SBMA okays $75-million wind energy project

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Amid intermittent power shortages, rising power rates and the quest for viable alternative energy sources, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) approved recently a $75-million wind energy project proposed by China-based Sunnew Investments Ltd.

“This is the answer to our energy problem,” said SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza. “This will definitely lower the cost of power in the Freeport, and we could even help neighboring communities with surplus power from wind energy.”

Arreza disclosed that Sunnew-Subic has proposed to construct a total of 25 wind turbines in the Subic Bay Freeport, with the project covering a total area of 50,000 square meters at both the Mt. Sta. Rita and the Redondo Peninsula sites.

The sites, which both face the South China Sea, have strong wind currents all year round, “so the wind harvest is expected to be abundant,” Arreza added.

The project will produce about 50 megawatts (MW) of power by 2012, and will initially employ 103 workers.

Arreza and Sunnew Investments chairman Lee Yin Hung signed a 50-year lease contract for the proposed investment just days after the SBMA board of directors approved the wind energy project.

Lee said Sunnew’s investment in Subic Bay “would not only release the pressure of the power demand in this region, but also help realize the era of renewable energy in the Philippines.”

“In terms of economical efficiency, it is better than gas-fired power station,” Lee pointed out. “And

it’s getting close to oil-fired power generation, so the cost of wind power generation is actually less than gas-fired power.”

Lee also said that his company is already operating similar wind energy facilities in Taiwan and China, and plans to expand to Australia, United States, and Vietnam.

Arreza said the Subic wind farm project is in line with the national government’s effort to tap alternative energy resources, as stipulated in Republic Act 9513, otherwise known as the Renewable Energy Act of 2008. By FRANCO G. REGALA, JONAS REYES

Related Article

SBMA eyes wind farm at Redondo Peninsula

Cargo handler sues Subic agency for ‘anomalous’ transaction

CARGO HANDLER Amerasia International Terminal Services, Inc. has made good on its threat to sue Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for sealing an allegedly "anomalous" deal that will grant another firm an exclusive concession over the Subic seaports.

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AFP

Amerasia filed with the Ombudsman on Tuesday criminal charges against the SBMA and Harbour Centre Port Terminal, Inc., the winner of the auction for the port contract, a copy of the complainant’s affidavit bearing the Ombudsman’s receipt stamp showed.

The 41-page complaint signed by Amerasia President Mario Lorenzo A. Yapjoco and Amerasia Chairman George G. Schulze, Jr. accused SBMA and Harbour Centre of graft and unfair trade practices, which are prohibited under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Article 186 of the Revised Penal Code.

It tagged as respondents members of the SBMA Joint Venture Selection (JVS) Committee including SBMA Administrator Armand C. Arreza and the SBMA board of directors headed by Feliciano G. Salonga. It also names Harbour Centre Chairman Reghis M. Romero II and Chief Executive Officer Michael L. Romero as the other respondents.

This comes as the SBMA announced last week that Harbour Centre is poised to bag the deal to develop, operate and manage naval supply depot and neighboring wharves. No other firm submitted counterproposals by the April 22 deadline against Harbour Centre’s pledge to remit $32 million in guaranteed revenues to the government for the 25-year lease, and infuse $180 million to upgrade infrastructure.

"The SBMA-Harbour Centre contract effectively nullified, without due process, Amerasia’s valid and outstanding 25 years Lease and Cargo Handling Operations Contract with SBMA," Amerasia legal counsel Eulalio A. Ventura said in a statement yesterday.

"We hope that the charges we have filed before the Ombudsman will stop the awarding of the contract and ensure the protection of the locators’ right to operate the Subic ports and wharves. After all, they have invested millions of pesos and exerted a lot of efforts to make them clean, efficient and profitable for SBMA," Mr. Ventura said.

Another aggrieved cargo handler -- Subic Seaport Terminal, Inc. -- will reportedly go on to request courts for an injunction against the contract’s award, Mr. Ventura said earlier.

SBMA and Harbour Centre officials could not be immediately reached to comment.

SBMA expects to award the contract to Harbour Centre by June 30, after the general elections. -- Jessica Anne D. Hermosa

A dash of Mediterranean at the Sands of Subic

Persian food to Filipinos is what Mexican food to Americans. It’s delectably exotic yet casually blends with our knack for full flavored, comfort food. But aside from the usual fares of shawarma and kebab, Persian food is part and parcel of the amalgamation of diverse cuisines in the Mediterranean region. And at the Sands Restaurant located at the Lighthouse Marina Resort in Subic, they offer a diverse menu of Turkish and Greek dishes to provide a unique and authentic take on Mediterranean cuisine.

Beef Shish Kebab (photo by PINGGOT ZULUETA)

For a modest hotel restaurant like Sands, an international menu is to be expected. What sets it apart from a long list of restaurants in Subic is their Mediterranean menu to which, they claim, the only one of its kind in Subic Bay.

“We have been known for our American dishes like Baby Back Ribs, Grilled Salmon, and Angus Steaks so the management decided to do something different by coming up with an extensive Mediterranean menu,” said executive chef Percival Alfaro.

For starters the creamy Greek triumvirate of Hummus, a creamy mousse of chickpeas, olive oil, and tahini (sesame seed paste); Tzatziki, a refreshing mixture of yogurt, garlic, olive oil, fresh dill and cucumber; and Liver Pate, goose liver puree and cream cheese topped with caviar – all served with pita bread or tositini will give the first zing in the Mediterranean course.

The main course, on the other hand, is mostly made of grilled dishes and kebabs like the Mediterranean Grilled Chicken, Beef, and Lamb (all served with pilaf rice, French fries, pita bread, salsa, and garlic yogurt sauce) and Chicken, Beef, and Lamb Shish Kebab. Each dish comes in big servings, so make sure you come with a hearty appetite and an empty stomach.

Taking sound advice from Turkish and Greek food consultants, Sands Restaurant has ingredients shipped from Turkey and Greece every quarter month to ensure the quality of their dishes. “We want to stay true to the recipes. If one of the ingredients is not available, we won’t serve the dish,” Chef Alfaro adds. Aside from the Mediterranean dishes, other Sands best sellers include Steamed Lapu-Lapu with Sze Chuan Sauce, Chicken Roulade, and their Classic Roast Duck. Sands Restaurant is located at the Lighthouse Marina Resort, Moonbay Marina Complex Waterfront Road, CBD Subic Bay Freeport Zone. By JACKY LYNNE A. OIGA -mb.com.ph

OLONGAPO ATHLETES WIN 4 GOLD MEDALS IN PALARONG PAMBANSA 2010

Olongapo City’s athletes bagged four (4) gold medals in the Palarong Pambansa 2010 held recently in Tarlac Recreational Park, San Jose, Tarlac City. Jana Dominique bagged two (2) gold medals in Taekwondo while Oliva Jurence Mendoza, the city’s bet for lawn tennis copped one (1) gold and a silver as Helena Teope secured one (1) gold in swimming.

Mayor James Gordon, Jr. lauded the city’s athletes who joined and competed for excellence against other athletes from the different parts of the country.

“I congratulate all of our young athletes who represented the city and the region in the recently held Palarong Pambansa 2010. They have proven once again that Olongapeños are indeed fighters for excellence,” Mayor Gordon said.

In an interview with Saturnino Dumlao simulcast over dwGO radio and SBC TV22, division sports coordinator, he said, “We are very grateful to Mayor Gordon because he has been very supportive to all our athletes, the HELPS program where Sports is one of its focus has proven effective to all our athletes.”

Olongapeño athletes who won in their respective sports events in Palarong Pambansa 2010, are as follows:

Helena Teope-Swimming (Elem. Girls)-OCES

1 Gold

1 Silver

Jurence Z. Mendoza-Lawn Tennis(Sec. Boys, singles)-OCNHS

1 Gold

Janna Dominique Oliva-Taekwondo(Elem. Girls)-SPED G

1 Gold- Poomsae

1 Gold Kyorugi

4th place- team poomsae

Bernard Florencio-Swimming(Elem. Boys)-SJC

2 silver

Cyprus John Bermillo-Gymnastics(Sec. Boys)- SJC

1 silver

Judith Pineda-Chess(Sec. Girls)-OCNHS

Bronze

Roshel Cañero- Volleyball (Elem. Girls)-GHIES

Bronze

Joel Zita-Arnis (Sec. Boys)-KNHS

Bronze

Rose Marie Vargas- Volleyball(Sec. Girls)-OCNHS

4th place

Julius Bakuteza-Swimming (Sec. Boys)-RSHS

4th place

“Through Mayor Bong Gordon’s Sports program, the city’s objective to excel in different aspects of sports has been gradually achieved and we will continue to improve the quality of training for our athletes for future national and international competitions, Dumlao added.

SBMA to impose environmental fees to locators

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will impose environmental fees as part of its thrust to protect the ecological balance of this premier Freeport.

SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said that the imposition of environmental fees is part of the SBMA’s move to ensure that the areas inside this premier Freeport zone are well taken care of.

He added that the price of the environment fees would be added to the admission tickets and rentals of facilities that are found inside the Subic Bay Freeport such as hotel rooms.

The official website of the SBMA, sbma.com, has recently displayed the procedures for the collection of these environment fees such as P10 for each tourists going inside theme parks, beaches, go carts and other establishments wherein fixed entrance fees are charged.

A two percent of the gross purchases for restaurants, wellness or massage centers, duty frees, and other retail establishments will be charged as part of the environment fees.

An environment fee of P100 per person playing at the golf course here will also be charged, along with a P100 environment fee for each room utilized per night for hotels.

Arreza said that the collection and remittance of these environment fees will be done by the locators themselves, adding that the concerned establishments shall remit these fees to the SBMA monthly on or before the fifth of the following month.

“Along with the remittance of the Environment Fee, establishments shall submit to the Finance Group of the SBMA a report of the number of visitors, total gross receipts for each day, number of guests and duration of stay in hotels,” Arreza said.

He said that audits shall be conducted to ensure the accuracy of the report submitted to the SBMA, adding that the establishment concerned shall make available for inspection to an authorized representative of the SBMA their books, journals and records pertaining to the required report. By JONAS REYES -

Arroyo names Subic chief in 11th-hour appointment

PRESIDENT Gloria Arroyo has appointed Clark International Airport Corp. chairman Nestor Mangio as concurrent head of the re-organized Subic-Clark Alliance Development Council.

Her Executive Order 876 was dated March 10, the deadline for the constitutional ban on executive appointments, but it was released only on Monday.

The same order renamed Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council as Subic-Clark Alliance for Development. The council was last led by Ed Pamintuan, who is running for mayor in Angeles City.

“The chairman of the Clark International Airport Corp. shall serve as chairman of SCAD,” Mrs. Arroyo said in her order.

Mangio, an architect and a businessman, served as national president of the United Architects of the Philippines from 1994-1996. He is the owner and developer of The Lakeshore, an upscale village in Mexico town in Pampanga.

Mangio was previously director of the Ramos-era Bases Conversion Development Authority, Fort Bonifacio Development Corp., and Clark Development Corp. before he was appointed chairman of the council, which operates the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport.

Mangio finished his undergraduate studies at the University of Santo Tomas, and then received his certificate in Advanced Management Development Program in Real Estate at Harvard University.

Two other members of the SBMA board were appointed replacing Ed Cajudo and Jimmy Lorenzana.

Meanwhile, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., has approved the interconnection of its service areas at the Clark and Subic free ports.

The investors in the two export zones would be saving money from their long-distance calls, but the telephone firms serving them would be losing P2.5 million to P3 million a year once the interconnection took place in May, said Lito Mercado, general manager of PLDT subsidiary Clarktel. Joyce Pangco Pañares - manilastandardtoday.com, with Albert B. Lacanlale

PLDT to interconnect Clark, Subic telecoms

CLARK FREE PORT, Pampanga—The country’s biggest telecommunication firm has recently approved the interconnection of its two service areas in the Clark and Subic Bay free-port zones.

Lito Mercado, general manager of Clarktel, a subsidiary of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), said the approval of the interconnection of telecommunication between the two free-port zones is in conformity with the mandate of Subic and Clark as the country’s two best investment destinations that provide world-class infrastructure and utilities.

Although investors and locators from the two zones are expected to save on their long-distance telephone calls, Mercado said the Clark and Subic telecom firms will be losing about P2.5 million to P3 million per annum once the interconnection project is implemented.

The interconnection is expected to take effect by the middle of next month based on information provided to Mercado by Subic and Clark Telecom president Dennis Magbatoc.

However, despite the toll-free calls, Mercado said Clark and Subic will still have to use their respective area codes—045 for Clark (Pampanga) and 047 for Subic (Zambales).

“But definitely, calls for both free ports will be free of charge,” he said.

Mercado said Magbatoc was instrumental in the realization of the interconnection project through the initiative of the Subic Clark Alliance for Development Council, the influential Metro Clark Advisory Council, the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

“Doing business in Clark will be made easier with the toll-free calls between Clark and Subic, considering its impact on the day-to-day operations of the investors in both free-port zones,” he said.

He pointed out that the integration earlier of the telephone infrastructure in Pampanga has given Clark a competitive edge and with the same integration of the service lines between Subic and Clark, the competitiveness of both investment destinations is expected to improve further.

Although PLDT will shoulder the interconnection fees, including the losses in long-distance calls, investors in Clark expressed elation over the integration and interconnection of Clark and Subic because it will open more “windows of opportunities” not only for the two free-port zones, but for Central Luzon as well.

With the integration of Clarktel with all telecom providers in Pampanga in 2004, CDC was able to save about P100,000 a month (or P1.2 million annually) on long-distance calls since the interconnection was implemented.

The amount saved on local long-distance calls through the interconnection project will instead be used to finance other CDC projects as part of the social corporate responsibility of the state-owned firm. Written by Jacob Cunanan / Correspondent businessmirror.com.ph

REASONS WHY FL ANNE GORDON IS RUNNING FOR CONGRESS

Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Gov. Anne Gordon has revealed her reasons for running for congresswoman in the 1st District of Zambales and Olongapo considering that she’s now the second highest government official in Zambales.

‘’Bilang pangalawang pinuno ng Zambales na syang nag-aasikaso sa 13 bayan at 233 barangays ng lalawigan, kumakandidato ako bilang congresswoman ay una, upang matulungan ang Lungsod ng Olongapo dahil importante na malagyan natin ng malaking pondo ang HELPS program o Health, Housing, Education, Environment, Livelihood, Labor, Peace and Order, Social Services at Sports program ni Mayor Bong Gordon at nang Gordon Straight Ticket team,’’ said FL Anne Gordon at the “Bingo Bong-gah Anne, Panalo Ka Bayan” courtesy of Kalinga Community for Children held at East Tapinac Oval Track (ETOT).

‘’Ikalawang dahilan, kumakandidato rin ako upang masuportahan ang mga programang pang-kaunlaran ng Lungsod ng Olongapo at ng Unang Distrito ng Zambales. Ikatlong dahilan, ay gusto ko ring matulungan ang mga nasabing lugar sa larangan ng turismo, ika-apat na dahilan ay kinakailangan na rin na magkaroon ng panukalang batas para magkaroon ng maraming investments dito sa siyudad ng Olongapo at sa Unang Distrito ng Zambales,’’ expounded FL Anne as she addressed the huge crowd of over thirteen thousand (13,000) Olongapeños who were present at the oval track.

‘’At ang pang-huli kung bakit ako kumakandidato, ay dahil kailangan nang maamyendahan ang Republic Act 7227 o ang Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992. Ang Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) na pinag-hirapan ng mga mamamayan ng Olongapo at ng Unang Distrito ng Zambales ay dapat magkaroon ng mas malaking benipisyo para sa mga residente nito,’’ added FL Gordon.

The First Lady also said that as Vice Governor of Zambales, she has done and is still doing all that she can for her constituents in the 1st District of Zambales. And running for congress is an opportunity for her to serve a greater community.

Pao/Jordan

SBMA may seek NSD contract exemption from election ban

THE Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) may ask the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to give the Naval Supply Depot (NSD) contract to the Romero business group after another company failed to submit its bid.

The Comelec forbids government agencies to award a contract prior to and after the May 10 national elections.

Harbour Centre Port Terminal Inc. president and chief executive officer Michael Romero said that awarding of Subic’s NSD contract will depend on the way the free-port authorities can convince the election body that the contract should not be covered by the election ban.

“Our offer is too high [for them to match]. ATI [Asian Terminals Inc.] did not match our $32-million offer,” Romero said. “Either we wait for the election ban or they get a Comelec exemption. But as of today, it [NSD contract] is not yet awarded to us.”

Earlier this year, Harbour Centre made an unsolicited bid to develop and operate the NSD, the terminal where general cargoes will be handled. The project will include the rehabilitation and operation of other specialized piers in the vicinity of the depot such as the Boton, Alava, Rivera and Bravo ports.

When SBMA opened the bid for a Swiss challenge, ATI, the country’s second-largest port operator, bought a document, but did not submit its bid. The Swiss challenge calls for ATI to at least match the current bid of the Romero group.

At the moment, there are about 13 companies listed in SBMA as bulk and break-bulk cargo handlers, but only nine are active players.

If the deal pushes through, all of these companies, employing about less than 1,000 people, will have to stop their operations and hand the facilities over to Harbour Centre.

According to figures, SBMA handled P2.21 million metric tons of noncontainerized cargoes in 2009, some 1.8 million metric tons of which are bulk and break-bulk cargoes, while the rest are transshipment, heavy-equipment, and other roll-on, roll-off goods.

Last year, SBMA earned P30.1 million from these nine active cargo handlers as its share of cargo-handling fees alone and some P8.5 million from warehouse rental and storage fees.

The terms of reference of the deal with SBMA show that the Romero-owned company assures the government of fixed fees of $500,000 or P23 million for the first year of operation, but these fees gradually go up to $600,000 for the second year until it reaches $1.5 million a year on the 25th year.

In total, SBMA said Harbour Centre committed $32 million or about P1.536 billion for fixed and guaranteed revenue share over the 25-year joint-venture period, while contender Mega Subic Terminal Services Inc. (MSTSI)-Amerasia’s improved proposal contained no such provision. MSTSI-Amerasia proposed a 15-percent share of cargo-handling fees, or a total income for the SBMA over 25 years of P740 million, based on current rates. Written by VG Cabuag / businessmirror.com.ph Reporter (With Jovic Yee)

Olongapeños Join Earth Day 2010 Celebration

Environment advocates of Olongapo City has gathered together as they celebrate this year’s Earth Day 40th Anniversary and the 10th year Anniversary of the local Earth Day Networks including the Philippines.

A clean-up activity of streets, rivers , creeks and beaches on April 23, 2010 has been conducted and to have a deeper understanding on climate change, an Adaptation Policy Formulation Conference and Workshop will be held on May 10, 2010 at the FMA Hall of Olongapo City Hall.

The Earth Day 2010’s theme is “Hamon ng Panahon: Climate Change; 10 Milyung Solusyon (Kilos na! Ngayon na!). The goal of the 10 Million Movement is to gather 10 million Green Acts for Mother Earth.

Through the initiative of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr., Olongapo City has shown its support to the projects of Earth Day Networks Philippines (EDNP). This year he appointed the Environmental Sanitation and Management Office (ESMO) to spearhead the programs relevant to City’s cleanliness and called the attention of all barangay chairmen to cooperate in the Earth Day 2010 activities.

Various disaster management/climate change projects and activities were implemented in 2009 by the local government units of Olongapo City, these include the following: Earthquake Drill Orientation and Simulation on Various Institutions; High Angle Rescue and Ropemanship Training; Rapid Assessment and Needs Analysis Course (RDANA); Digital Rain Gauge & Water Level Monitoring Refresher Course; and Seminar-Workshop of the Results of Multi-hazard Mapping of Zambales.

It can be recalled that Olongapeños participated in the annual global event, the earth hour which campaigns for climate change mitigation through switching off of lights for one hour on March 27, 2010 from 08:30 pm – 09:30 pm.

Olongapo City has been cooperating in saving Mother Earth for a healthy and progressive tomorrow.

SBMA opens bidding for Subic power-plant construction

SUBIC BAY FREE PORT—The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is now inviting companies to prequalify and bid for the operation of the Subic Diesel Power Plant (SDPP), a 116-megawatt diesel facility that is the sole power-generating plant in this free port.

The SBMA said in an announcement issued recently that it will lease out on an “as-is, where-is” basis the land and the facilities within the compound of the SDPP, a 10-hectare area located near the Sattler Pier.

Duly prequalified proponents are invited to submit proposals for the lease, operation and maintenance of the land and facilities at the SDPP, which was previously occupied by the state-owned National Power Corp. (Napocor).

The SBMA announced it shall “pursue the short-term operation and maintenance of this existing power plant while the reclassification of the land use of the area from utilities to mixed use or commercial/residential/leisure status takes off.”

In bidding for the operation of the power plant, local or foreign companies or joint ventures will be required to submit proposals that will be subjected to competitive evaluation, the SBMA said.

For local firms, the Subic authority will require, among others, a letter of intent duly signed by the authorized representative of the proponent; the proponent’s business profile stating its corporate structure and current business activities; registration with the Department of Trade and Industry; and article of incorporation or articles of partnership from the Securities and Exchange Commission.

If the proponent is a local corporation, the SBMA would also require that its authorized capital stock “must not be less than P200 million or its equivalent in foreign currency” and that at least 70 percent of its stock is fully paid up.

In addition, the SBMA would call for valid and current mayor’s permit or municipal license; tax-information number and tax-clearance certificate from the Bureau of Internal Revenue; statement under oath that the proponent is not blacklisted or barred from bidding by the government; clearances from the Social Security System and the Department of Labor and Employment; and a statement under oath or audited financial statement certifying/evidencing that the proponent has net assets of not less than $10 million.

The SBMA added that if the proponent or any of its members, management or shareholders are registered in the Subic Bay Free Port, it should not have a record of arrears or has not defaulted with its financial obligations with the SBMA.

Foreign bidders will be asked to submit “all the equivalent of all the required eligibility documents for local firms, insofar as may be applicable, duly authenticated by the appropriate official of the Embassy/Consulate of the Philippines in the bidder’s country.”

Parties interested in bidding for the power plant may obtain terms of reference for the submission of proposals at the office of the SBMA administrator, Building 229, Waterfront Road, Subic Bay Free Port. Bidders have until May 7 to submit their proposals, the SBMA said.

SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said earlier the location of the Subic power plant is part of a parcel of land scheduled for development into a commercial and leisure complex. Written by Henry Empeño / Correspondent businessmirror.com.ph

Subic downplays risks from China-Taiwan pact

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE, Philippines -- Subic Bay Gateway Park, home to Taiwanese export firms in this freeport, does not risk losing these locators after China and Taiwan sign their Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) this June.

Subic Bay Development and Management Co. (SBDMC) Senior Manager Roland Addun said in an interview over the weekend that SBDMC, developer and administrator of the 300-hectare industrial park, has even signed new contracts with seven Taiwanese companies with total investments of $5.97 million and another deal for a $5-million expansion by existing Taiwanese locator.

In a Cabinet meeting last week, the National Economic and Development Authority said the ECFA may lure 135 Taiwanese export companies in Philippine economic zones and freeports to relocate to China and for tens of thousands of overseas Filipino workers now in Taiwan to lose their jobs to Chinese from the mainland.

SBDMC President Jeff Lin said separately in a statement that stronger US anti-dumping measures will make it more difficult for Chinese firms to export directly to the US, hence, a disincentive for Taiwanese exporters now operating in the Philippines to relocate there.

Mr. Lin, a Taiwanese national, added that freeports like Subic should become more attractive to Taiwanese investors in the wake of the China-ASEAN free trade agreement whose implementation started last January.

Mr. Addun identified the seven new Taiwanese locators as Subic 999 Trading Corp., Misung Subic Bay Inc., Bidderford Subic Inc., Subic Advance Screw Inc., Richway Plastics, Cano Subic Corp. and Tapu Corporation whose combined investments total $5.966 million.

These new Taiwanese locators are involved in various business activities such as manufacturing, trading and warehousing and transshipment.

Taiwanese-American company Richway Plastics which will supply shopping mall plastic bags to Wal-Mart USA is investing $2.146 million.

Subic Advance Screw Inc., which manufactures industrial bolts, nuts and screws is investing $1.5 million.

Biddeford Subic Inc. has committed to invest $880,000 to put up a manufacturing plant to produce and export medical thermometer, digital blood pressure monitor, asthma screen monitor, diagnostic equipment and microcomputer related equipment.

"So far, we haven’t received any request for pull-out or whatsoever drastic move coming from any of our Taiwanese investors," Mr. Addun said. "In fact, what we are getting now are requests for expansion and additional hiring of workers."

Mr. Addun cited the on-going expansion program of Tong Lung Philippines Metal Industry Co., Inc., a Taiwanese firm engaged in designing and producing of doorknob sets and locksets.

Tong Lung has committed to invest $5 million to establish a new factory near its first production facility at the Subic Bay Gateway Park to meet the growing demand for high-end locks worldwide.

Tong Lung’s expansion will entail the hiring of 600 new employees on top of some 400 workers it hired since 1998.

SBDMC is a joint venture between the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the United Development Corporation of Taiwan. BusinessWorld

FL ANNE GORDON: ‘’Sasakyan Para sa Bawat Barangay ng 1st District ng Zambales’’

Barangays from Olongapo and Zambales particularly in the municipalities of Subic, Castillejos and San Marcelino are still using the service vehicles appropriated by Mayor Bong Gordon when he was Congressman of the 1st District of Zambales.

To serve her constituents in the 1st District of Zambales better, Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Gov. Anne Marie Gordon has made it her priority to give service vehicles to each barangay in Olongapo and the three towns in the 1st District of Zambales as Mayor Gordon did in the past.

‘’Magbibigay ako ng service vehicle sa bawat barangay sa Olongapo at Unang Distrito ng Zambales upang sa gayo’y may magagamit ang mga barangay lalo na sa panahon na kailanganin ito ng kanilang mga constituents,’’ said FL Anne Gordon to the residents of Brgy. Gordon Heights on April 21, 2010 at the “Bingo Bong-gah Anne, Panalo ka Bayan” courtesy of Kalinga Community for Children held at Acacia St. Basketball Court.

‘’Ang mga service vehicle ngayon na ginagamit ng mga barangay ay ang mga sasakyan na ibinigay ni Mayor Bong Gordon nang panahon sa siya pa ang congressman ng Unang Distrito ng Zambales. Ang mga service vehicles na aking ibibigay sa bawat barangay ay red plate at hindi green plate na nangangahulugan na ito ay pag-aari na ng barangay at hindi pahiram lamang,’’ assured FL Anne Gordon who is currently running for Congress in the 1st District of Zambales.

‘’Sisiguraduhin ko na may equal opportunity of progress ang Olongapo, Subic, Castillejos at Sn. Marcelino. Dapat maramdaman ng mahigit 400,000 indibidwal ng 1st District ang progreso sa ilalim ng aking panunungkulan,’’ FL Anne Gordon said.

Piano recognized in Brgy Sta. Rita

Councilor Ed Piano was recently recognized by officials of Barangay Sta. Rita for winning the Most Outstanding Councilor of the Philippines award.

The plaque of recognition was given during a ceremony in the brgy covered court last Monday. Punong Brgy Jerome Bacay (in yellow shirt) and Kagawads Gibs Guevarra, Eric Jahnke, Virginia Bitancol and Rose Piano handed over the recognition

Three-termer Councilor and a reciepient of various awards, Councilor Piano started serving the public as a Purok leader in Barangay Sta. Rita way back in 1998. He was eventually voted to the city's legislative seat in the 2001 election.

The career of Councilor EDWIN J. PIANO can be described as a career characterized by hard work, legislative savvy and selfless dedication to public service. It is a shining example of how a Councilor’s innovativeness and practical skills can be successfully parlayed into the concrete enhancement of the lives of his constituents and the progress of his community and country.

The one million peso incentive from the office of Senator Ed Angara will be used by Councilor Piano for the development projects of the city.

Visit www.tocp.sangunian.com for more details about the award.

Gordon to voters: Don't choose based on emotions

Bagumbayan standard-bearer Richard "Dick" Gordon believes the late former President Corazon Aquino's son Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III is not yet ready to take on the presidency as he urged voters not to choose based on emotions.

"Kailangan effective ang leader. Kailangan mamili tayo not based on emotion. Kapag may namatay makiramay tayo, pero kung papasok ang anak... Aralin natin kung kaya ng anak (We need an effective leader. We should not choose based on emotion. If someone died, we sympathize, but if the son wins... Let's think carefully if the son can [effectively lead the country])," Gordon said in an interview over radio dzMM's Magandang Morning with Tin-Tin and Julius Babao on Saturday.

Aquino has been leading in pre-election surveys. He had a 12-percentage point lead over his closest rival, Nacionalista Party's Sen. Manuel "Manny" Villar Jr. in the presidential survey by Pulse Asia.

Gordon has been lagging behind in the surveys.

Gordon urged the voters to ask themselves: "Can you live with a bad president again?"

He said he has a lot to offer, citing his track record on good governance and effective leadership.

"Para makuha ang best, tingnan ang track record (To get the best, look at their track record)," he said as he enumerated his successes as chairman of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Olongapo City mayor, tourism secretary and chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross.

No bills passed

Gordon also questioned Aquino's effectivity as a lawmaker, claiming that as member of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the LP presidential candidate failed to pass any bill.

"Si Noynoy, wala siyang naipasa. Hindi siguro masigasig sa kanyang mga bill (Noynoy failed to pass any bill. Maybe he's not determined to pass his bills)," he said.

Unlike Aquino, he said he was able to pass sponsored or authored bills, including the Tourism Law, Automated Elections Law, International Humanitarian Law, Pre-Patent Law, the Mindanao Economic Development Authority Law and laws on alternative energy and holiday economics.

Gordon said a lawmaker should eagerly pursue his pet bills, whether authored or sponsored, if he or she is really dedicated to his or her advocacies.

In the "anti-smear" section of Aquino's website, it enumerated the LP candidate's "authored" bills, which are focused on protecting workers' rights, human rights protection and corruption. (http://noynoy.ph/anti-smear/issue/wala-ba-talagang-nagawa-si-noynoy-sa-l...)

None, however, was passed into law.

The site quoted an analysis of Dr. Wilfrido Villacorta, professor emeritus at De La Salle University and member of the Constitutional Commission that drafted the 1987 Constitution, on Aquino's legislative record.

“[Senator Aquino] believes that a true working democracy provides not only political freedoms but a better life for all Filipinos. A working democracy must be able to provide jobs, education, social services and equitable economic prosperity for everyone, not just the privileged few."

It added that Aquino is "A man of strong convictions, lived up to his constitutional responsibility as an opposition senator to fiscalize the executive branch of government. Noynoy thoroughly examined the General Appropriations Act for 2009 [and every year without fail since his first term as Congressman] and proposed key amendments to the 2009 GAA that seek to tighten congressional oversight on the executive’s use of public funds." abs-cbnNEWS.com

Miss Olongapo Joan Turner expected to make it tonight in Ms Earth finals

2010 Miss Earth-Philippines to be chosen tonight

Forty-nine beauties from around the country, including bets from Filipino communities abroad, are competing for the 2010 Miss Philippines Earth crown tonight at The Aquatica, Manila Ocean Park, at the Rizal Park. The event will be aired as a TV special tomorrow, April 25, starting at 10:30 p.m. on ABS-CBN and the Filipino Channel. The winner will represent the Philippines in the 2010 Miss Earth 2010 Pageant in Vietnam later this year.

Funfare’s “beauty experts” Felix Manuel, Felix Calubaquib, Gery Yumping and Joey Cezeare picked the following as “The likely 15” to land in the finals:

• Miss Philippines-USA East Coast Renee Rosario A. McHugh, 18, 5’7” tall, 34-24-34, works as a Customer Service Associate.

• Miss Meycauayan City Christine Emilia Luz Hermoso, 25, 5’5” tall, measures 32–25–36, a Communication Arts graduate from Assumption College, works as a Web Content Developer at the Marketing Department of Viva Films.

• Miss Lubao Pampanga Angela Lauren D. Fernando, 18, 5’5” tall, measures 33–24–34, a Medical Technology Student at the University of Sto. Tomas.

• Miss Pandan, Antique Emmerie Dale M. Cunanan, 19, 5’6” tall, measures 34-24-34, a Communication and Media major at UP.

• Miss Taguig City Nicole K. Ortega, 24, 5’7” tall, measures 35–24–36.

• Miss Olongapo City Rosemary Joan G. Turner, 18, 5’6” tall, measures 34-23-34, a Communication Arts student at Columban College in Olongapo City.

• Miss Philippines-France Gwenaelle R. Ruais, 24, 6’2” tall, measures 35-24-36, graduate of a Fashion Marketing course at a school in Paris.

• Miss Butuan City Stephany Dianne D. Stefanowitz, 20, 5’9” tall, measures 34–25–34, a Fashion Design and Merchandising student at the De La Salle College of St. Benilde.

• Miss Philippines-USA West Coast Melissa Ann C. Sokukawa, 19, 5’8” tall, measures 34-24-34, a Nursing student at NCP Nursing College at Hayward, California.

• Miss Philippines-Central USA Therese Ann Francesca Meelheib, 20, 5’5” tall, measures 33-24-33, a Psychology major at Skyline College.

• Miss Kabacan, North Cotabato Lady Lou S. Garidan, 23, 5’5” tall, measures 32-24-35, a B.S. Information Management graduate of University of Southern Mindanao.

• Miss Gumaca, Quezon Kris E. Ortiz, 23, 5’6” tall, measures 33-24-33.

• Miss Infanta, Quezon Kris Psyche O. Resus, 22, 5’6” tall, measures 33-23-34, an Associate in Arts student at the Open University of UP.

• Miss Makati City Angelica C. Pasumbal, 25, 5’7” tall, measures 33-24-33, a B.A. Advertising graduate of San Jose State University in California.

• Miss Vigan City Marie Loraine Diane D. de Guzman, 22, 5’9” tall, measures 34-26-36, a B.S. Tourism junior at Centro Escolar University.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. together with the 2009 Bb. Olongapo top three winners and last year’s Bb. Olongapo Claudette delos Reyes. Rosemary Joan turner bagged the Bb. Olongapo crown while Jhayne Anne Mundo and Cheryl Algabre won the Bb. Olongapo-Tourism and first runner-up titles, respectively. PAO/sara

OLONGAPO: Most Child-Friendly City

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. has received for Olongapo City the Presidential Trophy from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the 2009 Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities in the Highly Urbanized City category.

At the ceremonies held at the Rizal Hall, Malacañang Palace on April 22, 2010, Mayor Bong Gordon received a plaque as Most Child-Friendly National Finalist.

‘’The City of Olongapo believes that the welfare of children is the true measure of success as a society. It is for this reason that the city persistently enhances its programs for children aimed at improving their social and physical environment at home, in school and in the community,’’ said Mayor Bong Gordon.

It can be recalled that Olongapo City went through rigorous screening, review/validation and selection conducted by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC). CWC used the standard evaluation tools that determined the city’s policy and planning, resource allocation, service delivery on health and nutrition, education and special protection, institution building, child participation, community and resource mobilization accomplishments for the welfare of the children.

Olongapo City ranked way ahead its tight competition, namely, Puerto Princesa City, Bacolod City, Cebu City, Makati City and Butuan City, all vying for the top spot.

Apart from the Presidential Trophy and plaque, Mayor Bong Gordon also received a P300,000.00 cash prize, ‘’Gagamitin natin ang halagang ito sa mga proyekto at programa ng Child-Friendly,’’ Mayor Gordon said.

Olongapo boasts of fifty-five (55) Day Care Centers located all over the seventeen (17) barangays in the city. These Day Care Centers serve as venue for the children’s preparation for school and can be a tremendous opportunity for children to learn new things and interact with different types of people.

‘’Eight of the city’s 17 health centers are now upgraded into Basic Emergency Obstetric and New Born Care facility for birth deliveries with trained and competent health workers,’’ City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) head Gene Eclarino proudly said. The CSWDO is the agency responsible for the city’s programs and projects for the youth.

CWC commended the city’s numerous programs for the welfare of the youth in Olongapo. The Local Government has heightened its waste segregation campaign through the CR3 Program or Compost, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycling and waste containerization project. And, in addition to that, the city also launched a Search for the Cleanest and Greenest Barangay in Olongapo.

Olongapo City has also introduced ALIVE or Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education as peace building strategy where Muslim Filipino children are taught Arabic language and culture. The city scored big time when CWC gave their approval to the Total Ban of Firecrackers, 24-hour saturation drive, curfew siren signals and the implementation of Community-Based Monitoring System programs of the City Government.

The aforementioned, are just few of the many other programs of Mayor Bong Gordon and Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice Gov. Anne Gordon for the children of Olongapo.

Gordon to QC court: Stop SWS, Pulse Asia surveys

BAGUMBAYAN Party standard-bearer Senator Richard Gordon yesterday asked the Quezon City Regional Trial Court to stop the Social Weather Station (SWS) and Pulse Asia from further conducting and publishing their surveys regarding the 2010 presidential election.

In a 26-page complaint for damages with application for temporary restraining order and/or writ of preliminary injunction, Gordon through his legal counsels, Chito Diaz and Carlo Tagalda, also asked the court to order the two survey firms to pay the amount of P500,000 for exemplary damages, P100,000 for nominal and temperate damages and P50,000 for attorney’s fees.

In his complaint, Gordon claimed that upon the start of the campaign period, he together with his running-mate, former Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando were always met by huge and enthusiastic crowds who have expressed eager support for them as tried and tested leaders who have a clear vision and platform for the country and its people.

But without regard to their fundamental duty to act with justice and to observe honesty and good faith, Gordon said that the two survey firms, for pecuniary and solely for reasons intended to favor their moneyed clients, have published false, fraudulent, biased and defective surveys which have undermined their campaign and made them as unwinnable contenders for president and vice-president.

In all of the results issued by the two survey firms, Gordon is always ranked a distant fifth among all other presidential candidates while Bayani has only been ranked a poor fourth among the vice-presidential candidates.

Knowing that his continuously low ratings in the surveys of SWS and Pulse Asia were belied by the enthusiasm and approval of the huge crowds which have continuously attended his campaign sorties, Senator Gordon investigated the methods and practices used by the defendants in conducting their surveys.

Gordon, with the aid of his volunteers and noted polling experts, has discovered that the defendants did not use statistically and scientifically sound sampling protocols.

The group of Gordon also discovered that the defendants used methodologies that have long been declared as flawed, outdated and unreliable by majority of the pollsters in the U.S. and advanced countries.

The senator further said that the two survey firms have limited the choice of survey respondents to two candidates and omitted his name and other candidates in some of their interviews.

He also revealed that the two survey forms have allowed politicians to ask their own questions in their surveys for approximately P100,000 per question in addition to their subscription fee ranging from P300,000 to P400,000.

Gordon further contended that without regard to the Fair Election Practices Act and the Code of Professional Standards and Ethical Practices followed by their fellow pollsters, the defendants have failed and still fail and refused to disclose the sponsors who commissioned them, the methodology and sample design used in their surveys, the questions asked and the order they were asked. by Cory Martinez - journal.com.ph

Harbour Centre bags Subic’s naval supply depot

Harbour Centre Port Terminal Inc. (HCPTI) has won the right to develop, operate and manage the handling and arrastre services of general cargoes, bulk and break bulk cargoes at the naval supply depot and neighboring wharfs in Subic.

Armand C. Arreza, administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), said no one challenged HCPTI’s offer at the close of yesterday’s deadline for the bidding under a Swiss challenge.

Although the acceptance of HCPTI’s offer would still have to go through final approval by the SBMA board, the joint venture rules automatically gives to the unsolicited proponent a contract should no one challenges its bid. "It will just be a formality."

Arreza said the SBMA will have to wait for the election ban to be lifted for the agency to award the contract.

He added that the Swiss challenge proceedings took 40 days and ended yesterday.

Arreza said Asian Terminals Inc., the publicly-listed concessionaire of the container and passenger terminals of South Harbor, purchased a copy of the terms of reference (TOR) of the bidding but did not give an offer.

Arreza said the other concessionaires in NSD were aware of the bidding but they opted not to participate.

He said SBMA sought for an exemption from the ban but if this is not favorably acted upon, the agency would have to wait for the lifting, which is June 30 onwards, before it gives the notice of award to HCPTI.

Under HCPTI’s unsolicited proposal, it would give a cumulative $32 million in fixed guaranteed payment over the 25-year duration of the contract or $1.3 million a year, plus a 15 to 20 percent share in the revenues. This is on top of the investments to be poured in by HCPTI, which in the first phase alone would amount to P5.5 billion.

HCPTI also committed to charge tariffs of at least 5 to 10 percent below those charged at the Manila ports.

HCPTI said capacity at the NSD is forecast to hit 6 million metric tons in 10 years from the current 1.3 to 1.5 mmt. and up to 10 mmt without additional reclamation.

HCPTI’s offer would make it the single biggest revenue contributor to SBMA coffers, and would replace revenues loss from the pullout of Federal Express.

Tonnage at the NSD will improve particularly with the inclusion of the other wharfs Boton, Alava, Riviera and Bravo, with some of spillover volumes from the HCPTI’s Harbour Centre in Manila.

Phase one involves the redevelopment of the whole NSD and installation of new equipment. BY by IRMA ISIP - malaya.com.ph

Olongapo bags Child Friendly City award

as PGMA confers Presidential Award on Child Friendly Municipalities and Cities

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo conferred today the Presidential Award on Child Friendly Municipalities and Cities in recognition of the local government units’ (LGUs) sustained promotion of children’s rights to survival, development and protection at the local level.

This year’s national winners are the New Lucena, Iloilo (4th to 6th class municipality); San Mateo, Isabela (1st to 3rd class municipality); Vigan City (component city); Naga City (independent component city); and Olongapo City (highly urbanized city).

The conferment of the annual award is pursuant to Executive Order No. 184 as part of the Philippines’ commitment as signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on November 20, 1989.

The President awarded the trophy and P300,000 cash incentives to the mayors of the winning LGUs during a simple awarding ceremony at the Malacanang Heroes’ Hall.

The President also awarded Presidential citations and P300,000 cash incentives for the Child Health Conscious LGUs to New Lucena, Iloilo (4th to 6th class municipality; Tayabas, Quezon (1st to 3rd class municipality); Tagaytay City (component city); and Naga City (independent component city).

Assisting the President during the awarding rites were Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral, Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Austere Panadero, Social Welfare Undersecretary Alicia Bala, and Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) executive director Parisya Taradji.

So leads local onslaught in Subic

GRANDMASTER Wesley So posted an easy win to lead the local onslaught in the 2010 Asian Individual Chess Championships that got going in Subic yesterday.

Despite playing black, So, the No. 4 seed, needed only 16 moves of a Slav to beat Vietnamese International Master Nguyen Than Son.

"It was a good start, sana magtuloy-tuloy," said So, at 16 the highest-rated Filipino player.

Joining So in the early lead in the tough, nine-round tournament are fellow Filipino GMs Joey Antonio Jr. and Darwin Laylo and unheralded Randy Segarra and Allan Macala.

Antonio defeated IM Kaiqi Yang of China, Laylo trounced Fide Master Namikhai Battulga of Mongolia while Segarra and Macala hacked out upset victories over GM Vinh Bui of Vietnam and IM Dronavalli Harika of India, respectively.

International Master Kiril Kuderinov of Kazakhstan scored the biggest upset of the day when he whipped top seed GM Le Quang Liem of Vietnam in their board one encounter.

Other first day winners were China’s Yiping Loou of China and Shanglei Lu of China and WIM Rout Padmini of India.

In the distaff side, WIM Beverly Mendoza, Christy Lamiel Bernales, Aices Salvador and Akio Suede dropped their opening matches.

Aside from the title and the lion’s share of the $50,000 cash prize, also at stake in the tournament are five slots to the World Chess Cup in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia next year.

Injured whale rarely in RP dies on Subic beach

SUBIC, Zambales — A 500-kilogram Blainville’s beaked whale, stranded along the shore, here, last Wednesday, died after a desperate attempt by marine experts and rescue volunteers to push it back into sea.

“This is the first time that a Blainville’s beaked whale has been documented to have stranded in the country. We are still trying to find out the cause of the whale’s death,” Dr. Leo Suarez, a marine biologist here, said.

A rescue team tried to push the whale into the sea but it kept returning to shore in Sitio Matangib, Barangay Cawag, here.

Subic Bay Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (SBI-FARMC) Chairman Laureano Artagame said the aquatic mammal, also called the dense-beaked whale, seemed to have suffered from cuts and kept swimming to shore where it eventually died. (by By FRANCO G. REGALA With a report from Jonas Reyes - mb.com.ph)

Olongapo gains national finals of Nokia tilt

SMART Olongapo became the second team after Smart Laguna to advance to the national finals after it annexed the North Luzon crown of the Nokia National Basketball Training Center D-League recently at the SBMA gym in Olongapo City.

The Volunteers completed a five-game sweep, including a 77-65 win over Angeles City in the finals of the three-day event backed by Nokia Philippines and TAO Corp.

Lomell Loyola, named the Most Valuable Player, was a steady presence for his team while teammates Armando Timpog (17 points), Raphael Galang (16) and Jomas Andrada took scoring honors in the game also supported by San Miguel Pure Foods Company, and Burlington.

Tristan Perez led Angeles City with 16 points.

Making up the Mythical Five were Carmelo Barrera and Timpog of Olongapo, Vincent Amparo of CSF La Union, Jasper Cutiongco of Angeles and John Manabat of Smart Pampanga.

Smart Pampanga settled for third after scoring an 83-74 win over Star Margarine-Baguio. Jerome Quiam-bao and Kyle Galang paced Pampanga with 15 each, followed by Aries Pineda (14).

On the way to the finals, the Volunteers beat CSF La Union (71-67), Smart Pampanga (60-53), Angeles City (78-73) and Star Margarine Baguio (83-74).

The finals will be held next month at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Up next are the Visayas regionals on April 22-24 in Dumaguete City and Mindanao regionals on April 29-May 1 in Cagayan de Oro City

MAYOR GORDON ON HEALTH: ‘’Delivering the Best Possible Health Care for Olongapeños”

Over seven thousand five hundred (7,500) drivers, together with their families, were all ears as Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. delivered his message to the people at the “Bingo Bong-gah Anne, Panalo ka Bayan” courtesy of Kalinga Community for Children last April 18, 2010 at the East Tapinac Oval Track (ETOT).

‘’Ang Olongapo ay nakatutok sa Health, Housing, Education, Environment, Livelihood, Labor, Peace and Order, Social Services and Sports o HELPS Program,’’ said Mayor Bong Gordon to the huge crowd.

‘’Pangunahing takbuhan ng mga residente ng Olongapo at ng mga karatig-bayan ang James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital (JLGMH). Mandato ng pagamutan na magbigay ng maayos, magaling at kalidad na serbisyo kaya naman patuloy ang pamahalaang lokal na ibigay ang mga pangangailangan ng pasilidad. Katunayan ay meron ng mga special at latest equipment ang pagamutan gaya ng mga ginagamit ng mga pagamutan sa Metro Manila ngayon,’’ Mayor Gordon said.

In a PowerPoint Presentation, Mayor Gordon showed the gathering photos of the hospital saying, ‘’The JLGMH is a city-run hospital having a total bed capacity of 317. Kabilang na dito ang 62 Semi-Private Rooms, 47 Private Rooms, 8 Suite Rooms, 164 Beds (ward), 8 Intensive Care Units (ICU) and 28 Neo-natal Intensive Care Units (NICU).’’

Mayor Gordon proudly showed slides of images of new and up-to-date machines and equipment that JLGMH now boasts of like the CT Scan, EGD Machine, Anesthesia Machine, Operating Table, Dermatone, Laparoscopic TV Camera & Video System, UES-40 Electrocautery Machine, Electro hydraulic Lithotripsy, Choledochofiberscope, Video Telescope, Hand Surgery Set, Basic Cardio Vascular Set, Femur Bone Instrument Set, Basic Forearm Instrument Set, Orthopedic Instrument Set, Urethelithotomy Set, Uterine Evacuation Set, Caesarian Section Set, Abdominal Gynecological Operation Set, Dilatation and Curettage Set, Major Rectal Instrument Set, Skin Graft Set, Radical Mastectomy Set, Thyroidectomy Set, Gastro Intestinal Set, Abdominal Perineal Resection Set, Colpotomy Set, Episiotomy or Laceration Repair Set, Patient Monitor, Incubators and Autoclave Machine, among others.

‘’Patuloy pa nating ibibigay ang pangangailangan ng JLGMH na maituturing nating kayamanan na dapat nating pangalagaan dahil dapat lamang na magandang uri ng medical treatment ang dapat makuha ng bawat Olongapeño,’’ Mayor Gordon said referring to the H (Health) in his HELPS Program.

Mayor Bong Gordon presents to the drivers and their family the HELPS Program of the city focusing on Health and James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital (JLGMH) during the ‘’Binggo Bonggah-Anne, Panalo Ka Bayan!’’ of Kalinga Community for Children on April 14, 2010. INSET: Mayor Gordon with JLGMH Medical Director Dr. Art Mendoza and City Health Officer Dr. Arnie Tamayo give the thumbs-up sign on the new CT Scan of the JLGMH.

FL ANNE GORDON: ‘’Maraming Salamat sa Tiwala, Suporta at Pag-mamahal’’

Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Gov. acknowledged and thanked the different sectors who have given her their trust and support as vice governor of Zambales. FL Anne Gordon has expressed her gratitude before the seven thousand five hundred drivers and their families at the East Tapinac Oval Track (ETOT) at the recently held “Bingo Bong-gah-Anne, Panalo ka Bayan” brought to the people by Kalinga Community for Children.

‘’Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga vendors, drivers, senior citizens, teachers, Non Government Organizations (NGO) at iba pa na tumulong sa akin at nagtiwala habang ako ay naka-upo bilang ikalawa sa pinaka-mataas na opisyal ng Zambales,’’ said FL Anne Gordon.

‘’Naniniwala ako na kung ano ang iyong itinanim ay iyon din ang iyong aanihin. Kung ikaw ay nagtanim ng pagmamahal, pagmamahal din ang iyong aanihin. Habang ako ay naka-upo bilang Vice Gov. ng Zambales ay aking pinagbuti ang aking trabaho kaya naman hindi napahiya ang Olongapo at walang makakapag-sabi na hindi ako nag-trabaho bilang Vice Governor ng Zambales.

‘’Higit ko pang pagsusumikapan na maging mabuting opisyal ng Unang Distrito ng Zambales, muli sa pamamagitan ng inyong tiwala at suporta,’’ said FL Anne Gordon who is now aiming for the lone Congressional seat in the 1st District of Zambales.

MAYOR GORDON: Prioritize Health Centers

‘’Tuloy-tuloy ang mga programang pang-kalusugan ng Lokal na Pamahalaan para sa mga Olongapeños,’’ Mayor James ‘’Bong’’ Gordon, Jr. said before the residents of Brgy. Gordon Heights at the ‘’Bingo Bong-gah Anne, Panalo Ka Bayan’’ courtesy of Kalinga Community for Children at Acacia St. Basketball Court on April 21, 2010.

‘’Sa ilalim ng Health ng HELPS Program ay patuloy ang mga pagbabagong isinasagawa sa labing-pitong (17) Barangay Health Centers ng lungsod kabilang na ang upgrading ng facilities at equipment sa pamamagitan ng paglalagay ng Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC). Sa katunayan ay anim (6) na sa mga Barangay Health Centers natin ay maaari ng manganak ang mga kababaihang buntis samantalang ang dalawa (2) pang mga barangay ay nasa proseso na ng upgrading,’’ added Mayor Bong Gordon.

With the assistance of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Barangays New Cabalan, Gordon Heights, Barretto, New Kababae, Kalaklan and Pag-Asa are already accredited and now have BEmONC facilities while the Barangays East Bajac-Bajac and West Bajac-Bajac Health Centers are still waiting for their accreditation.

‘’Because we want best health care especially for those who have less in life, kaya naman patuloy ang pagtutok natin sa City Health Office at sa mga Barangay Health Centers upang sa gayo’y ang mga Olongapeños ay may option kung saan nila nais makakuha ng serbisyong medical at hindi na kinakailangang pang mag-siksikan sa James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital kung mag papa-check-up lamang,’’ Mayor Gordon said.

Mayor Bong presents to the residents of Gordon Heights the upgraded equipment & facilities implemented by the city in the seventeen (17) Barangay Health Centers under the Health of his HELPS Program during the ‘’Binggo Bonggah-Anne, Panalo Ka Bayan!’’ of Kalinga Community for Children at Acacia St. Brgy. Gordon Heights on April 21, 2010.

ANNE GORDON VOWS MORE SUPPORT TO JAMES L. GORDON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon has pledged continuing and enhanced support to James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital (JLGMH) if elected Congresswoman of the first district of Zambales.

“Bilang unang ginang ng Olongapo at bise-gobernador ng Zambales ay nasaksihan ko ang serbisyong ibinibigay ng JLGMH hindi lamang sa mga Olongapeño kundi pati na rin sa mga pasyente mula sa kalapit-bayan sa Zambales. Araw-araw ay napakaraming promissory notes at discount requests ang aking pinipirmahan upang matulungan ang ating mga kababayan,” Anne Gordon explained.

“Kaya naman lubos kong naiintindihan ang suportang kailangan ng JLGMH upang patuloy na makapaglingkod sa publiko. Huwag po kayong maniniwala sa mga paninirang ibinabato tungkol sa JLGMH sapagkat ang ospital na ito po lamang ang tanging pampublikong ospital na natatakbuhan ng ating mga kababayan sa Olongapo man o sa Zambales. Sa katunayan, tertiary level 4 na ang James L.Gordon Hospital pagdating sa serbisyo at facilities,” she added.

It can be recalled that thru the leadership of Vice-Governor Anne Gordon as Presiding Officer of the Provincial Board, resolutions were passed allowing the provincial government to improve the service and facilities of public hospitals in Zambales.

Meanwhile, the city government of Olongapo under the leadership of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr., is continuously improving the facilities and services of JLGMH thru the construction of a new building (Medical Arts Building) and facilities, computerization of medical and billing records, procurement of modern hospital equipment and by providing incessant training to medical and non-medical personnel to achieve first-rate patient services.

Irish champ rider cruises to fame in Subic

SUBIC , Philippines – Multi-titled Irish rider David McCann formally captured the Le Tour de Filipinas overall individual championship yesterday, capping a dominating performance by ruling the short but punishing out-and-back final stage here.

After relaxing a little in the last two days, McCann buckled down to work again, ruling the Subic-Subic ride in a class act that could well be remembered for ages in the annual local tour.

McCann, the 37-year-old three-time Irish national road race champion and five-time national time-trial winner, completey dominated the final day, topping the intermediate sprint and one of the two featured KOM (King of the Mountain) stages.

At the close of the four-day tour, the Irish ace emerged overall individual champion as well as sprint king and co-KOM winner with South African Jaques Janse Van Rensburg.

The foreign riders wiped out the local opposition in the final stage, with German Sacha Damrow finishing second, followed by Japanese Yuzuru Suzuki, South African Allen Travis then Van Rensburg.

Two-time Padyak Pinoy winner Santy Barnachea was the best Filipino finisher, crossing the finish line at Boardwalk inside Subic Base two minutes and 32 seconds behind McCann.

As in the Tagaytay-Tagaytay stage that also featured stiff climbs, McCann proved a class of his own, flashing by his lonesome at the finish of the second and final KOM run just outside the SBMA Morong Gate.

Then he slowed down, waiting for Damrow to join him for the big final push.

In the last 400 meters, the two riders parted ways, with McCann proving he’s the best there is, beating Damrow in the sprint.

“It’s a tough race and I’m happy to win it,” said McCann, the Giant Asian Racing team main man who added the Le Tour de Filipinas crown to his vast collection of championships on the Asian tour.

Asked whether he still dreams of competing in the Tour de France, McCann said: “I had my chance. I would rather compete in Asia and enjoy probably the last three years of riding.”

McCann stands to earn P170,000 just for his two-stage victory in the 2010 Le Tour de Filipinas, a prelude to a much bigger race next year.

“I will look forward to it,” said McCann, who could’ve been a Tour de France veteran by now if not for a suspension slapped him by the UCI after testing positive for a banned substance in 2002.

McCann and his Giant ART teammates leave for Malaysia today to compete in two short races there.

The towering Irish rider, using a European-standard bike with a 175cm and 55-arm plate (compared to local standard’s 170cm and 55-arm), clocked 11:29.20 in four stages covering a total distance of 468.8 kilometers.

Lloyd Reynante finished second 6:45 behind, followed by Baler Ravina (6:47), Damrow (7:09), Irish Valenzuela (8:33), Van Rensburgh (8:42) Joel Calderon (9:36), Oscar Rendole (11:13), Arnel Quirimit (11:13) and Ronnel Hualda (11:45).

Only 85 riders out of a starting field of 105 finished the race.

Reynante said they opted not to fight anymore yesterday, seeing the futility of it all.

“Not anymore. It’s tough with my fellow Filipinos all eyes on me, instead of focusing on our foreign rivals,” said Reynante.

The Calderon-led Smart team made a strong first-place finish on the final day to zoom past American Vinyl for the overall team championship.

American Vinyl settled for second with 7-Eleven coming in third, followed by Batang Tagaytay, Extra Joss, Air21 and CNN Sportswear-Colossi. by Nelson Beltran, The Philippine Sta