Police detain 80 Chinese miners in Zambales

MASINLOC - Philippine police said Tuesday they had detained 80 Chinese nationals illegally working at a mine site north of Manila.

The workers have been held since Thursday when mining authorities, police and soldiers raided the chromite mining site at Masinloc, 150 kilometers (90 miles) northwest of the capital, police said.

The site was operated by Filipino firm Compania Minera Tubajon, police said. But they alleged that the company did not have concessional rights to the area and used armed private security guards to shield the premises from inspectors.

"They (the Chinese workers) are being secured in the mine camp. We already asked the Bureau of Immigration to... take appropriate action," provincial police chief Rafael Santiago told reporters.

He said he could not give details of charges to be filed against the Chinese, but said they would be held in the camp pending further investigation.

The Chinese workers had refused to answer any questions, a local police spokeswoman told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Compania Minera was reportedly working in the area under contract from another firm, the police spokeswoman said.

A police report of the incident obtained by AFP said that Compania Minera is believed to be owned by a former governor and that the firm was said to be exporting mineral ores to China illegally.

Compania Minera's chief operating officer, Arsenia Lim, refused to comment on the incident when contacted by AFP, while spokespeople at China's embassy in Manila were not available for comment Tuesday.

Chromite is the ore for chromium, which is mixed with steel to make it harder and resistant to corrosion. Agence France Presse

Subic eyed as cruise ship destination

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — This Freeport Zone might become the first stopover of cruise ship liners in the Philippines as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) becomes a founding member of the Asian Cruise Terminals Association (ACTA), a newly-formed group that will provide a consolidated marketing platform for the cruise ship industry in Asia.

According to SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza, “The SBMA is the only founding member from the Philippines, thereby giving it a great opportunity to build a solid business network with ACTA-member countries.”

Arreza said that the member countries are composed of China, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka, and India.

“Joining ACTA is a strategic move for the SBMA, as we are targeting the major players in the industry to make Subic part of their cruise itinerary,” Arreza said.

“Once Subic has been established as the next cruise ship playground, the economic impact will trickle down to local businesses in terms of providing supplies, fuel, food, and even manpower,” he said.

Among the cruise lines that may include Subic in their itinerary under the ACTA platform include the Star Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Silver Seas, and Costa Crocere.

“These are all known as key players in the industry,” Arreza noted.

The SBMA’s membership in ACTA would also enable the Subic Bay Freeport to develop a different tourist market niche, said SBMA deputy administrator for business Raul Marcelo.

Marcelo, along with SBMA maritime investment department head Ronnie Yambao, was recently in Singapore for the organizational meeting of ACTA, a non-profit organization that was the brainchild of the Singapore Cruise Centre Pte. Ltd. (SCCPL).

Marcelo said that after the SBMA's presentation on what the Subic Bay Freeport has to offer, SCCPL vice president Ivan Ng expressed confidence that Subic would pass the standards for a cruise ship destination.

“With the port infrastructure, deep natural harbor, support facilities, security, and tourist attractions, I am now convinced – and this strengthens the business case for Subic – that indeed, it is ready to play a key role in the cruise ship industry," Ng was quoted as saying.

"We are glad that SBMA will be one of the founding members of ACTA, as we have only chosen one port in the Philippines and that is Subic Bay Freeport,” Ng added.

Marcelo said that joining the meeting also allowed the SBMA group to benchmark from the SCCPL, which handles about nine million passengers annually.

“It’s learning from the best of the best in terms of passenger handling, formulating waterfront development plans to integrate with the passenger terminal, technology, marketing activities and maintaining the momentum of the cruise ship market growth,” Marcelo described the experience.

ACTA, which is set to be launched in January next year, is primarily expected to provide members with a platform for regional cooperation in terminal development, operations and management. By JONAS REYES - mb.com.ph

PNP ENTRANCE & PROMOTIONAL EXAMS IN OLONGAPO CITY

Through the initiative of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr., the Philippine National Police (PNP) will conduct the nationwide PNP Entrance and Promotional Examinations in Olongapo City on October 24, 2010.

This is in line with the desire of Mayor Gordon to bring the examination services closer to the Olongapo to be a part of the PNP. This will alleviate the burden of aspirants from transportation and other incidental expenses.

Some 1, 200 civilians and PNP promotional exams applicants are estimated to come from Olongapo City alone. Filings and processing of applications will start on August 16, 2010 until September 30, 2010.

Documents needed for the processing of the said examinations were as follows;

For PNP Entrance Examination:

1. Transcript of Records/Diploma with special order

2. Birth Certificate

3. 2 recent & identical 1”x1” ID pictures (in color) white background with complete name tag (indicate first, middle & last name)

For PNP Promotional Examinations:

1. Certified true copy of attested appointment/Plantilla appointment or PNP Absorption Order

2. Report Rating/Certification issued by the NAPOLCOM Central Office, CSC, Certificate of Eligibility and/or PRC Board Certificate

3. 2 recent & identical 1”x1” ID pictures(in color) white background with complete name tag (indicate first, middle & last name)

PAO/rlb

700 Pinoys in Subic lose jobs

A TAIWANESE firm at Subic Bay Freeport Zone dismissed close to 700 Filipino workers, the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) said Friday.

In a statement, the Dole said the Wistron InfoComm Philippines Corp. is set to lay-off a total of 694 workers.

“The workers facing retrenchment were affected by the firm’s downsizing, particularly the closure of the firm’s Mobile System Unit (MSU) operations last July 5,” said Dole Communications Office Director Nicon Fameronag.

Citing a report from the Dole Regional Office No. 3, the company was forced to close down its MSU after the “volume of business has substantially decreased” leading to the decline of the company’s profitability.

But Fameronag noted that the company has decided to double the separation pay to be given to the affected workers.

“Instead of just half month salary, each affected worker will be given separation benefits equivalent to one month salary for every year of service together with all other remaining compensation and benefits due them,” the labor official related.

Fameronag added that the workers will also be paid one-month worth of salary in lieu of the 30-day notice period.

The lay-off leaves a total of 696 workers out of Wistron’s 1,390 total workforce, according to DOLE.

Meanwhile, Fameronag said the department is ready to provide employment facilitation services to assist the affected workers in finding new jobs, whether locally or overseas.

Livelihood and training assistance will also be extended by labor department to workers, who may opt to instead set-up business undertakings. (AMN/Sunnex)

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Public Utilities Department (PUD) would like to inform Olongapo residents that starting on Monday, July 26, 2010, the PUD will conduct massive disconnection of power service to all delinquent consumers.

This is in accordance with the provisions of the Magna Carta for Residential Consumers and the Distribution Service and Open Access Rules (DSOAR). The following are sufficient grounds for the disconnection of service.

a. Non-payment of Electric Bills within nine (9) days upon receipt of the billing statement for residential consumers and ten (10) days for non-residential consumers.

b. Violation of the provisions as stipulated in the Magna Carta and DSOAR.

All PUD consumers are advised to pay and settle their accounts as soon as possible to avoid disconnection of power service.

This is necessary in connection with the city’s efforts to improve the power supply system in Olongapo City.

For more information, visit the Public Utilities Department at City Hall Complex or call 222-2659 and 222-3022 or PUD Technical Division at telephone number 222-3015.

Pao/rem

Subic revenues grow faster in first half

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT -- Tax revenue collection in this free port rose by almost a fifth in the first half, faster than the increase recorded in the same period last year, bolstering observations of reviving trade at what is believed to be the tail end of the global slump, data released yesterday by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) showed.

Specifically, this free port’s total tax revenues grew 19.41% to almost P3.5 billion in the first half, compared to the measly 1.4% rise recorded in the same period last year. SBMA, which targets to collect P6 billion in tax revenues this year, said it could slightly exceed that goal.

Collections on duties and taxes on goods imported into this free port which accounted for nearly three-fourths of total tax revenues grew 13.67% to P2.508 billion against a P2.13-billion target for that period.

Collections of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, which made up a little more than a fourth of total tax revenues, rose by a faster 37.35% to hit P970.24 million.

"We could be looking at a P6-billion-plus total at the end of the year," the statement quoted SBMA Administrator Armand C. Arreza as saying.

The sight of cargo ships docked in this free port for months up to late last year had been cited as visual proof of the slump in global trade. -- RMG bworldonline.com

Source: Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority

Koreans okay Subic golf takeover

Businessman Antonio “Tonyboy” Cojuangco is all set to formally take over the renovation of the old Binictican golf course in Subic.

The grapevine said Hanafil Golf and Tour Inc., the company in charge of renovating the 18-hole golf course into a world-class facility, had agreed to the takeover terms of Tonyboy and the division of responsibilities with respect to the rehabilitation of the golf course.

Hanafil, represented by chief executive and president Benjamin John Defensor III, and its parent Hana Tours, the biggest travel agency in South Korea, will be in charge of renovating the front nine, or the first nine holes, of the Subic golf course to keep its minority stake in the project.

A source said Tonyboy’s group would rehabilitate the back nine and completely take over the construction of a five-star hotel and luxury villas within the golf course. Hanafil originally committed to build the hotel and villas as part of the package to renovate the 18-hole golf course.

Defensor, meanwhile, will continue to play a critical role in the P300-million golf project, serving as the go-between of Tonyboy and his Korean bosses. Defensor, son of former Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Benjamin Defensor Jr. and nephew of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, will likely still be in charge of the golf rehab work and protect the exposure of Hanafil. The Korean company has made a down payment of $2 million to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

Junket trips assured

The Binictican golf course, along with the five-star hotel and villas that he will build around the facility, will complement Tonyboy’s Nabasan beach resort project, just two kilometers away from the Subic Freeport. Tonyboy can essentially continue Hanafil’s plan to integrate the modern golf course into the travel package of Hana Tours in Korea. Hana Tours, prior to the golf renovation project, offered three-day golfing packages to Korean tourists. About 2,000 Koreans have participated in the junket trips, departing from Incheon and arriving at the Subic Bay International Airport.

The grapevine said the success of the junket flights, or syndicated travel packages, would lift Tonyboy’s Nabasan beach resort project, where he plans to sell memberships to Korean tourists.

SBMA administrator Armand Arreza and the rest of the SBMA board have pinned their hopes on the modern Subic golf course to truly make Subic a tourist haven in Southeast Asia. Junket flights in the past boosted the Subic tourism industry. Casino operators in Subic used similar junket flights to lure more players from Asia.

Hanafil had planned to expand Binictican by another nine holes to make it a 27-hole golf course.

“We want to upgrade the golf course here, put it at par with international standards, and place it at the forefront of SBMA’s effort to further enhance the tourism market in Subic,” Arreza said earlier, adding that the renovation would prepare local tourism establishments “for more opportunities coming their way.”

Hanafil, which mainly targets Korean golfers, had planned to resume the junket flight program after the golf course is fully renovated. manilastandardtoday.com

INDIGENTS BENEFIT FROM MAYOR BONG AND FIRST LADY ANNE’S ASSISTANCE

Some one hundred twenty (120) indigents benefited from the burial, financial and medical assistance extended by first lady Anne Gordon on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at the FMA Hall of City Hall.

City Social Welfare and Development Office head Gene Eclarino said the benefiaries have earlier appealed to Mayor Bong Gordon for assistance.

“Agad namang tinugon ni Mayor Bong Gordon ang kahilingan ng ating mga kalungsod na nangangailangan. People in crisis situation should be heard and be given attention,” Eclarino added.

Lolita Resuello, one of the beneficiaries said, “Nagpapasalamat ako kay Ma’am Anne at Mayor Gordon sa tulong na binigay nila sa aming mahihirap, may sakit kasi ang anak ko, malaking tulong ito para sa aking pamilya.”

Social Services is part of Mayor Gordon’s HELPS program which truly addresses the need of Olongapeños in all aspects.

With Social Services, Olongapo City has been receiving awards from several award giving bodies like, “Most Child Friendly City” in the country from 2001 to 2003; “Most Child Friendly City” Regional Awardee from 2001 to 2009; Outstanding VAW Responsive LGU in 2009 and Best in Quality of Life given by the Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project (PCCRP) of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and more.

First Lady Anne Gordon hands over an envelope to one of the 120 recipients of the financial assistance from the Olongapo City Government through City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

Pao/nmm

SBMA, port workers sign industrial peace accord

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Stakeholders and workers in the port industry here have signed a social accord to prevent labor disputes and boost cooperation in making this Freeport the most competitive international service and logistics center in Southeast Asia.

The agreement was signed at a consultative forum organized by the labor department of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) last week and attended by some 200 officials and employees from companies providing port-related services here.

Severo Pastor Jr., head of the SBMA Labor Department, said the social accord would guarantee that local port players will be committed to enhancing mutual benefits for employers and their workers.

The forum drew information and feedback from port workers on their most pressing issues and concerns, as well as perceived solutions to help improve working conditions in the port area.

Among the issues raised were the workers’ Social Security System (SSS) contributions; sanitation in the work area; the proper use of occupational safety gadgets; wage increase petitions; and accreditation of workers with the SBMA Labor Center.

Pastor said that there are more than 700 port stevedores and seasonal workers or “yag-yag” currently working for manpower supervisors or “cabo” at this Freeport.

“With the help of the social accord, we will try to resolve work-related issues and problems so that the local port industry shall abide with the rules on labor standards and grievance resolution,” Pastor added.

Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga, who addressed the forum, challenged participants to do their share in promoting and maintaining harmonious relations in the industry through peaceful dialogues and consultations.

“If we want the Subic Bay Freeport to become a major maritime service and logistics hub, we should help each other in making this place secure, safe and free from any disruptive activities,” Salonga told the audience.

During the forum, officials from SBMA departments on health and safety, law enforcement, and seaport operations discussed various measures on sanitation, safety at work and security that the SBMA requires for implementation.

On the other hand, port workers expressed their concerns and provided recommendations on how to improve working conditions in the area.

Pastor said that with the full support of cargo handlers and the cooperation of stevedores, the SBMA could address all the problems in the port industry at the shortest time possible. By FRANCO G. REGALA, jonas - mb.com.ph

Bb. Olongapo 2010 Candidates

The much anticipated Binibining Olongapo 2010 beauty pageant has almost completed its official list of candidates. This is the 3rd year of the pageant which is a project of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. and Olongapo City First Lady Anne Gordon.

According to Rionyl Cercado, Binibining Olongapo 2010 Pageant Coordinator of the Olongapo City Tourism Office, the number of applicants was down to twenty five after the initial screening. However, aspirant applicants are still welcome until July 9, 2010.

The final screening will be on July 16, 2010. From there on, only 18 candidates will be selected. Afterwards, there will be an official photo shoot and briefing and orientation. The announcement of the official list of candidates will be on July 19, 2010.

Furthermore, the coronation night will be held at Olongapo City Convention Center on October 16, 2010. The winning candidate who will be crowned as Bb. Olongapo of 2010 will have the chance to represent the city in various prestigious national beauty pageants like Mutya ng Pilipinas or Miss Philippines Earth.

Pao/christopher

Mayor Gordon and CEPALCO Ink Asset Purchase Agreement

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. and Hochi Abaya, chairman’s representative of Cagayan Electric Power & Light Company, Inc. (CEPALCO), has signed the Asset Purchase Agreement for Olongapo City’s Electric Distribution System at the FMA Hall, City Hall last July 14, 2010.

This is in accordance with Resolution No. 60 (series of 2010) which authorized the Mayor to sign and execute the final asset purchase agreement for the sale and modernization of the city’s electric distribution utility system and to determine the use of the asset proceeds.

The City Government under the administration of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. sees the need to modernize and upgrade the facilities and equipment of the power distribution system in the city through the private sector participation or PSP.

In line with this, the Bids and Awards Committee (PBAC) conducted a public bidding for the sale of Olongapo PUD last June 9, 2010 which resulted into a failure because bidders did not meet the Reserve Price of P610.5 M set by the city. However, further negotiation with CEPALCO, which is the highest bidder, resulted to its conformity to the Reserve Price.

The sale of the City’s electric distribution system will be used for the payment of obligations with the National Power Corporation (NPC) and San Miguel Energy Corporation (SMEC), and for the settlement of separation, severance or early retirement pay of affected PUD employees.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. and Mr. Hochi Abaya, representative of Cagayan Electric Power & Light Company, Inc. (CEPALCO) shake hands after the signing of the “Asset Purchase Agreement of Olongapo City’s Electric Distribution System” held at FMA Hall, City Hall last July 14, 2010. pao/christopher

OCPO RECEIVES PCR AWARDS

Olongapo City Police Office has once again received awards besting different police stations in Central Luzon.

Presented in Camp Olivas, the Best PCR Unit in the City Police Office Category was awarded to Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO) led by City Director Police Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, back to back with the Best PCR Unit CPO-PS Category-Police Station 1 led by Police Inspector Gerald Fernandez, Deputy Chief of Police.

Dubbed as “Matatag na Pagkakaisa ng Pambansang Pulisya at Mamamayan Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran,” the month-long observance of Police Community Relations (PCR) Month is in line with Presidential Proclamation Number 764, declaring the month of July of every year as PCR Month where police and community partnership is strengthened towards the maintenance of peace and order.

Police Regional Office 3 Director Chief Superintendent Arturo Cacdac Jr., spearheaded the observance of the Police Community Relations (PCR) Month and conferred awards to outstanding units, private citizens and local government units who have contributed and supported the police.

Cacdac and the regional PCR division led by Supt. Walter Castillejos cited PNP personnel, police units, local government units and private individuals, who have immensely contributed and supported the conduct of various PCR activities from July 2009 to June 2010. Pao/nmm

Pampanga Vice Governor Joseller “Yeng” Guiao hands over the glass plaque for the Best PCR Unit in the City Police Office Category to Olongapo City Director Police Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde in Camp Olivas, San Fernando Pampanga. (below) Olongapo City Police Office also received the Best PCR Unit CPO-PS Category-Police Station 1 led by Police Inspector Gerald Fernandez, deputy chief of police.

Iniabot ni Pampanga Vice Governor Joseller “Yeng” Guiao ang “glass plaque” na Best PCR Unit in the City Police Office Category kay Olongapo City Director Police Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde sa Camp Olivas, San Fernando Pampanga nitong Hulyo 12, 2010.

Nakuha din ng Olongapo City Police Office ang Best PCR Unit CPO-PS Category-Police Station 1 sa pangunguna ni Police Inspector Gerald Fernandez, deputy chief of police.

COLUMBAN COLLEGE Olongapo on its 50th YEAR:

COLUMBAN COLLEGE 50th YEAR: Mayor Bong Gordon exchanges pleasantries with the officers and members of the Columban College Alumni Association headed by Alumni Secretary General Ernie Tawatao at the Mayor’s Office on July 14, 2010. The courtesy call was made in relation to the 50th Founding Anniversary of Columban College on November 21 to 25, 2011. The group also informed Mayor Gordon with the success of the recently held Columban College Fun Run as a kick-off activity in the celebration of its golden anniversary with the theme, “Columban College @ 50 Envisioning Global Excellence Beyond Its Golden Year”.

Rain forecast reduced in latest bulletin, no flooding seen

3 Day Weather Summary: Heavy rain (total 77mm), heaviest during Sun night, Warm (max 30°C on Tue afternoon, min 26°C on Sun night), Wind will be generally light

http://www.weather-forecast.com/locations/SubicBay/forecasts/latest

	Sunday Mostly Cloudy With Occassional Showers High: 29°C / 83°F. Winds: Calm Precipitation: 11.76mm (0.46 in)*
	Sunday Night Very Heavy Showers Low: 25°C / 78°F. Winds: SE 8-16 kph (5-10 mph) Precipitation: 24.51mm (0.97 in)*
	Monday Heavy Showers High: 28°C / 82°F. Winds: SE 8-16 kph (5-10 mph) Precipitation: 19.26mm (0.76 in)*

Heavy Rain forecast for Subic Bay

Three international weather forecasting bureaus issued heavy rains forecast for Subic Bay area starting Sunday night up to Monday morning. There is no harm in being prepared, so lets get ourselves ready.

Subic Bay, Philippines Weather Forecast

Issued: 13 pm Sat 17 Jul local time

Subic Bay 1 – 3 Day Weather Summary: Heavy rain (total 227mm), heaviest during Sun night, Warm (max 29°C on Sat afternoon, min 25°C on Sun night),

http://www.weather-forecast.com/locations/SubicBay/forecasts/latest

Subic Bay Weather Station

http://www.weatherforyou.com/clickcast/international/ph/subic+bay+weather+station.html

Sunday Night

Very Heavy Rain

Low: 25°C / 77°F.

Winds: S 24 kph (15 mph)

Precipitation: 121.87mm (4.80 in)*

Monday

Very Heavy Showers

High: 27°C / 80°F.

Winds: S 16-24 kph (10-15 mph)

Precipitation: 27.65mm (1.09 in)*

Basyang now typhoon; DepEd suspends elementary classes

Pre-school and elementary classes in private and public schools in a number of provinces in Luzon, including Metro Manila, were suspended as Tropical Storm Basyang intensified into a typhoon and changed direction, this time heading toward Central Luzon.

"Basyang" increased its strength and the change in direction prompted the Department of Education (DepEd) to suspend afternoon classes in pre-school and elementary classes in both public and private schools.

"Tinatawagan po lahat ng ating school division superintendents na mag-suspend ng classes kung Signal No. 1 sa NCR, pre-elementary and elementary," said Dr. Flordeliza Magday, officer in charge of the DepEd NCR.

Magday said the suspension only covered afternoon classes because students in the morning had already gone home by this time.

In its latest advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Basyang – which was earlier thought to make landfall over the northern Luzon province of Isabela – is now expected to first hit the Aurora-Quezon area.

PAGASA director Prisco Nilo said in a press conference that the typhoon was moving west, packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kph with a gustiness of 150 kph.

It was last spotted 90 km North of Virac in Catanduanes, traveling west at 22 kph.

"Kahapon toward northern Luzon. Ngayon mataas na ang probability na Central Luzon. Iyon na siguro ang worst case scenario, sa Central Luzon na yan at tatawid ng bandang Pangasinan or Zambales area," Nilo said.

Basyang is expected to make landfall Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning, he added.

Placed under Storm Signal No. 3 were Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Aurora, and northern Quezon including Polilio Island.

Nine provinces were placed under Storm Signal No. 2 including:

- Camarines Sur

- Southern Quezon

- Laguna

- Rizal

- Bulacan

- Nueva Ecija

- Nueva Vizcaya

- Quirino

- Ifugao

- Isabela.

Under Storm Signal No. 1 were:

- National Capital Region (Metro Manila)

- Albay

- Marinduque

- Batangas

- Cavite

- Bataan

- Pampanga

- Zambales

- Tarlac

- Pangasinan

- La Union

- Benguet

- Mt. Province

- Ilocos Sur

- Kalinga

- Apayao

- Abra

- Cagayan Ifugao

- Abra

Heading westward

Nilo said Basyang is headed westward toward Central Luzon, adding that people in southern Luzon would also be affected by rains because the typhoon has also intensified the southwest monsoon.

Pagasa warned residents in the affected areas, especially those living in coastal areas, against possible flooding, landslides, and rough to high waves.

There's good news

But the change in Basyang's path also brings good news, according to Susan Espinueva, officer in charge of Pagasa's hydro-meteorology division.

Espinueva said Basyang's rains could help ease the 23.4 water deficit facing the Angat Dam in Bulacan, which supplies most of Metro Manila's water needs.

"Ngayon ang aasahan natin sa pagdaan ni Basyang sa Luzon, mahahagip ang Angat Dam. Dahil sa rain band ni Basyang aasahan natin ang pag-akyat ng level ng Angat," she said.

She said the Angat Dam needs at least 600 millimeters of water before the water level in it "normalizes" and reached the 181-meter level.

Based on satellite data and on the rains that it has so far brought, Basyang is expected to bring rains of between 100 to 150 mm, she said.

Espinueva said the Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija and the San Roque Dam in Pangasinan are likewise expected to benefit from Basyang's rains.

Sea travel

Coast Guard commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo was quoted in a radio dzBB report as saying 340 passengers have already been stranded in ports after vessels in Catanduanes and Albay had been barred from setting sail.

Vessels weighing 1,000 tons or lighter are disallowed from traveling in areas under Signal No. 1. Meanwhile, all vessels, regardless of wieght, are barred from setting sail in areas under Signal No. 2.

Over at the Araneta Center Bus Terminal in Quezon City - one of the biggest bus terminals in Luzon - trips to southern Luzon and Visayas have yet to be canceled, according to general manager Mon Legazpi. — Mark Merueñas/LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV

When do we call a storm a storm? State weather forecasters use this guide when classifying weather disturbances visiting Philippine territory. 'Basyang' has maximum winds of a typhoon. Source: Pagasa

3 Day Weather Summary OLONGAPO CITY: Heavy rain (total 178mm), heaviest during Wed afternoon, Warm (max 30°C on Tue morning, min 26°C on Wed afternoon)

Mayor Gordon and CSWD will join Prestigious Annual Search

Gene Eclarino, head of City Social Welfare and Development Office of Olongapo City (CSWDO) has set his sights on the “Gawad Parangal for Outstanding Local Chief Executives & Local Social Welfare & Development Officers, LSWDO Retirees and Chapter” on the 14th National Social Welfare & Development Forum to be held at Cagayan de Oro City on September 28 to October 1, 2010.

“Very supportive si Mayor sa aming department. He constructed the center for youth, center for women at iba pang concerns sa social protection” said Eclarino.

The said award is an annual search of the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines Inc., (ALSWDOPI) to give recognition to individuals who made a difference in the delivery of social services.

This is the first time that Olongapo City will join the said annual search. However, Gene Eclarino felt that Olongapo City is now ready. She is confident that Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. is very effective and efficient in its social welfare programs. It is very evident in his program thrust – H.E.L.P.S. which focuses on Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Order, Social Welfare and Sports. With this, the Mayor has accomplished a lot in the city. That is why Olongapo City has already received many awards from different award-giving bodies. Eclarino pointed out that Olongapo City has been awarded as a “Most Child Friendly City” in the country from 2001 to 2003; “Most Child Friendly City” Regional Awardee from 2001 to 2009; and Outstanding VAW Responsive LGU in 2009.

In terms of qualification set by the ALSWDOPI, Mayor Gordon will surely qualify. He already had the following social welfare officer in a permanent status: one City Social Welfare Officer; four Social Welfare Officer 3; and two Social Welfare Officer 1. In addition, the city had already 55 Day Care Center spread across 17 barangays.

Gene Eclarino also acknowledged the financial assistance provided by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the continuing support of City Health Officer Arnildo Tamayo.

Pao/Christopher