Innovators lead Subic roll of outstanding workers

SUBIC BAY FREE PORT—Innovators who saved the company time and money, and enhanced production efficiency and output, as well composed most of the outstanding workers, recognized as the best in the Subic Bay Free Port.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Feliciano Salonga, who led Subic officials in recognizing this year’s batch of outstanding workers, said the awardees “contributed their talents and wisdom to make Subic as it is now—progressive and one of the top investment and tourism destinations in Asia.”

This year’s winners included Relly Nicolas, an electronics communications engineer at Wistron Infocomm Phils., who saved his company millions of pesos by introducing innovations to meet quality standards and on-time delivery requirements. These measures also increased productivity and reduced “failure machine” complaints from customers.

Mariel Go, an industrial engineering technician also at Wistron, provided real-time support to the production line, helping improve manpower efficiency, line productivity and yield rate. Her work notably enhanced the efficiency rate of new cell lines to 99.58 percent within six weeks.

At Juken Sangyo-Phils. Corp., meanwhile, chemical engineer Joy Seridon helped reduce product rejection ratio by as much as 60 percent through improved monitoring, inspection and coordination activities. She was also instrumental in establishing the company’s internal calibration team and was one of the key personnel who worked on the company’s ISO certification.

Edmond David, a process shift engineer from the Subic Water & Sewerage Co., meanwhile, saved the free port from a potentially disastrous situation by preventing a water outage in March, which is the onset of the summer season in Subic. David reportedly directed the operation of the Binictican Water Treatment Plant for three days to ensure unhampered water supply in the Subic Bay Free Port.

Over at the SBMA, Juan Afidchao, an electronics technician supervisor at the TransComm Department, was credited for saving the company more than P100,000 from January to August this year. This, he did through the efficient installation, repair, rehabilitation and maintenance of SBMA telephone lines and units.

The other workers cited for excellence are Melvin Bactad, a training specialist at the SBMA human resources department, who facilitated 35 courses in the past year, one of SBMA’s most productive years in terms of internal trainings; Florante Frias, bulk operations superintendent at the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corp., who was instrumental in the discovery of pilferage cases in the petroleum tank farm; and Magnolia Lagrama and Sharon Pasion, both production workers at Nicera Phils. Inc., who were cited for helping increase company output at the production line.

Another awardee was Virgilio Manzano, an SBMA fire marshal who was one of the firefighters whose participation in major emergency operations earned for the SBMA Fire Department the “Gawad Kalasag” special citation from the National Disaster Coordinating Council.

Manzano, who has risked his own life to save others, was also cited as an expert in automotive repair and maintenance, who gets old SBMA fire trucks and support vehicles back in shape.

The Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation Inc., which annually selects the “10 Outstanding Freeport Workers,” solicited the nominees from all the companies operating in Subic, as well as from the different departments of the SBMA, said foundation head Severo Pastor Jr. Written by Henry Empeño / Business Mirror Correspondent

Gordon-Bayani in 2010

Gordon, Fernando don’t want to be VP

PRESIDENTIAL aspirants Senator Richard Gordon and former Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando are in talks to forge an alliance in 2010, but neither seems ready to drop to running for vice president.

Gordon yesterday said Fernando had agreed to be his running mate, but Fernando said he was still trying to convince the senator to be his vice presidential bet.

“There are ongoing talks with the senator. I don’t deny that,” Fernando told a radio interview.

But Gordon, in another interview over the same station, said he met with Fernando several times in his Senate office and in his house in Olongapo City.

“We talked and I tried to convince him to be my vice president,” he said. “If I do run, it would be as president or senator, and not vice president.”

Former Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane backed out of the presidential race, acknowledging that he didn’t have enough funds to wage a national campaign.

“After much reflection, I have decided to formally end my presidential bid, ’’Ebdane told supporters at the University of the Philippines’ Alumni Hall in Quezon City.

“I have come to this decision to spare my friends, supporters and family from the agony and burden of joining a fight which we cannot win,”

Ebdane, who was supposed to announce his running mate and senatorial slate under the Partido ng Manggagawa at Magsasaka, caught his supporters by surprise.

“My survival training dictates that I assess the situation, take stock of my options and make a decision,” said Ebdane, who was comforted by his son Omar.

“Given the sudden changes and swift developments that have altered my own political options, my training tells me that this is the right time for the public servant to bow out.”

Ebdane’s campaign manager and former Labor Secretary Ruben Torres denied speculation that Ebdane, a former national police chief, decided to withdraw after he was unable to win the endorsement of former President Fidel Ramos, who like him was a former military man.

Torres said Ramos wasn’t expected to announce his endorsement until March next year.

Gordon said he might not have the resources of his moneyed rivals, but he had enough to wage a credible nationwide campaign.

In one day alone, he said, he was able to raise P17 million in contributions from his friends in the business sector.

But the former mayor of Olongapo City said he would not make a final decision to run until the last few hours of Dec. l, the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy. Fel V. Maragay, Joel Zurbano, Rio N. Araja - Manila Standard Today

Japanese firm moves expansion project to Subic

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — A $1-million expansion project by Japanese owned Nicera Philippines, Inc., an ultrasonic sensor manufacturer here, would close down its China operations and transfer in this premier Freeport.

Nicera Philippines President and GM Takashi Morimoto said, “We will expand our current product line with new merchandise because we are going to transfer our China plant to Philippines.”

Morimoto also stated during the contract signing with the SBMA on Tuesday that the relocation to Subic was prompted by the one-child policy of the Chinese government, which had resulted in “insufficient workforce” for the firm’s China factory.

SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said that the $1-million expansion project of Nicera is a bold move to “meeting the challenges posed by recession head-on.”

“The transfer of Nicera from China to the Philippines would certainly hasten the resurgence of export production in Subic Bay,” he said.

Some 110 additional workers will be hired by the company upon completion of its expansion project where most of the products made by the company are pyrosensor modules and pyroelectric infrared sensors used in home-security lighting systems.

These products are used in the assembly of the so-called Ecopa ball and stick, which combined with another system with voice recorder, allows the detection of motion in the dark. The system emits white light diodes upon detection and activates the playback of a recorded message.

Takashi said this new product line would be manufactured in a new building to be built in a 15,000-square meter lot at the Subic Techno Park (STEP) sometime next year.

He added that the firm aims to produce 50,000 pieces of pyrosensor modules and one million pieces of pyroelectric infrared sensors a month.

As of now, Nicera employs 136 direct workers and 553 employees from sub-contractors.

Starting out with 22 employees, Nicera began its Philippine operations in the Subic Bay Freeport in 2001, infusing $25 million to manufacture ceramic sensors called ultrasonic transducers that were installed in bumpers as a safety gadget for Japan-made vehicles.

Utrasonic transducers are designed to detect obstructions from different ranges, producing varied warning sounds depending on the distance of the obstruction.

In September, 2007, Nicera undertook a $4-million expansion project to meet the growing demand for high-tech products in the global market. It hired additional 400 workers for this expansion.

Aside from electronic sensors, the Nicera group of companies also produce ceramic filters, traps, discriminators and resonators, top quality ferrite core for power switches and transformers, micro-chip components for CR-ROM, floppy drives and precision motors, and fly-back transformers. By JONAS REYES - Manila Bulletin

Payumo tagged in a power station corruption investigation

It seems that Danish company Burmeister & Wain Scandinavian Contractor (BWSC) is no stranger to controversy, and has been involved in a number of bribery cases in the tendering process for power stations in various countries around the globe. In a on-going due deligence before awarding a contract, numerous bribery scandals were unearthed and the name Payumo surfaced.

One such events concerning BWSC corruption and bribery said:

1999 internal documents reveal $90,000 were paid in bribes to Felicito Payumo, a high ranking official in the Philippines, concerning the Subic Bay power project. These 'payments' were approved by BSWC director, Soren Barkholt,

Payumo had held the positon of head of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

Representatives of the BWSC in the Philippines confirmed in writing to the Danish Company that with the amount paid, Mr Payumo would have immediately signed the contract.

Danish newspaper the ‘Borsen’

In an earlier article in Olongapo Subic News, according to a six-month study of project documents conducted by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), at least seven in 10 projects funded by official development assistance (ODA) loans have failed to deliver their touted benefits and results,

Politics ruined many a good ODA project, such as the Second Subic Bay Freeport project, which was funded by a $60-million World Bank loan that became effective toward the end of President Fidel Ramos’ term in late 1997. The project aimed to improve power and water services in the special economic zone and nearby Olongapo City.

In time, an extended political dispute, triggered by then President Joseph Estrada’s decision to replace Richard Gordon with Felicito Payumo as administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), delayed and reduced the project’s scale.

Olongapo City, the Gordons’ political bailiwick, backed out of plans to merge the city’s public utilities department with that of the SBMA. A project to develop a bulk water source in a nearby municipality for the free port was delayed and eventually canceled, the report said.

http://subicbaynews.blogspot.com/2008/02/7-in-10-oda-projects-fail-to-deliver.html

Zambales towns still without power

SEVEN of the 13 towns in Zambales have been experiencing total or partial blackout since Friday morning after workers of the local power supplier walked out.

Authorities said some 500,000 residents from 60,000 households are affected by the power outages in Subic, Castillejos, San Marcelino, San Antonio, San Narciso, San Felipe and Cabangan.

Workers walked from their respective posts in support of officials of the Zambales Electric Cooperative (ZAMECO II) who vacated their offices in response to the court order affirming the petition filed by the previous ZAMECO officials.

Zameco II interim board chairman Dominador Gallardo received the writ of injunction order issued by Olongapo City RTC Branch 75 Judge Raymond Viray which orders Gallardo and his other officials to vacate their offices giving way to the former officials to assume their duties.

“Nakakalungkot dahil malinaw na isang panig lamang ang pinakinggan ng hukom,” said Gallardo.

In support to Gallardo and his group, workers from all Zameco II offices in the seven municipalities, including those from the Sub-Station in Castillejos, walked out from their posts.

Rumors spread that some Zameco II employees in Castillejos took equipment from the power sub-station which caused the brownout. Ruben A. Veloria - Peoples Journal

====

There are text messages circulating in the province that the real cause of the walkout is the "pakikialam ng mga Magsaysay sa kuryente"

Zambales Catholic school possessed?

CANDELARIA, Zambales -- Terror and trauma surround parents and students of a Catholic school here after a dozen students were allegedly exorcised by evil spirits on at least five different occasions.

The allege exorcism is now a common topic, which puzzles local residents, especially parents of high school students from Saint Vincent Academy (SVA) in Candelaria.

Asterio Hermoso, 52, utility/electrician of the said school, however, confirmed that 14 female high school students from Saint Vincent Academy, including his daughter, were exorcised.

“Iyong anak kong si Baby (not her real name), 12, dalawang ulit sinaniban at hinimatay noong Huwebes at Biyernes kung kaya pinatingnan namin siya sa albularyo,” Hermoso said.

A school janitor, Carlos Morado, claimed that the exorcised students suddenly shouted that they were “Justine Cruz,” claiming that she was murdered five years ago by her father, a certain David Cruz.

The students were sent home early last Friday after another student was allegedly delivered from evil spirits.

SVA principal Angelina Rojas denied the alleged exorcism of the students and claimed that they were just playing pranks.

Candelaria municipal registrar Airene Cansas confirmed that there is no “Justine Cruz” registered in their registry of births, including the year of records 1988, 1990, 1993 at 1995.

Old residents told this reporter that the compound where the school is now located used to be a cemetery during the early years.

In a related story, rumor spreads in Subic, Zambales about a Grade Six pupil from Matain Elementary School who was allegedly exorcised of evil spirits last Thursday.

Residents claimed that that the school compound also used to be an old cemetery. By: Ruben Veloria - Peoples Journal

Subic CEO urge govt to put up funds for ecozones

Government urged to put up P2-billion fund to develop ecozones

The government must put up a P2-billion fund to encourage more investments in the country through the development of economic zones, a ranking official said yesterday.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) administrator Armand Arreza said that the government must put up more economic zones around Subic Bay Freeport and Clark Freeport.

The suggestion was made during a meeting with the Senate committee on government corporations and public enterprises, chaired by Sen. Richard Gordon, and representatives of the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

Gordon, who has filed Senate Bill 0143, or the “3-3-1 Luzon Global Corridor Act of 2009”, has earlier proposed to develop other special economic zones in Luzon to optimize the three airports in Manila, Subic, and Clark, the three seaports in Manila, Subic and Mariveles, and the highway and railway connecting these major ports.”

The bill also seeks to strengthen the power of the SBMA and CDC, giving them the mandate to develop nearby areas into new economic zones. To speed up the process, Arreza then proposed the creation of a fund to develop new zones.

“If we wanted for Subic and Clark to reach the level of Singapore, we will need investments the equivalent of either seven Texas Instruments or four Hanjins a year. But to start all these, we need to build roads first,” Arreza said.

Arreza recalled that when SBMA and CDC were formed, the primary intention was to create jobs for those affected by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991 and the pullout of the US military from Subic and Clark in 1992.

However, he pointed out that the business model that supports the growth of Subic and Clark “to a certain level, is very limited, as they rely primarily on leases or income from land, which is a finite resource.”

Arreza noted that to carry out their new mandate of developing nearby communities, Subic and Clark would require a tremendous amount of annual investments in the next 10 years to fund various public infrastructures, such as roads, water and sewerage systems, as well as technical schools that would help reduce skills mismatch.

He also stressed that an eco-metric study made by the SBMA showed that Vietnam and China invested anywhere between seven and eight percent of their annual gross domestic product in infrastructure to boost their edge as investment sites.

In contrast, the Philippines spends only three percent of its GDP for the same purpose, Arreza added. By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio (The Philippine Star)

VOLUNTEERS’ DAY 2009 COMMEMORATED

Senator Richard Gordon and Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon led the observance of the 17th year of “Araw ng mga Volunteers” on November 30, 2009 at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC).

With “VOLUNTEER’S DAY 2009: A tribute to the Original Volunteer-Mama Amelia J. Gordon” as theme, Ma’am Amelia, who pass away on Novembe 17, was recognized and awarded as an original volunteer.

“Ang aking ina ang tunay na halimbawa ng leadership by example. Noong mga panahon na walang naniniwala sa Olongapo, hindi napanghinaan ng loob ang aking ina bagkus ay tumayo siya at gumawa ng mabuti para sa mga mamamayang ng Olongapano” Mayor Bong Gordon said.

“Ang isang tunay na volunteer ay ang gumagawa ng mga bagay na hindi nag-aantay ng anumang kapalit. Ang aking ina ang unang nagturo sa akin at sa aking kapatid kung ano ang tunay na kahulugan ng volunteer at hanggang sa ngayon ay amin pa ring dala-dala sa aming ipinapasa sa aming pamilya”, Senator Dick Gordon said calling her mother ‘Super Volunteer’.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Administrator and CEO Armand C. Arreza, Gordon Heights Brgy. Capt. Eduardo Gingco, Boy Scouts of the Philippines- James L. Gordon Council Vice-Chair Gregorio Elane and James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital (JLGMH) Medical Dir. Dr. Arturo Mendoza also delivered messages honoring Ma’am Amelia.

New Cabalan’s Barangay Captain Audie Sundiam focused his tribute to the children whose lives were changed because of Ma’am Amelia. The Boy’s Town and Girl’s Home are now home to the children she has helped.

Philippine National Red Cross- Olongapo Chapter Board Secretary Linda Crispin and the Philippine Association for Volunteer Effort (PAVE) also paid tribute to Ma’am Amelia.

The OCCC was packed with over three thousand (3,000) families of the volunteers. Earlier, the Bagumbayan Volunteer led the offering of flowers and prayers to Ma’am Amelia and other departed volunteers at the Volunteers’ Shrine at the Subic Bay Freeport.

To continue the legacy of Ma’am Amelia Gordon, volunteers took the reaffirmation of commitment to volunteerism during the ‘’VOLUNTEER’S DAY 2009: A tribute to the Original Volunteer-Mama Amelia J. Gordon’’ on November 24, 2009 at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhgO9z7O2aM
Para Sayo ang Pasko by James "Bong" Gordon and Anne Marie Gordon ... video of Mama Amelia Juico Gordon played during her Necrological Ceremony at Olongapo City Convention Center dated November 24, 2009. Amelia Juico Gordon 1919- 2009

Princess Rose Mabini is Miss Chinese Night

Princess Rose Mabini clinched the title Ms. Chinese Night at the first canvassing for the Search for the City Fiesta Queen 2009 held last night, November 26, at the Olongapo City Convention Center led by Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon, this year’s City Fiesta Executive Committee Chairperson.

Supported by the Subic Bay Resorts Association, Inc, partner NGO (non-government organization) of East Bajac-Bajac, Mabini raised P52,790. 75 seconded by Jewel Anne S. Tan of Brgy. Asinan who raised P38,100.00 thru the help of Soroptimist, Intl. while Charmaine Smith who is supported by Free and Accepted Masons ranked as third with P26,510.00. The canvassing raised a total amount of P228, 325.95 from the 17 candidates.

Special awards were also given to Uniffer P. Oda of Brgy. Sta. Rita-Best in Costume, Elizabeth Espinoza of Mabayuan- Most Elegant and Most Authentic Costume, Leah Crizelle Mapa of New Ilalim- Best in Hairstyle while Brgy. Gordon Heights registered the Biggest Delegation of attendees in the said occasion.

Aside from the canvassing, the seventeen lovely candidates also wowed the audience with their Chinese-inspired costumes that honored the culture and contribution of the Filipino –Chinese community in the city while guests and audience were also entertained by television star Diana Meneses thru her special intermission number.

“Pinasasalamatan ko ang mga barangay, pamilya, kaibigan at mga NGO partners na sumuporta sa ating mga mga kandidata ngayong gabi. Sana ay patuloy natin silang suportahan hanggang sa matapos ang proyektong ito. Ang pondong malilikom ng City Fiesta Executive Committee ay ilalaan para sa pagsusulong ng programa sa kalusugan, Philhealth Indigent assistance at para sa edukasyon ng daan-daang scholars ng lungsod,” said 2009 Fiesta Execom Chair Anne Marie Gordon.

Each City Fiesta Queen Candidate is supported by NGO (non-government organizations) partners namely: the Soroptimist International-Asinan, United Architects of the Philippines-Banicain, Olongapo Dental Society-Barreto, Subic Bay Resorts Association-East Bajac-Bajac, Knights of Columbus-East Tapinac, Free and Accepted Masons-Gordon Heights, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Rotary Clubs of Olongapo & Zambales-Kalalake, Lions Club of Olongapo-Kalaklan, Jaycees International-Mabayuan, Metro-Olongapo Chamber of Commerce Inc.-New Cabalan, Olongapo-Subic Bay Bankers Association-New Ilalim, Olongapo Medical Society-Old Cabalan, OSCTSMPCI/MEGATSCI-Pag-asa, Olongapo City Public Market Stallholders Association, Inc-Sta. Rita, Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce-West Bajac-Bajac and the Philippine Nurses Association for Barangay West Tapinac.

Princess Rose Mabini bagged the Miss Chinese Night title at the first canvassing for the Search for the City Fiesta Queen held at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC) last November 26, 2009.

Pao/sara

Mayor Gordon on Bonifacio

“Andres Bonifacio was a great Filipino and hero. He was the father of the Philippine Revolution as the leader of KKK or Kataastaasang Kagalanggalang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan, the revolutionary group who braved and fought the Spaniards for our independence,” said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. in connection with the observance of Bonifacio’s birthday on November 30.

“His heroism will always be an inspiration to Filipinos. Despite of his meager origins, Bonifacio organized a group that aimed for the common good. For justice, equal rights and for freedom, comforts that the then Filipinos were deprived of and we now enjoy,” said Mayor Gordon.

November 30 or “Bonifacio Day” is a Philippine Legal Holiday that commemorates the birthday of Bonifacio who was born on November 30, 1863.

Pao/sara

Subic investments near $6 billion since US turnover

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT , Philippines — Investments registered by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) drew closer to the $6-billion mark since the former US naval base was turned over to the Philippine government 17 years ago.

SBMA official said as of Nov. 15, the agency has notched a cumulative total of $5.925 billion in investment commitments since it was created in 1992 to manage and operate the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

In today’s exchange rate, that amount is equivalent to P276.79 billion, or an average of P16.28 billion each year in investment pledges over the past 17 years.

SBMA administrator and chief executive officer Armand Arreza told The STAR, that the Subic Bay Freeport “continued to defy the odds with positive performance in investment generation, job creation and revenue production even as the global economy wobbled starting last year.”

This has led the SBMA to embark on a new mission to expand into nearby areas and develop new economic zones there, he added.

Arreza pointed out that despite growing economic uncertainties in the first quarter of 2009, SBMA managed to squeeze in a total of $31.72 million in new investments even as major economies suffered major income reversals.

Thereafter, Subic followed it up with $60.46 million in the second quarter, $41.12 million in the third quarter, and $26.45 million from October to the first half of November.

“We have stayed in the black all along despite the recession,” Arreza said, pointing out that as of Nov. 15 Subic has a total of 1,301 investment projects approved by the SBMA board.

“The continuing entry of investors also revved up employment generation, so that as of September Subic had a total active workforce of 86,229. This represents an increase of 3.36 percent over the September 2008 figure of 83,428, and that’s despite the recession that affected quite a number of companies here,” he added.

Arreza said most of the Subic firms affected by the downturn had since recovered, while other companies, fueled by the resurgence of the electronics sector, “have been, in fact, undertaking expansion projects.”

According to SBMA data, most of the investments recorded in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone have been generated under the administration of SBMA chairman Feliciano Salonga and Arreza that began in September 2005.

The total investment commitments generated in this period amounted to $3.55 billion, or more than 52 percent of the cumulative amount.

Subic’s biggest year-on-year investment was made in 2007 when a total of $1.71 billion was approved by the SBMA. In 2006, Hanjin pledged its initial $1-billion commitment for its shipyard project, cranking Subic’s investment generation that year to a total of $1.44 billion.

Arreza said that in the next few years, the SBMA will be focusing on projects that would expand the physical boundaries of the Subic Bay Freeport and allow the SBMA to generate more investments.

“This will be the new mission for the SBMA,” Arreza said. “We have already exceeded by more than four times the number of jobs lost in Subic when the US Navy left in 1992. Now we’re looking at bringing development outside of the free port, to the communities that have helped nurture the Subic dream since 1992.”

Arreza had earlier proposed the creation of a P2-billion fund to allow both Subic and the neighboring Clark Freeport to expand and develop new economic zones in nearby areas. — With Ma. Elisa Osorio By Bebot Sison Jr. (The Philippine Star)

SBMA eyes P2-B fund for new economic zones

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has proposed the creation of a P2-billion fund to enable the development of new economic zones near the Subic Bay Freeport and the Clark Freeport.

The proposal was made by SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza during a meeting with the Senate Committee on Government Corporations and Public Enterprises, chaired by Sen. Richard Gordon, and representatives of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

Gordon, who has filed Senate Bill 0143, or the “3-2-1 Luzon Global Corridor Act of 2009”, earlier proposed the creation of new special economic zones in Luzon to optimize the three airports, two seaports, and one connecting highway and railway in the major ports of Manila, Subic, and Clark.

The bill also seeks to strengthen the power of the SBMA and CDC, giving them the mandate to develop nearby areas into new economic zones.

To speed up the process, Arreza then proposed the creation of a fund to develop new zones.

“If we want Subic and Clark to reach the level of Singapore, we will need investments the equivalent of either seven Texas Instruments or four Hanjins a year. But to start all these, we need to build roads first,” Arreza said.

Arreza recalled that when SBMA and CDC were formed, the primary intention was to create jobs for those affected by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991 and the pullout of the U.S. military from Subic and Clark in 1992.

However, he pointed out that the business model that supports the growth of Subic and Clark “to a certain level, is very limited, as they rely primarily on leases or income from land, which is a finite resource.”

Arreza noted that to carry out their new mandate of developing nearby communities, Subic and Clark would require a tremendous amount of annual investments in the next 10 years to fund various public infrastructures, such as roads, water and sewerage systems, as well as technical schools that would help reduce skills mismatch.

He also stressed that an eco-metric study made by the SBMA showed that Vietnam and China invested anywhere between 7-8 percent of their annual gross domestic product in infrastructure to boost their edge as investment sites.

In contrast, the Philippines spends only 3 percent of its GDP for the same purpose, Arreza added.

Responding to Arreza’s proposal, Gordon said he would file a bill that would set aside part of the taxes collected by SBMA and CDC in the next 20 years to develop more eco-zones in their areas.

Protective Helmets Prevent Head Injuries

Due to the increasing number of fatalities in motorcycle accidents, Councilor Jong Cortez sponsored a motion requesting the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to conduct a campaign to implement the requirement for motorcyclists to wear protective helmets.

“Protective helmets will lessen the probability of head injuries and death in motorcycle accidents or collision with other vehicles. These gears would be their best protection against head or skull trauma or brain injuries in case motorcyclists fall from their vehicles and bump their heads,” Councilor Cortez said, explaining the rationale behind the draft resolution. “This is in line with Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr.’s effort to protect the welfare of motorists and keep Olongapo’s roads safe.”

According to the Forum on Road Safety for Motorcycle Riders conducted by the University of the Philippines in cooperation with the Department of Health and World Health Organization, the most deadly injuries to motorcycle accident victims were to the head and chest. Said forum also noted that the use of safety helmets is the single critical factor in the prevention or reduction of head injuries, helmets being 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries and 67% effective in preventing brain injuries to motorcyclists.

Pao/sara

THOUSANDS OF OLONGAPENOS JOINED THE FUNERAL MARCH FOR MA’AM AMELIA

The Gordon clan, led by Senator Richard Gordon and Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, joined by thousands of friends and supporters joined the funeral march to bring the acknowledged “Mother of Olongapo” to her final resting place at Gordon Park, Kalaklan on November 25, 2009.

As the funeral march passed by the streets of Olongapo City from the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC) to Gordon Park, many more thousands lined-up the sidewalks and buildings to get a glimpse of Ma’am Amelia for the last time.

To show their respect to the first woman mayor of Olongapo City and elected Assemblywoman in the Batasang Pambansa, people lined-up in the streets. Teachers, students, government employees, private citizens and many other mourners formed a human chain and waved ‘red ribbons’ as the cortege pass. At some points, the carriage bearing the casket of Ma’am Amelia was showered with confetti.

At the Gordon Park, Ma’am Amelia was honored with a 21 gun salute by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Flag was handed over to her first-born child, Veronica Lorenzana-Gordon.

In behalf of the family, Senator Richard Gordon thanked all the people who mourned, condoled and helped the family in their time of grief.

“Ito ang pinaka-mabigat na pangyayari sa aming pamilya ngunit hindi ninyo kami pinabayaan, sinamahan ninyo kami simula nang dumating ang aking ina hanggang ihatid ito sa Gordon Park. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat”, Senator Gordon said.

Ma’am Amelia died on November 17, 2009 at the age of eighty-nine (89). She was recognized for her services and humanitarian work and received numerous medals and awards, including the Doña Aurora Aragon Medal, the Silver Jubilee Family Award, the Silver Medal Award from the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), the Gintong Ina Award Alay kay Inay, the Gold Humanitarian Service Cross Award and recipient of the prestigious 2009 Pearl S. Buck International Woman of the Year Award.

Thousands of people joined and awaited the funeral procession that brought Amelia Juico Gordon to her final resting place last November 25, 2009 at Gordon Memorial Park.

Senator Richard Gordon and sister Veronica Gordon-Lorenzana accepts the Philippine Flag in honor of their mother’s contribution to Olongapo and to the welfare of Filipino children during the ceremony held at the funeral of their mother Amelia Juico Gordon.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. sprinkles earth on her mother’s grave. Amelia Juico Gordon, was laid to her final resting place beside her husband, the late Mayor James Gordon Sr. at the Gordon Memorial Park last November 25, 2009.

SCTEX opens Porac interchange

The Porac interchange, the 11th interchange along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), will be opened to motorists Wednesday thus boosting access to more towns in Pampanga province.

Bases Conversion Development Authority President Narciso Abaya said the opening of the Porac interchange will further improve access and boost tourism and investment opportunities in the region.

Abaya said the Porac interchange would be the 11th interchange along SCTEX, which has total project cost of P32 billion. The original interchanges that have been opened to motorists are Tarlac, Luisita (San Miguel), Concepcion, Dolores, Clark north, Mabalacat, Dinalupihan and Tipo.

The Porac interchange is among the three additional interchanges in the SCTEX that includes Clark South, which opened last April 5, and Floridablanca, but which has yet to be opened.

President Gloria Arroyo will lead the opening ceremonies. She is expected to enter the SCTEX on her way to Porac and exit at the trumpet-type Porac interchange.

She will then proceed to Porac via the newly completed 5.8-km Porac access road and 40-meter bridge constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). President Arroyo will be accompanied by members of her official family.

Arroyo will be met by Abaya, BCDA Chairman Aloysius Santos, BCDA President and CEO Narciso Abaya, the BCDA Board of Directors and Tollways Management Corporation (TMC) President Ramon S. Fernandez. Abaya said the Porac Interchange will augur well for the town’s tourism and agri-business sector.

“We now have a seamless connection between Manila and Porac not to mention between Porac and the two major freeport zones Clark and Subic. This makes Porac more attractive to investors,” Abaya noted.

Motorists from Manila entering SCTEX through the Mabalacat Toll plaza are advised to head towards the direction of Subic. The Porac Interchange will be the second interchange to the right or after the Clark South Interchange.

Motorists from Subic and Bataan who want to go to Porac are advised to go straight until they reach the Porac Interchange (between the Dinalupihan and Clark South Interchanges).

Likewise, motorists coming from the North entering the SCTEX Tarlac Toll Plaza, the Porac Interchange will be the fifth interchange to the right, passing by the interchanges of Concepcion, Clark North, Mabalacat, and Clark South. By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT - Manila Bulletin

Goodbye, Ma’am Amelia

For the past three days since Amelia Juico Gordon’s remains arrived from Manila , hundreds of people have been going in and out of the Olongapo City Convention Center each day and night to offer their condolences and to have a last glimpse at the acknowledged mother of Olongapo, who passed away last November 17, 2009.

“My mother is not only a remarkable leader but also devoted her life to the service of Olongapeños. She was also the champion of thousands of underprivileged children she took in her care,” said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr.

Ma’am Amelia’s remains will be laid in her final resting place tomorrow, November 25 at the Gordon Memorial Park after the requiem mass that will be held at the Olongapo City Convention Center at 12 noon the same day.

Olongapo councilor JC formalizes presidential bid

Olongapo City Councilor John Carlos “JC" De los Reyes on Monday formalized his presidential bid in the 2010 elections by filing his certificate of candidacy (COC) with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), becoming the 16th aspirant for the country's top elective post.

De los Reyes, the 39-year-old bet of the Ang Kapatiran National Political Party, filed his COC with the Comelec law department at 2:10 p.m.

Interviewed by reporters, De los Reyes said he filed his candidacy early “to get it over with."

"We also wanted it to coincide with the Mass just held at the Sta. Cruz Church. It’s just a general message to the lay faithful that even if we perfect the automation, if we elect rotten leaders, everything will still go to waste," he said in Filipino.

De los Reyes was accompanied by his running mate Dominador Chipeco Jr., and his party’s seven senatorial candidates: social scientist Rizalito David; lawyers Jo Aurea, Zosimo Paredes, and Adrian Sison; teachers Reginald Tamayo and Hector Tarrazona; and former United Nations executive Manuel Valdehuesa, Jr.

He said his party’s bets might not be popular but are all "local gems" who do not practice traditional politics.

In the 2007 elections, De los Reyes was the only winner among the Kapitaran Party candidates. He placed second in the 10 slots for the Olongapo City council. He studied B.A. Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio, USA. After graduating, he taught Philosophy at the University of Asia and Pacific.

He later pursued his graduate studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1999 and his law degree at the Saint Louis University in Baguio City in 2005.

In September, De los Reyes appeared as guest on GMANews.TV’s web show "Exchange" where he talked about the implications of being an independent candidate.

The Olongapo City councilor is married to Dunia Valenzuela with three children, Gabriel 10, Santiago, 7, and Barbara 5.

Since Friday, 21 presidential aspirants, one vice presidential aspirant, and 10 senatorial aspirants have filed their COCs with the Comelec. - RSJ, GMANews.TV

Ang Kapatiran's presidential bet JC De los Reyes, together with running mate Dominador Chipeco Jr. and senatorial candidate Reginald Tamayo, formalizes his bid for the government's highest post in 2010. - Andreo Calonzo

Students Press Congress set in Subic on December 10-12

2nd Students Press Congress set in Subic on December 10-12

The 2nd Students Press Congress, under the auspices of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI), is set at the Subic International Convention Center on Dec. 10-12, this year.

The convergence of young campus journalists and mass communication students, including school publication advisers, college and school publication editors will be part of the highlights of the 14th National Press Congress Programme activities.

The Annual media events enjoys the mandate of presidential Proclamation 1187 which declares December as " National Press Congress Month and the Month of the Community Press in the Service of the Nation."

The same proclamation designates the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) as lead agency for the annual observance.

The press congress will have "The Challenges of the Information-Driven Age" for its theme, around which the various topics of discussion will revolve.

Among the topics are 1) Media Freedom and Responsibility; 2) The Responsibility of Media in the 2010 Elections; 3) Culture and Media; 4) A Critical Look into the Philippine Political Culture; 5) Career Options for the Youth and students in Cross Media; 6) Media and the Moral Force Movement; 7) Global Trends in Media; 8)Future of the Publishing Industry; 9) The Gravity and Threats of Global Warming and Climate Change; and, 10)Good Governance and Sustainable Economic Development, among others.

Aside from its regular participants that usually include publishers, editors, reporters, broadcasters, corporate public affairs officer and executives, government information officers, campus writers, mass communication instructors and students, foreign-based Filipino journalists are also expected to attend the event which has some foreign experts invited as resource speakers.

Parties interested to participate in this year’s strategic convergence in Subic may contact the PAPI Secretariat at Unit206 Cityland Condominium8, No.98, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City, Telephones (02) 892-9278; (02) 501-3118; Cellphone Numbers 0920-9094379 and 0917-8498730 or e-mail inquiries to papi_secretariat@yahoo.com. (PAPI)

City Commends Youth Leaders

The Olongapo City government thru Resolution No. 171, is commending Cheene Hoya for the award that she received at the recently concluded Sangguniang Kabataaan (SK) National Congress .

Hoya, the city’s SK Federation President bagged the Outstanding Sangguniang Kabataan Awards and Recognition (OSKAR) in the Highly Urbanized City Category in recognition of her robust contributions “in bringing the youth sector of Olongapo to a level of resounding excellence.”

Accordingly, the city government, thru Resolution No. 172, recognizes the efforts and exceptional contributions of SK leaders from the 17 barangays that have been instrumental for Hoya’s feat.

“SK presidents in each barangay and their councilors are the creative minds, skillful hands and able feet that implement the numerous programs on environmental protection, education, livelihood and entrepreneurship, sports and entertainment, infrastructure and basic community services, anti-drug campaigns, community immersion and development in their respective barangays,” Mayor James “Bong” Gordon explained, reiterating the resolution.

Pao/sara

Subic, Clark, Manila as new hubs for Asia-Pacific proposed

Solon pushes making Subic, Clark, Manila as new hubs for Asia-Pacific

A PARTY-list representative has pushed for the approval of a bill seeking to fully utilize Subic, Clark and Manila as international service and logistics centers in the Asia-Pacific region.

Party-list Rep. Ma. Carissa Coscolluela of Buhay said House Bill 6784 will strengthen and expand the powers of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Clark Development Corp. (CDC) to allow them to develop more economic zones in Luzon and ensure local growth and nationwide economic success.

Another measure pending approval in the lower chamber is House Bill 6779 that also proposes that the powers of the SBMA and CDC be strengthened and expanded so they can develop other special economic zones in Luzon to optimize the three airports in Subic, Clark and Manila and two seaports in Subic and Manila and one connecting highway and railway in Luzon. In her proposal, Coscolluela said the development of special economic zones in municipalities nearby, bordering the highway and railway, and connected to the airports and seaports in Subic, Clark and Manila, must be encouraged to bring jobs to the people and promote a higher standard of living and an improved quality of life for all.

She said the development of special economic zones will promote a decentralized local government and private sector-led development that will display the potential that can be achieved when local people set their own priorities and initiatives. Legislators emphasized the need for the state to become aggressive in taking advantage of the strategic infrastructure in Subic, Clark and Manila as international transportation hubs. They said that overcrowded areas will be decongested as industries will be dispersed to other locations in Luzon because of the global accessibility and direct access of Subic, Clark and Manila to domestic and foreign markets worldwide by air.

Both bills provide that the Subic Special Economic and Free-port Zone consists of Olongapo City, Subic, the province of Zambales, the lands occupied by the Subic Naval Base and its contiguous extensions as embraced, covered and defined by the 1947 Military Bases Agreement between the Philippines and the United States, as amended; and within the territorial jurisdiction of Morong and Hermosa in Bataan.

As embodied in the measures, the SBMA shall develop, administer and manage the Subic Special Economic and Free-port Zone, ensuring the free flow of goods and capital based on prescribed rules and regulations, generate employment opportunities in and around the zone, and attract and promote productive local and foreign investments based on the proposals.

As for the role of the CDC, the bills provide that it shall manage, operate and administer the Clark Special Economic Zone which consists of the Clark military reservations and its contiguous extensions as embraced, covered and defined by the 1974 MBA located within the territorial jurisdiction of Angeles City, Mabalacat and Porac and the province of Pampanga, and the municipality of Capas, Tarlac.

The SBMA and CDC shall also have the power to develop other Special Economic Zones in Luzon within the same legal framework and mechanisms as Republic Act 7916 or the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995 and manage and operate these zones and other development programs and project based on the bills. Written by Fernan Marasigan / Business Mirror Reporter

GRADUATES OF FREE LIVELIHOOD TRAINING ON COSMETOLOGY REVEALED

On Monday, November 16, 2009, fifty six (56) attendees were recognized at the flag raising ceremony as graduates of the Basic Cosmetology Training in partnership with the City Government of Olongapo, Livelihood Cooperative Development Office (LCDO) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) –Zambales.

Aside from the certificate of attendance issued by the LCDO and DOLE to all the graduates, the top fifteen of the class received a starter kit that includes tools for haircut, manicure and pedicure set and foot spa set.

Livelihood is a one stop shop, do it yourself business scheme that offers Olongapeños a choice of at least eight easy to do business templates such as meat processing, fish processing, dimsum making, vegetable processing,fruit processing, handicrafts making, massage therapy and basic cosmetology.

“Livelihood training is for people who are looking for easy-to-start, easy-to-do and easy on the budget kind of business,” Aileen Sanchez, LCDO head said.

“Putting up a business will be easier if you have adequate technical skills and knowledge about the industry which you’re planning to invest in. This is why attending business and livelihood training seminars is an important step which all entrepreneurs must consider,” Mayor James Gordon, Jr. said.

“Business and livelihood institutions are always available to help you. Immerse yourself in the community and ask around. You can likewise approach your barangay officials to inquire on available training seminars which might interest you,” Mayor Gordon added.

The free trainings are still in line with the program of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. to help alleviate and uplift the lives of Olongapeños.

The Livelihood and Cooperative Development Office is located at the 2nd Floor of the City Hall Complex or call telephone number 222-3301 local 4123.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. with the fifty six (56) graduates of Free Basic Cosmetology Training after the flag raising ceremony at the Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Covered Court on November 16, 2009.

PAO/nmm

Legislative Billboards to be Placed in City’s Prime Areas

The City Council has recently approved the placing of official community billboards in the city’s prominent areas for purposes of public information and consultation (Resolution No. 173, series of 2009).

According to the resolution, community billboards which will contain official city legislative concerns will be positioned at the following identified areas: Olongapo City Hall, Olongapo City Public Market, Olongapo City Mall, Driftwood Beach Barretto, Calapati, and at Purok 2, New Cabalan.

“ The said resolution is parallel with the directives of the Local Government Code and based on the mandates of the Philippine Constitution (Article III, Section &) stating that the people’s right to public information and access to official records shall be recognized or acknowledged,” Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, explained.

Pao/sara

32 INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN OLONGAPO COMPLETED

Up to thirty-two (32) infrastructure projects have been completed by the Local Government of Olongapo under the leadership of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. for the month of January to November of this year.

In the Accomplishment Report submitted by the City Engineering Office headed by City Engineer Roberto “Bobby” E. Alvarez at the Office of the Mayor, twenty (20) road and drainage projects, six (6) building projects and (6) fencing projects were finished to date.

The completed infrastructure projects are as follows:

1. Concreting of Road at E-6th St., Brgy. Asinan

2. Completion of Multi-Proposed Building, Brgy. Banicain

3. Concreting of Lined-Ditch Canal at Narra St., Brgy. Barretto

4. Asphalt overlay of road at Rizal Extension, Brgy. Barretto

5. Repair & Repainting of Gordon College Annex Building

6. Asphalt Overlay of E-13th St., Brgy. Kalalake

7. Construction of of Covered Walkway, Brgy. Kalaklan

8. Asphalt Overlay of Ilo-ilo St., Nationa Highway-Jolo St., Brgy.

Barretto

9. Construction of Day Care Center at Mayumi St., Sta Rita

10. Repainting of Main Building and Fencing of James L. Gordon

Memorial Hospital, Brgy. Asinan

11. Renovation and repainting of CIDG Bldg., Brgy. Barretto

12. Asphalt Overlay and Construction of Drainage System at Balite

St., Gordon Heights.

13. Asphalt Overlay and Construction of Drainage System at Narra

St. Gordon Heights

14. Center for Youth Bldg. Phase IV, Mayumi St ., Brgy. Sta Rita

15. Concreting of Road and Construction of Drainage System at

Ladrilloño St., beside Center for Youth, Brgy. Sta Rita

16. Construction of Railings at Little Baguio , Brgy. East Bajac-

Bajac

17. Construction of Railings at Sibul 1 Stairway, Brgy. East Bajac-

Bajac

18. Asphalt Overlay of Berbena St., Brgy. Brgy. Gordon Heights

19. Construction of BPSO Office, Brgy. Kalaklan

20. Asphalt Overlay at Mercurio St., (near PUD Sub-station) Brgy.

Mabayuan

21. Asphalt Overlay and construction of Drainage System at

Camachile St.

22. Patching of holes and asphalt overlay of road, Brgy. New

Cabalan

23. Steel Footbridge at Lawin St., Brgy. New Cabalan

24. Fencing and rip-rap of Day Care Center at Purok 5, New

Cabalan

25. Asphalt Overlay of Road and construction of drainage system

at E-18th St ., ( Gordon Ave.-Jones St .) Brgy. New Kalalake

26. Retaining Wall and Drainage System at Motorpool Area, Brgy.

Old Cabalan

27. Concreting of Apitong Extension, Brgy. Old Cabalan

28. Concreting of Footbridge at Block 24, Purok 5D

29. Construction of Center for Youth in Conflict with the Law

Building, Phase IV, Mayumi St., Brgy. Sta Rita

30. Concreting and Construction of Drainage System at Mercury

St ., Brgy. Sta Rita

31. Rehabilitation of City Hall Building, Brgy. West Bajac-Bajac

32. Concreting of Road at Begonia St., Brgy. Sta Rita

Also, work has already started in the construction of the first Pedestrian Overpass in Olongapo in front of the Olongapo City Elementary School in Rizal Avenue, Brgy. East Bajac-Baajac. Work will also start for the second Pedestrian Overpass in front of the Olongapo City National High School (OCNHS) and the renovation of Brgy. Asinan Covered Court and fixing of basketball stands, rings, scoreboard and flooring of the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC).

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‘’MARAMING SALAMAT SA LAHAT NA NAGMAMAHAL SA AKING INA’’- Mayor Bong

“Nagdurugo ang aking puso sa pagpanaw ng aking Mahal na Ina, ngunit bilang mayor ng Olongapo ay mahalaga na tuloy-tuloy ang aking trabaho para sa ating mamamayan,” wika ni Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr.

While trying to put up a brave front, in a meeting with the city and barangay officials at the FMA Hall of the Olongapo City Hall last November 18, 2009, Mayor James “Bong” Gordon couldn’t hold back his tears while describing and remembering her mother. Amelia Juico-Gordon, the first female mayor and assemblywoman of Olongapo.

In the meeting, Mayor Gordon asked the different departments of the local government to prepare for the arrival of the remains of Ma’am Amelia until the day of her burial.

“Asahan natin na maraming darating na makikiramay sa Olongapo at katulad ng aking ina na mahilig sa pagpapalinis, bilang respeto sa aking ina ay panatilihin nating malinis ang lungsod at ipakita natin sa ating mga bisita na malinis at maayos ang Olongapo,” added the Mayor.

Because a lot of people are expected to pay their last respects for Ma’am Amelia, Mayor Gordon also assigned the Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO) and the officials of each barangay to take charge of the Peace and Order in Olongapo.

The Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC) is ready for the arrival of Ma’am Amelia which was awarded by the prestigious Pearl S. Buck Award for the year 2002 because of her time and dedication to the care for orphans.

Ma’am Amelia’s remains will lie in state at the OCCC with viewing and vigil open for Olongapenos and visitors alike viewing and vigil. “Maraming salamat sa lahat na nagmamahal sa aking ina,” Mayor Gordon concluded.

Pao/Jordan

PLDT Olongapo Activated the New Generation System

As NTC gives nod for Clark, Subic phone interconnection

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has given the go-ahead signal to an initiative to interconnect the two telephone systems operating in Clark and Subic Freeports, saying the interconnection “are within NTC existing rules and regulations.”

The go-ahead signal is contained in a letter sent by NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba to Clark Development Corp.’s Angelo “Sonny” Lopez Jr. in response to the latter’s query on the legality of such interconnection.

Lopez, through the Metro Clark Advisory Council (MCAC), has requested a certificate or clearance showing that the proposed interconnection of phone lines has not violated NTC rules and regulations.

The Olongapo City Council on the other hand through the Olongapo Telecom Board headed by Councilor Ed Piano submitted resolution

2009 R - 29 - A RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE INTERCONNECTION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES OF SUBIC-CLARK-TARLAC GROWTH CORRIDOR

and 2009 R - 116 - A RESOLUTION ENJOINING ALL TELECOM SERVICE PROVIDERS IN OLONGAPO CITY, SUBIC BAY FREEPORT AND ZAMBALES TO IMMEDIATELY IMPLEMENT THE NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION COMMISSION MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR 09-07-2007 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE INTERCONNECTION OF LOCAL EXCHANGE CARRIERS

It can be remembered that in 2005, the one-rate one-province policy was implemented after intensive lobbying by the Olongapo Telecom Board. This resulted in the removal of Extended Area Service (EAS) and National Distance Dialling charges for calls within Zambales, Olongapo City and Subic Freeport.

Resolution No. 11 (Series of 2005) A Resolution Requiring Imlementation and Enforcement of One Rate, One Province Policy as Mandated by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Memorandum Circular No. 14-7-2000 to Public Telecommunication Entities Concerned.

With PLDT's migration to New Generation System and utilization of fibre-optic cables, such new features as caller ID and faster DSL can now be enjoyed by local consumers.

Additionally, calling to Bataan province has also been covered by the one-rate policy making calls to Bataan not any more requiring NDD.

With this development, the residents of Olongapo, Zambales, Bataan and Pampanga; and the locators and investors inside the Subic and Clark Freeport will now save at least P20 million yearly on long distance calls because of the project.

Amelia Gordon, Champion of the Underprivileged

Amelia Juico Gordon passed away at the age of 89 but her achievements and good deeds will be remembered for more than a lifetime…

Acknowledged as the “Mother” of Olongapo, “Ma’am Amelia,” as Olongapeños fondly referred to her, pioneered the city’s Master Plan as mayor and assemblywoman.

However, Amelia’s commitment to help the public, means more than government service. She was wholeheartedly dedicated in caring for the young and needy. She adopted more than 50 children and changed the lives of thousands more as the founder of Olongapo City’s Boys’ Town and Girls’ Home. She led the formation of Iba-Olongapo Catholic Women’s League, Red Cross-Olongapo City Chapter and of Olongapo City Civic Action Group, organizations that are helping Olongapeños up to the present.

“For Mama, every human being who needed help will be given assistance regardless of his or her birth, fortune, position or political affiliations. She was not afraid to get her hands dirty or lay her life on the line. She braved disasters—the massive Baguio earthquake in 1990, Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991 and various floods and other calamities, to ensure that food and aid reached those who are in need,” said daughter Veronica Gordon-Lorenzana.

Due to her noble deeds, Amelia, mother of Senator Richard Gordon, received various awards such as the Doña Aurora Aragon Medal Award, Silver Jubilee Family Award, Silver Medal Award from the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), Gintong Ina Award, Gold Humanitarian Award, the highest award given by the Red Cross, and the 2002 Pearl S. Buck Woman of the Year Award, an award given to women who make outstanding contributions in the areas of cross-cultural understanding, humanitarian outreach and improving the quality of life and expanding opportunities for children around the world like world-wide achievers, Laura Bush (2006) and Audrey Hepburn (1993), in recognition of Amelia’s life-long dedication to the welfare and protection of children.

“My mother was not only our mother, she was the mother of all. She gave meaning and hope to the lives of orphaned and abandoned children. She was a great leader, a remarkable woman, champion of underprivileged children and most of all, a devoted mother. We will always treasure her memories and will always be proud of her life’s work,” said youngest son Olongapo Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr.

2002 Pearl S. Buck International Woman of the Year, Amelia Juico Gordon or ‘’Ma’am Amelia,’’ as Olongapeños fondly referred to her, passed away last November 17, 2009 at the age of 89. She lived her life to the fullest, protected and fought for the rights and protection of abandoned and orphaned children. She led the formation of many civic groups in Olongapo including the Olongapo City Boy’s and Girls Home, Red Cross Olongapo City Chapter and the Catholic Women’s League of Zambales.

Pao/sara

Ad Congress... Subic Ready

21 things to love about the 21st PAC

(The Philippine Star) Only two words could send a shiver of anticipation through the entire advertising industry: ad congress.

This is it – the year of the Philippine AdvertisingCongress (PAC) and it happens on November 18 to 21 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. In Here are 21 things in the ad congress you wouldn’t want to miss:

1. The turnover of the 21st PAC’s donation.Proceeds of the 2009 ARAW Awards ticket sales will be formally extended to Baguio City Mayor Peter Rey Bautista, head of the Baguio Chapter of the Red Cross, to aid the rehabilitation of Benguet province.

2. Launching of Brand Aid’s AHON project. An initiative of the Advertising Board of the Philippines (AdBoard), Brand Aid will be a long-term project to help victims of recent and future calamities. It would involve the entire advertising industry in a concerted effort to set up a funding mechanism for recovery.

3. Witnessing the largest PAC trade exhibit. Dubbed “Spectrum”, the trade exhibit features hundreds of booths in the Subic Bay Exhibit and Convention Center with the country’s leading brands showcasing their best products and services. Live performances are set to take place every hour at Spectrum.

4. Experiencing Baguio in Subic. The City of Baguio joins the 21st PAC and brings with it our most beloved pasalubong. A dedicated booth in Spectrum would feature not only Baguio’s best products but also services and attractions unique to the city for the delegates’ enjoyment.

5. Watching a dance showdown of Aetas and Igorots. Baguio’s Igorots are also coming down to visit Subic. They join forces with Olongapo’s Aetas in an opening night dance number to welcome the delegates of the 21st PAC.

6. A chance to win the Ad Congress Photo Contest. In line with the 21st PAC theme “Perspectives: Ano sa tingin mo?” participants of the photo contest are tasked to go around Subic to capture “Pictures of a tragedy? Or images of solidarity? Ano sa tingin mo?” Winners could receive up to P15,000 prize money.

7. Listening to the keynote speech of Fernando Zobel de Ayala. As honorary chairman of the 21st PAC, the president and COO of Ayala Corp., he will present his views on sustainable development. Economic growth is important, he says, but so is family life, intellectual growth, artistic expression and moral and spiritual development.

8. Exploring the Zoobic Safari. Situated in a 50-hectare forest, the Zoobic Safari offers the jungle experience of a lifetime, where wildlife abound and roam free in the their natural habitat.

9. Meeting a futurist. Futurists study possibilities and probabilities, which is very useful in the world of advertising. John Naisbitt is the world’s leading futurist and he comes to the 21st PAC to talk about his international bestseller, Megatrends, among other estimations and predictions.

10. Watching ASAP live. ABS-CBN brings the country’s favorite noontime show to the 21st PAC for a dinner performance. So don’t miss the chance to meet celebrity heartthrobs and sweethearts as they entertain delegates with live song and dance numbers.

11. Going for a Death Cigarette. Brand marketing expert BJ Cunningham must have broken all marketing rules for smokes with his brand called “Death Cigarettes”, but then again, it became so wildly successful that competitors didn’t rest until they shut him down. In the 21st PAC, he shares how challenging the ordinary and sticking to the truth makes for great advertising.

12. Making a difference. The role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in today’s society has never been more significant. Expert Mike Schalit presents a model of his award-winning CSR work in South Africa in conjunction with a seminar on global warming. If he did it in South Africa, so too, can a united advertising industry in the Philippines.

13. Joining an exciting group of runners in a 5K marathon. The five-kilometer run is the perfect starting point for greater heights, like a 10K run or maybe even the 42K New York City Marathon. You’ll never know unless you try, right? Besides, proceeds of the event goes to victims of calamity through the Red Cross Benguet Chapter.

14. Learning from marketing gurus. International experts in the field of marketing comes to the 21st PAC to share long years of knowledge and experience.

15. Learning from the best creatives. Top creative minds will inspire the 21st PAC to look at fresh perspectives.

16. Playing billiards with the champs. Whether you like billiards as a hobby or serious player, who wouldn’t want to play with actual champs? And if you actually win, Timex watches and other special prizes are in store for you.

17. Learning to utilize different media. International media experts will share their views not only on new media, but also traditional ones and how best to make them work in advertising.

18. Learning from digital experts. Digital output and presentation is the fastest growing trend in the industry. Find out how to make it work for you.

19. Taking a “Leap of Faith”. A challenge to both mind and body, the Leap of Faith is a relay race which will have players wall climbing, hanging by rope and rappelling. Waiting by the finish line are prizes of an invaluable kind: a sense of achievement and pride for pushing through the challenge.

20. Getting personal with the 2009 ARAW Awards winners. This year’s ARAW Awards has raised the level of competition in the field of advertising excellence with the introduction of effectiveness in its judging criteria. Winners will represent the best of the best in the industry for sure.

21. Finding out the conclusion of the 21st PAC mystery. Four different perspectives of one horrific story were seen in the 21st PAC ad campaign. The ARAW Awards finale will finally reveal the conclusion with a live magic show.