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FREE EYE CONSULTATION AND OPERATION

From November 8 to 21, 2008 Third World Eye Care Society (TWECS), in cooperation with the city government of Olongapo, led by Mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon Jr. will be giving free eye consultation, operation and eyeglasses.

TWECS has a target of four hundred to five hundred (400-500) patients per day.

According to their website, “TWECS is a 100% volunteer registered Canadian charity that began in 1995 with the kind donation of $100 to our founder Dr. Marina Roma-March by the Mount Pleasant Lions Club of Vancouver, Canada for an eye project in Tecoman, Mexico. The Club continues today to be a major booster of the Society, raising funds for optical equipment and warehouse supplies.”

TWECS has currently helped over 30, 000 people from Third World countries in their eye care concerns. TWECS is based in Canada and each team is made up of ten to fifteen (10-15) members of eye surgeons, eye doctors, opticians and lay volunteers who are more than willing to help.

Local ophthalmologists will also augment the foreign doctors so that more people can avail of their services.

For more information, visit the City Health Office at the City Hall Complex.

PAO/Don

German shepherd dogs compete in Subic

The Central Luzon German Shepherd Dog Association (CLGSDA), an affiliate club of the German Shepherd Dog Federation (GSDF), recently held its 3rd Landesgruppen Show for 2008 at Subic Remy Field in SBMA, Olongapo City.

Top German shepherd dogs (GSD) from all over the country competed in the show for the first time.

Delegates from various affiliate clubs nationwide such as the Northern Luzon GSDA, Western Visayas GSDA, Central Visayas GSDA, CALABARZON GSDA and the NCR GSDA, also participated in the competition.

Newly imported dogs from GSD luminaries Joey Madlangbayan, Alex Tanwangco, Patrick Puno, Jewel Castellar and Jay Cancio, aspiring to join in the 2008 Sieger Show, were presented in the show.

The Landesgruppen Show also included competition in the lower age groups beginning at three months old up to two years old. GSDs owned by Carlo Dino, Francis Lumunsad, Mon Sison, Mel Flores, Roel Mercado, Alex Avisado, Jacinto Tan and lawyer Jesse Andres, won in various categories. The show was judged by renowned German SV judge Hans Ludger Geoke and witnessed by GSDF chairman Tony Sibal and President Mario Magsaysay. It gave special prizes to the winning local bred GSDs, including products from Pampanga’s Best and San Miguel Corp. Class winners from 12 months of age received DVD Players.

The 3rd CLGSDA Landesgruppen show was sponsored by San Miguel Corp., Real Bank, Araneta Properties, Freeport Traders, Royal Canine, Goldilocks, Pampanga’s Best, Subic International Hotel and ProFormance Dog Food. Another event, the National Sieger Show for 2008 will be held at Rizal Park, Manila on Nov.23 under renowned German SV judge Heinz Sheerer.

SBMA's Salonga new head of Asian ports network

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Feliciano Salonga was formally named the 10th chairman of the International Network of Affiliated Ports (INAP) on Tuesday. Salonga, credited for the successful re-focusing of Subic's development thrust into the maritime industry, was unanimously voted into the post by members of the INAP network, reports the Thai News Service.

Salonga (pictured-center), who holds the rank of a commodore in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, replaces outgoing chairman Gov. Masanao Ozaki of the Kochi Prefecture.

In accepting the chairmanship, Salonga said he is willing to steer INAP "towards not only survival, but also expansion during these challenging times." He said the INAP should expand further by forging deeper relationships between member ports and intensifying the recruitment of new members into the organisation.

The group, which was formed in 1998, has seven members: the ports of Subic and Cebu in the Philippines, Kochi port in Japan, Mokpo Newport in South Korea, Tanjung Perak in Indonesia, Colombo in Sri Lanka, and Qingdao in China. SeaTradeAsia-Online

Ambassador Vicente G. Reyes

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Vicente G. Reyes passed away October 28, leaving behind his wife, the former Mercedes Orlina, and children Rodolfo "Inky," Isabelita "Jojo," and Teresita "Ovie."

Vic, or Ben, was born Sept. 11, 1931 in Alitagtag, Batangas, one of seven children of Telesforo Reyes, R., who would become mayor of the town, and Brigida Gutierrez. He graduated from the University of Santo Tomas in 1954 with a bachelor of laws degree. Straight from graduation, he joined the Department of Foreign Affairs. This was to be his first and only job. After he retired, he was consultant to Sen. Juan Ponce-Enrile.

A very hard working man, he rose from the ranks in the DFA, and in 1966, was assigned as Vice-Consul in the Philippine Consulate General in New York where he and his family would live for eight years. When the family moved back to the Philippines in 1974, two years after martial law was declared. He was assigned to approve and/or endorse for approval all exit permits of Filipinos who wanted to travel abroad. He was very strict in approving travel permits, earning him great respect among his peers, and the Filipino businessmen who applied to travel abroad. His integrity and work ethic earned him the "Dangal ng Batangan" award in 1997, given by the provincial government of Batangas to her outstanding sons and daughters.

By the mid-1980s, he had already become Assistant Minister for Administration, and was promoted to the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. When the Aquino Administration took over in 1986, his fellow Batangueno, then Vice President and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Salvador "Doy" Laurel assigned him as Consul General to the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong.

In Hong Kong , while Consul General, he convinced Filipino overseas workers to clean up Central, a favorite picnic site.

During the height of the failed coup d'etat in 1989, the Consul General was unceremoniously recalled – for doing his job, i.e., meeting Vice President Laurel at the Hong Kong airport – at a time when there was a falling-out between President Aquino and Vice President Laurel. His detractors were questioning his not opening the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong – when in fact, it was a Sunday, and he was at a gathering of Hong Kong businessmen, trying to convince them that the coup would not succeed and not to panic and pull out their investments in the Philippines. \

At the DFA, where he was known as "VGR," he was chiefly responsible for revising the Foreign Service Code, and co-authored with the late Comelec Commissioner Haydee Yorac, a collection of treaties the Philippines had with other countries. He also served on the Foreign Service Board of Examiners and was chairman and an examiner himself.

Vic never said a bad word about President Aquino. His family knew he felt devastated, having dedicated 35 years of his life with the DFA. In 1990 he filed for retirement, at age 59. Slowly, his health deteriorated. He underwent a triple heart bypass in 1992. He died October 28, last Tuesday.

His lawyer son Inky who is the original SBMA Administrator says his father left behind "a legacy of kindness, good-naturedness and generosity." What makes him ever so happy is that at his last moments on earth, his father received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and confessed and repented for all his sins. By Domini M. Torrevillas - FROM THE STANDS

Cop shot dead by drug pusher

By. Raymond Africa – Malaya

Police Officer 1 Michael Alba was killed by a drug pusher who was later shot dead by the victim’s companions during a shootout in Candelaria, Zambales Tuesday morning.

Members of the 314th police mobile group set up a checkpoint along Barangay Malimanga after receiving information that armed pusher Daryl Menor was set to transport an undetermined amount of shabu on a motorcycle.

Menor did not stop at the checkpoint and instead fired at the police there. PO1 Crispin Baretto, Alba’s companion was wounded. Menor then barged into the house of a certain Orlando Ealdama to elude arrest but policemen followed him and in a brief exchange of shots killed him. Police recovered a 45 caliber pistol and two magazines from Menor.

AMERICAN COMMANDER VISITS OLONGAPO

Rear Admiral Richard Landolt, commander of the American warship USS Essex, looks at the photos on display at the Olongapo City hall during a recent courtesy call on Mayor James Gordon Jr. The US Navy official is currently in the country for the joint RP-US military exercises dubbed as Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercises (PHIBLEX).

GARANTISADONG PAMBATA 2008

Olongapo City is observing ‘Garantisadong Pambata Week’ 2008 themed “GP8 Child-Survivloal Package- KIDS CAN’T WAIT”. Garantisadong Pambata promotes positive child behaviors, proper health care, and nutrition for children.

“Kasama sa mga components ng programang Garatisadong Pambata ay ang libreng vitamin A sa mga batang 1-5 taong gulang, pagbabakuna sa sanggol, pagpupurga, karagdagang iodine para sa tamang paglaki at maiwasan ang pagkakaroon ng goiter (bosyo) at food fortification,” said City Nutritionist Richel Eve Torralba.

“Kabilang din sa programa ang breastfeeding dahil, sinisigurado na ang pagpapasuso ng ina ay makakakuha ng tamang nutrisyon para sa sanggol. Ang breastfeeding ay sigurado na malinis, masustansya at hindi magastos para sa pamilya,” added Torralba.

“Ang Safe Toys promotion din ay parte ng Garantisadong Pambata. Ilan sa mga dapat tandaan kapag bumibili ng laruan para sa inyong mga anak ay dapat malinis, hindi nakakalason, walang matalas o matulis na bahagi, hindi maingay o maaring makabingi sa bata, may itututuro o nakakapagbigay aral, nagpapalago ng isipan, hindi de kuryente o de baterya at walang maliliit na parte na maaring malunok,” explained Torralba.

The Garantisadong Pambata campaign is implemented in the seventeen (17) barangays of the city, two times a year during the months of April and October. Mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon Jr. supports the campaign which is part of his ongoing health program for Olongapeños.

On October 30, 2008, the City Nutrition Council will launch the Supplemental Feeding in Barangay Baretto for ninety (90) malnourished children.

PAO/Don

2008 SOUTH LUZON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FAIR IN ‘GAPO!

Olongapo City will be hosting the 2008 South Luzon Cluster Science and Technology Fair which will be held on November 8 to 15 2008. This event is part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The opening ceremonies will be on November 12, 2008 at the Olongapo City Convention Center Plenary Hall A and B. DOST Secretary Estrella Alabastro and Olongapo City Mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon Jr. will grace the said event.

“Sa buong Science and Technology Fair ay magkakaroon ng iba’t-ibang mga activities katulad ng Techno forums like Seminars on Nutrition and Food Safety for Hotel/Restaurant/Hotel Operators, Latest trend in Packaging and Labeling, Renewable and Alternative Energy, at Waste Management,” said DOST Provincial Director Bernardita Montevirgen.

“Magkakaroon din ng Fellowship night on November 12 at By The Sea Resort. Different contests like Science trivia and poster making contests will also be held,” Montevirgen added.

Mayor Gordon is continuously supporting the programs and activities of DOST, in line with his desires to update the technologies being practiced in the city.

“Napakaganda ng programa na ito, hindi lamang para sa bata kung hindi para sa lahat. Kailangan makita natin ito lalo na yung sa livelihood sector dahil ipapakita dito yung mga latest research and developments para sa small and medium enterprises,” Mayor Gordon said.

PAO/Don

Philip Morris to build P1-B warehouse in Subic next year

Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing, Inc. will start building a P1-billion tobacco leaf warehouse in Olongapo City next year, with company officials committing to expand operations here despite the global economic slowdown.

The investment will be on top of its recently completed P70-million cigarette warehouse in Batangas.

Targeting the low-income market and strengthening its distribution network have allowed the local subsidiary of the multinational cigarette maker to remain profitable, officials said.

Chris J. Nelson, Philip Morris Philippines managing director, told reporters yesterday they would build the leaf storage facility at the Subic Bay Freeport next year.

The facility will hold up to 24,000 metric tons of tobacco obtained from local and foreign suppliers. It will be four times bigger than its existing facility, also in Subic.

The announcement came as the company inagurated its 3,500-square meter cigarette warehouse extension in Tanauan City, Batangas.

The cigarette warehouse, completed in September, can hold a billion cigarette sticks for sale here and abroad, particularly to Thailand, Pakistan and other countries in the region.

The warehouse increases Philip Morris’s storage capacity by more than half to 1.8 billion sticks. It accomodates increased production and meets the need for more efficient and higher-quality storage facilities, Mr. Nelson said.

"The new investment we are inagurating today is further assurance not only to tobacco farmers, but to all our stakeholders that Philip Morris Philippines is here to stay," he said. "We’ve expanded. It’s hard to predict the next five years, but that’s the trend we want to continue," he added.

Vincent Nguyen, Philip Morris Philippines operations director, said: "We will, in the next five years, make this the best manufacturing [site] in Asia."

The company is upbeat about local prospects and expects "fair to good" profit growth by year-end, Mr. Nelson said, but declined to go into the details.

The firm has kept sales up by launching cheaper cigarette packs containing only five sticks, he said.

Philip Morris International, Inc. earlier said third-quarter profits went up by a fifth to $2.08 billion due to strong sales in Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America.

Asked to comment on the country’s ongoing cigarette trade dispute with Thailand, Mr. Nelson cited the need to resolve the case given the uncertainty over the cost of exporting, which has made long-term planning difficult.

Thailand is Philip Morris’s main export market. The two countries have been embroiled in a two-year dispute on the taxes Thailand imposes on cigarettes from the Philippines. — Jessica Anne D. Hermosa, BusinessWorld

105 congressmen received funds from Jocjoc

Vicente Magsaysay of Zambales was among the 53 governor-recipients from JocJoc's list.

One hundred five administration allies in the House of Representatives received P3 million to P5 million in fertilizer funds in 2004 from then agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn “Jocjoc” Bolante.

The congressmen were listed as “proponents” by Bolante in a letter he sent to Malacañang on Feb. 2, 2004, three months before the May presidential election, in which he requested for the release of P728 million in fertilizer money.

The following day, Feb. 3, the controversial agriculture official got the funds he requested.

The fertilizer fund “proponents” listed by Bolante in his letter were led by then Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., who was allocated P5 million, and his successor, Speaker Prospero Nograles, who was allotted P3 million.

Fifty-two governors, one vice governor and 23 town mayors were also named proponents. The STAR has a copy of Bolante’s list.

Aside from De Venecia, nine other congressmen from the Ilocos region and Cagayan Valley received fertilizer funds. They included Deputy Speaker Eric Singson, who represents Ilocos Sur’s second district.

Fourteen House members from Central Luzon were given fertilizer money. They included Education Secretary Jesli Lapus, then a Tarlac congressman, and then Pampanga Rep. Zenaida Ducut, who now chairs the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, who was a Tarlac congressman in 2004 like Lapus, was not given fertilizer funds.

Among the eight recipients in Southern Tagalog were Elenita Ermita-Buhain of Batangas, daughter of Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, and Aleta Suarez of Quezon, who was succeeded in the present Congress by husband Danilo Suarez, one of President Arroyo’s favorite companions on her foreign trips.

Only five Bicol congressmen were given fertilizer fund allocations. They included then Albay congressman and now Gov. Joey Salceda and Sorsogon’s Jose Solis.

In the Visayas, the proponent-recipients included then Iloilo City representative and now Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, then Cebu congressman and now Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, Monico Puentebella of Bacolod City, and then Eastern Samar congressman and now Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan.

Puentebella, Reylina Nicolas of Bulacan and some other House members had been accused by a Senate witness, Jose Barredo, a fertilizer supplier’s agent, of allegedly demanding huge commissions from him. The lawmakers denied the accusation.

In Mindanao, aside from Nograles who represents Davao City’s first district, the recipients included then Deputy Speaker Gerry Salapuddin.

Several House members from Metro Manila were also listed as proponents. They included Maite Defensor and Nanette Daza of Quezon City, Federico Sandoval of Malabon-Navotas, Teodoro Locsin Jr. of Makati, and Cynthia Villar of Las Piñas. Defensor, Locsin and Villar have since denied receiving fertilizer funds.

Among the 53 governor-recipients were Luis Villafuerte of Camarines Sur, who is now a congressman; Pedro Romualdo of Camiguin, also now a congressman; Carmencita Reyes of Marinduque, now a congresswoman; and Emmanuel Piñol of North Cotabato, now vice govenor of his province; Joel Reyes of Palawan and Vicente Magsaysay of Zambales.

The only vice governor in Bolante’s list was Isidro Zayco of Negros Occidental, who was allocated P5 million. His governor, Joseph Maranon, received another P5 million.

Of the more than one thousand town mayors, 23 were on Bolante’s list of fertilizer fund recipients. Of the 23, nine were from Isabela (Alicia, Aurora, Echague, Gamu, Maconacon, Malig, Quirino, San Mateo, and Tumauini) and six from Lanao del Sur (Tamparan, Wao, Bualiposo-Buntong, Bubong, Lumba-Bayabao, and Marawi City).

The other town mayor-recipients are from Kalibo and Malinao in Aklan, Buenavista and Nasipit in Agusan del Norte, Butuan City, Himamaylan in Negros Occidental, Tanay in Rizal, and Sadiaran in Lanao del Sur.

Unlike House members who were given either P3 million or P5 million, governors received a uniform allocation of P5 million each. As for town mayors, two (Butuan City and Kalibo) got P5 million each, four (Himamaylan, Nasipit, Buenavista, and Malinao) received P3 million each, while the remaining 17 were given P2 million each.

Bolante did not explain in his letter the criteria he used in choosing the recipient-proponents and the varying amounts of funds he allotted to them.

The opposition claims Mrs. Arroyo’s allies used the funds to boost her chances of victory over the late popular actor Fernando Poe Jr. in the May 2004 presidential election. She beat Poe by about a million votes.

According to the Commission on Audit, many of the recipients used their funds to buy liquid fertilizer that auditors found overpriced by up to 1,500 percent.

Several congressmen listed as “proponents” claimed they did not request for the fertilizer money. They said they just received letters from Bolante informing them of the allocation of fertilizer funds for their districts. By Jess Diaz - PhilStar

Subic, Clark to use SAD by December

FREE-port zones Subic Bay in Zambales and Clark Field in Pampanga will enforce a new ruling to all shippers starting in December, which would allow the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to receive data on all the shipments in advance.

By December 1, both economic zones in Central Luzon will only accept entries filed through the single administrative document (SAD), or the current import permit issued by Clark Development Corp. (CDC) and the admission permit issued by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

The said document can only be received through the three value-added service providers of the BOC.

So far, however, Clark authorities has issued the green light to customs value-added service provider Intercommerce Network Service (INS), while SBMA has approved the dealings with E-Konek Pilipinas, a company run by former heads of the BOC.

Both companies have been accredited to provide such service in the two economic zones, which were former US military bases.

At the moment, INS and E-Konek are still testing their respective systems in the free-port zones.

The use of SAD is an offshoot of a joint memorandum signed by CDC, SBMA and the BOC for the single submission of the Transit-Admission Permit (T/AP).

Under the new procedure, SAD will be used in the filing and lodging of customs transshipment-warehousing IEIRD entry, Transshipment Permit (Form 199), carrier bond, boat note and IEIRD (Form 236), and bring-in permit issued by the Free Port Authority.

IEIRD stands for Import Entry Internal Revenue Declaration, a document used when goods enter the Philippines.

This simplifies the workflow and eliminates the physical validation of the data in CDC of the T/AP and the Customs IEIRD form.

As a result of the agreement between the free- port zone authorities and the BOC, all zone locators or its agents, as authorized by either CDC and SBMA will be allowed to lodge their T/AP applications electronically.

The new procedure also provides for the single submission of the T/AP acceptable to the BOC and the free ports.

The rules provide that the Freeport Zone Authority shall ensure the approved T/APs are forwarded to the BOC system electronically as soon as the transaction is authorized or at the end of office hours each day.

These include the cargo used at the zone, cargo transferred from the free-port zone to another and cargo transferred to customs territory or other economic zones.

The service provider, meanwhile, will provide the remote lodgment facilities for the preparation and lodgment of the T/AP to the free-port authorities, which shall be processed and approved with system- generated reference number.

The remaining customs service provider, CargoData Exchange Center, is still awaiting for the go signal from free-port authorities to operate in either of the two economic zones.

BOC is changing the way importers and exporters deal with the government by employing the services of value-added service providers, and changing the documents that have been used since the 1960s. Written by VG Cabuag - Business Mirror

'Free' seats offered from Clark, Manila

Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific is bringing back its zero fare for its Manila-Osaka (Japan) service - and on flights from Clark to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore.

But the promotion will last only eight days.
The zero fare seat sale will run from October 29 to November 7 and is valid for travel from December 1, 2008 to January 31, 2009. Passengers will just pay for fuel and insurance surcharge that range from USD 45 to 110 per way.

Candice Iyog, CEB vice president for marketing and distribution, said: "We want to draw as many passengers from Central and Northern Luzon to experience travelling to our neighbouring Asian countries this coming holiday season. We also hope to be able to encourage foreign tourist to come and visit the wonderful attractions in Subic, Clark, Baguio, and the province of Ilocos.

“The inclusion of Manila-Osaka in our seat sale will also allow our Filipino overseas workers in Japan to come home and spend their Christmas with their families and friends or Filipinos may visit their loved ones in Japan for a change.”

The airline also permanently reduced its lowest year round fares in select domestic routes starting today. CEB slashed its lowest one-way ‘Go Lite’ fares for Manila to Cotabato and Dipolog, from P2388 to P1688 all-in.

The one-way ‘Go Lite’ fare from Manila to Zamboanga was also lowered from P2,188 to P1,688. There was also a 36% ‘Go Lite’ fare reduction for the Manila-Roxas service, from P1188 to P688.

One-way ‘Go Lite’ fares from Manila to Cebu and Iloilo were also reduced from P988 to P888 all-in while the Manila-Legaspi ‘Go Lite’ fare was cut from P888 to 788.

The Cebu-Diplog, Cebu-GenSan, Cebu-Ozamiz ‘Go Lite’ one-way fare now starts from P688, down from P988. The Cebu-Bacolod, Cebu-Surigao, and Cebu-Iloilo ‘Go Lite’ fare was marked down to P688.

The airline explained that the ‘Go Lite’ fares are availed by passengers with no check-in luggage. Passengers with check-in bags will just add P200 upon booking. aviationarecord.com

BOC wants Subic locators’ imports scanned

--Malaya

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) plans to scan all shipments in Subic Freeport including its locators to plug revenue leakage and prevent the entry of anti-social goods.

Subic Bay Freeport locators including Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp. (HHIC) are exempted from duties and taxes, the BOC on orders made by President Arroyo wanted to implement the scanning of all shipments to ensure that the government is not being deprived of the rightful taxes.

Ray Gregorio, Subic x-ray scanning assistant chief said the locators are allowed only of certain volume of importations for use in their export products.

“As of now we are not scanning the imports of locators because they insist that they are covered by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and we in Customs have no authority over them.” He said.

HE further said that in the case of Hanjin, they do not have people manning its importations since the firm also has its own terminal; all shipments were brought directly to Hanjin.

“We can not be sure that all the locators’ imports were not taken out or brought into the local market. Since we are for transparency, why can’t we just allow x-ray scanning since it’s the practice in almost all the countries,” he added.

The bureau’s scanning project is aimed at enforcing the Section 1 of EO 660 which requires all importations of registered businesses and enterprises or locators with the SBMA in excess of their requirements of their registered business or authorized activity consisting of raw materials, capital goods and equipment are subject to the payment of taxes and customs duties in accordance of existing customs and tax laws.

Gregorio claimed that locators would not be spared from paying container security fee which is being implemented to cover the loan for acquiring the x-ray machines and for the cost of x-ray operation.

The CSF is mandatory payments under EO 592.

Gordon’s bill means more doctors, nurses

By: Bernadette E. Tamayo - Journal

SEN. Richard Gordon yesterday batted for an increase in medical and health personnel in 43,000 public schools nationwide.

He said the absence of adequate medical facilities and the lack of health care personnel in public schools put elementary and high school students in greater health risks.

The senator said the public school system has only 154 medical officers, 617 school dentists, 3,254 school nurses, 570 dental aides, and 32 nutritionist-dietitians attending to more than 17 million public school pupils.

“When a child in school feels a simple headache but there are no nurses or medical officers who would attend to him, that simple ailment would affect him the whole day and he would not be able to listen well to the teacher and concentrate on the lessons,” Gordon said.

The senator said this problem could be addressed if his ``text-for-change” bill would be approved in Congress. The measure seeks to augment government resources to fill the gap in the health and education requirements by requiring telecommunications companies to remit part of their net income from local text messaging.

“When this bill is enacted into law, we will be able to hire enough doctors, nurses, dentists, and even nutritionists, who would look after the health needs of students. We will also build or upgrade school clinics and provide for regular vaccination and dental check-up programs,” Gordon said.

De Castro, Villar at CREBA meet

Vice President Noli “Kabayan” de Castro and Senate President Manuel Villar will grace the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders Associations (CREBA) Inc. national convention at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, Subic Free Port, Zambales on Oct. 24-25.

This was announced by CREBA National President Reghis Romero II and overall convention chairman Angel Vivas Jr. The convention theme is “Managing Land and Environment for Today’s Communities: Best Practices and Success Stories.”

On Oct. 24, De Castro will be the guest of honor and speaker after the land use forum on “Balancing Land Use for Food, Shelter and Environment.” De Castro is chairman of the government’s Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) which oversees housing development in the country.

Villar will be the special guest at the convention’s gala night program to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Council of Leaders of CREBA. Villar has long been supporting CREBA as the country’s leading real estate and housing industry organization.

Convention sponsors are Boysen Paint, MB Villar Group of Companies, Durawood Construction & Lumber Supply, Moldex Group of Companies, R-II Builders Inc., Prime Estate Ventures, Inc., Harbour Centre, Sta. Lucia Realty Development Inc., Prime Peak Properties Inc., BPI Family Savings Bank, Manila Water Company Inc. and Hausland Development Corporation.

CREBA is inviting all builders, professionals and other sectors to join the convention. Please contact the CREBA secretariat at 373-2270 to 75 or email: creba_inc.@yahoo.com.

REGIONAL CHILDREN’S CONGRESS

The Regional Children’s Congress was successfully held recently at the SM San Fernando Event Center where children ages 3-5 years old from Day Care Centers all around the region participated. The congress was held in line with the celebration of the National Children’s Month this October.

Day care center pupils, accompanied by their teachers and parents joined the event and competed in different events such as poem reciting contest, singing contests and drawing contest.

This year’s celebration is themed: “Bright child, sa tamang pag-aaruga, kinabukasan maginhawa.”

Olongapo City’s participants won in two events: Charlotte Gallardo of Mulawin Day Care Center, Old Cabalan won first place in the drawing contest while Franchezka Lhian Espelita of New Ilalim Day Care won second place in the poem reciting contest.

In the city, a celebration of the National Children’s Month featured activities to determine the participants in the Regional Children’s Congress. Mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon Jr. was also present during the event.

“We are doing this to recognize and promote children’s rights, and to groom them to become the future leaders of the nation. We should hone their skills and talents and we should recognize these talents in an early age,” said Mayor Gordon.

Olongapo City Mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon Jr. delivering a message during the recent celebration of the National Children’s Month.

PAO/Don

BB. OLONGAPO 2008 GRAND PAGEANT NIGHT

The Grand Pageant Night of Bb. Olongapo 2008 was successfully held on October 26, 2008 at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC). Eighteen (18) candidates vied for the much-coveted title of Bb. Olongapo and the chance to represent the city in different pageants around the country.

Olongapo City Mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon Jr. graced the night’s festivities in support of the undertaking spearheaded by the City Tourism Office.

“Ang winning candidates will promote the city and help boost our major industry, tourism, all over the country, pati na rin sa ibang bansa. Together with the City Fiesta queen, they will help the city in boosting our image,” said Mayor Gordon.

The candidates paraded in different outfits during the Pageant Night including tribal wear, swimsuit and evening gown.

Over twenty five (25) minor awards were given away including Miss Congeniality, Miss Photogenic and Texters Choice Award. The sponsors also gave awards to chosen finalists.

Here are the winning candidates of Bb. Olongapo 2008:

•3rd Runner-Up: JHARELYN DEONNE Q.ESGUERRA

•2nd Runner-Up: TIMIKKO P. SANTOS

•1st Runner Up: HOLLEE IVY M. LUNA

•Bb. Olongapo Tourism 2008: JOY ANNE N. CORNEJO

•Bb. Olongapo 2008: ANGELEE CLAUDETTE DELOS REYES

The eighteen (18) candidates of Bb. Olongapo 2008 during the Finals Night held on October 26, 2008 at the Olongapo City Convention Center. Angelee Claudette Delos Reyes took home the title of Bb. Olongapo 2008.

PAO/Don

Japan mission eyes potential opportunities in Subic ecozone

A delegation of about 20 Japanese businessmen will be surveying investment and trade opportunities in Subic Freeport while they are in the country for a conference, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said in a statement Monday.

Port-related firms from Japan such as ship servicers, warehouse companies, and export manufacturers will be surveying Subic for possible business ventures, Koichi port promotion director Hiroshi Yamanaka was quoted in the statement as saying.

The delegates are arriving at the Subic Freeport Tuesday for an annual conference of the International Network of Affiliated Ports (INAP).

Seventy official delegates from Sri Lanka, China, Indonesia, South Korea, Cebu and Japan will be joining the conference, SBMA said in its statement.

"Many companies in the Kochi area began pursuing overseas business ventures after attending last year’s INAP conference [in Japan]," the statement read.

SBMA’s marketing of the local port as a regional maritime and logistics hub has especially piqued the interest of Japanese firms, Mr. Yamanaka was quoted in the statement as saying.

Investors in Subic enjoy exemption from local and national taxes, duty-free importation of raw materials, and full repatriation of profits, data from the SBMA Web site show.

Foreign investors are also allowed full ownership of businesses in the area, except for strategic sectors prohibited by the Constitution such as in media and education. - BusinessWorld

Create Subic-Bataan Natural Park – solon

By. Mar Supnad – Manila Bulletin

Alarmed by the massive destruction of Bataan and Subic forests, a lady lawmaker has filled a bill in the Lower House seeking the immediate establishment of the Bataan Natural Park and the Subic Watershed Forest Reserve to protect the “natural, biological and physical diversities of the environment in these areas.”

Rep. Herminia B. Roman, 1st Bataan, said in her explanatory note in House Bill Number 4137, that her bill “seeks to establish the Bataan Natural Park and the Subic Watershed Forest Reserve, a portion of the Subic Bay Special Economic Zone and Zambales as protected area under the category of a natural park.” Roman, wife of three-termer congressman Tony Roman, cited that “Philippines is one of the top 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world which houses a high percentage of endemic plants and animals threatened by extinction.”

To be covered by the proposed measure are the municipalities of Hermosa, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Morong and Bagac in Bataan and parts of the Subic Bay Ecozone and Zambales.

Seventy percent of the land areas of Subic Bay Ecozone belongs to the province of Bataan, said Roman.

Roman said the “protection and conservation of the Subic-Bataan Natural Park shall be pursued through sustainable and participatory development by advancing and protecting the interests of its legitimate inhabitants in accordance with Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).

She said that one of the factors of extinction is the rapid population growth and the conversion of land to other uses for economic development.

The “development of vast virgin lands gives rise to the destruction of the habitats of wildlife. Natural resources have also been exploited as sources for food, timber, fuel and water.” As the country’s parks and wildlife sanctuaries slowly disappear, so does the diversity of plants and animal life,” she said.

“Tsunamis, floods, forest fires, earthquakes and other natural disasters are fierce wake up calls for all of us to protect and care for the treasures of nature. If the calls are not enough to convince people and government to take action, future generations will be left nothing,” Roman further said.

She pointed out that this is the most opportune time to pass a law that will secure for the Filipino people and generations the perpetual existence of all native plants and animals through the establishment of a protected area within the classification of a natural park in Bataan , Subc and Zambales.”

Shipbuilders booked until 2013

By.Genivi Factao – Malaya

*Not affected by crisis yet, but orders may soften:

• 37 ship orders keep Hanjin workers working double time.

• Local shipping Industry’s market too small to be affected by crisis.

• Fears of cancelled orders allayed.

The Country’s largest shipbuilding company and local shipbuilders are nor yet feeling the effects of the global crisis, but warned that it could dampen ship orders in the future.

At present, Maritime officials said that the country’s local ship builders are fully booked because of the demand for new buildings in the country (brought by double hull requirements and government’s RORO project) as well as in the global market.

South Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp. Philippines (HHIC-Phil.), is working very hard to be a part with its South Korean counterparts in terms of efficiency and quality of work.

Hanjin workers are working double time to be able to deliver 37 ship orders on time.

Armand Arreza, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) administrator, said “Hanjin’s capacity is booked until 2013 with 37 ships under order.”

Arreza explained “the present situation (affecting the global market) has no impact in the short term provided that the global economy recovers quickly. A prolonged recession may affect future orders, meaning post 2013 orders.”

There are reports that the global shipping industry frets over the prospect of new building cancellations due to global economic crisis.

“So far we have not received any report that our local shipyards are encountering any problem in terms of cancellation of orders… because definitely before they build, they have secured contracts,” said Col. Primo Rivera, deputy administrator for operations of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina).

Rivera explained that the global crisis will not hit the country’s shipping industry, as the market is small to be able to feel the effects.

Reports said the global shipping industry will be affected by the crisis, due to anticipated decline in global transport brought by the global economic slow down.

Even the deployment of Filipino seafarers is not spared.

Keiko Niimi, International Labour Organization (ILO) deputy director of Subregional Office for South-East Asia and the Pacific, said; “I have a feeling that on the numbers of seafarers, there will be less demand.”

“But the ones that will be affected initially by this financial crisis, I think, will be management or the skilled level.”

The Magsaysay-owned NMC Container Lines is reducing the capacity of the vessels that it plans to acquire next year.

Roberto Umali, president and chief executive of the Magsaysay Logistics and Transport Group said, earlier they planned to import two 500-TEU capacity container vessels.

But based on their analysis, it will be immaterial considering the slowdown in total cargo volume, due to the slump in both local and international boxed cargoes.

“The 500-TEU capacity vessel is too big now for the local industry even if there is a vacuum in bottoms in the local trade as cargo volume is at a slump,” Umali said.

“Instead, we are looking at about 200- to 35- TEU capacity freighters to leverage more on or fuel consumption and space utilization,” Umali added.

He said in the past couple of months, cargo volume plummet prompting NMC to review its reflecting program to be more responsive at current economic times.

The huge slump in total cargo volume in the third quarter indicates that the shipping industry is headed for tough times.

Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay

PURCHASING SPECIALIST
HR SUPERVISOR
PRODUCTION OPERATOR
MERCHANDISER/DRIVER/HELPER
LOGISTIC PERSONNEL
TEAM LEADER
DISTRIBUTOR SALES SUPERVISOR
OPERATIONS MANAGER
FACULTY MEMBER
BRANCH IT/SYSTEM SUPPORT ENGINEER
HR COORDINATOR
TRAINOR
MARKETING STAFF
BANK TELLER
SHIPWELDER/PIPE WELDER
SHIPFITTER
COMMERCIAL OFFICER

OLONGAPO’S NEW WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Preparations for the implementation of the new waste management system, an initiative of Olongapo City Mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon Jr., is in high gear. The Environmental Sanitation and Management Office (ESMO) has laid down the system and set-up of the new program.

“Next week, i-introduce sa city itong Conceptualized Container House. It will be an environmental, multi-functional and low cost container house with toilets,” said Mayor Gordon..

“On the process na itong project at sa katunayan ay dineliver na yung 6,000 out of 7,000 container bins na kasama sa project, yung iba ay parating pa lang. Ito yung malalaki, that can hold up to 660 Liters at ito yung gagamitin sa mga malalaking lugar sa lungsod tulad ng parks at markets,” said ESMO Engineer Wency Paule.

“Yung mga container trucks naman ay paparating na. Ito yung gagamitin na pangtransfer at pagkuha ng mga bins. Hindi pa natin pwedeng i-distribute yung mga bins kasi yung specialized trucks ang dapat gamitin dahil yung trucks ay may automated bin lifters at kung hindi yun yung gagamitin ay masisisra yung mga bins,” added Paule.

“As for now, ongoing na ang partial information campaign sa mga barangays, schools at sa mga bahay-bahay para malaman nila ang bagong sistema ng pagkokolekta at pages-segregate ng basura,”

“Mga residuals na lang kasi ang itatapon sa mga bagong container bins at yung recyclables sa barangay na mapupunta at yung composting, barangay na rin yung bahala o yung residente na mismo ang gagawa ng compost pit niya sa backyard,” Paule concluded.

It is expected that the project will be fully implemented around February 2009.

PAO/Don

MAYOR GORDON STARTS ANTI-FIRECRACKER CAMPAIGN

Olongapo City Mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon Jr. recently has stepped-up his campaign against the use of firecrackers especially in welcoming the new year and in celebration of the different events, holidays and activities in the coming months like the City Fiesta 2008.

“Padating tayo sa maraming okasyon at mga festivities at mas maganda kung hindi na tayo gagamit ng firecrackers. Sanhi yan ng maraming mga sakuna at pinsala lalo na sa panahon ngayon ay dapat na maingat tayo,” said Mayor Gordon.

“Gumamit na lang tayo ng mga maiingay na bagay katulad ng drum at torotot, mas practical pa yun at walang risk para magkaroon ng pinsala tulad ng idinudulot ng malalakas na paputok,” Mayor Gordon added.

It can be recalled that last year, Mayor Gordon strongly campaigned against firecrackers and intensified the implementation of City Ordinance No. 55 (Series of 1996), an amendment of City Ordinance No. 5 (Series of 1959) which regulated and banned the use of firecrackers.

In 2008, there were 26 injuries caused by firecrackers. The cases are slightly higher than in 2007 where there were 17 cases reported. But the cases reported in 2008 were only minor injuries unlike the cases in 2007 where major and more serious injuries were reported.

It is expected that the campaign will intensify these coming weeks.

Innove takes on PLDT, seeks TRO on Bonifacio Global City tussle

Innove pointed out that PLDT has not learned from its “painful lessons,” citing the previous decisions of quasijudicial bodies and the Court of Appeals in a similar case between Innove and Subictel, a subsidiary of PLDT.

INNOVE Communications Inc. lashes back at Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) for seeking a temporary restraining order (TRO to stop regulators from implementing a 2002 circular, saying the phone giant’s move exhibits “monopolistic greed and criminal scheme.”

“The issue in the present case is PLDT’S monopolistic beliefs, practices and greed, on one hand, versus Innove’s right to render public telecommunications service in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and public service itself, on the other. The choice for this Honorable Court in resolving the reliefs prayed for by PLDT is obvious. Public service cannot wait and it cannot be sacrificed because of PLDT’s monopolistic greed,” said Globe Telecom legal counsel Rodolfo Salalima. Innove is a wholly owned subsidiary of Globe.

PLDT wants the Quezon City regional trial court (QCRTC) to declare null and void the policy of the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) declaring BGC as a “free zone” where all carriers can operate.

But the phone giant is asserting its rights and so is Bonifacio Communications Corp. (BCC), which filed a separate case against Innove and Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. (FBDC) before the Pasig regional trial court. PLDT and BCC claimed they have the exclusive rights to own, maintain and operate all telecommunications infrastructure in the BGC under an agreement they signed with FBDC. PLDT currently holds 75-percent equity in BCC.

In a separate case, FBDC is now being sued by BCC for breach of contract after the former declared it sided with Innove. Ayala Land Inc. and Evergreen Holdings Inc. are now the controlling shareholders of FBDC after they acquired the Metro Pacific Group’s shares in BCC.

Innove, which had sought NTC’s assistance to enforce its 2002 circular, wants the QCRTC to dismiss PLDT’s complaint, saying the court lacks jurisdiction.

“Because the Innove complaint was filed with the NTC ahead of the instant case, and because the NTC, under Republic Act 7925 and related statutes, is the ‘principal administrator’ and implementor of all telecommunications issues and matters stated in that law, primary jurisdiction over both the NTC/Innove complaint and the present case is thus lodged exclusively with the NTC to the exclusion of this court,” said Salalima.

Even if the so-called exclusivity agreement is binding, Innove said PLDT cannot claim service exclusivity in the BGC by resisting and preventing Innove from providing public telecommunications service because its authorization from the NTC to provide telecommunications service nationwide had long become final and executory, as well as valid and binding.

Innove pointed out that PLDT has not learned from its “painful lessons,” citing the previous decisions of quasijudicial bodies and the Court of Appeals in a similar case between Innove and Subictel, a subsidiary of PLDT.

The case involved Subictel’s claimed exclusivity of service agreement with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to be the only provider of telecommunications service in Subic. But SBMA allowed Innove to render telecommunications service in Subic. Subictel then questioned this grant of authorization to Innove going to the extent of forum shopping again. The SBMA, the NTC, the Regional Trial Court, and the Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Innove and against Subictel on the main reason that public telecommunications service provisioning in any given area in the Philippines “is not and shall never be exclusive conformably with the law.” Written by Lenie Lectura - Business Mirror

Pimentel wants illegal mining in Zambales stopped

Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. has urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to put to a halt the illegal mining operations in Candelaria, Zambales province.

Pimentel said Prime Picks Company, a private firm headed by a certain Roberto Go, has been extracting black sands along the Candelaria seashore, a violation of an existing law prohibiting all forms of mining and quarrying in coastal areas which are classified as "salvage zone."

He said the extraction of sands on the shore destroys the natural barrier that prevents the seawater from overflowing that causes flooding in the beach area and the nearby village.

Under the law, mining and quarrying are banned within 200 meters from the salvage zone.

"I was able to talk to [DENR] Secretary (Lito) Atienza and he assured me he would act on my request immediately. He agreed with me that the mining firm has no business operating there," Pimentel said.

Pimentel, Senate Minority floorleader, said he obtained first-hand information about the illegal mining activity during his visit to Candelaria town over the weekend.

He said the farmers in one barangay complained that their ricefields have been damaged by the intrusion of sea water caused by the illegal mining.

The municipal council of Candelaria has approved a resolution asking proper government authorities to stop the company's mining operation in view of the destruction it is causing to the environment that endangers the welfare and safety of the people in the nearby community, he said.

Noting that Prime Picks does not have any valid permit, Pimentel said, the company owners should be held criminally liable for its illegal mining operations.

"Here is a clear example of an unscrupulous mining company operating without regard to environmental laws, unmindful of the hazards that its operation is causing the local residents and completely ignoring the authority of the local government unit concerned. We should not allow this intolerable situation to go on," he said. (PNA)

Audit of 2 Subic-based oil companies sought

By. Paolo Romero – Philippine Star

The President Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) has requested the Commission on Audit (COA) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to conduct an audit of two Subic-based controversial oil companies that were earlier caught smuggling billions of pesos worth of petroleum and other fuel products.

PASG chief Undersecretary Antonio Villar asked to Audit Unioil and its sister company Oilink to find out if they have enough stocks of oil to cover their unpaid customs duties and taxes amounting to P2.7 billion.

He said he made the request in preparation for the possible filing of appropriate charges against the two oil companies if they failed to settle their obligations.

“I just want to make sure these firms would not be able to short-change the development. Last year, we found out that Oilink was importing oil without paying the corresponding Customs duties and taxes.”

“When it was grounded, it put up Unioil for reasons which are not hard to deduce. And now they are at it again. PASG will definitely not allow anyone to just simplify deceive the government of billions of taxes,” Villar said.

In his letters of request to COA Chairman Reynaldo Villar and BIR Commissioner Sixto Esquivias IV dated Oct.22, 2008, Villar cited the need for auditing of the two companies due to the temporary closure of their depot in Mariveles, Bataan pursuant to the provision of the Traffic and Customs Code of the Philippines, Section 1508.

PASG closed the depot after it found out that Unioil has been siphoning off the grounded oil stocks of Oilink charged last year for not paying billions of pesos worth of taxes and duties for its oil importations.

The closure has again placed Villar at loggerheads with officials and stockholders of Unioil and Oilink. Complicating matters is the move of the BoC to declare the closure as illegal, “raising doubts on the BoC’s sincerity in eradicating big-time smuggling that tolls heavily on the national coffers,” he said.

He explained the request for audit is in the best interest of the two companies as this may result in the lifting of the orders for them to temporarily stop withdrawing oil from their depot in Mariveles.” Pending investigation and audit by COA and BIR.”

The investigation and audit are essential to protect the interest of the government as Customs collectors in Bataan discovered the huge amount of taxes and duties Oilink should have paid.

Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay

SERVICE CREW
ACCOUNTING CLERK
LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
QUALITY ASSURANCE INSPECTOR
WELDER
JANITRESS
STOREMAN
NAVAL DRAFTSMAN / CAD OPERATOR
CABINET MAKER
PIPEFITTER SUPERVISOR
FABRICATOR / LOFTSMAN
MARINE MECHANICAL FITTER SUPERVISOR

PHILIPPINE AND US NAVY IN ‘GAPO

The Philippine Navy visited Olongapo City on October 28, 2008 as part of their community relations program for Olongapeños in partnership with the US Navy.

“Kasama sa mga isinagawa naming activities na kasama ang US Navy ay pagkukumpuni ng school buildings, improvement ng facilities ng Olongapo Center for Assistance and Rehabilitation, at New Cabalan Elementary School. Namigay rin kami ng mga laruan, libro at iba pang kasangkapan na magagamit ng mga estudyante at mga guro,” said ni Lt. Commander Gilbert Pacio ng Philippine Navy.

The activity is a part of the Philippine Navy’s two-day Community Relations Actitivites in partnership with the US Navy. This is done to start ties with different communities around the country and help them in their daily lives by assisting in different projects benifiting their communities.

On October 29, 2008 they will proceed to New Cabalan National High School and Center for Social Development for Children to assist in repairing the infrastructures and facilities.

“Bago pa man isagawa ang aktwal na pagkukumpuni ay nagkakaroon muna ng pagsusuri sa mga naturang pasilidad upang malaman kung gaano kalaki ang dapat ayusin at mga gagamiting materyales. Ang mga materyales na ginamit ay mula sa US Navy,” added Pacio.

“Ang programang ito ay para rin ipakita na ang mga Navy o mga sundalo ay hindi lamang pang-giyera kundi para tulungan din ang mga mamamayan sa kanilang pamumuhay,” Pacio concluded.

The program was held in cooperation with the city government of Olongapo, led by Mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon Jr. in line with his programs to upgrade and repair the infrastructures of the city.

PAO/Don

Mass for Romy Medina

--People’s Journal

The National Press Club will hold a mass and memorial service for veteran newsman Romualdo “Romy” Medina at 7 p.m. tomorrow at the Bulwagang Plaridel of the NPC Bldg. in Intramuros, Manila.

Medina died on Oct.22, a week after undergoing surgery to remove bloot clot on his brain.

He was a reporter of the Manila Times and the Times Journal, People’s Journal, and Times Mirror. He covered several celebrated cases, including the trial of Bingbong Crisologo.

His remains will be brought to the Olongapo Memorial Park on Monday. The Medina family will hold another memorial service at 1 p.m. on Tuesday after which his remains will be cremated.

Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay

AUDIT STAFF
COUNTER BOY
CASHIER
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
HOME TUTORS
ENGLISH TEACHER
CAREGIVER INSTRUCTOR
AUTOCAD OPERATOR
MERCHANDISER
ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
SYSTEM INFORMATION STAFF
INSPECTOR
PACKAGING STAFF
CUTTER / PRESSER
SEWER
BOILER OPERATOR
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ACCOUNTING CLERK
E-GAMES CASINO CASHIER
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PROGRAMMER
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Mendoza to keynote Subic int'l ports confab

Secretary Leandro Mendoza of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) will be the keynote speaker during the annual conference and general assembly meeting of the International Network of Affiliated Ports (INAP) to be held in Subic freeport.


The INAP conference, which will be held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on October 28 to 29, is expected to include a series of direction-setting and planning workshops under the theme "Emerging Roles for Asian Ports."

The organization is composed of the ports of Subic and Cebu in the Philippines, Kochi in Japan, Mokpo in South Korea, Qingdao in China, Tanjung Perak in Indonesia, and Colombo in Sri Lanka.

Mendoza, whose department is responsible for the country's rail, air, sea and communications infrastructure, said the event "will serve as an opportune venue to discuss and exchange ideas on possible multilateral economic opportunities for local and foreign businesses."

The conference theme, Mendoza also said in a message to INAP, "manifests your strong commitment towards the development of ports and harbors in the Asian region."

Aside from addressing the INAP assembly, Mendoza is scheduled to open an exhibit on maritime-related industries and products at the SBECC on the first day of the meeting.

The INAP conference will be formally opened at 9 a.m. on October 28 by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Administrator Armand Arreza, who will deliver the welcome address.

This will be followed by the opening remarks from Governor Masanao Ozaki, head of the Kochi prefectural government in Japan, who is also outgoing INAP chairman.

Other speakers on the first day of the conference include Arreza, who will make a presentation on the role of the Port of Subic in Northern Luzon trade, Secretary Eduardo Pamintuan of the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development (SCAD), and Edgardo Abesamis, president of the Subic Bay International Terminal Corp., operator of the New Container Terminal-1 in this free port.

On the second day of the conference, representatives of INAP member-ports will also present plenary reports. These include Capt. Perfecto Pacual, SBMA seaport manager; Angelo Verdan, general manager of Cebu Port Authority; Ozaki, for the Port of Kochi; Achmad Baroto, general manager of the Port of Tanjung Perak in Indonesia; and Byeong Soo Choi, chief executive officer of Mokpo Newport in South Korea.

Two other Asian ports are expected to join INAP during the Subic conference: the Port of Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia and the Port of Kaohsiung in Taiwan.

SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga is also scheduled to be elected chairman of INAP during the conference here, replacing Ozaki who was elected last year. (PNA)

Uy rules Blaze Super Saloon in Subic Raceway

DENNIS UY of Velocity Racing stamped his class on Rounds 11 and 12 of the recent 2008 Petron Grand Prix Series at the Subic International Raceway inside the Subic Bay Freeport, but it was Petron SRA’s Kookie Ramirez, who took home the championship by virtue of his unassailable lead going into the final leg.

Uy set the tone of the final race weekend when he edged out second-placer Juni Binamira of Black Knight Racing and third-placer Joselou Romero-Salas in Round 11, wherein pre-race favorite Louis Ramirez of Petron SRA was unable to pose a challenge after falling prey to a puncture.

In Round 12, Uy took advantage of pole position to put some space between himself and the hard-charging Ramirez, who started from last place and climbed up to second place at the checkered flag.

Third place again went to the consistent Romero-Salas.

Despite his non-appearance at the event, Kookie Ramirez won the overall championship by amassing 60 points in the 10 previous rounds.

Second overall went to Uy, who earned 58 points and also nailed the Super Saloon “A” category, Louis finished third just one point adrift of Uy.

Mike Tuason of TRS finished 11th overall to secure the “B” Championship, while Menchie Francisco of SRA Racing finished eighth and took home the “C” title. Manila Standard Today

Competitiveness proposals readied at business meet

Shipping business leaders pushed for the shift of cargo traffic from Manila to Batangas and Subic ports in a bid to decongest the capital’s harbor. The group also called for the permanent reduction of wharfage dues from $6 to $1 per 20-foot container.

BUSINESS LEADERS meeting in an annual national conference plan to call on the government to enact policies ensuring improved transport infrastructure, food security, energy independence, and simplified taxation.

An advance copy of the 34th Philippine Business Conference’s resolutions was released by organizers. The proposals, consolidated by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), will be presented to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

For infrastructure, business leaders called for increased foreign carrier access to Philippine airports.

"[We are] urging more bilateral talks ... with other countries ... like Singapore, Russia, Australia and Middle East ... to improve the country’s accessibility by tourists and overseas Filipinos," the document read.

Also yesterday, British ambassador to the Philippines Peter Beckingam said that the country should learn from the United Kingdom’s experience, where a number of its air and sea ports, trains, and tollways are owned by foreigners.

But Alfredo M. Yao, PCCI vice-president for industry and transportation and Zest Airways, Inc. director, would rather that foreign carriers only operate in routes not offered by their domestic counterparts.

For shipping infrastructure, meanwhile, business leaders pushed for the shift of cargo traffic from Manila to Batangas and Subic ports in a bid to decongest the capital’s harbor. The group also called for the permanent reduction of wharfage dues from $6 to $1 per 20-foot container.

Land transport infrastructure, meanwhile, needs to be improved by expanding the capacity of commuter railways and increasing private sector participation in the construction and development of toll roads.

"[We support] the implementation of priority infrastructure through solicited bids under the build-operate-transfer law. Less emphasis should be given to unsolicited and joint venture modes in order to promote greater transparency...," the document read.

For the agriculture sector, business leaders called for a ban of the conversion of agricultural land, duty-free importation of farm inputs and machinery for 10 years, and the reduction of costs, particularly tariffs on fertilizer, to "attain food security and agricultural productivity".

The group also recommended that farmland be accepted as collateral so farmers have access to credit for the purchase of machinery and other production inputs. For fruit exports, trade attaches must be mobilized to promote such while the Agriculture department must forge bilateral fruit quarantine deals with China, Taiwan, South Korea, the Middle East, and Australia.

Business leaders also urged the government to do the following regarding energy:

reduce taxes and royalties on fuel used for power generation and review the unbundled rate of National Transmission Corporation in a bid to cut back on the "prevailing power rate";
compel Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. to speed up the full privatization of National Power Corp. and the appointment of an independent power producers administrator within the next six months;
review the performance-based rate setting system which increases the yearly electricity rate as the scheme is said to collect advance contributions from consumers even as promised upgrading investments are not yet implemented;
develop an independent power grid in Palawan and provide energy incentives in the Visayas; and
conduct a study on possible plants that can be used as biofuel feedstock.

Regarding taxation, the group called for the streamlining of tax compliance rules and the removal of a provision in the Tax Code that requires the government to publish the names and contributions of taxpayers. Taxes below a minimum or maximum threshold should also be paid less frequently, the group said.

Aside from those above, the PCCI also threw its support behind solving the job skills mismatch, strengthening of environmental laws, increased funding for government agencies that guard against corruption, adoption of international standards for intellectual property protection, and a population control program that advocates free choice of birth control methods. Businessworld

Zambales folks urge immediate implementation of port project

By. Jonas Reyes – Manila Bulletin

Masinloc, Zambales – Residents of this coastal town are urging the immediate implementation of the proposed P4.5-billion commercial port project here, which is designed to compliment ongoing development projects in the Central Luzon growth corridor.

Masinloc Vice Mayor Roberto Eamilao, a staunch supporter of the project, said the proposed commercial port would bring about the sustainable development of the northern half of Zambales, which has been largely left behind in terms of infrastructure development.

The Masinloc commercial port project will be our equalizer, Eamilao told newsmen over the weekend.

This is our only hope of finally bringing Masinloc and the northern towns into the sphere of development, as well as to help realize the potentials of Central Luzon, he added.

Eamilao said the Masinloc port project already has a willing investor the Rizhao Development Corp., a transportation and logistics firm backed by Chinas Rizhao Port Group.

Eamilao said Rizhao plans to renovate the aging ore-loading pier in this town, expand its storage yard, and upgrade its cargo-handling capacity from the current 500 metric tons to a maximum of 4 million tons.

Rizhao also seeks to establish an industrial park two kilometers away from the port to serve as a logistics and warehousing center for the plot project, as well as a site for a ferries nickel smelting plant for ores coming from various mining towns in the province.

The smelting plant project, proposed to be built in a 50-hectare area, was among the project endorsed by the Philippine government when a trade delegation visited Beijing on August 8, Eamilao said.

Eamilao, who first broached the commercial port project when he won as Masinloc mayor in 1998, said the Rizhao proposal appears to be highly feasible because the company has already formulated an integrated port development scheme to ensure the sustainability of the project.

Under the plan, Rizhao will also seek out investor companies who locate in the industrial park, as well as deploy small cargo vessels to various commercial ports in the country to load export products bound for China.

The Masinloc port will then largely be used as a transshipment point for exports that will be transported to China via bigger cargo ships and container vessels, Eamilao explained,

Eamilao, however, disclosed that the Rizhao proposal is endangered by vaccilation among some members of the town council, who had earlier noted in the approving resolution that the eventual realization of the project will greatly help in the economic development not only of the barangay, but also of the municipality of Masinloc and the province of Zambales.

Now they are saying that there are environmental concerns yet to be addressed, that there will be some mangroves that will be destroyed, and that there should be strict compliance in permitting requirements, Eamilao lamented.

I see this as simply delaying tactics, but for what ultimate purpose, I really don’t know, he added.

Eamilao pointed out that Rizaho had already secured clearance for the project from the local Protected Area management Board (PAMB), which has administrative jurisdiction over Masinloc’s Oyon Bay Marine Reserve, where the project will be party located.

The PAMB clearance, documents showed, was granted to Rizhao on July 8 this year, while an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for the project was given by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region III on September 2, 2008.

Clearly, the PAMB clearance and the EMB (ECC) are concrete proofs that the proposed port development project has undergone through deliberation and evaluation, Eamilao said.

He added that aside from the environmental clearances, approval of the project has also been given by Brgy. Baloganon, the host barangay, through a resolution dated July 7, 2008, and by the town council through the June 11 resolution that it later recalled.

It is worthy to note that the two resolutions were both passed and approved after the issuance of a Mayor’s Permit by Mayor Jessu Edora in May 2008, Eamilao Said.

ICTSI, SBMA hail new terminal as ‘prime link’

MONTHS after it won a concession to operate the new container port terminal in Subic Bay, publicly listed International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) is pushing the facility as the prime trade link in the main island of Luzon.

Together with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)—owner of New Container Terminal-1—ICTSI is trying to market the port terminal to import and export companies in Central and Northern Luzon that still prefer to do business in the Port of Manila for shipping their goods.

“The strategic location of Subic to your manufacturing plants means a significant decrease in transport costs and faster delivery time of cargo,” said Ferdinand Hernandez, SBMA’s senior deputy administrator for operations.

Subic’s proximity to the economic zones of Northern and Central Luzon makes it the ideal international trading gateway in the region, the SBMA said.

“With our strategic location, world-class port infrastructure, competitive port tariffs and the expertise of an international port operator, Subic is ready and positioned to serve industrial locators in the region,” Hernandez said.

He underscored the newly opened Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway that has significantly reduced trucking transit times and fees in conjunction with Subic as gateway to other points of Luzon.

“Unlike other ports located in metropolitan areas in Luzon, Subic is traffic jam-free and has no truck ban,” Hernandez added.

The new container terminal in the free port’s Cubi Point was developed with money given by the Japan Bank of International Cooperation.

ICTSI created Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC) to manage its port holdings in Subic Bay and holds a 25-year concession to operate the New Container Terminal-1.

The terminal has an area of 13.16 hectares and an annual capacity of 300,000 TEUs (twenty foot equivalent units). Its berth consists of a 280-meter wharf with a controlling depth of 13 meters and is equipped with two post-Panamax quay cranes.

Over 80 reefer stations are installed in the container yard and the gate has six truck lanes designed to keep the flow of traffic through the terminal as smooth as possible.

“SBITC is investing to further improve terminal operations and to construct other support facilities,” said Aurelio Garcia, SBITC general manager.

The company intends to buy more container-handling equipment as the volume throughput increases in the coming years.

Garcia said his company also invested in human-resources training and development.

Additional money was put into a terminal operating system for gates and container yard management, as SBITC plans “to fully computerize operations,” Garcia added.

The company’s present clients include American President Lines, Wan Hai Lines and Tasman Orient.

Established in 2000, SBITC is the exclusive international container terminal operator at the Subic Bay Free Port. It operated the NSD Terminal there for seven years before transferring container-handling operations to the NCT-1 in May. Written by VG Cabuag - Business Mirror

Mandatory 8-hour-a-day work for convicted prisoners

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon today pushed for a strictly supervised work program in selected government projects among the estimated 85,000 prisoners serving their sentences in various jails across the country.

Believing in the power of work to reform and instill a strong sense of self-worth, Gordon reiterated his proposal contained in Senate Bill 282, which would enable detained and convicted prisoners to participate in a supervised work program.

"A person who is committed to prison must lead a productive life and not be a burden to the State while in the process of rehabilitation and reformation into a law-abiding and responsible citizen," he said.

"Prison work program I am proposing would also promote discipline and enhance the prisoner's self-respect, self-confidence, personal dignity and sense of responsibility by allowing him to pay for his own keep while in prison," he added.

Gordon reiterated his proposal as the nation observes 21st Prison Awareness Week aimed at bringing dignity back to the thousands of prisoners now languishing in various jails nationwide.

Under SB 282, detained prisoners or those prisoners who are awaiting final court verdict may be allowed to volunteer for work in prison, reforestation, infrastructure and other government projects.

For convicted prisoners fit and eligible to a manual work, they are mandated to work for eight hours a day with a rest period of not less than 24 consecutive hours after six consecutive normal working days.

The Bureau of Corrections or the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology would also establish a secure work program for qualified prisoners outside the prison proper and in reforestation, infrastructure and other government projects.

These qualified prisoners would be required to wear distinctly-colored outer garments and other appropriate devices that would preserve and secure proper custody over them as well as security to the general public.

"We can have prisoners participate in building additional jail cells and common areas under strict supervision. It will save the state money which would otherwise go to paying labor, decongest the jail, and may even provide prisoners a morale boost as they engage in productive work -- instead of just counting the days or plotting against their fellow prisoners," Gordon explained.

Gordon bill would allow a compensation for prisoners who shall embrace the prison work program in the form of taxed due the government from income, support of the prisoner, such as board, food, clothing, payment of civil liability arising from crime, support of the prisoner's dependents, payment for legal representation or other obligations prisoner may have owned up.

"As prisoners, they may be thought of as dangerous and destructive people. As prison workers employed in reforestation or even roads, they will be seen as nurturers and builders," he added.

Gordon also said that the work program may also teach the prisoners useful skills which may get them jobs after they have served their term.

"It will even teach them that they have great worth and lead them to realize true freedom as they liberate themselves from thinking that they are mere victims – that they have the power to redeem themselves," he said.

Use Subic terminal, North and Central Luzon Philippine businesses urged

Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently urged importers and exporters in Northern and Central Luzon to use the newly opened container terminal at the Subic Bay Freeport.

“We are inviting businesses and industries in the area to use the Subic container port. The strategic location of Subic to your manufacturing plants means a significant decrease in transport costs and faster delivery time of cargo,” said SBMA senior deputy administrator for operations Atty. Ferdinand Hernandez during the North Luzon Area Business Conference at the Grand Palazzo Royale in Angeles City, Pampanga.

The conference, organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce Industry (PCCI), gathered national government officials for trade, transportation, agriculture, infrastructure and human resources and over 300 businessmen in the region for a two-day meet to discuss how the region’s economic stakeholders could raise global competitiveness in Northern Philippines.

“Also, our new container handling facility in Subic complements the Philippine government’s over-all infrastructure development plan for the Metro Luzon Urban Beltway, especially the requirements of seaborne trade in Northern and Central Luzon,” he added.

SBITC, a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) and operator of Subic’s New Container Terminal-1 (NCT-1), and the SBMA have been jointly marketing the Subic Bay Freeport as the prime trade link in Northern Philippines. Subic’s proximity to the economic zones of Northern and Central Luzon makes it the ideal international trading gateway in the region.

“With our strategic location, world class port infrastructure, competitive port tariffs, and the expertise of an international port operator, Subic is ready and positioned to serve industrial locators in the region. Thanks to the newly opened Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, trucking transit times and fees are significantly reduced with Subic as gateway. Unlike other ports located in metropolitan areas in Luzon, Subic is traffic jam-free and has no truck ban,” Hernandez added.

The Subic container terminal, located at the Freeport’s Cubi Point, was developed through funding provided by the Japan Bank of International Cooperation. SBITC holds the 25-year concession for the operations of the port.

The terminal has an area of 13.16 hectares and an annual capacity of 300,000 TEUs (twenty foot equivalent units). The berth is a 280-meter wharf with a controlling depth of 13 meters, and is equipped with two post-Panamax quay cranes.

The terminal design ensures optimal terminal operations and utilization of container handling equipment and facilities especially terminal space. Over 80 reefer stations are installed in the container yard, while the gate has six truck lanes for the smooth flow of trucks coming in and going out of the terminal.

“SBITC is investing to further improve terminal operations and to construct other support facilities. Additional container handling equipment will be purchased as the throughput of the terminal increases in the coming years. We have already invested in human resources training and development and a terminal operating system for gates and container yard management. Plans are underway to fully computerize operations,” Aurelio Garcia, SBITC general manager, said.

“SBITC will continue to focus its resources in developing, acquiring and implementing technology and best practices that will sustain efficacy of terminal operations. We are committed to provide services at par with the world’s leading container terminals,” he added.

Currently, SBITC’s shipping line clients include American President Lines, Wan Hai Lines and Tasman Orient.

SBITC, established by ICTSI in 2000, is the exclusive international container terminal operator at the Subic Bay Freeport. It had operated the freeport’s NSD Terminal for seven years before transferring container handling operations to the NCT-1 last May.

ICTSI is a leading developer of international ports and terminals with a global port network spanning 11 countries in four continents. ICTSI is on its 20th year of operation, and continues to pursue container terminal opportunities around the world. (PNA)

SBMA chief gets USMMA award

SUBIC BAY FREE PORT—For ushering in the establishment of maritime-related industries in this free port, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Feliciano Salonga has received a second award from his alma mater, the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), in Kings Point, New York.

The award, which recognizes outstanding personal achievements by academy graduates, was bestowed for “exemplifying the finest tradition of the merchant marine corps ‘Acta Non Verba’—or ’deeds, not words,’” according to the USMMA Alumni Foundation.

Salonga entered the USMMA in 1949 as a scholar under the US government’s Philippine Rehabilitation Act of 1946, and graduated in 1953. He is, so far, the first Filipino in the USMMA Class of ’53 to receive the Outstanding Professional Achievement Award twice.

In a statement, Salonga said he considers the recognition from USMMA “as an affirmation of what I have kept close to my heart — the academy’s tradition of ‘Acta Non Verba’.”

“This is what drives me to perform well, to pitch in my modest share in building a better future for the young generation of Filipinos,” said the SBMA official, who is also a commodore in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Salonga, who was appointed by President Arroyo as SBMA chairman in 2005, is largely credited for the paradigm shift in the Subic Bay Free Port that ushered in several big-ticket maritime-related investments.

These include the $1.6-billion shipyard project of Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co., and the ship-repair venture by Subic Dockyard Corp., which operates two dry docks formerly owned by the US Navy. Written by Henry Empeño - Business Mirror

Pampanga provincial board OKs P25M for recall polls vs Panlilio

The provincial board of Pampanga has agreed to provide the Commission on Elections money to finance the recall elections against Governor Eddie Panlilio.

"Twenty five million is too small an investment if it would be used for the progress of the province," Vice-Governor Joseller Guiao told ABS-CBN Pampanga.

Guiao confirmed that the provincial board of Pampanga has agreed to fund the recall elections against the priest turned politician.

He said the amount is "justified" with the almost 220,000 signatures gathered by the recall election petitioners throughout the province.

Board Member Johnny Quiambao of Pampanga's 3rd District, said the money will be taken out of the province's general fund.

Guiao, meanwhile, clarified that the fund allocations has not been officially approved by the provincial board. He said the money will only be approved once the COMELEC approves the recall petition they filed against Panlilio.

The COMELEC in Pampanga has started the verification process for the thousands of signatures submitted by Guiao's group last week.

Panlilio, for his part, scored the P25-million budget allocation for the recall elections. He said the provincial board should instead use the money to more important projects.

"They will use P25 million for the recall while there are so many projects waiting to be funded. It is a total distortion if they push through with this plan,” the governor said.

No money for recall

COMELEC legal chief Fernando Rafanan had said that the filing of the recall petition may go to waste because the poll body doesn't have the funds to finance a recall election in the province.

"If we have no funds, the petition for recall won't move," Rafanan said.

Rafanan, however, said the COMELEC will still act on the recall petition filed by The Kapanalig at Kambilan ning Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan) led by Guiao.

He said the COMELEC branch in Pampanga would have to assess the petition if is sufficient in form and substance.

If the petition was certified sufficient in form and substance, it would have to be submitted in three days to the COMELEC deputy executive director for operations for verification.

Once verified, the petition will go to the COMELEC en banc for deliberation and determination if the poll body has funds for a recall election.

Rafanan said as far as he knows, the COMELEC doesn’t have available funds for a recall election.

He said similar petitions failed to prosper in the poll body’s main office due to lack of funds. -- Mia Reyes, ABS-CBN Pampanga. abs-cbnNEWS.com

Who dares teach should never cease learning. (sa Tagalog, "Bakit nga ba bumababa ang kalidad ng edukasyon sa Pilipinas?")

SC orders release of 31 Olongapo inmates

The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday ordered the release of at least 31 inmates from the Olongapo District Jail in Olongapo City.

In a media statement on Tuesday, the SC said the release was in line with its Enhanced Justice on Wheels (EJOW) Program and its Increasing Justice to the Poor Program.

In the program’s launching led by SC Chief Justice Reynato Puno, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines likewise provided free medical and dental services to a total of 234 inmates and free legal assistance to 148 detainees.

Mobile court hearings were also conducted in the Olongapo District Jail where about 705 inmates are detained.

Court of Appeals Associate Justice Oswaldo Agcaoili also gave 300 Aetas from different barangays in Olongapo City an overview lecture on the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act and Agrarian and Environmental Laws.

The conduct of the lectures during the Information Dissemination and Dialogue with Indigenous Peoples was a first in the history of the EJOW Program.

The Aetas also participated in the lecture titled “Rights and Access to Justice of Indigenous Women and Children" by Deputy Court Administrator Nimfa C. Vilches, Vice-Chairperson of the Committee on JOW.

Enhanced Justice on Wheels Program

More than 300 inmates have been ordered released since the EJOW Program’s initial launch in Manila last August 2008.

The program’s components include: medical and dental mission for inmates, information dissemination by professors from the Philippine Judicial Academy (Philja) on the rights of the poor and marginalized sectors, and dialogue with judges on how to increase access to justice by the poor.

Launched in August 2008 in Manila, the EJOW has been conducting information dissemination on barangay captains on their power and function to protect the rights of women and children under Republic Act 9262 (The Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004) and R.A. 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006).

The program has been launched in Caloocan City, Quezon City, Cebu City, Aklan province, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Bacoor town in Cavite province, and Leyte province. - Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV

Olongapo Basketball Team at National League

Ask Coach E: The NBTC D-League
PEOPLE asked me how different the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) D-League is from all other leagues that are to be unveiled in the coming months.

Of course, I thank them for their interest, for it only means that they are eager to know how the NBTC D–League is seen to change the face of Philippine basketball in the days, months and years to come.

Of course, this program is not for the impatient and for those looking for a quick fix.

To reiterate, here are things that make the NBTC D-League different, namely:

The NBTC D-League is not school-based. The NBTC D-League is not a school league and its lineups are based on the cities, towns and other areas which joined the ranks of the D-League as its pioneering teams.

The players are thoroughly chosen. The NBTC D-League has conducted talent-identification camps in the several areas where the organizers chose the potential players to form the team. This process made the formation of these teams objective and, thus, true to the ideals of the NBTC D-League.

The coaches are thoroughly chosen, too. It does not only mean that if one knows how to coach, then he can coach. The NBTC D-League chooses only coaches with good moral conduct in the community. Of course, basketball knowledge is a must.

A wholistic practice and training plan. It means that all the teams, through the coaches, should adhere to the practice and training plan. This is not to curtain the individual and uniqueness of each team. The singular approach is seen as a way to harness the skills of the players and make sure that the players learn the correct way to play basketball in a competitive environment.

It is designed to be a feeder program for collegiate, amateur and professional leagues. This may be taking things a bit too far, but that it how the NBTC D- League envisions itself to be.

Winning is only secondary. If it solely focused on winning alone, the NBTC D-League’s purpose to develop players is defeated from the very start. What’s more important is imparting the right basketball skills through adequate training in a competitive environment.

It’s for free. There are no fees to be collected from the players in joining the NBTC D-League. Event sponsor Nokia has graciously shouldered the event expenses while each team has a generous sponsor to back it up, win or lose. The local government units have done their fair share by allowing these teams to practice and train in their gyms, free of charge.

For a quick rundown, the teams are Antipolo, B-MEG Premium (Batangas), Dasmariñas (Cavite), Health Solutions (Laguna), Manila, Team Nueva Ecija Foundation (Nueva Ecija), Olongapo Volunteers (Olongapo City), Lubao Bulls (Pampanga), Quezon City, Pasig (B-MEG Dynamix Calata), Lucena, Sugod Bulacan (Bulacan) and Tarlac for Luzon.

For Mindanao it is Oro Grande-CDO (Cagayan de Oro), Team Misor (Misamis Oriental), Iligan Fireflies (Iligan City), Iligan Black Viper (Iligan City), Saints (General Santos), Energen (Davao), Megavia Southmin (Davao) and Montana Pawnshop (Davao).

For Visayas the teams are Santos Petroleum Corp. (Iloilo), Dumaguete Suy (Bacolod), IEC Computers (Bacolod), 888 Chinatown (Bacolod), Daisy Condensada (Cebu), M. Lhuiller Kwarta Padala-South, M. Lhuiller Kwarta Padala-North and Penshoppe (Cebu).

So I invite basketball aficionados to watch the launching of the NBTC D-League on October 25, 9 a.m. at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. Business Mirror Sports Written by Eric Altamirano, altamiranohoops@yahoo.com