FREE MEDICAL AND DENTAL EXAMINATION PARA SA CITY GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

Ipinapatupad na ang Ordinance No. 46 (series of 2007) na may titulong “An Ordinance Providing for Annual Physical and Dental Check-Up of Olongapo City Government Employees.”

Sa mosyon ni Kagawad Edwin J. Piano na sinang-ayunan ng lahat ng miyembro ng Sangguniang Panlungsod, and ordinansa ay in-aprubahan noong ika-19 ng Setyembre, 2007 at pinirmahan ni Mayor James “Bong” Gordon noong ika-1 ng Oktubre, 2007 bilang batas sa lungsod.

Nasasaad sa section 1 ng ordinansang ito ang layuning magkaroon ng libreng medical at dental examination ang mga kawani ng pamahalaang lungsod, kabilang dito ang permanent, casual, contractual, job order, consultant, elected city officials, barangay health and day-care workers. Ang checkup ay isasagawa sa buwan kung saan pumapatak ang kanilang kapanganakan.

Ayon sa section 4 ng ordinansa, ang medical procedures na sakop ng Physical Exam ay ECG, Chest X-Ray, CBC, Urinalysis at Fecalysis. Sa Dental check-up naman ay oral prophylaxis (cleaning), tooth extraction at tooth filling.

Layunin ng ordinansang ito na pahalagahan at mapangalagaan ang kalusugan ng mga kawani ng pamahalaang lungsod.

PAO/gladys

Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay

BARTENDER
COOK
COMPANY DRIVER
LINE LEADER
QUALITY CONTROLLER
STORE ASSISTANT / CASHIER
PLUMBER / CARPENTER / PAINTER
DRIVER / CAR MAINTENANCE
AD AND PROMO ASSISTANT
PLUMBER
FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST
RECREATION ATTENDANT
ACCOUNTING CLERK
R AND D ENGINEER
SKI ATTENDANT
ACCOUNTING CLERK
GLOBAL HOTEL & LEISURE PROPERTIES, INC. (SEGARA V...
COLLEGE GRADUATES
IMPEX ASSISTANT
DESIGN SUPPORT ENGINEER
SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER
PURCHASING STAFF
ENGINEERING GROUP LEADER
GROUP / SECTION / LINE LEADERS
PROCESS CONTROL STAFF

United States Submarine sneaks out of SubicBay

Fishermen at the mouth of Kalaklan River in Olongapo City awed by a U.S. submarine sneaking out of the former US Naval Base 9:45 this morning. The structure at the back of this submarine resembles that of USS Grayback. This structure usually holds a smaller submarine used for special operations. The writer hopes that this sub is on its way to the Princess of the Star to lend assistance.

Related Article: No Nuke Sub in Subic

http://subicbaynews.blogspot.com/2008/03/no-us-nuke-submarine-in-subic.html

OLONGAPO CELEBRATES PACMAN’S VICTORY

Olongapo Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. and City First Lady and Zambales Vice Governor Anne Marie Gordon led city residents in celebrating the latest victory of Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao against Mexican David Diaz. The fight was held on the 28th (29th in the Philippines) of June, 2008 in Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Over four thousand (4, 000) boxing fans watched the much awaited fight on televisions and giant screens installed in the plenary hall and the lobby of Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC).

Fans cheered and jumped when Pacquiao knocked out Diaz in the 9th round of the fight, dubbed ‘Lethal Combination: the Pacquiao-Diaz Fight’.

‘’Muling pinatunayan ng ‘Pambansang Kamao’ ang kanyang puso at galing sa boksing. Makikitang ang bawat suntok na pinakawalan ni Pacman ay punong-puno ng determinasyon at hangaring mapagwagian ang titulo,” said Mayor Gordon.

‘’Sa lungsod ay patuloy tayong tumutuklas ng mga Olongapeñong may lakas at abilidad sa boksing kaya tuloy-tuloy rin ang ginagawang pag-iikot sa labing-pitong (17) barangay ng Inter-barangay Boxing Tournament,’’ added Mayor Gordon.

Pacquiao is the first and only Asian to hold four (4) boxing titles namely; the WBC super featherweight and flyweight belts, IBF bantamweight crown and the WBC lightweight belt which he won from Diaz.

The free viewing of the Pacquiao-Diaz fight was an initiative of Mayor Gordon through Dr. Donald Vigo, as coordinator in-cooperation with Colorview CATV for the HBO Pay-Per-View and Ocampo’s Olongapo for the big screen television units.

OLONGAPEÑO SUPPORTS PACMAN: Mayor Bong Gordon giving a message during the Manny ‘’Pacman’’ Pacquiao and David Diaz fight. More than four thousand (4,000) fans watched the boxing event at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC), June 29, 2008.
Pao/don

OLONGAPO TO CELEBRATE NUTRITION MONTH

In line with the observance of July as Nutrition Month a series of activities has been slated by the City Health Office through the City Nutrition Council. The theme this year’s Nutrition Month is “Sa Wastong Nutrisyon ni Mommy, Sigurado Healthy si Baby.”

On July 14 to 18, a Food Exhibit for products with ‘Sangkap Pinoy Seal’ will be held at the ground floor lobby of the Olongapo City Hall to be followed by a food display of healthy recipes by the Day Care Center Staff of Olongapo on July 22 to 25.

In line with the observation of Nutrition Month, the City Nutrition Council will jumpstart the 6-month feeding program to be held first in barangay Sta. Rita.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) will facilitate a cooking contest and the ‘Search for Healthy Kids’ while the Department of Education is assigned to facilitate the poster making contest’, jingle making contest and the search for ‘Mr. and Ms. Nutrition.”

The CHO has also been tasked to conduct the information dissemination of the ‘Promotion of Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos’, ‘Search for Healthy Babies and the ‘Search for Mrs. Nutrition 2008’.

The celebration is organized by the CHO in cooperation with the CNC led by Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. and other various departments of the local city government.

For more information about the Nutrition Month Celebration, contact the Nutrition Health office and look for Richel Eve Torralba, City Nutrition Officer or call 224-1628.
PAO/don

Nasamsam na droga sa Subic ‘di pa rin sinusunog

SUBIC BAY FREEFPORT -- Hindi nakatupad ang Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) at Presidential Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) sa kautusan ng korte na sirain ang may 714.66 kilong shabu na nasamsam dito noong isang buwan sa loob ng 24 oras pagkatapos ng ocular inspection na ginawa kamakalawa.

Sinabi ni Atty. Edmundo Arugay, deputy director ng Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG), na ang ordeer na may petsang Hunyo 26 ay inisyu ni Judge Raymund Viray ng Regional Trial Court Third Judicial Region Branch 75 at natanggap ng ng PASG at PDEA noong Hunyo 27.

Nakasaad sa kautusan na : “Within 24 hours after the ocular inspection, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is authorized to proceed with the destruction or burning of the same (shabu) in the presence of the accused or the person/s from whom such items were confiscated.”

Inisyu ang naturang order bilang konsiderasyon sa motion na magsagawa ng isang ocular inspection ng kinumpiskang mapanganib na droga at sirain ito na iniharap ng prosecution panel.

Noong Mayo 28, ang law enforcement operatives ng Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) at PASG-Task Force Subic ay nakasamsam ng 710 kilo ng high grade crystalline shabu na nagkakahalaga ng P4.2 bilyon na karga ng F/B Shun Fa Xing mula Vietnam.

Noong Hunyo 3, may 33 kilo ng shabu na nagkakahalaga ng P180 milyon na naka-address ang nasamsam na droga sa isang Chinese national na nakilalang si Anthony ‘Anton’ Ang, ay nakunan ng SBMA Harbor Patrol Group habang nakalubog sa tubig.

Sa paliwanag ni Arugay at sinabing may ilang mga bagay pa ang dapat lutasin at clearance na kailangan bago mailipat ang mga droga sa lugar ng pagsu-sunugan.

Kabilang sa magbibigay ng clearance ang Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), office of the local government unit malapit sa Subic Freeport, national police media organizations at iba pang government at iba pang mga pribadong ahensiya.

“What we cold accomplish today is to transfer the custody of the confiscated shabu to the representatives of PDEA. And it is now their responsibility where to transfer and when to destroy the illegal drugs,” ani Arugay. Journal online

PACQUIAO VS DIAZ MATCH AT THE OLONGAPO CITY CONVENTION CENTER

Boxing fans of Olongapo may once again watch the much awaited boxing event of the year between Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and David Diaz.

For the first time, newly-crowned World Boxing Council (WNC) Super Featherweight Champion Manny Pacquiao will fight against WBC Lightweight Champion Mexican-American David Diaz.

The two will pit skills in a 12-round match where the winner will take home the World Lightweight title currently held by Diaz. The fight, which will be held at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino at Las Vegas Nevada, USA on the 28th of June (29th in the Philippines) 2008, can be viewed by Olongapeños at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC) today.

‘’Matatandaan na sa tuwing may laban si Pacman ay ipinapalabas ito sa mas malaking venue upang higit na mas maraming mapapanood na Olongapeño at bilang pagpapakita na rin ng suporta sa pambato ng bansa sa boksing,’’ said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr.

Because Mayor Gordon would like the residents to be part of the boxing match, he assigned Dr. Donald Vigo to set-up giant screens for the showing of the match via HBO-Pay Per View courtesy of COLORVIEW Catv.

‘’Mga alas-8 ng umaga ay magsisimula nang masaksihan ang laban ng mga ‘undercards’ kaya dapat ay maagang dumating ang mga manunuod upang makakuha ng magandang pwesto ng upuan,’’ Dr. Vigo said.

The last victorious fight of Pacquiao against the Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez on June 16 at Las Vegas, Nevada, USA was also viewed at OCCC by Olongapeños led by Mayor Gordon and Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice Governor Anne Marie Gordon. PAO/don

RIZAL AVENUE ONGOING REPAIRS

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been conducting major road works on Rizal Avenue, a major road in Olongapo City that is part of the National Highway, from the public market to the Ulo ng Apo rotunda for the past few weeks. According to DPWH, the job aims to prevent the impending deterioration of the road due to wear and tear.

“Marami na kasing mga ‘scalings’ o lumalabas na bato mula sa konkreto ng kalsada. Marami na ring mga bitak ang kalsada. Kapag pumasok ang tubig sa mga bitak na ito, lalambot at masisira ang pundasyon o ang ‘base course’ ng konkreto at magiging uneven ang surface ng kalsada.’ explained Armando Alqueza, project manager ng DPWH.

To avoid congestion, the repairs are being done in parts. The road can be used after a week of the concrete overlay.

Funded by Senator Richard Gordon’s ‘Priority Development Assistance Fund’ (PDAF), the project started on May and is expected to be finished by the end of July.

Alqueza explained that the fund for the repairs is provided by the national government and cannot be used for repairs of barangay roads due to legal limitations.

The current road work by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at Rizal Avenue. The project is funded by Senator Richard Gordon.

PAO/don

Freeport and industrial park set to rise in Zambales

IBA, Zambales - A 600-hectare freeport industrial park envisioned to spur economic development in this typhoon-devastated province is set to rise here.

Gov. Amor Deloso said Imagine Realty Corp is bullish in developing a vast idle lot owned by the government located at the Redondo Peninsula in Barangay Cawag, Subic, Zambales to make it into an ecozone.

"Zambales will soon have its own Freeport designed to attract more investment and generate employment for our people," Deloso said.

The project will focus on sustainable development, said Deloso adding it will be of mix-use industrial park. The ecozone will be limited to light and non-polluting industries such as electronic and garment factories, information technology and even call centers.

"We will not allow heavy pollutant industries in the area," Deloso pointed out.

Subic town being a contiguous community of the Subic Bay Freeport, Deloso said has been declared as part of the ecozone.

Just like Subic Freeport, the Zambales Freeport Industrial Park will be developed into a self-sustaining, commercial, financial and investment center to generate employment in the province and attract local and foreign investments.

Roberto Aventajado, Imagine Realty Corporation president, said Subic town has a potential to become a freeport due to the existing seaport complemented with other infrastructure facilities.

"Our company is currently in alliance with international investors that can pursue full development of the Zambales Industrial Park," Aventajado told reporters here.

The firm, Aventajado said will shoulder the cost of the project study to be completed in the 30-days period. "Our proposal will be mutually beneficial, especially for the progress of Zambales.

Similar to Subic Freeport, Deloso said Zambales Industrial Park will be operated and managed as a separate custom territory ensuring free flow and movement of goods. He said the province will retain its basic autonomy and will operate according to the Local Government Code of 1991.- Jess Malabanan - ABS CBN NEWS

Court orders Subic shabu destroyed

OLONGAPO CITY -- A JUDGE HERE ON THURSDAY ordered the destruction of more than 700 kilograms of smuggled shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) seized by government agents at the Subic Bay Freeport in May.

Judge Raymond Viray, of the regional trial court here, authorized the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to “proceed with the destruction or burning of the same (shabu) in the presence of the accused or the person/s from whom such items were confiscated and/or seized or his/her representative or counsel.”

Viray on Friday inspected the seized shabu kept at the office of the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group inside the freeport.

He said the destruction or burning of the illegal drugs must take place “within 24 hours after the ocular inspection.”

Deadline extension

PDEA director general, Dionisio Santiago, said his agency is set to file on Monday a motion asking Viray to extend the 24-hour deadline for the destruction proceedings.

Viray’s order, dated June 26, was officially issued on June 27, the day court personnel inspected the contraband, according to Alvaro Lazaro, chief of the PDEA legal and prosecution unit.

The contraband is locked in a container van that the Task Force Subic, the antismuggling arm of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, has secured in its headquarters at the freeport.

Santiago said it was “not possible” for the PDEA and several other agencies to meet the deadline because the seized items have to be re-weighed and the pieces of information on the weight have to be clarified.

The PDEA is still securing a special permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to burn the substance. The SBMA, on the other hand, is preparing the incinerator facility. The PDEA has put on standby an incineration plant in Cavite in case the SBMA’s facility is not yet ready.

At large

Personnel of the PASG, Task Force Subic and the SBMA’s law enforcement department seized the illegal drugs in several operations in May and June.

The main suspect in the foiled smuggling at the Subic freeport, businessman Anthony “Anton” Ang, has yet to be arrested.

In a June 5 summary report on the case, the PASG said the total haul of shabu weighed 744.36 kilograms. The high-grade shabu, valued at P4 billion, could be sold at thrice that price in the retail market, the PASG said.

Santiago said the information that PDEA needed to clarify to the court is the volume of representative samples actually submitted to the Olongapo City prosecutor during the filing of the case on May 30.

The prosecutor received at least 80 kg, a volume that Santiago found to be more than what was required by law.

“The representative sample should be around 16 grams per kilogram. At 80 kg, sobra yung nai-submit ng mga investigator (the investigators submitted more than what was required). Hahanapin sa amin yung equivalent ng 80 kg (They would hold us liable for the equivalent of the 80 kg). We have to be exact here,” Santiago said.

No breakthrough

As for the investigation on who or what syndicate was behind the smuggling of shabu at the freeport, Santiago said the PDEA has “not made any major breakthrough.”

The agency took over the investigation from the SBMA and PASG on June 3.

“Some leads have political undertones,” he said.

Coal-fired power plant a grave threat

The forests of Southeast Asia are under intense deforestation and recently we heard the dire warnings that the world is presently losing 13 million hectares of forest every year. That means less oxygen and more carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere.

Huge concentrations of CO2 and gasses will be released into the pristine air over Subic Bay if and when construction of a coal-fired power plant on scenic Subic Bay is completed. This has to be opposed to protect the people, the forests and the biodiversity of forest life. Soon the tourists, employees and residents of Olongapo City will be choking on the smell of sulfur and fumes (deadly nitrous oxide) belching from tall unsightly smokestacks that will scar the skyline and blur the sunrise and sunset in a toxic haze. Coal-fired plants, the greatest polluters of all, produce sulfur dioxide emissions that destroy the forests and make the sea acidic.

Man and uncaring profit-driven industry are causing the global climate to change drastically with grave consequences for all mankind and all species. We have to oppose such disastrous projects like the “Redondo Peninsula power plant.”

Deforestation and pollution are the main culprits for the extinction of millions of life forms in the past fifty years. All this damage is driven by the greed of the irresponsible rich. The trees and plants that give us oxygen to live are under grave threat from us. We are poisoning ourselves. The greatest sin of this generation is its neglect and destruction of God’s creation.

Last week in Manila, Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, executive secretary of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, made a plea to the regional political leaders to stop the destruction of the forests. Eighty percent of the planet’s biodiversity is in the tropical rain forests, he said. “What is lost in the Philippines, what is lost in Asia, is lost for the world.” According to one study, the Philippines had 90 percent of its territory covered with tropical forest in 1911. Today it has been reduced to a mere 19 percent and this is diminishing daily with the law being flouted and corrupt politicians and business cronies enriching themselves.

The Redondo Peninsula project is a 300-megawatt coal-fired power plant 50 percent owned by the Aboitiz Power Corporation through the Redondo Peninsula Energy, Inc. The other 50 percent is a Taiwanese corporation. It may be just one more business enterprise that could be riddled with corruption. The regional office of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources has been bypassed because it vehemently opposed the project and will not issue an environmental compliance certificate. The local government, civil society and the public of the nearby towns and provinces are totally against it. It is being imposed without consent.

Erramon I. Aboitiz, president and chief executive officer of Aboitiz Power Corp., when asked about his family’s relationship with President Gloria Arroyo, said, “We are friends but, you know, I don’t think it’s fair to say that we benefited from it. It’s not correct to say that we benefited.”

We hope that Sen. Richard Gordon, former chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and chairman of the Senate committee on energy, a self-proclaimed conservationist, will oppose it also. We need legislation mandating that only nonpolluting energy, wind turbines and solar powered plants be built as a priority. The side of the Redondo Peninsula facing the South China Sea is ideal for wind turbines. Out of sight and in full face of the ocean winds, 15 would provide all the power needed. The alternative to polluting coal-fired plants has to be found and implemented. By Fr. Shay Cullen - Manila Times

DoLE clears Hanjin

SUBIC, Zambales -- The Department of Labor and Employment said Hanjin Heavy Industries Construction Co. Ltd. was not to blame for a shipyard accident last week.

An investigation undertaken by DoLE showed that the accident was a case of “force majeur” or circumstances beyond the control of the company.

The results of the investigation were made known yesterday. Hanjin vowed to strictly implement DoLE recommendations to achieve a “zero accident” status in its shipyard.

In a report to Region III Director Nathaniel V. Lacambra on June 22, the DoLE investigating team headed by Alvin M. Villamor, DoLE assistant regional director for Central Luzon, said “strong gusty winds caused the steel forms to fall over the workers who went there to shield themselves from the rain.”

”This initial inspection showed that there were no other factors that caused the collapse of the said forms other than the strong winds,” the report added.

The DoLE team conducted the investigation within 24 hours of the June 20 accident that killed Mario Atrero, 52, an employee of HHIC, and injured four other workers identified as Joel Alido, Darvin Silva, David Alcayaga, and Leody Abad.

Meanwhile, the Hanjin management welcomed the DoLE findings and announced that it will “strictly take action” on DoLE’s safety recommendations.

Jeong Sup Shim, president of HHIC-Phil Inc., said the company is committed to strictly observe and strengthen its declared occupational safety and health policy, reinforce the safety monitoring of subcontractors and put emphasis on the orientation of workers on personal safety precaution. Journal online

MOUNTAIN BIKES BOOST THE CITY’S PEACEKEEPING FORCE

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon recently turned over thirty (30) mountain bikes and head gears to the Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO) and Office of the Traffic Management and Public Safety (OTMPS). The mountain bikes and head gears were given during the ‘Peace and Order Parade’ at the East Tapinac Oval Track.

OCPO City Director Superintendent Abelardo Villacorta accepted the twenty (20) mountain bikes on behalf of the OCPO police force while OTMPS head Joe Aquino accepted the ten (10) mountain bikes for the OTMPS. Also present during the turnover ceremonies were Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Anne Marie Gordon and City Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo.

“The bikes are meant to enhance the mobility of police and traffic enforcers. Wider police visibility can deter the commission of crimes,” Villacorta said

The bikes will also enable the police and traffic enforcers to respond immediately when problems or incidents occur.

Not only are bikes environment friendly since it doesn’t run on gasoline, it can also help the police to maintain physically fit bodies.

Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. during the turnover of twenty (20) mountain bikes and head gears to Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO) City Director Superintendent Abelardo Villacorta during the Peace and Order Parade at East Tapinac Oval Track. Also joining the turnover ceremonies are Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Governor Anne Marie Gordon and City Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo.
PAO/don

42nd Cityhood of Olongapo

In celebration of the 42nd Cityhood of Olongapo, there will be a FREE CONCERT 27 June 2008 featuring SHAMROCK and TRUEFAITH at Rizal Triangle Covered Court 7:00 PM brought to you by MAYOR JAMES “BONG” GORDON JR.

Zambales mining firm bombed

IBA, Zambales -- Two unidentified armed men bombed a mining outfit in Sta. Cruz town, a belated police report said yesterday.

Initial investigation conducted by policemen under Senior Supt. Rolando Felix, Zambales police director, said the Bueno-Coady International Trading Corp. based in Barangays Guisguis and Guinabon, Sta. Cruz sustained five successive bomb explosions. Bonnet wearing suspects reportedly threw the bombs at various sites of the firm.

“They were riding in tandem aboard a motorcycle with no plate numbers while throwing their wares like garbage,” Felix said.

“Maybe the suspects only meant to harass the owners for something else we don’t know,” he added.

This is the first incident of bombing directed against mining owners in the area.

Police probers said two blasts occurred at 4:55 a.m. on June 25 near the guard post center 4 of BCITC in Sitio Bolas, Barangay Guisguis manned by Tiger Watch Security Agency. Five minutes later. Two more powerful hit the guard post of JFBI Security Agency at Barangay Guinabon, Sta. Cruz satellite office of the firm. Another bomb exploded about and hour later again at the BCITC compound in Guinabon.

A SOCO team is now combing for evidence to identify the kind of explosives used.

Baby Bueno Coady, owner of the firm, said she smelled “competition with a huge and influential business tycoon” as the cause of the bombing.

In a phone interview she said she’s willing to identify the suspects when the proper time comes.

“Mabuti walang tinamaan. The bombs jarred our whole yard,” she said.

Meanwhile, a staff member of Central Luzon police director Chief Supt. Errol Pan confirmed that a summit among all mining establishment owners in Zambales is slated to be held in Camp Olivas next week to thresh out rising disputes and other operational problems in the area. By: Mamer Bañez - JOurnal online

FSC at Subic goes ‘lean and mean’

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—Freeport Service Corp. (FSC), the wholly owned subsidiary of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) providing manpower and allied services needs of the Freeport and its locators, is optimistic of attaining profitable operations for this year.

Antonio S. Chan, FSC president and SBMA senior director, expressed confidence over the weekend as he announced FSC’s new profit-oriented projects, boosting existing tourism facilities managed by the firm such as the full promotion of its beach resorts at the Cubi Point area namely Dungaree and All hands and the eco-tourism Jungle Survival theme park (JEST).

FSC undertook a major reorganization of its top management following the death of Ret. Lt. Gen. Jose Calimlim, who headed the FSC as president since 2004. Chan, who held various posts at SBMA, as chief operating office (COO) during the tenure of former SBMA chairman-administrator Felicito C. Payumo and eight years as SBMA director, has been tapped to head the service oriented subsidiary.

Chan’s first task upon assuming the post was to reduce the administrative staff of FSC from 710 people to 266. Chan explained that out of 710, about 280 employees availed of the voluntary retirement package offered while the others’ employment contracts expired and were not renewed.

With a “lean and mean” support staff, FSC was able to reduce its huge monthly payroll budget amounting to P2 million, which was a big drain on its revenues.

Aside from the administrative staff, FSC also provides 1,800 to 3,000 of the workers to SBMA, handling office and environment activities of the Freeport.

Moreover, after five months of Chan’s leadership, FSC has achieved more than P30 million in revenue earnings from a zero balance, aside from its debt servicing with the Land Bank and its fuel suppliers. FSC operates two gas stations at the Freeport, which incurred huge losses under the former management, it was learned.

In view of the increasing number of locators at Subic, FSC management is going into the outsourcing business to hasten the manpower needs of foreign and local firms setting up activities at the Freeport, Chan disclosed. PhilStar

New 600-hectare industrial park to rise in Subic

SUBIC BAY, Philippines - A 600-hectare industrial park is expected to rise in Subic, Zambales.

Zambales Governor Amor D. Deloso said that estate developer Imagine Realty Corp. presented the plan to develop a vast idle government property located at Redondo Peninsula in Barangay Cawag, Subic for the setting up of a freeport industrial park.

"Zambales will soon have its own freeport industrial park which will be designed to create more jobs and alleviate poverty in the province," Mr. Deloso said in an interview Thursday.

He explained that the industrial park will be developed into a self-sustaining, industrial, commercial, financial and investment center to generate employment opportunities for the province, and to attract and promote productive foreign investments.

Only non-polluting locators

He clarified, however, that land use would be focused on "sustainable development," with the proposed "mixed-use" of the industrial park limited to light, non-polluting industries.

"The province will not allow heavy or polluting industries such as electronic and garment factories, research and IT training hub, or even call centers," the governor said.

Mr. Deloso explained that Subic town, adjacent to Subic Bay Freeport, has already been declared as part of the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone through Republic Act 7227 otherwise known as the Bases Conversion Law.

Imagine Realty Corporation president Roberto Aventajado said in a separate interview that there is good potential of developing the property into an industrial park with a separate seaport and other infrastructure facilities.

Mr. Aventajado, currently the chairman of the Philippine Olympic Committee, has been involved in marketing Subic and Clark as havens for both foreign and local investments.

"Our company is currently in alliance [sic] with international investors that can pursue full development of the Zambales Industrial Park," Mr. Aventajado said.

Feasibility under study

Mr. Aventajado added that the company would finance the cost to conduct a more detailed study and evaluation of the development potential of the industrial park.

He said he expects the feasibility study to be completed within the next 30 days.

"Our proposal would be mutually beneficial, especially for a more progressive economic development of Zambales province," Mr. Aventajado said.

Mr. Aventajado added that as planned, the industrial park would be built near its other project, the 500-hectare Neocove resort, which is scheduled to break ground by this October.

Mr. Aventajado said Neocove will be developed by consortium of South Korean investors with committed investments worth $250 million for the setting-up of an international-grade golf course and resort.

The site of the industrial park is located about 5 kilometers away from $1.6-billion Hanjin Ship Building Center. - Reynaldo M. Garcia, BusinessWorld

Subic approved $210m worth of investments in 1st 5 months

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority approved 85 new projects with investment commitments of $210 million, or about P9.32 billion, from January to May this year.

“If this trend keeps up, we can hope to breach the $1-billion mark this year, just like we did in 2006 and 2007,” said Freeport administrator and chief executive Armand Arreza in a statement.

He said about 94 percent of the commitments, or about $199 million, were foreign direct investments. The number of projects approved this year, he added, was higher by 52 percent than the 56 business ventures approved in the same period last year.

“We’re now eyeing the continued growth of investments by Korean firms, and adding to that the expected resurgence of big-ticket investments from Taiwan, I’d say that our confidence level remains high that we can again reach the billion level this year,” Arreza said.

Data from the SBMA Business Group showed that Korean companies continued to provide the biggest investments in Subic, with shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp.-Philippines pouring in $1.6 billion over the last two years.

Subic Neocove Corp. topped the list of biggest investors in the first five months of the year. Subic Neocove is putting up a resort facility and other tourism-related projects with an initial budget of $175.2 million.

Hanil E&C Subic Inc., which pledged $11 million to develop and construct medium- to high-rise commercial residential buildings, and Hanafil Golf & Tour Inc., with initial commitments of $3 million to redevelop the 18-hole Subic golf course, placed the second and third biggest investments for the period, respectively.

Other big investments were that of Palmgold International Ltd., with committed investments of $1.94 million; Grand Pillar International Development Inc. with $1.9 million; Buma Subic Development & Management Corp. with $1.5 million; World HDGD Federation Philippine Association with $1.22 million; Philkor Utopia Corp. with $1.2 million; Janburlai Corp., M. Waseem International Corp., and Ta Zon (Phils.) Color Paper Corp. all with $800,000; and Kumboindustry Corp. with $725,000.

Among the biggest new investors, World HDGD Federation Philippine Association is Filipino-owned. It will construct and develop a training facility, complete with facilities such as gym, sauna, spa and restaurant.

Meanwhile, Ta Zon-Philippines, which will venture in imports and exports, manufacture, assembly and printing of corrugated boxes, cartons and other packaging materials, is a Taiwanese enterprise. With Cecille Garcia - By Elaine Ruzul S. Ramos - Manila Standard Today

"Do not bury bodies" - Gordon

Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), Senator Richard Gordon appealed to local government officials not to bury bodies of suspected sea mishap victims to enable their proper identification.

"Do not bury the bodies until we have properly identified each and every one of them. The Red Cross will pick them up and transport them to Manila. By identifying the bodies, this will help give closure to the families of the victims," said Gordon, who was informed that some mayors had ordered the burial of bodies found in their towns.

He requested Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales for help in securing a court order for the exhumation of bodies of sea mishap victims which may have already been buried. This is so that the bodies can be transported to Manila for proper identification.
Gordon has confirmed the availability of 25-seater helicopters from Malampaya contractors that will transport bodies as well as survivors from provinces hit by typhoon Frank to Manila. He earlier requested Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes to secure the commitment of with the Malampaya contractors for the use of their helicopters.

Earlier, Gordon has raise appealed to the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) for humanitarian aid for the victims of typhoon Frank.

“The Philippine Red Cross has been spending all its resources to provide for victims in 24 provinces and after taking care of the immediate needs of disaster victims, we will need to implement a rehabilitation program over a longer haul.

The PNRC’s resources may not be enough. There is also a need for search and rescue equipment to look for the hundreds of still missing passengers MV Princess of the Stars as well as victims of other sea mishaps,” said Gordon.

He further said that donations from all over the country and abroad have already begun coming in through the Philippine National Red Cross, but the magnitude of the disaster brought by typhoon Frank is quite huge and “ our resources may not be enough.”

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT (ECCD) PROGRAM

After the successful launch of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Program of the local government led by Mayor James ‘’Bong’’ Gordon, Jr. last May, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), as the lead agency, started implementing the Work and Financial Plan of the program.

In-line with this, CSWDO under the leadership of Gene Eclarino spearheaded the ‘’Team Effectiveness Workshop’’ for the City and Barangay ECCD Committee Officers and Members on June 18-20 in Baguio City.

The two (2) day capability building and training seminars aim to make the participants further understand the concept of the ECCD program. ‘’The activity also aims to build a strong and effective team among service providers and ECCD Committees and to be able to enhance their capability in the implementation of the ECCD Programs and services,’’ said the CSWDO head.

There were over thirty-five (35) participants in the training including three (3) barangay captains, Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) officers and Health Center doctors of Sta. Rita, Gordon Heights at New Cabalan, which are the first target areas of the program.

To build a stronger direction, the mission and vision for the first five (5) years of the implementation of the program in Olongapo was agreed upon during the training. Olongapo is one of the beneficiaries of the ECCD expansion program of the Council for the Welfare of Children and the Regional Sub Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSCWC).

The ECCD Program covers the health care needs, nutrition, education and other ‘social services’ including the care and promotion of rights, needs and protection of children from zero (0) to six (6) year old.

“Mahalagang mahubog nang mabuti ang mga bata mula sa pinaka kritikal na bahagi ng kanilang paglaki na nagsisimula sa pagkabuo nito sa sinapupunan ng ina hanggang sa anim (6) na taong gulang na ito,” stated Mayor Bong Gordon who is also the chairman of the Local Council for the Welfare of Children.

The program, initiated by the Mayor Gordon, was approved with a fund provided for ECCD for three years.

ECCD WORKSHOP: Participants of the ‘Team Building Effectiveness Workshop’ of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Program during action training. The workshop was held on June 18-20 2008 in Baguio City
PAO/don

Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay

LIAISON OFFICER
PLUMBER
SALES / MARKETING COORDINATOR
ENGINEERING AND MAINTENANCE HEAD / SAFETY OFFICER
LIFEGUARD
SERVICE CREW
FACILITY TECHNICIAN
INCOME AUDITOR

SK AND BARANGAY OFFICIALS’ UNIFORMS

Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. handed out uniforms to the city’s Sangunaiang Kabataan (SK) officers and Barangay Captains at the Olongapo City Hall on the 26th of June. Also present was Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Governor Anne Marie Gordon.

The uniforms for the barangay captains were ‘barong’ and a pair of pants. The SK officers received jackets.

On hand during the handing over of the uniforms were Association of Barangay Chairman (ABC) President Carlito Baloy and SK President Cheenee Hoya.

The uniforms were given to easily identify barangay captains and SK officers especially during the different activities and events of the City Government.

Mayor Gordon also informed the barangay captains about his “Barangay Halamanan’ project. He asked them to coordinate with the newly appointed City Agriculturist Edgar Hernandez for a survey population of trees in their respective barangays.

This is but one of the many projects of Mayor Gordon to help barangay and SK officials to work effectively for the benefit of their constituents.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. and Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Governor Anne Marie Gordon handing out jackets and uniforms to SK Officers and Barangay Officials on June 26, 2008 at the Mayor’s Office in Olongapo City Hall.
PAO/don

CITY FIESTA EXECOM NAMED

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. recently named the core leaders of the 2008 City Fiesta Executive Committee.

Through Executive Order No. 21 (Series of 2008), entitled “Creation of the 2008 City Fiesta Executive Committee,” Mayor Gordon assigned City Councilor Elen Dabu as Chairperson, Ellen Villar as Vice-Chairperson and businesswoman Illuminada Santos as treasurer.

The newly appointed core leaders will organize the other committees involved in planning the different events and activities for the city, not only for the fiesta celebration but all year round.

Councilor Dabu currently handles the Committees on Livelihood, Market and Slaughterhouse, Social Services, Gender and Development, Women Empowerment in the City Council while Ellen Villar is from the Olongapo City Business Club (OCBC). Illuminada Santos is from the business sector.

The Olongapo City Fiesta is annually celebrated as part of the colorful tradition of the city. One of the highlights is the search for the City Fiesta Queen which aims to raise funds for the different programs of the city for education, health and livelihood.

Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Governor Anne Marie Gordon was the City Fiesta Executive Committee Chair in 2006 while the 2007 City Fiesta Executive Committee was led by City Councilor Gie Baloy
PAO/don

SBMA to offer free rent to Taiwanese firms engaged in high-tech ventures

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will offer free rent to Taiwanese companies engaged in high technology ventures to encourage more investments in the area, SBMA administrator Armand Arreza said.

"We've been pushing to attract companies in information and communication technology (ICT), software design, biotechnology and the like, and this new incentive is a concrete manifestation of our intentions to build our capabilities and be globally-competitive," Arreza said.

The rent-free incentive was agreed upon during the joint economic conference between Taiwan and the Philippines last week, Arreza said.

He said the new rent-free incentive will help the SBMA realize its long-term "Cyber-Subic" program, which focuses on developing ICT facilities in Subic and roping in investors in the so-called knowledge industries.

The rent-free incentive, which will apply in Subic and Clark free ports, will be good for three to five years and will cover firms that will each commit a minimum investment of $25 million.

The agency has already reserved locations for ICT industrial clusters in coordination with the Subic Bay Development and Management Corp. (SBDMC), owner of the industrial park where most Taiwanese firms in Subic are now located. - Ma. Elisa P. Osorio/Philstar

Keppel Shipyard christens FPSO for Thailand’s EOC

The 725,000 bbls storage FPSO Lewek Arunothai was named at a ceremony on 21 June at Subic Shipyard in the Philippines. Work on the FPSO, which is the first that Keppel has converted for offshore oil & gas support specialist EOC Limited (EOC), was initially undertaken at Subic Shipyard in the Philippines and completed at the Keppel Shipyard in Singapore. The vessel can export 175m standard cubic feet of natural gas per day

“With the combined efforts of EOC, Keppel and our contractor partners, this project in our two shipyards, have achieved a total of 1.4m manhours worked to date with no reportable loss time incident,” said Keppel Shipyard md, Nelson Yeo.

Keppel Shipyard has completed 76 FPSO and FSO projects with sixmore in progress. Its sister yard, Keppel Singmarine is building a 30,000 bhp Multi-Functional Support Vessel for Ezra Holdings. seatradeasia-online

Body of missing mountaineer found in Zambales

The body of one of three mountaineers swept by a strong current in San Antonio, Zambales, on Sunday was found at past 3 p.m. on Wednesday.

Policemen found the body of Thaddeus Reantaso at the shoreline of the Hermana Mayor Island in Sta. Cruz town, more than 100 kilometers from the creek where he and two others were swept in the village of Pundaquit, San Antonio town, according to Senior Superintendent Rolando Felix, Zambales police chief

Felix, in a telephone interview, said the decomposing body of Reantaso was found on his 32nd birthday.

Reantaso's fellow climbers, Joseph Felarca and Jhoana Pimentel, were found dead on Sunday and Monday, respectively, by policemen and Philippine Navy frogmen. Nine of their colleagues were rescued on Sunday.

Village officials in Pundaquit said the group went to the Annawangin beach south of the village but they encountered swollen creeks on their way back to the town proper on Sunday afternoon.

Typhoon “Frank” (international codename: Fengshen) was crossing Zambales at that time, carrying strong rains and winds. By Tonette Orejas - Philippine Daily Inquirer

TOP TAXPAYERS AND OUTSTANDING OLONGAPEÑOS TO BE AWARDED

Olongapo City’s Top Taxpayers and four (4) Outstanding Olongapeños will be awarded during the commemoration of the 42nd Cityhood anniversary which will be held on June 27, 2008 at 3pm at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC).

Three (3) categories of taxpayers will be awarded namely, Corporate, Individual and Real Property (Individual and Corporate). Four (4) Olongapeños, on the other hand who have outstanding achievements in their respective fields will be awarded with the ‘Ulo ng Apo Medal of Excellence.’

The Top Ten Business Permit payees in the corporate category are: (1) Jollibee Food Express, (2) Marinel Food Express (3) San Miguel Corporation, (4) Mart-One Expression, (5), Coca-Cola Bottlers Corporation, (6) Aivy Food Ventures Corporation, (7) Centro-City Store, (8) Harley Food Ventures Co., (9) Mansion Hotel and Restaurant Inc., and (10) Avon Cosmetics.

In the individual category, the top ten taxpayers are: (1) Marissa Calapatia (McDonald’s), (2) Chua Young Bing (Choa’s Supermart), (3) Oscar Santos (Mansion Hotel and Restaurant), (4) Ernesto Ting (King’s Bakeshop), (5) Erlinda Lim (Happy Valley Superstore), (6) Zenaida Lee (Jellebee), (7) Peter Tan Lee (Circle J), (8) Arvin Ting (Golden King), (9) Milagros Chua (Lucky C) and (10) Aurelio Ico (Chowking).

For the Real Property Taxpayers category, the top ten are: (1) Kalayaan Development and Industrial Corporation, (2) Ernesto Ting, (3) Far East Bank, (4) Limanch-O Hotel and Leasing Corporation, (5) Chevron Corporation, (6) Sentine Development Corporation, (7) Petron Corporation, (8) Oscar Santos, (9) Subic Amusement Enterprises Inc., and (10) Aurelio Ico.

The four Outstanding Olongapeños are Willie Miller, Regidor “Regie” Pablo, Patrick John Tierro and Abraham Abiertas.

Miller is a Professional Basketball Player from ‘Alaska Giants’. He is a two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Pablo is the seventh (7th) Filipino to reach the summit of Mt. Everest whereas Tierro is currently the number one tennis player of the country.

Abiertas is an awardee of National Gawad Kalasag Individual Heroes Awardee for “Heroic Act During Emergency Response and Rescue Operations.”

“These awards not only symbolize the excellence of Olongapeños but also the exceptional contributions Olongapeños give for the progress of the country.” said Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr., who initiated the awards.
PAO/don

LIVELIHOOD TRAINING IN EAST BAJAC-BAJAC

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. awarded the twenty-two (22) participants of East Bajac-Bajac at the Rizal Triangle Multi Purpose Center on June 23, 2008 with Certificates of Completion for successfully completing the training/seminar in haircutting conducted by the Livelihood and Cooperative Development Office (LCDO).

The five (5) day training/seminar was held in the Brgy. Hall of East Bajac-Bajac from June 16-20, 2008 with the theme ‘Isang Gunting, Isang Suklay’.

“Nakadagdag po sa aming pagkatuto ang mga kompletong equipment sa paggupit na libreng pinagamit ng mga facilitators,” said Ma. Theresa Orio, one of the participants.

Chris Tooley, a professional hairdresser and member of Olongapo’s Hairdressers Association and his assistant Norfa Balor, who graduated from the same training in 2005 trained and guided the participants.

Basic haircutting like barber’s cut, layer hair style and hair trimming were some of skills learned by the participants.

The said training was just one of the many trainings that are being conducted by LCDO in line with the programs of Mayor Gordon to advance the livelihood opportunities for the benefit of the Olongapeños.

“Hindi hadlang ang kahirapan para umangat sa buhay. Sa tulong ng mga skills on the different sources of livelihood na tulad ng haircutting at skills on food processing maaari nang makapagsimula ang ating mga kababayan ng munting negosyo bilang simula ng kanilang pag-asenso,” Mayor Gordon stated.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. with the twenty-two (22) participants of the Livelihood Cooperative and Development Office (LCDO) seminar/training on haircutting skills livelihood program from East Bajac-Bajac on June 23, 2008 at Rizal Triangle Multi Purpose Center. Each participant received a Certificate of Completion.
PAO/melai

Hanjin failed to warn workers on restricted areas -- SBMA

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines -- The death of a Filipino worker at the Hanjin construction site here last week could be attributed to the company's failure to instruct workers not to enter restricted areas, according to a report of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

The report, which listed the potential causes for liability of Hanjin Construction Corp. Ltd. (HCCL), also said the Korean company failed to provide rest areas and sheds for its workers.

Mario Atrero, 52, of Candelaria, Zambales, was killed while five others were hurt on Friday, when they were hit by steel frames that collapsed due to strong winds.

"The site safety officer must be strict in the implementation of safety rules and regulations," the report said.

The incident occurred at Dry Dock 6 of the Hanjin shipyard "in an area where steel forms (wall kicker forms) used for dry dock concrete wall were being assembled and dismantled."

A group of workers was working in the area when heavy rains struck and the six workers rushed to seek shelter in between the steel frames.

A sudden gust of wind caused the collapse of the frames, fatally hitting Atrero and injuring the five others.

Pyeong Jong Yu, Hanjin general manager, said Atrero's death was caused by "force majeure" and not by negligence of the company.

"Mostly accidents [at the Hanjin shipyard] can be attributed to human error. But we are strictly implementing safety programs. Hanjin is implementing safety requirements more than the law requires," he said in an earlier interview.

SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said the Department of Labor and Employment and the SBMA have been conducting a follow up audit.

Their recommendations would be submitted to the SBMA board, he said.

Arreza earlier said "the situation at the shipyard has become alarming."

He said the HCCL was told to complete all occupational health and safety requirements within 30 days. "Otherwise, we will suspend their operations -- not just the construction activities but also the shipyard operations," he said. By Robert Gonzaga - Inquirer Central Luzon Desk

Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay

SECURITY GUARDS
CASHIER
INTERNET CASINO ATTENDANTS
TECHNICIAN APPRENTICE
SAFETY OFFICER
ASSISTANT LEADER
ASSOCIATE ENGINEER / PRODUCTION LEADER
ACCOUNTING ANALYST
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT SUPERVISOR
PARTS PRODUCTION MANAGER
PRODUCT ENGINEER
ASSEMBLY WORKERS
MERCHANDISER
WAREHOUSEMAN
LICENSED PHARMACIST
QUALITY CONTROL
OFFICE CLERK
CASHIER

We are needed here' -- Gordon

Senator Richard Gordon called off his scheduled trip to the US with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to provide immediate relief to the victims of Typhoon "Frank" (international code name: Fengshen).

"Mas kailangan tayo ditto [We are needed here more]," Gordon, who also chairs the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), said.

At least 25 survivors from the sunken ferry MV Princess of the Stars trooped to PNRC in Manila at 2 a.m. Tuesday to seek shelter and immediate relief.

The survivors, who came all the way from Lucena, Quezon, were immediately provided medical assistance, stress debriefing, food and change of clothes, an official privy to the incident said.

The MV Princess of the Stars, owned by Sulpicio Lines, sunk off the shores of Romblon on Saturday evening, leaving hundreds still missing.

The official, who requested anonymity, said that as of posting time, some of the survivors have gone home to their relatives in Metro Manila and in the provinces.

Although the survivors were physically strong, some refused to talk about the incident.

"Gusto na lang nila makalimutan [They just want to forget]," the official said.

Gordon assured that PNRC would continue to help the victims but said that rice, food, and water were needed.

"We have been spending all our resources to provide for victims in 20 provinces. And we need to replenish our supplies," he said in a separate interview.

Gordon noted that about 250,000 people in evacuation centers in Iloilo also need sanitation equipment.

"We also need medicines for diarrhea and respiratory infections. We need cough syrups, and also medicines for children, who are more prone to getting sick," he added.

Gordon said that while donations in kind were welcome, the Red Cross preferred money donations so that it could buy the supplies in the areas affected to spur the local economy. By Abigail Kwok, Veronica Uy - INQUIRER.net

Zambales governor asks Hanjin to allow inspectors

By Randy Datu – Manila Bulletin

IBA - Zambales Gov. Amor Deloso urged yesterday the Korean construction firm Hanjin to open its facilities to regular inspection to be conducted by an authorized team composed of competent representatives from Subic Freeport and the provincial government.

“The problem will remain for as long as Hanjin continues to refuse the conduct of regular inspection on safety compliance,” Deloso said.

He said the work suspension order should have been issued long before which could have prevented more accidents. “The suspension should be lifted only after all safety measures are completed,” Deloso saod.

Among the measures required by the Subic bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) are the conduct of a third-party quality audit of all shipyard equipment and safety performance, creation of an inter-agency occupational health and safety team at the shipyard, and weekly submission of job safety and occupational health reports to the SBMA.

Hanjin Corporation Corp. Ltd, (HHCL), a Korean firm undertaking the construction of shipbuilding facilities, has appealed for the immediate lifting of the work suspension order issued by authorities here.

HHCL business manager Pyeong Jong YU said the company would make an appeal to the SBMA to re-call the work suspension order as it stands to lose millions of dollars for the delay of the project.

A worker who died last Friday brought to 12 the number of deaths recorded at the shipyard since Hanjin began its operations in 2006, with most of the accidents involving workers hired by Hanjin subcontractors. The SBMA has cast doubts on the “force majeure” alibi regarding the latest fatality.

“The safety situation at the shipyard has become alarming,” SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said. The SBMA ordered on Friday the immediate suspension of all construction activities that killed one worker and injured four others.

Arreza said the SBMA has issued a notice to Hanjin for the company to complete all the occupational health and safety requirements within 30 days.

“Otherwise we will suspend their operations – not just construction activities, but also shipyard operations,” Arreza said.

Mr. Arreza issued a cease and desist order against Hanjin minutes after learning of Friday’s deadly accident.

The fatality was identified as Mario Atrero, 52, employee of HHCL from Candelaria, Zambales. HE died when a formwork at a dry dock construction site collapsed due to strong winds.

The four other workers who were injured were identified as Joel Alido, of Palauig, Zambales; Darvin Silva, of San Antonio, Zambales; and Leody Abad, also of Palauig.

HHCL undertakes the construction of facilities for the $1.6-billion shipyard project here of Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp. Philippines (HHICPhil.).

Yu also denied allegations that Hanjin was defying the suspension order and that construction works were continuing inside the shipyard project.

A NEW PROCESS OF ISSUANCE OF MAYOR'S PERMIT

In line with Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr.’s directive to make the business climate in the city more friendly, a new process of the issuance of the Mayor’s Permit will be implemented, the Business One-Stop Shop (B.O.S.S.) strategy.

The Business Permit and Licensing Division along with the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), City Health Office, Bureau of Fire Protection and Environmental Sanitation and Management Office (ESMO) are in the forefront of the implementation of the process.

The B.O.S.S. strategy goes as follows:

Procedures in the Issuance of Mayor’s Permit (for Business)

“Mahalaga ang kooperasyon ng mamamayan lalo ng mga businessmen para maging successful at maipatupad nang maayos ang mga prosesong ito,” said Mayor Bong Gordon.

According to the Business Permit and Licensing Division (BPLD), it is important that there is an assigned personnel in the respective offices in-charge of issuing the Mayor’s Permit to make the system better and organized.

“Inaasahang mas maraming negosyante at investors ang mahihikayat na magnegosyo sa Olongapo dahil sa prosesong ito,” said Neil C. Perez, Head of Business Permit and Licensing Division. PAO/don

1ST BATCH OF SWAT POLICEMEN FINISH TRAINING

The training of the first batch of Olongapo policemen on Special Weapons and Armed Tactics (SWAT) has finished the course with flying colors.

City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. and Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice Governor Anne Marie Gordon graced the commencement ceremonies along with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Olongapo City Director Eliseo de Guzman. Police Inspector Hernan Dora from Camp Crame was the keynote speaker.

The top three trainees of the batch were recognized namely: P03 Arnold Diaz, P01 Nicasio Cabalbal and P01 Eric Nunag. The “Strong Man Award” was given to P01 Efren Reyes Jr.

SWAT training includes “competence firing” and “close quarter battles.” The initial requirement to be a SWAT member is age of not more than 35 years and already in the police service.

The training was organized by the Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO) member of the police force led by Police Senior Superintendent Abelardo Villacorta, OCPO Director.

SWAT: Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. with Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo and Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Governor Anne Marie Gordon congratulating the first batch of graduates of the Special Weapons and Armed Tactics (SWAT) training.
PAO/don

OPEN FORUM OF MAYOR GORDON AND TEACHERS

An open forum was held between Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. and various public school teachers, principals and officials from DepEd-Olongapo City at the FMA Hall of Olongapo City Hall on June 24, 2008.

Also present in the forum were City Councilor Rodel Cerezo, Police Superintendent Abelardo Villacorta, director of Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO) and department heads of the City Government.

Mayor Gordon listened to the concerns of the teachers and principals involving the security of students, maintenance, school equipment and classrooms.

Mayor Gordon took note of every concern and vowed to find solutions to the problems presented.

Earlier, the teachers discussed with Col. Villacorta the safety and security of the students.

Mayor Gordon also presented his ongoing programs to promote peace and order, sanitation, education and sports.

Mayor Gordon advised the teachers to groom their students to be active and be the next leaders of the country. He also urged the teachers to participate in effort to keep the city clean.

“Malaki ang kinalaman ng sanitation sa peace and order natin.” stated ni Mayor Gordon.

The teachers and principals thanked Mayor Gordon for his prompt action and his response to their needs.

It can be recalled that different schools were recently granted shares from the ‘School Empowerment Fund.’

The first batch of the schools which received incentives were: Gordon Heights National High School, Boton Elementary School, New Cabalan National High School, Kalalake National High School, Old Cabalan Elementary School, East Bajac-Bajac Elementary School, Balic-Balic Elementary School, New Cabalan Elementary School, Ilalim Elementary School, Tapinac Elementary School, Iram Elementary School, Iram II Elementary School (Mampweng) and Sta. Rita High School.

The schools each received one hundred thousand pesos (P 100,000). The fund was used by the schools for the repair of classrooms and purchase of computers.

OPEN-FORUM: Teachers and principals from public schools all over the city voice their concerns to the City Government, particularly the security of schools and students, during the open forum on June 24, 2008 at the FMA Hall of the Olongapo City Hall.
PAO/don

Solon calls on Arroyo to boycott Hanjin ship's inauguration

A party-list congresswoman on Monday expressed support for the order of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority or SBMA to stop the operations of Hanjin's construction arm.

However, Akbayan party-list Rep. Anna Theresia "Risa" Hontiveros chided the SBMA for the "kid gloves treatment that the Korean ship-building company is receiving all along."

At the same time, she lashed out at the Department of Labor and Employment for its continued silence regarding the deaths of Hanjin workers.

"After so many deaths, why only now? Assuming that there are 12 work related deaths since 2006, though according to our records there are more, the SBMA only acted on the matter last Friday. The belated action of SBMA on safety concerns has contributed greatly in making the shipyard a virtual graveyard of workers," Hontiveros said in a press statement.

The lawmaker pointed out that the temporary shut down "is a nothing more than a band-aid measure."

Hontiveros pointed out that the SBMA repeatedly failed to address the issue of occupational health and safety standards in the Korean plant because it does not exact accountability from the Korean firm.

"Up to now, Han Jin remains impervious to health and safety standards. It refuses to take responsibility for the deaths in the workplace and just puts the blame on its labor contractors. I am very infuriated by the statements of its general manager Pyeong Jong Yu that blames the Filipino workers, the victims themselves, for the accidents. The remarks are not only thoughtless, they're insulting," Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros called on the President Arroyo and other government officials to express solidarity with the families of all those who died in Hanjin by boycotting the inauguration of the first ship built in the plant.

"President Arroyo must remember that the vessel they will inaugurate on July 4 is a blood ship. It would be insensitive for the president to inaugurate a ship that was built at the expense of the lives of Filipino workers. If the president attends, it would be like the ostentatious Manila Film Center Inauguration weeks after workers were buried underneath, a tragedy upon a tragedy."

The Akbayan solon also called the attention of the Department of Labor and Employment.

"We have not heard anything from DOLE on this matter. I find it very alarming that it seems to pass on the responsibility of enforcing labor laws and standards inside the Freeport to the SBMA. The DOLE must be reminded of its primary responsibility to ensure the productivity and welfare of Filipino workers. In the end, they too have blood on their hands."

Hontiveros is hopeful that Congress will finally hold hearings on her resolution, HR 430, directing the house committee on labor to conduct an urgent inquiry on the health and safety conditions at the Hanjin shipyard during the recess because of an omnibus motion passed before adjournment. - GMANews.TV

Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay

WEB DEVELOPER
PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS
COOK
PRODUCT ENGINEER
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
WELDER / STEEL FABRICATOR
RADIO TECHNICIAN / X-RAY TECHNICIAN
PHARMACIST / PHARMACY AIDE
CLINIC MANAGER
TELEMARKETER
PARTIME DISHWASHER
COMPUTER PROGRAMMER
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE ASSISTANT
RECEPTIONIST
MALE BARTENDER
MALE SAUTE COOK
JUNIOR WEB DEVELOPER
WEB DEVELOPER
PLUMBER
ACCOUNTANT
LOGISTICS DOCUMENTATION STAFF
WAREHOUSE STAFF
INTERNAL INVENTORY CLERK
PROCESS CONTROL STAFF
ACCOUNTING CLERK
FACILITIES AND DESIGN ENGINEER
CUSTOMER RELATIONS PERSONNEL

2 mountaineers die in Zambales

The death toll in the mountaineering mishap in Zambales province last weekend rose to two after rescuers recovered the body of a second victim early Monday.

SPO2 Roberto Lorico of the San Antonio town police said rescuers recovered the body of Joan Pimentel at 6:30 a.m., after the body of Joseph Belarca was found Sunday afternoon.

"Nakuha ang bangkay ni Joan Pimentel 6:30 a.m. Kahapon mga 1:30 p.m. nakuha ang bangkay ni Joseph Belarca (Rescuers found the body of Joan Pimentel at 6:30 a.m. today. At 1:30 p.m. Sunday they found the body of Joseph Belarca)," Lorico said in an interview on dzBB radio.

He said several teams from the local police and Pundaquit village are still in the field looking for at least one other mountaineer, identified as Thaddeus Reandazo.

At least nine other mountaineers had been rescued earlier, he said.

Initial investigation showed the group started climbing Mt. Pundaquit Saturday morning, but police learned of it only after the body of Belarca was found.

"Dapat sa police station nakikipag-coordinate sila (They should have coordinated with the police station)," he said.

Earlier, Lorico said the mountaineers were crossing a creek when the strong current washed them away. Belarca hit his head. - GMANews.TV

Zambales governor demands safety measures at Hanjin

Zambales Gov. Amor deloso asked the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority not to lift the cease-and-desist order on the construction arm of a Korean shipbuilding firm until safety measures are enforced and appropriate equipment are installed at the shipyard in Subic town.

In a telephone interview on Sunday, Deloso said he also demanded a full inspection of the construction and shipbuilding sites of Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Philippines Inc. by appropriate government agencies to verify the company’s claims that it was doing everything to avoid accidents and deaths among its workers.

Deloso said “not less than 27 deaths” had occurred at the yard due to accidents or malaria since construction started there in late 2006.

Some 5,000 workers are involved in the construction of the shipyard while 8,000 more are employed in shipbuilding work, HHIC-Philippines general manager Pyeong Jong Yu told the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Saturday.

He said he could “not correctly remember” the number of deaths among workers.

The SBMA on Friday night issued the CDO, which is effective for seven days, against Hanjin Construction Corp. Ltd. (Editor’s Note: Pyeong said the name of its construction arm is Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction). SBMA faxed a copy of the CDO to HCCL on Friday night and served it to the company on Saturday morning.

The CDO was issued after a construction worker was killed on Friday afternoon when a steel frame toppled by strong winds hit him. Four others were hurt in that accident.

Deloso said aside from government agencies, the Korean company should also allow him, members of the provincial board and provincial environment and safety officers to inspect the shipyard.

He also wants government and private safety engineers to certify the safety of Hanjin’s work site.

“The problem with Hanjin is that it is monolithic. Hindi nagpapasok ng iba (They don’t allow outsiders to enter their facility). They are very arrogant,” Deloso said.

The governor was referring to three instances when he or other provincial officials were prevented from entering Hanjin’s premises to confirm reports that the firm “demolished mountains” and “reclaimed [portions of the sea].”

“I support [SBMA Administrator Armand] Arreza’s issuance of a CDO. While the lifting of that is not within my jurisdiction, I believe it is in the best interest of Filipino workers, most of whom are from Zambales, that the CDO is not lifted until all conditions are met. The safety of Filipino workers must be SBMA’s primary interest,” Deloso, a lawyer, said.

SBMA, he said, must “not compromise the lives of workers over investors who do not follow the government’s safety laws.”

He cited the example of the American Energy System, the operator of the Masinloc Coal Fired Thermal Plant in Masinloc, Zambales. The firm immediately fired a worker when he did not wear a hard hat within the 15-meter safety zone, he said.

“Look at that discipline. That’s not done at Hanjin,” Deloso said.

Arreza said a team from the SBMA and Department of Labor and Employment conducted a “comprehensive review” of occupational health and safety practices at Hanjin on April 19 and 20.

On Saturday, a team inspected the site to check on the recommendations given in April.

“Hanjin will be reopened once there is substantial compliance by it and its subcontractors,” Arreza told the Inquirer.

Arreza said the CDO is “extendible until we see compliance.” Tonette Orejas, Inquirer Central Luzon

New Subic golf course rising

Subic Neocove, a local company backed by Daewoo Securities of Korea, is investing $250 million for the first phase of a 440-hectare golf-resort development in Subic Bay’s Kawag area.

Armand Arreza, administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, told reporters last week that Subic Neocove acquired 440 hectares from several local landowners for a multi-million dollar resort development that includes a 54-hole golf course.

“The company is spending around $250 million for the first phase of the project, which includes the development of the golf course and the resort,” said Arreza.

The golf course alone would cover around 70 hectares. Other components of the project are the construction of villas and condominium buildings.

The Zambales provincial government and the municipality of Subic have given the Freeport the authority to administer the incentives since the project is located outside of the former US base area.

The project is five kilometers away from the shipbuilding complex of Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp. and is adjacent to the 240-hectare Club Morocco Beach Resort and Residential Estates of Sta. Lucia Realty and Development Inc.

Arreza said two more projects in the pipeline would make Subic and the underlying towns a destination for beach resort and golf developments.

The Freeport authority will also bid out this year the rights to develop into a resort project in its 200-hectare property in Sabang, Morong, Bataan.

He added that at least four proponents from the Philippines, Korea, Hong Kong and Dubai had expressed keen interest to develop the property, which includes an additional 20-hectare privately-owned beachfront property.

“We are now looking for proponents for resort development. The property would be for lease. We already have a masterplan for the project but no estimates as to investment cost yet,” said Arreza.

The property is in the same area as the high-end Anvaya Cove development of Ayala Land.

“We have set the bidding for the Sabang property within the year. We just need to resolve the issue on the 400 informal settlers, who have to be relocated,” said Arreza.

Tourists and locators can expect a bigger and better golf course within Subic Bay.

Hanafil, a unit of Korea’s largest tour operator Hanatour Service Inc., bested five other bidders for the lease, operation and maintenance of the Subic Golf Course in a bidding in March. The contract was awarded June 7.

Arreza said Hanafil is spending some $50 million to re-develop the 105-hectare Subic Golf Course over six years starting early this month.

Hanafil plans to develop the golf course into an all-weather one compliant to the standards of the US Professional Golfers’ Association. It will also develop additional holes to convert the existing course into a 27-hole golf course. Manila Standard Today

Pamintuan to head NorthRail Corp

Subic-Clark Alliance for Development (Scad) Secretary Edgardo Pamintuan is set to be appointed as president of the North Luzon Railways Corporation (NorthRail).

"I am only waiting for the marching orders (from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) to formally set the plans in motion for NorthRail. There are a lot of considerations in the project that need to be addressed soon," Pamintuan said last week.

He expressed his hope to expedite the three-year late project and complete the Pampanga section of the railway system.

Pamintuan told Sun.Star Pampanga over the weekend that the President wishes to see the project done as soon as possible.

If the appointment of Pamintuan is realized, he would replace Arsenio Bartolome III, the current president and chief executive officer of Northrail, which was organized by the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) in 1995 to develop, construct, operate and manage a railways system to serve Metro Manila, Central and Northern Luzon and to develop, construct, manage and operate establishment and facilities related to the railroad system.

The estimated US$1.126 billion NorthRail project's first section will cover Caloocan City, Valenzuela City and five towns of Bulacan, including Meycauayan, Marilao, Bocaue, Guiguinto and Malolos. The second section will be from Malolos to Clark.

"With this project, we are like hitting two birds with one stone. We are making a new modern mass transportation system and we are at the same time moving informal settlers in relocations were they could start a new life," Pamintuan said.

The Caloocan to Malolos section of the project has already moved 17,000 families to new relocation sites. However, Pamintuan said there are still 500 families waiting to be relocated in the area.

Section one spans Caloocan, Valenzuela, Meycauyan, Marilao, Bocaue, the Guiguinto Multi-Modal Station and up to Malolos. Section two starts from Malolos to Calumpit in Bulacan up to Apalit, San Fernando, Angeles and the Clark Multi-Modal Station, all in Pampanga.

Also, construction drawings for 23 kilometers (km), including the 1.7-km Malolos Viaduct Section, and the preliminary drawings for all the six train stations were already issued by the China National Machinery Equipment Corporation (CNMeg).

Pamintuan said the President wishes to see completion of the transport system in Pampanga. But the project may face new problems yet with funding and the demobilization of CNMeg the Chinese firm holding the construction of the NorthRail.

"We need to repackage it and entice funding," Pamintuan said, adding that the project will proceed as planned.

He added that the project has slowed down because of differences in quality standards in the country and those of the Chinese company.

He also said that prices of steel also rose from 70 to 80 percent.

"We are particularly excited with the Pampanga side of the construction. Our people will be relocated in San Fernando and Mabalacat sites and all these are ready as of last check," Pamintuan assured.

The total amount of the project was reported at US$1.126 billion. Section one cost US$452.32 million, while Section two's costs was said to be US$673.67 million.

The project met stern opposition in 2005 when some senators and groups branded the project as "unconstitutional" and claimed to place the country in a "disadvantaged" position in the agreement with the Chinese firm. By Ian Ocampo Flora - SunStar

33 survivors rescued from Philippines ferry

(CNN) -- Rescuers have found at least 33 survivors and at least six dead among the nearly 750 aboard a ferry that capsized in a typhoon that battered the southern Philippines, a Red Cross official said Monday.

A portion of the sunken Princess of the Stars off Sibuyan island, central Philippines on Sunday.

A U.S. Navy ship equipped with helicopters will soon join the search and rescue effort, said Richard Gordon, the head of the Philippines Red Cross and a member of the country's Senate.

Fishermen found 30 survivors from the ferry Princess of Stars, which rolled over early Saturday morning, Gordon said. One person died after being picked up, and another was lost during rescue efforts, he said, but the remaining 28 have been delivered to police.

Filipino troops have found five more survivors and five dead, Gordon said, bringing the known toll from the accident to six.

"There's quite a few people out there that are still missing," he said. "We are trying our best to find them, and I hope we could get some help." Watch images of the ferry sinking »

The Princess of Stars had 749 passengers and crew aboard when it overturned about a mile off the shore of Sibuyan Island early Saturday as Typhoon Fengshen pummeled the Philippines.

The crew of the vessel, which can hold up to 2,000 people, reported that its engines had failed during a regular run from Manila and Cebu City, according to Vice Adm. Wilfredo Tamayo, the head of the country's coast guard.

Rescuers knocked on the ferry's hull Sunday evening in hopes of hearing signs of survivors within the capsized ship, the captain of which had given orders to abandon it before contact was lost. Watch a report on the disaster »

"Many of them were wearing life jackets," Gordon said. "Hopefully we can still find them alive."

The typhoon has killed at least 140 people on land, with at least 255 more reported missing, he said.

The storm had not been expected to hit the Philippines when it first formed last week. But the storm struck the islands Friday with winds of about 140 km/h (90 p.m.) before moving north toward China and Taiwan. A storm warning posted along the ferry's course would not have required the vessel to cancel its trip, but relatives of the passengers have questioned why the ship was allowed to leave port.

"They should not have let the ship sail because there was a typhoon coming," Isadora Salinas said. "How can they do that? They won't even give out information about what happened."


Gordon said Sulpicio Lines -- which operates the ferry -- has a history of previous accidents, "and people are pouncing on them right now."

"The mood here is very ugly," he said.

TEACHERS RECEIVE COLA

City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. personally handed over the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) of the city’s public school teachers, principals and other officials of the DepEd-Olongapo on June 24, 2008 at the FMA Hall of Olongapo City Hall.

Mayor Gordon handed the COLA of the teachers with the assistance of DepEd City School Superintendent Ligaya Monato and Assistant Superintendent Naomi Arzadon.

An open forum preceded the COLA distribution with the teachers raising concerns on security and safety with Mayor Gordon and the different department heads of the City Government.

Over one thousand five hundred (1,500) teachers, principals and other school personnel received their COLA for the months of January to June this year.

The total COLA handed over by Mayor Gordon amounted to more than three million pesos (P 3M).

COLA: Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. hands over the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) of Baretto I Elementary School principal Fernando De Guzman. Mayor Gordon distributed the COLA to teachers and principals on June 24, 2008 in FMA Hall of the Olongapo City Hall. PAO/don

EMPLOYEES NEEDED IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Despite a raging storm, GFI Manpower International Specialist Inc. went ahead with their special recruitment activity for various jobs in the Middle East last June 23, 2008 in the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) at the Olongapo City Hall.

Various positions such as managers, cooks, waitresses, baristas and food runners are needed for LaPiazza, Napolitana and Scoozi Italian restaurants in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Meanwhile, Nile Soft Drinks Bottling Factory, based in Khartoum, Sudan, is in need of engineers and technicians. On the other hand, Doha Petroleum Construction Co. Ltd. needs project managers, engineers, inspectors and others.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. visited the PESO Office and met with the interviewees and the employer representative Joseph Zeidan. Also present are GFI Manpower president Flora E. Ignacio and Vicki Fortes.

A pre-screening was held before the final job interview. The successful applicants are for immediate deployment and will not be paying any placement fee.

FOR IMMEDIATE DEPLOYMENT: Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. greets the applicants for different jobs in Dubai. The screening was held at the Public Employment Services Office (PESO) on June 23, 2008, led by PESO head Evelyn Delos Santos. PAO/don

SBMA orders closure of Hanjin construction

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines -- The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on Friday issued a cease and desist order against the construction arm of a Korean shipbuilding company in this free port, two hours after a third worker died in its work site in nine days.

The death of Mario Atrero, 52, a worker at the Hanjin Construction Corp. Ltd. (HCCL), construction arm of the Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Philippines Inc., brought to 12 the number of work-related deaths at the facility since it began operations in 2006.

Most of the casualties in earlier accidents, according to Hanjin officials, were hired by their subcontractors.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer learned, however, that Atrero was directly under the employ of HCCL.

"The [safety] situation at the shipyard has become alarming," SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said.

He said the SBMA served the order against HCCL at 6 p.m. Friday, two hours after Atrero was killed when he was hit by a steel frame that collapsed due to strong winds.

Four other workers, whom the SBMA identified as Joel Alido, Darvin Silva, David Alcayaga and Leody Abad, all residents of Zambales, were hurt in the accident.

Last week, two workers died in separate worksite accidents.

On June 11, worker Rafael Careg died when the pickup truck he was riding on was hit by a crane boom truck. Four days later, Oliver Labay, 32, died after a block bulkhead (ship wall) collapsed and hit him at 1:50 a.m.

The SBMA Ecology Center issued a notice of violation against the Korean firm. The SBMA also made arrangements with Hanjin to establish its own safety monitoring office at its work site.

Pyeong Jong Yu, Hanjin general manager, said his company had stopped construction operations even before the SBMA issued the cease and desist order on Friday.

"By way of courtesy, the management has actually ceased operations immediately after the fatal accident and even before the SBMA issued the CDO," Pyeong said.

"We have stopped all operations except those related to the preparations for the ceremony to launch the first ship ever made in Subic," he added.

Pyeong sought understanding for the work-related deaths, saying the latest accident that killed Atrero was caused by "force majeure."

Despite the issuance of the order against the operations of its construction arm, Pyeong said the firm would proceed with the inauguration of the first ship built in its shipyard on July 4.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is scheduled to grace the event, he said.

He said the cease and desist order applied only on the firm's construction arm and not to the entire company.

SBMA ecology chief Amethya de la Llana-Koval confirmed this in a text message.

According to Pyeong, the two companies are "different." He said HHIC-Phils. Inc. is engaged in manufacturing ships while its construction arm is tasked with building the shipyard and other structures in the 354-hectare site off Redondo Bay in Subic town.

Construction activities and shipbuilding works "happen at the same time" in the same area, he said.

"Temporarily, there is no work [at the construction site]. We have advised them to stay home until further notice," he said.

"We will try to minimize the adverse effect of CDO," he said, referring to the non-payment of wages to its employees.

Pyeong said construction works by HHIC and its subcontractors employ some 5,000 workers. HHIC-Phils Inc. has hired 8,000 employees.

"We will try to lift [CDO] as soon as possible by explaining the situation and complying with the findings of the SBMA," he said.

Last week, Arreza said the SBMA recommended the termination of contracts of three subcontractors found to have been remiss in implementing safety requirements at the shipyard that led to the earlier accidents.

He named the subcontractors as Trigon/Bodahh Inc., whose worker fell from the roof of a building on March 11; Globe Distribution Services, whose two workers were pinned and killed by a collapsing metal beam on March 10; and DMK/Philnorkor, whose worker fell from a truck in December last year.

Ramon Lacbain II, head of the Task Force Hanjin, asked Arroyo to order concerned government agencies to join SBMA in its investigation "so we get to the bottom of the incidents that led to the deaths of Hanjin workers."

Task Force Hanjin was formed by the Zambales government to look at the plight of workers at the shipyard.

Olongapo City Councilor John Carlos de los Reyes assailed Hanjin for the string of accidents in its shipyard and work site. He urged the SBMA to "close the company entirely."

"If deaths are normal and are to be expected in a shipyard then we ought to close the whole thing down," he said.

Pyeong said: "Mostly, the reason for the accidents can be attributed to human error. But we are strictly implementing safety programs."

"Hanjin is implementing safety requirements more than the law requires," he added.

The company, he said, has been "very, very strict when it comes to safety."

"Our employees are being made aware of the dangers. But they are at the beginning stage. They are not well oriented. The minds of the workers have not yet been trained," he said.

"We are trying to improve safety issues but it is clear, in this industry deaths can not be entirely prevented. But we are trying to minimize them."

Reports from Ansbert Joaquin, Robert Gonzaga and Tonette Orejas, Inquirer Central Luzon