbebenta ng uling at panggatong na kahoy, pero siguro minimal na lang ito if the restriction was enforced na. i was with some ateneo high school students kanina na kasama ng pamangkin ko. we went to stone 8 and from cabanatuan, we tried passing through the tarlac-nueva ecija-aurora road. impressed sila sa mga bundok na dinaanan namin pero they were wondering bat daw walang puno. (di lang safe ang road na ito sa dami ng blind curves at proof na yung skid marks ng gulong)... :nuts:

Turkish firm receives 2nd Subic-made oil tanker (http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22882:turkish-firm-receives-2nd-subic-made-oil-tanker&catid=45:regions&Itemid=71)

SUBIC BAY FREE PORT—Turkey-based Kaptanoglu Shipping Group received on Wednesday the second Aframax oil tanker that Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp. Philippines Inc. (HHIC-Philippines) has built in this free port.

Kaptanoglu officials, led by company president Engin Kaptanoglu, named the 114,000-deadweight ton (DWT) crude oil tanker M/T Eser K, after the shipping tycoon’s youngest daughter Eser.

The vessel, reportedly priced at $68 million, was the 12th vessel to be built by Hanjin in this free port after establishing its Redondo Peninsula shipyard in 2006.

Hanjin has also delivered to the Kaptanoglu group in January the first Aframax it built here, the MT Leyla K.

Like its older twin, Eser K is 250 meters long, 44 meters wide, 21.35 meters deep, and weighs 63,304 tons. Powered by a Man-B&W 6S60MC-C main engine, it has a top speed of 15 knots.

According to HHIC-Philippines senior executive vice president Hyun Soo Bong, the two vessels it delivered to Kaptanoglu were the biggest ships ever built in the Philippines.

With a capacity of 114,000 DWT, the two oil tankers are classified as Aframax types—bigger than Panamax vessels (60,000-80,000 DWT), although smaller than Suezmax ships (120,000-200,000 DWT).

“Esser K is the last tanker we built for Kaptanoglu,” Hanjin’s Hyun said. “But I would like to emphasize that this is another beginning for us as we develop sincere relationships and strengthen this partnership between Kaptanoglu and Hanjin-Philippines,” he added.

Hyun also said that with the Aframax projects, Hanjin was “able to prove that we have one of the finest shipyards that is capable of meeting all kinds of customer demands, not only in shape and size, but also in terms of quality and knowledge.”

In the same occasion, lawyer Ramon Agregado, who represented the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), said the unveiling of Eser K “represents the culmination of a lot of hard work, ingenuity and the application of modern-day technology.”

Agregado added that the series of ship-naming ceremonies undertaken recently at the Hanjin shipyard has made the Subic Bay Free Port community proud for hosting one of the finest shipbuilding facilities in the world.

For his part, Engin Kaptanoglu expressed gratitude to officials of HHIC-Philippines and SBMA for their support.

“I wanted to thank SBMA and Hanjin-Philippines for helping make my dream come true with the birthday of our company’s babies, MT Leyla K and MT Eser K,” the shipping executive said. “And I hope that our friendship will continue with new projects.”

Hanjin has recently shifted to full-scale operation at its Subic shipyard after completing its facility expansion program in mid-2009.

Hanjin started the Eser K project with a steel-cutting ceremony on Dec. 12, 2008, followed by keel-laying on Aug. 3, 2009, and launching on Dec. 30 last year.

The South Korean shipbuilder also said it has bagged contracts for the construction of 36 more vessels that are scheduled for delivery by 2012. These include two 180,000-DWT Capesize bulk carriers for Taiwan.

Nueva Ecija town politicians sign peace covenant
GAPAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, March 16 (PNA) -- Politicians from one of Nueva Ecija's hotly contested areas have signed a peace covenant in a bid to thwart any violence in the forthcoming local and national elections.

Mayoralty candidates -- Vice Mayor Christian Tinio, who is running under the Unang Sigaw Partido ng Pagbabago (USPP) which is coalesced with the administration's Lakas-Kampi-CMD, Juanita Natividad, wife of Gapan City incumbent mayor and former mayor Arthur Velayo -- led their partymates in signing the covenant that was held recently at the Divina Pastora Parish Church here.

Rev. Fr. Antonio Mangahas, Jr., parish priest, said the signing was a big leap on the dreamed honest, orderly and meaningful elections.

Mangahas cited the cooperation and uttered willingness of the candidates to put their signatures on the covenant.

It means, he added, that everyone was really eyeing for an orderly elections.

Supt. Ricardo Villanueva, Gapan City police chief, said that by signing the peace covenant, the candidates promised to obey by the laws, as well as rules and regulations being imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) pursuant to Omnibus Election Code.

These include, Villanueva said, refrain from employment of unauthorized security details, carrying or transporting firearms and other deadly weapons, and utilizing private armies and goons and vote-buying.

Gapan City is one among the areas to have been listed under the “area of concern” in the province. (PNA)
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=264669

SBMA keen on developing wind energy project
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, March 16 (PNA) --In line with efforts of the national government to tap renewable energy sources in the locality, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is now encouraging investors to build wind-turbine facilities in this free port.

SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga said representatives of a China-based company met with him last week and expressed interest in a wind farm project here.

The foreign investors were accompanied in Subic by Charles Chen, from the Manila-based PRA Marketing Services Corp., as well as officials of the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council (SCADC).

“I asked them to submit a proposal so we could ascertain whether the Subic Bay Freeport would be a feasible venue for the project,” Salonga said.

“This is a positive development which could only prove to be beneficial to the Subic community ultimately,” he added.

“Hopefully, we could develop Subic’s Redondo Peninsula as a source of alternative and renewable energy that we can even feed to the Luzon energy supply grid,” he said.

Redondo, which is the location of the shipbuilding facility operated by South Korean company Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp.-Philippines, is composed of a chain of mountains that branch off from the backbone of the Zambales mountain ranges.

It faces the South China Sea and, hence, is expected to provide a good wind harvest.

“The wind blows over the peninsula all year round, and because the Subic Freeport has its own power generating system, it will be easy to connect the wind power system to the grid,” Salonga said.

“Subic is really a good choice for this project,” he added.

Salonga said the Chinese company would have to conduct a one-year detailed study of wind velocity and volume in the area.

“Experts would also have to study the fluctuations, as information like these would be important in determining the size of the blades (for the windmills),” he said.

Salonga, said officials of the SBMA are excited about the potential of a wind farm in Subic because the project could help lower the cost of power in the free port.

“We’ve been a net power consumer for too long,” Salonga said, adding that “so isn’t it nice if we become a power producer for a change?”

Salonga also said that should Subic produce excess energy from wind power, the surplus could also benefit communities near the Subic Freeport. (PNA)
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=3&sid=&nid=3&rid=264583

saw one streamer this afternoon, i think hiring ng sm appliance center at ace hardware for megacenter... handyman moving out na ng march 14 sa mega... baka naman mawala na rin poulex department store at gawin ng sm department store. di yata pumayag mga farmers na mabili ng sm yung lupa nila sa likod ng robinsons-ne pacific area...

Good day sir, may balita nga na idedevelop ang likod ng ne-robinson area sayang naman kung di siya matutuloy.

Nueva Ecija 'untouched' by El Nino, says agri exec
CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, March 17 (PNA) -- The province of Nueva Ecija is virtually unaffected by the onslaught of the El Niño phenomenon despite being identified as one of the so-called "vulnerable areas" with the Department of Agriculture (DA) expecting a bumper harvest this dry cropping season.

Roy Imperial, DA assistant regional director for Central Luzon, said that only 3,162 hectares of the 146,770 hectares planted to rice in the province have been affected by drought, which is considered as “negligible” as compared with the other provinces hit by the prolonged dry spell.

Imperial said this translates to a meager P28 million in El Niño-related damages compared to billions in lost income in other provinces.

He said only portions of northern Nueva Ecija municipalities such as Carranglan, Cuyapo, Lupao and Talugtug were affected by the drought as farmers there were relying merely on irrigation supplied by small water impounding projects that have dried up.

“That is the beauty of the program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and (former Agriculture) Secretary Arthur Yap of distributing flat-bed dryers and repairing irrigation systems since two years ago,” he said.

In Guimba town, he said, farmers are getting abundant irrigation supply, the first time it has happened to them in 30 years.

Imperial said that the targeted rice production area for Nueva Ecija this year is at 152,537 hectares.

But due to El Niño phenomenon, this target has been reduced to 147,764 hectares.

The targeted production in terms of volume is at 736,023 metric tons for the dry cropping season but this has fallen short by 31,000 metric tons, he said.

With the minimal effect of El Nino, he said they still expect a bumper harvest for the province of 1.69 million metric tons for the dry and wet cropping seasons for a third cropping season under the DA’s Quick Turn-Around (QTA) program.

For dry and wet seasons, he said, they expect a harvest of 736,023 metric tons each and 30 percent of the yield for the dry season of 220,806.9 metric tons under the QTA scheme.

"With this yield, we will even surpass the 1.5 million metric tons targeted for Nueva Ecija for 2010 under the Philippine Rice Master Plan,” he added. (PNA)
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=11&sid=&nid=11&rid=264890

Wellness haven in Subic (http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/component/content/article/42-rokstories/13912-wellness-haven-in-subic)


http://www.manilatimes.net/images/stories/rokstories/2010/0323/dewey0323.jpg
The George Dewey Medical and Wellness Center at Subic Bay Freeport.

BY MARYLAINE LOUISE L. VIERNES Columnist

SUBIC, Olongapo City: The newest top destination for those who wish to enjoy a relaxing and healthy Holy Week is located at Cubi Point—George Dewey Medical and Wellness Center (GDMWC). A haven found only in Subic, Olongapo City, the wellness center has been gaining guests evidently because of its quiet presence and superior amenities.

The George Dewey Medical and Wellness Center is owned and operated by the George Dewey Medical College Inc., a pioneer in medical education with a stress on wellness. Banking on cutting-edge technology and world-class education system, it has been in operation for five years.

The medical college offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and will soon be offering two additional courses—BS in Radiology and BS in Medical Technology. Other courses such as Dentistry, Ophthalmology, Physical Therapy and Medicine will be introduced in 2011.

President Gloria Arroyo, during the inauguration of the George Dewey Medical and Wellness Center, was among those who saw the potential and beauty that only this haven in Subic possesses.

This Holy Week, the wellness center will unveil its housing-development and residential projects.

According to Marabel Viernes, vice president for finance and human resources, the center is “the finest spot you will find in Subic.”

For one, she said, the center, all 12 hectares of it, sits on top of a hill right in the middle of a lush forest. It is also the only tertiary hospital in Subic, she added.

Guests and tourists, she said, could avail themselves of luxurious rooms during their stay.

“Here is where you will also find the warm, accommodating and efficient staff who will make sure that those who will visit us will have nothing but wonderful memories and experiences,” Viernes added.

The George Dewey Medical and Wellness Center also houses a spa, recreation area and beautiful chapel. Supervised by the most qualified health and fitness experts, Viernes said, the gym of the wellness center boasts of the best equipment for physical fitness and weight management. The gym is accepting members.

Those who want to explore attractions near the center may try Zoobic Safari, Subic Bat Kingdom and Ocean Adventure. Or they can also try the night market.

“The best part is that we offer the most affordable room rates,” Viernes said. A room at the wellness center that is good for four persons goes for P1,300, she added.

Those who need more rooms can try the newly renovated and furnished 26-room condominium.

On the drawing board, according to Viernes, are a flower park, mini-sports complex and clubhouse, mini-market, coffee shop, convenience store, gift shop, business center, moviehouse and theme park.

10 ex-rebels in Aurora province receive financial assistance from gov't
BALER, Aurora, March 23 (PNA) - Ten former communist rebels, including three amazons, received a total of P200,000 cash assistance under the government’s Social Integration Program (SIP) that would allow them to start a new life.

The rebel returnees, who formerly belonged to the disbanded Sangay ng Partido sa Platun Norte and Central Aurora, received P20,000 each.

They were Arman Arevalo, Placido Campos, Malet Casamis, Roberto Dela Cruz, Jericho Estevez, Pinky Huego, Gloria Lasam, Maricris Payongayong, Jestonie Vargas and Jillyboy Villaflor.

The cash assistance was extended to the rebel returnees by Wary James Tayaban, representative of the Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process (OPAPP).

This was one of the highlights of the recent provincial peace and order council (PPOC) meeting at the provincial capitol here attended by Governor Bellaflor J. Angara-Castillo, Col. Elias Escarcha, commander of the 48th Infantry Brigade; Col, Vic Castro, division deputy brigade commander; Senior Supt. Romulo Esteban, provincial police director, and heads of various government agencies and the private sector.

Castro said remnants of the NPA in the province were convinced to return to the fold of the law because of the strong commitment of the PPOC to help them.

During the said meeting, the council members agreed to hold localized peace negotiations with remnants of the NPAs and create local social integration committees as part of the formulation of a comprehensive program for rebel returnees.

Angara-Castillo said that one month after the province was declared insurgency-free last February 19, the biggest challenge for the PPOC is to maintain such status which can only be realized if the provincial government and other stakeholders do their part in making the rebel returnees contented with their present status.

A province is considered insurgency-free when the communist movement no longer holds sway among the local populace.

Escarcha, on the other hand, said that Aurora will remain insurgency-free if the people will continue to speak out strongly against the underground movement and for as long as the government continues to address the root causes of insurgency in the province.

“As long as the issues are addressed by the concerned agencies, the insurgency problem will never flourish. But failure on the part of these agencies to do so will give the insurgency in Aurora a new lease on life,” he said. (PNA) http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=265902

Wellness haven in Subic (http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/component/content/article/42-rokstories/13912-wellness-haven-in-subic)


http://www.manilatimes.net/images/stories/rokstories/2010/0323/dewey0323.jpg
The George Dewey Medical and Wellness Center at Subic Bay Freeport.

BY MARYLAINE LOUISE L. VIERNES Columnist

SUBIC, Olongapo City: The newest top destination for those who wish to enjoy a relaxing and healthy Holy Week is located at Cubi Point—George Dewey Medical and Wellness Center (GDMWC). A haven found only in Subic, Olongapo City, the wellness center has been gaining guests evidently because of its quiet presence and superior amenities.

The George Dewey Medical and Wellness Center is owned and operated by the George Dewey Medical College Inc., a pioneer in medical education with a stress on wellness. Banking on cutting-edge technology and world-class education system, it has been in operation for five years.

The medical college offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and will soon be offering two additional courses—BS in Radiology and BS in Medical Technology. Other courses such as Dentistry, Ophthalmology, Physical Therapy and Medicine will be introduced in 2011.

President Gloria Arroyo, during the inauguration of the George Dewey Medical and Wellness Center, was among those who saw the potential and beauty that only this haven in Subic possesses.

This Holy Week, the wellness center will unveil its housing-development and residential projects.

According to Marabel Viernes, vice president for finance and human resources, the center is “the finest spot you will find in Subic.”

For one, she said, the center, all 12 hectares of it, sits on top of a hill right in the middle of a lush forest. It is also the only tertiary hospital in Subic, she added.

Guests and tourists, she said, could avail themselves of luxurious rooms during their stay.

“Here is where you will also find the warm, accommodating and efficient staff who will make sure that those who will visit us will have nothing but wonderful memories and experiences,” Viernes added.

The George Dewey Medical and Wellness Center also houses a spa, recreation area and beautiful chapel. Supervised by the most qualified health and fitness experts, Viernes said, the gym of the wellness center boasts of the best equipment for physical fitness and weight management. The gym is accepting members.

Those who want to explore attractions near the center may try Zoobic Safari, Subic Bat Kingdom and Ocean Adventure. Or they can also try the night market.

“The best part is that we offer the most affordable room rates,” Viernes said. A room at the wellness center that is good for four persons goes for P1,300, she added.

Those who need more rooms can try the newly renovated and furnished 26-room condominium.

On the drawing board, according to Viernes, are a flower park, mini-sports complex and clubhouse, mini-market, coffee shop, convenience store, gift shop, business center, moviehouse and theme park.

It should be Subic, Zambales or Olongapo City, Zambales, not Subic, Olongapo City.

Limay plant to run only until May 30‏
MANILA, March 24 (PNA) -- The 620 megawatt (MW) Limay combined cycle power plant will only run until May 30, a company official said.

Ramon S. Ang, president and CEO of San Miguel Energy Corp., (SMEC), owner and operator of Limay plant, said they expect to end the operation of Limay plant by May 30 since they expect demand for power supply to drop by that time with the country entering the rainy season.

”Probably by middle of May or May 30 especially when rain enters, there will be oversupply of power, therefore there is no need for Limay to run,” Ang told reporters.

Ang explained that when they acquired the Limay plant, there is no provision in the contract mandating them to ensure that the plant will be in running condition.

”When we buy Limay, it's as is and where is, there is no contract, there is no condition that it’s a must run or whatsoever. There is nothing stated in the contract. Ang sabi sige bahala ka na pagbili mo, if you want to scrap it, it's up to you,” Ang said.

But since the country needs power plants to prevent power shortage, Ang said the Department of Energy ordered them to put online the Limay plant to help augment supply shortage in Luzon.

The official also admitted that they are not planning to expand or either upgrade the capacity of the Limay plant since it would be more expensive.

He also doubts if they could recover their investment if they will decide to improve the efficiency of Limay since coal-fired plant rates are even cheaper at P2 per kilowatt hour than Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

Ang also said that they only signed for three months contract with Alstorm Philippines, contractor and operator of Limay plant, which costs them US$ 3 million or US$ 1 million per month.

Last month, Energy Secretary Angelo T. Reyes asked SMEC to repower Limay plant after the Luzon grid demand hit over its available capacity forcing distribution utilities Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and generation firm- National Grid Corp., of the Philippines to curtail power supply in the Luzon grid.

Several plants in the Luzon grid, especially hydro plants, malfunctioned due to El Nino. (PNA)http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=3&sid=&nid=3&rid=266260

new cliffside condo in camaya coast. high rise buildings in bataan.. who knew!

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu6/daveflorendo/CliffSideCondo.jpg

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu6/daveflorendo/2to6thfloorplan-1.jpg

ATI to bid for Subic Naval Supply Depot project
MANILA, March 28 (PNA) -- Port operator Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) is planning to go ahead with Harbour Centre Port Terminals Inc.'s bid for Subic's Naval Supply Depot (NSD) project.

“The company purchased the Request for Proposal (bidding by Swiss challenge) for the development, operations and management of the NSD, Boton, Alava, River and Bravo Wharfs,” ATI corporate secretary Rodolfo Corvite Jr. said.

HCPTI had earlier submitted an unsolicited offer to manage NSD and already signed a 25-year joint venture agreement with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for the operation of the facility last month. SBMA kept the door open for other interested parties.

The company intends to make a counteroffer on or before April 4, the deadline of bid submission under the Swiss challenge.

In 2008, ATI and HCPTI battled for the right to operate the Mindanao Container Terminal. The contract was later awarded to a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Inc.

ATI and HCPTI then fought over the North Harbor. HCPTI bagged the contract after ATI failed to submit the necessary documents.

In another development, ATI said it was allocating P1.2- billion in capital expenditures this year to improve operations.

Earlier, the South Harbor operator ordered two new ship-to-shore cranes, manufactured by Liebherr. Operational next year, the cranes are capable of twin lifts of up to 60 tons.

In 2009, ATI posted a 36.6 percent growth in net income to P1.162 billion from P851 million in 2008.

For the same period in review, total revenues grew 6.4 percent to P4.212 billion from P3.959 billion due to higher port tariff and cargo volume.

Revenues from port operations also increased 3.6 percent to P3.695 billion from P3.568 billion. The 12 percent vessel-related cargo-handling rate hike approved last year by the Philippine Ports Authority resulted in a 2.9 percent growth in South Harbor revenues.

Non-port operation revenues jumped 32.4 percent to P517.6 million from P391 million. (PNA)http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=3&sid=&nid=3&rid=266783

RP-Japan sign P595M agreement to improve Aurora hospital
MANILA, March 30 (PNA) -- Manila has signed a grant agreement with Tokyo to finance the improvement of a hospital in Aurora province, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.

Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Augusto B. Santos said the signing of the grant agreement for the Project for Improvement of the Aurora Memorial Hospital has demonstrated the strong bilateral relations between the governments of Japan and the Philippines.

Documents from NEDA showed that the AMH is estimated to cost about P595.13 million. Of which, P515.421 million will be grant from Japan International for Cooperation Agency and P79.71 million as government counterpart.

The project aims to improve the delivery of medical and health services in the Province of Aurora.

Of which, P515.421 million will be grant from Japan International for Cooperation Agency and P79.71 million as government counterpart.

Santos said the assistance will greatly contribute to the Philippines’ efforts to attain the Millennium Development Goals, particularly on the reduction of infant and maternal mortality.

“We trust that this pioneering effort between the provincial government of Aurora and UP will serve to inspire other Local Government Units (LGUs) to be creative in exploring ways of improving the quality of life of their respective constituents,” Santos added.

The project aims to improve the delivery of medical and health services in the Province of Aurora.

Specifically, the NEDA said the project will increase the number of medical and health professional working and practicing in Aurora province; Improve the facility (new building construction) and medical care services (modern equipment purchase); upgrade the existing 25-bed capacity to 50-bed capacity to qualify as a teaching hospital for University of the Philippines-Manila School of Health Sciences (UPM-SHS).

The project will also transform AMH into a departmentalized hospital that will provide general and complete specialty clinical care, including full nursing services.

The NEDA also said the project will involve the construction of an all new Aurora Memorial Hospital complex with an aggregate building floor area of about 3,969.6 square meters.

"If construction starts in the third quarter of 2010, the new AMH will be fully operational during the last quarter of 2011," NEDA said. (PNA) http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=3&sid=&nid=3&rid=267213

regarding sm again... a friend confirmed that SM considered locating at Palayan City...

regarding sm again... a friend confirmed that SM considered locating at Palayan City...

good news ... me SM na ba anywhere in NE?
i only know Robinsons in Cabanatuan and Waltermart in Gapan ...

i am new to this thread ...
coz from Bacolod City ako ...
but my wife is a native of Cabiao, NE ...
anybody from Cabiao here? :)

i do hope na sana me sariling thread ang NE - "Cabanatuan City and Nueva Ecija Province" ... :)

Does anyone here know what cities/towns comprises Metro Olongapo? Someone asked me that and I had no clue how to answer it. Any help will be greatly appreciated. :okay:

regarding sm again... a friend confirmed that SM considered locating at Palayan City...

Ah putakte, uunlad ang Palayan City niyan. Sa wakas, magiging city na talaga siya.

hello po!!! bago lang po ako sa thread na ito. gumawa talaga akong thread para makapag-post. from angeles city po ako and my family decided to transfer na for good sa cabanatuan city. my mom kase has a job opportunity there na ayaw niya palampasin. college student pa po ako, and ngayong vacation plano na po namin mgayos2 para makalipat diyan. sana po matulungan niyo po ako sa mga questions ko about cabanatuan. madali naman po kaya makaadjust diyan? kase baka mangandaligaw2 ako. :( huhuhu. thanks in advance!

hello po!!! bago lang po ako sa thread na ito. gumawa talaga akong thread para makapag-post. from angeles city po ako and my family decided to transfer na for good sa cabanatuan city. my mom kase has a job opportunity there na ayaw niya palampasin. college student pa po ako, and ngayong vacation plano na po namin mgayos2 para makalipat diyan. sana po matulungan niyo po ako sa mga questions ko about cabanatuan. madali naman po kaya makaadjust diyan? kase baka mangandaligaw2 ako. :( huhuhu. thanks in advance!

Cabanatuan city is a good place to lived, people are friendly, i'm sure di ka maliligaw, magdala ka lang pamasahe, madaming madami ang tricycle.. :)

Thre's really not a metro Olongapo. There's Olongapo City and the adjacent SBMA. The other towns bordering it - Subic, Zambales, Dinalupihan and Morong in Bataan, are really not suburban enough hence is never considered part of the metro area.

Cabanatuan city is a good place to lived, people are friendly, i'm sure di ka maliligaw, magdala ka lang pamasahe, madaming madami ang tricycle.. :)

salamat po.... :D

ask ko lang po... saan po ang city proper ng cabanatuan? i'm planning to go there na po on tuesday para mghanap ng school at house hehe. thanks po.

salamat po.... :D

ask ko lang po... saan po ang city proper ng cabanatuan? i'm planning to go there na po on tuesday para mghanap ng school at house hehe. thanks po.

That thing cannot be answered in one word, masyadong malaki ang Cabanatuan City sa totoo lang lalo na yung downtown niya. Ang pinaka-urbanized area yata ng Cabanatuan City ay ang Quezon District if I have not mistaken?

To give you a look, ang Cabanatuan City ay isang lungsod na highly-developed sa gitna pero nananatili pa rin ang mga sakahan sa may bandang gilid ng lungsod.

That thing cannot be answered in one word, masyadong malaki ang Cabanatuan City sa totoo lang lalo na yung downtown niya. Ang pinaka-urbanized area yata ng Cabanatuan City ay ang Quezon District if I have not mistaken?

To give you a look, ang Cabanatuan City ay isang lungsod na highly-developed sa gitna pero nananatili pa rin ang mga sakahan sa may bandang gilid ng lungsod.

thanks po sa information. balak po kase namen libutin ang downtown para alam na namin saan bumili ng ganito ganyan... punta na po ako dyan bukas para lumipat. :) thanks po again.

thanks po sa information. balak po kase namen libutin ang downtown para alam na namin saan bumili ng ganito ganyan... punta na po ako dyan bukas para lumipat. :) thanks po again.

sa Cabanatuan ... pag me pupuntahan ka ... traysikel lang ang katapat nyan ... :)
Cabanatuan I think is the city with most tricycles in the the nation ...
at sa sobrang dami ... eh ... no comment ... :)
sa amin sa Cabiao ganun din ... meron din kalabaw at kuliglig ...

welkam to the thread ... wag kang mag-alala at bago lang din ako d2 ... parehas tayo ... apir! :lol:

Cabanatuan city is a good place to lived, people are friendly, i'm sure di ka maliligaw, magdala ka lang pamasahe, madaming madami ang tricycle.. :)

i think, sa dami ng traysikel sa Cabanatuan City ... it is indeed the Tricycle Capital of the Philippines! :)

teka, bakit kaya di sila sumali sa Guiness World of Records?

"The Largest Assembly of Tricycles in a City"

kung me mag-o-organize, cgurado maraming sasali!:okay:

B0Q1P_GzCPM

Watch Central Luzon Region Athletes parade during the opening ceremony of Palarong Pambansa 2010 held in Tarlac Recreation Park, Tarlac City.

AeAiwqF-kOo

BQ799u-FlEc

More videos Palarong Pambansa 2010.Sana magustohan nyo.Thanks.

AeAiwqF-kOo

Eto pa.

hello po!!! bago lang po ako sa thread na ito. gumawa talaga akong thread para makapag-post. from angeles city po ako and my family decided to transfer na for good sa cabanatuan city. my mom kase has a job opportunity there na ayaw niya palampasin. college student pa po ako, and ngayong vacation plano na po namin mgayos2 para makalipat diyan. sana po matulungan niyo po ako sa mga questions ko about cabanatuan. madali naman po kaya makaadjust diyan? kase baka mangandaligaw2 ako. :( huhuhu. thanks in advance!

Hello, welcome po sa aming lungsod. Para sakin masarap talaga tumira dito sa cabanatuan. . .no place like home:) To be honest madami talaga tricycle dito, sa sobrang dami eh isa na sila na itinuturing na problema ng aming lungsod. Meron tayong 3 universities. Specialty? syempre longanisa: Water supply? no problem, malinis, ready to drink:cheers: Peace & order? ok naman, pero syempre ingat din kayo. Kung gusto mo libutin ang Cabanatuan sana may kasama ka na tga rito, kasi mauubos ka sa pasahe sa tricycle, pag nalaman na dayo ka, sisingilin ka nila ng mahal. welcome.:)

Hello, welcome po sa aming lungsod. Para sakin masarap talaga tumira dito sa cabanatuan. . .no place like home:) To be honest madami talaga tricycle dito, sa sobrang dami eh isa na sila na itinuturing na problema ng aming lungsod. Meron tayong 3 universities. Specialty? syempre longanisa: Water supply? no problem, malinis, ready to drink:cheers: Peace & order? ok naman, pero syempre ingat din kayo. Kung gusto mo libutin ang Cabanatuan sana may kasama ka na tga rito, kasi mauubos ka sa pasahe sa tricycle, pag nalaman na dayo ka, sisingilin ka nila ng mahal. welcome.:)

thanks po sa inyo. nkapunta na po ako sa cabanatuan at okay naman po talaga ang lugar. yun nga lang po eh yung mga tricycles. grabe, ang dame nga at dahil doon nagiging dahilan talaga sila ng traffic. may mga traffic lights din pero syempre d pa rin maiiwasan ang traffic. at dahil sa pagtatanong, nakapunta rin ako ng ne pacific mall at robinsons para mamili! hahaha. salamat po sa mga nagreply!!! :):):)

Ask ko lang po kung ilang kilometer ang Bgy. Lourdes sa Cabanatuan City Center o kaya sa ma Universities and Malls. Nadadaanan po ba ng jeep eto. Thanks po.

Good pm sa inyo... I would like to ask kung saan pwede mag stay na mura near ocean adventure? thanks in advance...

Ask ko lang po kung ilang kilometer ang Bgy. Lourdes sa Cabanatuan City Center o kaya sa ma Universities and Malls. Nadadaanan po ba ng jeep eto. Thanks po.

Medyo malayo ang brgy. Lourdes sa city proper siguro mga more than 4 kms. sa kabayanan, rural area siya meaning agriculture at livestock ang source of income nila at wala pa yatang service ng water district. Tricycle lang po ang sinsakyan papunta sa city proper.

Medyo malayo ang brgy. Lourdes sa city proper siguro mga more than 4 kms. sa kabayanan, rural area siya meaning agriculture at livestock ang source of income nila at wala pa yatang service ng water district. Tricycle lang po ang sinsakyan papunta sa city proper.

Hello Ecija. Thanks for the info.

http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af16/cecilia_fello/Pampanga/DSC02837.jpg


http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af16/cecilia_fello/Pampanga/DSC02838.jpg


http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af16/cecilia_fello/Pampanga/DSC02839.jpg

Ang ganda pala ng Gapan City at Cabiao. Maganda yung Municipal Blg. ng Cabiao. Thanks for posting.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2798/4534768634_7fbef5ae60.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/4534181791_fc195ba66d.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4534859282_ebfa06deac.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4534869236_defdf3edcc.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4534872960_33a0a90b3f.jpg

Good pm sa inyo... I would like to ask kung saan pwede mag stay na mura near ocean adventure? thanks in advance...

Pwede sa Camayan Beach Resort and Hotel... pero dunno the rate...katabi lang yun ng Ocean Adventure.

http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af16/cecilia_fello/Pampanga/DSC02827.jpg


http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af16/cecilia_fello/Pampanga/DSC02828.jpg

thanks,Avenger those photos above are in Concepcion Cabiao Nueva Ecija,you've just the crossed the floodway and you are approaching Concepcion(popularly known as Hacienda)300m after the arch is our house,to where i was born and raised.Pampango ang salita namin,na-homesick tuloy ako...

Hi, kamusta na po ang nueva ecija, sad to say pero I have to wait till next year bago ako makauwi uli at mabisita ang magandang probinsya natin. Last December 2008 eh umuwi ako, I travelled alot using my motorcyle pero ang pinagsisihan ko lang eh bakit di ako nagawi sa palayan city,gustong gusto ko panaman yung daan dun, dati kasi akong loan tech sa bangko luzon kaya naiikot ko yung buong nueva ecija area na yan but now dito na ko sa saudi, kakahomesick tuloy... me taga cabiao ba dito?

Taga saan ka sa Cabiao,Im from Concepcion(Hacienda)

Pwede sa Camayan Beach Resort and Hotel... pero dunno the rate...katabi lang yun ng Ocean Adventure.

are there any cheap hotels/inns na one ride away from ocean adventure?

Taga saan ka sa Cabiao,Im from Concepcion(Hacienda)

Haller @Novo E ... taga-San Roque, Cabiao kami ...

though I'm from Bacolod ... misis ko tubong Cabiao ... kaya taga-San Roque na rin ako :)


Kilala mo mga Lagman sa Hacienda? at Castro sa San Vicente? :)

Haller @Novo E ... taga-San Roque, Cabiao kami ...

though I'm from Bacolod ... misis ko tubong Cabiao ... kaya taga-San Roque na rin ako :)


Kilala mo mga Lagman sa Hacienda? at Castro sa San Vicente? :)

Mga Lagman kilala ko,Castro mga taga Hacienda lang ang kakilala,sino sa mga Lagman ang kakilala mo?may kilala ka sa mga Balingit sa Hacienda?

avenger,you mixed up the photos,the photo below is in San Isidro,not in Cabiao.



http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af16/cecilia_fello/Pampanga/DSC02835.jpg

Mga Lagman kilala ko,Castro mga taga Hacienda lang ang kakilala,sino sa mga Lagman ang kakilala mo?may kilala ka sa mga Balingit sa Hacienda?

si Emil Lagman ... brother-in-law ko ...
wife nya at wife ko magkapatid ...
he's now in Dubai working as a nurse ... :)

si Demetrio Castro of San Vicente is my wife's HS classmate ... :)

post ka naman pictures ng Cabiao brod ...
di ako nakakuha ng mga pix nung umuwi ako kasi sandali lang ako nag-stay ...
hopefully next time i can take some pix and share it here ... ayos! :okay:

si Emil Lagman ... brother-in-law ko ...
wife nya at wife ko magkapatid ...
he's now in Dubai working as a nurse ... :)

si Demetrio Castro of San Vicente is my wife's HS classmate ... :)

post ka naman pictures ng Cabiao brod ...
di ako nakakuha ng mga pix nung umuwi ako kasi sandali lang ako nag-stay ...
hopefully next time i can take some pix and share it here ... ayos! :okay:
matagal na akong hindi nakakauwi sa hacienda,sinong ang mga kapatid ni emi o mga magulang niya?

Iba, Zambales Holy Week
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4506880396_e6be2ced50.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2097/4506879732_4862fe6b77.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2054/4506879272_d0e4b21ebf.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4489404306_49b7f44d68.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4488752449_cc59eae5c4.jpg

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar - http://www.lascasasfilipinas.com/
Bagac, Bataan
Photos by pianoforte (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pianoforte/)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4471446151_35fd54e8e7_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4468122527_f1e186a97f_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4474198417_68d71b8791_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4474973746_50576a598c_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2752/4468895666_03d9dd106e_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2777/4474199123_e98e46f19d_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4474974840_e2c40c7321_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4468897448_5a6220064f_b.jpg

Ang ganda naman ng photos.

Guys, visit nyo Tarlac City and Province Thread, may mga photos doon ang new SM City soon to open on April 30, 2010. Punta kayo.

matagal na akong hindi nakakauwi sa hacienda,sinong ang mga kapatid ni emi o mga magulang niya?

di ko pa nami-meet parents ni Emil brod ... sensya na ... ipagtanong mo na lang ... :)
me waiting shed sa kanto papunta sa kanila ... :)

Ang ganda naman ng photos.

Guys, visit nyo Tarlac City and Province Thread, may mga photos doon ang new SM City soon to open on April 30, 2010. Punta kayo.

ganda ng SM City Tarlac based dun sa pictures ... :okay:

sana gawan ng overpass para wag mag-traffic sa tapat ... :)

More of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Bagac, Bataan
by Oliver Bautista (http://www.flickr.com/photos/oliverbautista/)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4447546254_68829e66d1_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4446827279_4f8ab9cabe_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4446738109_3b361fbe39_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4447568202_98101d1c41_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2701/4446834631_ccf3e92dd3_b.jpg

More of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Bagac, Bataan
by Oliver Bautista (http://www.flickr.com/photos/oliverbautista/)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4446830155_9aceb1f932_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4446817435_358d972978_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4446748509_c6bfaac6ed_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2589/4447562176_534ef30791_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/4446796589_30fca1cb31_b.jpg

More of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Bagac, Bataan
by Oliver Bautista (http://www.flickr.com/photos/oliverbautista/)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4446801011_aac7b7ec5c_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2718/4446752031_a39649ac36_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4446825131_9bc8b0a70d_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4447542990_9514eefd72_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4446783591_54ab2645b7_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4446795035_e7558b4768_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4447533374_07956987c9_b.jpg

hhuhu... pls tulong naman kung sino yung taga olongapo... huhuhu...

Ang ganda pala ng Bagac, Bataan. Na preserved ba yung design ng mga houses na iyan?Parang sa Vigan.

Thanks Ninja Kid for viewing Tarlac Thread.

;55925297']Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar - http://www.lascasasfilipinas.com/
Bagac, Bataan
Photos by pianoforte (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pianoforte/)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4471446151_35fd54e8e7_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4468122527_f1e186a97f_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4474198417_68d71b8791_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4474973746_50576a598c_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2752/4468895666_03d9dd106e_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2777/4474199123_e98e46f19d_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4474974840_e2c40c7321_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4468897448_5a6220064f_b.jpg

WOW...

Good afternoon Aurora, Bataan and Nueva Ecija, visit nyo Tarlac City and province Thread, page 45 yung photos ng New SM. Opening tomorrow April 30, 2010.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tarlac/SM-CITY-TARLAC-fanPage/365691827111

hhuhu... pls tulong naman kung sino yung taga olongapo... huhuhu...

ako taga olongapo #20 20th st. west bajac-bajac, olongapo city

ako taga olongapo #20 20th st. west bajac-bajac, olongapo city

az en... sa clark ko mag baba then to olangapo na daun... ilaag ko dira... hehehe...

Good afternoon Aurora, Bataan and Nueva Ecija, visit nyo Tarlac City and province Thread, page 45 yung photos ng New SM. Opening tomorrow April 30, 2010.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tarlac/SM-CITY-TARLAC-fanPage/365691827111


post kayo ng maraming picture sa Tarlac thread ...
para makita naman namin yung SM City Tarlac ...

SM Cabanatuan na susunod ...

SM Cabiao? baka in 20 years pa ... :)

post kayo ng maraming picture sa Tarlac thread ...
para makita naman namin yung SM City Tarlac ...

SM Cabanatuan na susunod ...

SM Cabiao? baka in 20 years pa ... :)

Kailan daw ang SM Cabanatuan?Saang barangay kaya itatayo?

Maki-SM muna kayo sa amin sa Tarlac,:) may terminal doon papunta Guimba at Zaragoza. Balita ko may mga dumating doon na taga N.Ecija noong opening.
Thread 2 na kami sa Tarlac Thread. Nasa page 1 yung madaming pics ng SM.
Click nyo lang sa search Tarlac Thread 2. Happy viewing.Thanks.

Been to Aurora last weekend. ANG GANDA! 'Yun lang ang masasabi ko at gusto kong bumalik. :(

Wala bang pics ng Aurora Sinjin?

^ Marami, hehehe. Ipopost ko na 'pag nasort ko na :D

Ok wait namin. he he. Excited na ako makita.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs439.snc3/25261_1100692453827_1722177814_203106_5492081_n.jpg

:banana::cheers:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-sjc1/hs496.snc3/27094_1099585466153_1722177814_200905_4078817_n.jpg

:banana::cheers:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/4600412835_e7df8c0a39_o.jpg

Happy Fiesta sa Brgy. Bucot, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija!
Talagang hinarangan pa nila ang daan para makapanhingi ng donation! :)

Cabanatuan Bypass Road
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1413/4600413777_0328c989f1_o.jpg

Baler Bay Panorama
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4603320010_57bb9db753_o.jpg

Congrats to Cabiao, N. Ecija's returning mayor, Baby Crespo-Congco! :banana::banana::banana:

to her new Vice Mayor, Mr. Pompet Talens ... :)

as usual ... Antonino as Congressman and Umali as Governor ...

continue doing your good work sirs ...

and more progress para sa mga Novo Ecijanos!!!


:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Congratz to Governor Umali and his Unang Sigaw Partido ng Pagbabago Team! :cheers::cheers::cheers:


Great pics Bai @sinjin ... :okay:


Baler Bay Panorama
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4603320010_57bb9db753_o.jpg

Congrats to Cabiao, N. Ecija's returning mayor, Baby Crespo-Congco! :banana::banana::banana:

to her new Vice Mayor, Mr. Pompet Talens ... :)

as usual ... Antonino as Congressman and Umali as Governor ...

continue doing your good work sirs ...

and more progress para sa mga Novo Ecijanos!!!


:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Congrats ninang,Mayor Gloria Crespo Congco

Friday, May 14, 2010
Religion-themed park being planned in Subic free port

SUBIC BAY FREE PORT—After dishing out fake killer whales and sea lions at the Ocean Adventure Marine Park and tigers and crocodiles in the Zoobic Safari, this free port is now expected to gain a new niche in tourism: religious pilgrimage.
According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Administrator Armand Arreza, the agency has recently approved a proposal by a nonstock, nonprofit organization to build a new theme park built around the concept of the Holy Land.


Groundbreaking for the project is expected to be held in June.


This “new Jerusalem experience, right here in Central Luzon,” as Arreza described it, is touted to be the first of its kind in Asia.


Arreza said the proposed tourism attraction will be built by the Holy Land Subic Foundation Inc. in a 20-hectare area adjacent to the Subic-Tipo gate of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway as the park would capitalize on Subic’s competitive edge in accessibility, as well as security.


“With the Holy Land Subic project, the free port will serve not only as an ecotourism and recreation center, but also as a place for pilgrimage and spiritual rejuvenation,” Arreza added.


As a religion-themed park, Holy Land Subic will feature attractions like “Bible Museum,” an amphitheater for various spiritual plays and stage productions, and separate theaters for children where cartoon shows, storytelling and puppet shows will be held.


Maribi Garcia, founder of the Bethesda Healing Ministry, said these children’s theaters will also have themes like “Noah’s Ark” and “Jonah and the Whale.”


For teenagers and young adults, the company will put up a “David and Goliath” rock-climbing course and a “Trip to Heaven” obstacle run.


Garcia also said that replica models depicting biblical stories will be built all over the place, with themes like “Moses and the Ten Commandments in Mount Sinai” and “Tower of Babel.”


Sculptures portraying the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ will also be part of the replica exhibits.


Aside from the more overt religious content, which is expected to popularize Holy Land Subic as a sanctuary for prayer and reflection, the park will also be a rest and recreation center that would feature a healing and wellness center.


Garcia also said Aeta tribesmen in the Subic Bay Free Port will be hired by Holy Land Subic to serve as forest rangers, jungle guides and foot-massage therapists, among others. Written by Henry Empeño / Correspondent businessmirror.com.ph

Congrats ninang,Mayor Gloria Crespo Congco

Ninang mo pala si Mayora ... :)

Kelan ba balak mong umuwi @Novo Ecijano?
Kelangan na nating mag-invest ng business sa Cabiao ... :)

Di feasible ang Jollibee or McDo ...
Pero SM Savemore pwede ... :yes:

Ano sa tingin mo sa suggestion ko ... okay ba? :naughty:

Ninang mo pala si Mayora ... :)

Kelan ba balak mong umuwi @Novo Ecijano?
Kelangan na nating mag-invest ng business sa Cabiao ... :)

Di feasible ang Jollibee or McDo ...
Pero SM Savemore pwede ... :yes:

Ano sa tingin mo sa suggestion ko ... okay ba? :naughty:

ninang ko sa kasal,hindi pa pwede,hindi pa makasurvive nagtry na ang Jolibee at Shakeys hindi nagclick.
aywan ko lang ang Savemore,mayroon ganyan sa Arayat hindi rin nagclick.

ninang ko sa kasal,hindi pa pwede,hindi pa makasurvive nagtry na ang Jolibee at Shakeys hindi nagclick.
aywan ko lang ang Savemore,mayroon ganyan sa Arayat hindi rin nagclick.

hala ... di siguro sila makapag-compete sa taste na "masa" ... :ohno:
saka parang Booth or Stand lang naman ang itinayo nila and not a store itself ...
sa Gapan or Cabanatuan pa rin galing ang mga paninda nila ... :)

fyi ... buhay pa ang Buan Supermarket sa Arayat ...
medyo maliit nga lang ... pero me mga bumibili naman last time nung dumaan kami dun ...
of course, the middle and upper class would still prefer going to SM San Fernando or Waltermart Gapan ...

the only "classy" supermarket we have in Cabiao is STM ...
dunno what STM stands for ... pero sabi ng byenan ko ... Sa Tapat ng Munisipyo daw ... :lol:
and it's owned by the Mercados of Mercado's Marketing ...

seriously, sa tingin mo pre, what's the most viable business in Cabiao?

Villa Crisanta & CY Gabriel Wonder came to glory during the Eat Bulaga heydays during the 80's ..
but sadly ... di na sya ganun kasikat ngayon tulad ng dati ... :ohno:

Bayan ng Cabiao ...

pics courtesy of Andrew.FM's blog ...


http://andrew.fm/pix/albums/pp07-cabiao/1001-view.jpg


http://andrew.fm/pix/albums/pp07-cabiao/1002-view.jpg


Mt. Arayat


http://andrew.fm/pix/albums/pp06-volcano/1002-view.jpg


Cabiao National High School main entrance


http://andrew.fm/pix/albums/pp12-highschool/1001-view.jpg

napabayaan na ang Cabiao,wala yatang ginawa ang dating mayor diyan,sana bigyang pansin ito ni Mayora Crespo.

napabayaan na ang Cabiao,wala yatang ginawa ang dating mayor diyan,sana bigyang pansin ito ni Mayora Crespo.


sabihin mo sa Ninang mo na mag-attract ng mga investment sa Cabiao ...
mas maunlad pa yata ang San Isidro at San Antonio sa Cabiao eh ...

yaan mo, pag ikaw ang naging Mayor dyan ...
dadalhin natin ang SM at Robinson's sa Cabiao ... :D

DP

sabihin mo sa Ninang mo na mag-attract ng mga investment sa Cabiao ...
mas maunlad pa yata ang San Isidro at San Antonio sa Cabiao eh ...

yaan mo, pag ikaw ang naging Mayor dyan ...
dadalhin natin ang SM at Robinson's sa Cabiao ... :D

First class municipality ang Cabiao bakit ganyan ang itsura,how pathetic
siguro kailangan nila ako for urban development,jk:)

First class municipality ang Cabiao bakit ganyan ang itsura,how pathetic
siguro kailangan nila ako for urban development,jk:)


mismo ... STM Supermarket lang ata ang pinakamataas ng structure sa Cabiao ... :ohno:
ang 1st & 2nd floor ay Supermarket at and 3rd floor naman ay parang function room at hotel ... :)

maliban dun ... iilang Rural Banks at Emergency Hospitals na lang ...

hiling ko sana magkaroon ng mas malaking supermarket man lang saka sinehan ...
at maayos na Transport Terminal para sa Jeeps & Buses ...

then a large Sports Center/Coliseum para sa mga malalaking happenings ... :okay:

yaan mo Brod ... iboboto kita next election ... :lol:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs570.snc3/31102_1475864504220_1461954765_31234409_851707_n.jpg

Saturday, June 05, 2010
Subic emerges as eco-sports haven

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT (PNA) – More than just being a popular travel destination and a sports hot spot in the country today, the Subic Bay Freeport is also emerging as a favorite center for environment-friendly sports activities.

Over the weekend, the Philippine Kayaking Series 2010 kicked off here with the 25-kilometer kayaking marathon from the Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club in Morong, Bataan to this free port.


The marathon, as well as the five-kilometer novice race, was part of the two-day “Kayak Explore Anvaya Cove-Subic Bay” event.


Some 150 paddlers from the Philippines and other Asian countries joined the water sports event that also served as venue in promoting kayaking as a new sports challenge among local residents.


Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) deputy administrator for business Raul Marcelo described the event as an activity for sports-minded and environment-conscious people who wish to help in protecting the environment and saving planet Earth while indulging in their favorite sports.

“It was not just kayaking per se,” Marcelo said, pointing out that Subic was an ideal location for eco-friendly races like kayaking.


He said that kayaking participants and their friends enjoyed other activities like the eco-tour, mangrove planting, or watching the “Save the Pawikan” presentations that were held at Barangay Sabang, a fishing village in Morong.


Meanwhile, more than 200 motorists aboard 50 vehicles joined the “Just Go! Drive Philippines” tour-caravan in the Subic Freeport.


A project of the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP), in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DoT), the caravan showcased some of the best tourism destinations in the country.


The Subic attractions visited by the caravan included the Bat Kingdom, parts of the Subic Bay Protected Area and the Central Business District, as well as industrial landmarks like Subic’s new container terminals.

Portia Zabala, manager of the SBMA Tourism Department, said that being listed in the itinerary of the DOT project meant that Subic has been considered as one of the best tourism attractions in the country today

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs570.snc3/31102_1475864504220_1461954765_31234409_851707_n.jpg


sino ba itong 2004, si Ryza Cenon? i heard she's from Gapan City, N.E. ... :)

eh yung 2010 ... no idea who she is ... Starstruck din ba yan? :)

My mother is from San Isidro, NE. Sana umunlad na din yung side na yun ng NE. :D

off to Subic this afternoon :cheers:

GOLDEN BEE TRNSPORT SAKAY NA
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4408680378_8a740bce1e.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3440/4569294449_52938f7596.jpg
DAILY TRIPS TO SAN JOSE N.E/BALIWAG

GOLDEN BEE TRNSPORT SAKAY NA
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4408680378_8a740bce1e.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3440/4569294449_52938f7596.jpg
DAILY TRIPS TO SAN JOSE N.E/BALIWAG

hindi dumadaan sa Cabiao ito ... RJ at Sierra Madre lang from Manila ...
at Genesis naman galing San Fernando to Cabanatuan ... :nuts:

hindi dumadaan sa Cabiao ito ... RJ at Sierra Madre lang from Manila ...
at Genesis naman galing San Fernando to Cabanatuan ... :nuts:

ang Genesis hanggang Olongapo iyan,buhay pa ba ang Arayat Express?

ang Genesis hanggang Olongapo iyan,buhay pa ba ang Arayat Express?


buhay na buhay pa Mayor ... :)

kaso, marami nang kalawangin at kakarag-karag ... :lol:

buhay na buhay pa Mayor ... :)

kaso, marami nang kalawangin at kakarag-karag ... :lol:

nawala na rin ang Vergara at Santiago,buhat nang namatay si Dr. Santiago.kilala mo ba si Egay Wycoco kapatid ng dating NBI director?

nawala na rin ang Vergara at Santiago,buhat nang namatay si Dr. Santiago.kilala mo ba si Egay Wycoco kapatid ng dating NBI director?

Naririnig ko ... pero di ko pa nami-meet ...
Col. or Gen. na ata sya ngayon sa PNP ...

Yung kilala ko si Konsehal Jomar ... tropa ng Tito ni misis ...
Madalas nakikipag-inuman sa amin sa San Roque ... :)