USS Frank Cable sailors planted trees and cleaned up the Parola shoreline

On their third day of community service activity in Olongapo City and Subic, Zambales, the crew of USS Frank Cable became champions of the environment. This after their visit at Ninos Pagasa Orphanage last Tuesday and at Ilwas Elementary School yesterday where they repainted school rooms, refurbished its furniture and electrical fixtures, did medical and dental consultations, and had fun games with the community. See related story..

Joined by the Bagumbayan Volunteers, trainees of Olongapo Skills Training Center, staff of City Agriculture office, Environmental and Sanitation Management Office and Brgy Kalaklan.... they planted more than forty coconut trees and cleaned up the shorelines of brgy Kalaklan. More photos in this link

Brgy Chairman Jess Federico was very thankful to the crew of Cable for selecting his area for the venue of the environmental project of the sailors.

Certificates signed by Mayor Bong Gordon were distributed to the Cable Volunteers for their efforts and as proof of their participation in the Arbor Day activity of the city.

LCdr Ronald Rinaldi for his part gave the group a plaque for the cooperation, friendship and hospitality of the Olongapo volunteers.

Link with more photos......

PAGASA says no worries BUT Int'l forecasters says otherwise

PAGASA said that KABAYAN is too far to directly affect any part of the country. Their estimated rainfall amount is from 15 – 25 mm per hour within the 600 km diameter of the storm. (see PAGASA chart below)

But NASA's Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission prediction says otherwise, in fact, they are saying that there's enough rainfall going our way tonight till tomorrow that flood in our city is very likely. (NASA map below)

Weather-forecast.com and AccuWeather.com concurs with NASA's forecast... predicting 293mm precipitation, a recipe for flooding in a city such as Olongapo where 250mm and above is already too much for our drainage system to handle.
No harm in being prepared.... if it does not happen.... salamat sa Diyos.

Fri	Tide Set One	08:22 AM	1.31 m	05:10 PM	-0.01 m
	Tide Set Two
Sat	Tide Set One	09:08 AM	1.36 m	05:43 PM	-0.03 m
	Tide Set Two
Sun	Tide Set One	09:53 AM	1.38 m	06:13 PM	-0.02 m

High Tide tomorrow is 9:08am at 1.36 meters

July 31 UPDATE:

In a news article from PhilStar this morning (July 31) it already mentioned the possible flashfloods in our area.

The weather bureau yesterday warned residents of Bataan, Zambales and Pangasinan to watch out for flashfloods and landslides as typhoon “Kabayan” would continue to dump moderate to heavy rains over these areas in the next 24 hours.

Zambales highlights success in mobile passporting

Some 600 Zambaleños benefited in the recently concluded mobile passporting in the province which was sponsored by the office of the vice governor and the Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO).

The project, held last June 18 at the provincial capitol, was the second of a series of programs in the issuance of passports in the province. The passports were released to the applicants on July 16.

The PESO here, concurrently headed by Vice Governor Ramon Lacbain II, sees the project as a means to lessen the expenses incurred by those who wish to work abroad.

In teaming up with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), passport applications are brought to the applicant’s “door step” and lessen expenses especially in transportation.

A third passporting project is set to be launched on August 20 in San Antonio town. (WLB/AMV-PIA3/VGO)

PAGASA lowered public storm warning signal, BUT this blogger believes that Olongapenos SHOULD brace for anticipated FLOODING

Be ready for flooding, may not be as bad as Ondoy but could be somewhere near it.

Olongapo City 1 – 3 Day Weather Forecast Summary: Heavy rain (total 278mm), heaviest during Fri night, Wind will be generally light.

250mm and above precipitation means flooding in our city.

While PAGASA Enhanced Satellite Image and Track of Storm Juaning indicate lesser disturbance prompting them to lower storm warning signals. This observer believe that such public announcement can be detrimental to our constituency in Olongapo City because people may lower their guards thinking that the worst is over.....

PAGASA's focus is on the strenght and movement of the storm. This writer's focus is on anticipating the volume of water that will pour in Olongapo City, a flood prone locality.

NASA's Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission predicts that we will be flooded.

International Weather forecasts indicate that we will be flooded tomorrow afternoon til night.... I have been reading their forecast for years.... and this is one of the very few instances when a 97mm precipitation forecast was raised.

Tide charts are provided below for added reference.

PREDICTED HOURLY HEIGHT OF TIDE
Subic Bay, Zambales
Philippine Date: Thursday, July 28, 2011

HOUR	HEIGHT	HOUR	HEIGHT
2400	0.42	1200	0.45
0100	0.51	1300	0.25
0200	0.61	1400	0.09
0300	0.73	1500	-0.02
0400	0.86	1600	-0.06
0500	0.98	1700	-0.05
0600	1.07	1800	0
0700	1.11	1900	0.07
0800	1.08	2000	0.14
0900	1	2100	0.21
1000	0.85	2200	0.26
1100	0.66	2300	0.32

Time

Height

Time

Height

Thu	Tide Set One	07:34 AM	1.23 m	04:34 PM	0.04 m
	Tide Set Two
Fri	Tide Set One	08:22 AM	1.31 m	05:10 PM	-0.01 m
	Tide Set Two
Sat	Tide Set One	09:08 AM	1.36 m	05:43 PM	-0.03 m

Disaster Risk Reduction Management Personnel and Rescue operatives should be placed on heightened alert.

Constituents MUST be fairly warned.

Better be safe than sorry...

USS Frank Cable crew visited Olongapo for a community service project

Forty-three sailors and officers led by Cdr. Troy Borema and LCdr Ronald Rinaldi visited Ninos Pagasa Orphanage in Old Cabalan, Olongapo City yesterday for their community service activities.

They repainted the interior of the orphanage, repaired electrical fixtures, replaced cushions and leather covers of sofas, donated tables and bookshelves.

Medical and dental consultations were also conducted followed by fun games with the locals.

Emely Gonzales said that they have more than 30 visually/hearing impaired students in the facility and that around fifty (including some members of the community) benefited from the sailor’s activity. She (in behalf of the kids) expresses profound appreciation to the kindness of Frank Cable crew.

Submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) arrived in Subic Bay in the Republic of the Philippines 22 July 2011. Cable's main mission is to conduct maintenance and support of submarines and surface vessels deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

Frank Cable is scheduled to perform various shipboard repairs while inport to include replacing fittings, handrails and parts of the hull. During this time, a Los Angeles-class attack submarine will also pull alongside, so Frank Cable can provide material and preservation support.

For many Sailors onboard Frank Cable (home-ported in Guam), this is the first time they have visited the Republic of the Philippines.

Capt. Hildreth encouraged the crew to explore the city during their down time, and hopes his Sailors will enjoy themselves and experience all that the area has to offer.

Aviation Concepts Opens Subic Bay FBO

Business aircraft operators frustrated by the lack of space, inconvenient access and uncompetitive prices at key airports in the Asia-Pacific region now have an alternative with the opening by Aviation Concepts of a new FBO (Fixed Based Operator) at Subic Bay in the Philippines. Aviation Concepts is offering landing approvals in hours rather than days, with technical stop turnarounds in just 45 minutes and at rates that are a fraction of those charged in places such as Hong Kong and Tokyo.

The 100,000-sq-ft facility at the former military base complements the U.S. company’s existing operation on the Pacific island of Guam. This was set up expressly to serve operators needing an alternative to Tokyo.

According to Aviation Concepts CEO Terry Habeck, the lack of support infrastructure for business aircraft in Asia is resulting in worsening operational headaches and rising costs. In his view this situation is set to worsen with the anticipated new aircraft deliveries into the region over the next few years coupled with the slow pace of new FBO developments in that part of the world.

Much of the traffic using Subic Bay will be heading to or from Hong Kong, which is about 80 minutes’ flight time from there. According to Habeck, the business aviation ramp at Hong Kong International Airport is full much of the time and there is practically no remaining hangar capacity. Subic Bay, where there is no airline activity to constrain capacity, can also provide overspill capacity for Singapore (120 minutes’ flight time away) and Tokyo (180 minutes).

“It can take three to five days to get [permission to fly] into Hong Kong,” stated Habeck. “Then it’s $4,000 just to land and you can’t get a hangar, but if you could it would cost up to $30,000 per month.” Many operators flying into Hong Kong also want to fly into mainland China, where airport infrastructure for business aircraft is even more restricted. Habeck claimed that aircraft parked outside at Hong Kong can be damaged by corrosive chemicals nearby factories emit into the atmosphere.

According to Habeck’s estimates, the typical handling cost for a Bombardier Challenger flying into Hong Kong would be $3,200 (with towing charged additionally at $250 per move), and clearing customs and immigration would cost an additional $600. At Subic Bay, the handling charge from Aviation Concepts would be just $200. As of press time, the cost of jet-A was approximately $3.50 per gallon compared with $5.31 in Hong Kong. Hangar space is available at Subic Bay for around $5,000 per month.

Aviation Concepts is already providing line maintenance at Subic Bay and the company has been in talks with aircraft manufacturers with a view to achieving authorized service center status. Habeck said that the Philippines offers an excellent source of qualified, industrious and English-speaking personnel.

The new Subic Bay base, which is IS-BAO and Argus Platinum approved, already has half a dozen aircraft using it regularly and two more are due to arrive for the first time in August. The FBO can accommodate about 20 aircraft simultaneously. By: Charles Alcock ainonline.com

PAGASA raised Public Storm Warning Signal #2

Tropical Storm "JUANING" has slightly intensified as it moves toward Quezon area and increases its threat to Southern and Central Luzon.

Winds of 61-100 kph is expected in at least 24 hrs

International weather forecasters predict heavy rains Wednesday.

Tide is high from two to nine in the morning, peaking at around 6am with 1.15 meter

Low lying flood prone areas are advised to take precautionary measures.

Classes suspended for elementary and high school level.

Olongapo City 1 – 3 Day Weather Forecast Summary: Heavy rain (total 185mm), heaviest during Wed afternoon, Warm (max 28°C on Thu morning, min 26°C on Tue night), Wind will be generally light

High Tide		Low Tide
		Time	Height	Time	Height
Wed	Tide Set One	06:44 AM	1.15 m	03:55 PM	0.11 m
	Tide Set Two
Thu	Tide Set One	07:34 AM	1.23 m	04:34 PM	0.04 m
	Tide Set Two
Fri	Tide Set One	08:22 AM	1.31 m	05:10 PM	-0.01 m

Olongapo City Police Office - Best PCR Unit of the Year (CY 2010-11 CPO Category)

The city government of Olongapo congratulates Olongapo City Police Office for receiving Plaque of Recognition for having been adjudged as Best Police Community Relations Unit of the Year (CY 2010-11 CPO Category) given on July 4, 2011 during the Kick-off Ceremony of the 16th Police Community Relations Month at Camp Olivas, San Fernando City, Pampanga..

more photos in this link

Olongapo City - Gawang Gapo - MYRNA'S BEADS & FASHION ACCESSORIES

This week's exhibitor for the Gawang Gapo product exhibit booth is MYRNA'S BEADS & FASHION ACCESSORIES (owner - Myrna Lamsen)

REVIEW OF DIVE SHOPS’ OPERATIONS IN OLONGAPO

Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. has ordered a thorough study of the prevailing practices, rules and regulations in the operations of dive shops in Olongapo City.

“Ito ay upang mapangalagaan ang kaligtasan kapwa ng mga lokal at dayuhang turista, partikular ang mga divers na mahalagang bahagi ng industriya ng turismo sa lungsod,” remarked Mayor Gordon.

The directive followed the recent drowning incident involving two (2) divers identified as American Steven Brittain, 47, former US Navy sailor and at the time of his death a diving instructor at Johan’s Dive Shop in Barangay Barretto, and Chinese national Shun Chuen Tin, 39 years old.

Rescuers retrieved Tin’s body on Monday night, July 18, from the shipwreck of the scuttled USS New York in Subic Bay, a day after they were declared missing,while the body of Brittian was retrieved the following morning of July 19.

Another diver, Chinese Fong Long Chow, 59 years old, survived the incident.

Rescuers said the victims were trapped near the engine room, the deepest and most dangerous part of the shipwreck.

The dive sites around Subic Bay offer some of the world’s most incredible shipwrecks, mainly remnants of two wars, the US-Spanish war of 1898 and World War II, aside from breathtaking coral reefs and marine life.

Olongapo City - Metro Olongapo Chamber of Commerce, Inc. 26th General Membership Meeting

The 26th General Membership Meeting of Metro Olongapo Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (MOCCI) was held last Thursday, July 21, 2011 at Max's Restaurant with Mr. Roberto Garcia, SBMA Chairman as their  Guest of Honor and Speaker.

Olongapo City - Committee Meeting on Environment Protection, Urban Planning, Lands, Housing and Zoning

Committee Meeting on Environment Protection, Urban Planning, Lands, Housing and Zoning last July 21, 2011. 

OCPO RECEIVES PCR AWARD

Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO) has once again bested different police offices in Central Luzon in having the Best Police Community Relations (PCR) Unit.

Regional Director Police Chief Superintendent Edgardo Ladao handed the plaque of recognition to acting City Director Police Senior Superintendent Arthur Felix E. Asis on July 4, 2011 at Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

”The celebration aims to enhance public awareness and to harness the community’s trust, confidence and involvement in crime prevention,” Mayor James “Bong” Gordon said.

At the initiative of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) this year’s PCR Awards theme is “Matatag na ugnayan ng Mamamayan at Kapulisan Tungo sa Mapayapa at Ligtas na Pamayanan”.

The month long celebration is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation Number 764, declaring the month of July of every year as PCR Month where police and community partnership towards the maintenance of peace and order is highlighted.

In relation to PCR Month, the OCPO continuously conducts a series of lectures/information dissemination campaign on illegal drugs abuse, crime prevention and anti-human trafficking in the seventeen (17) barangays in Olongapo.

Olongapo City - Oath Taking of the Newly Elected Officers in Division Federation of Supreme Student/Pupil Government (SSG/SPG)

Oath Taking of the Newly Elected Officers in  Division Federation of Supreme Student/Pupil Government (SSG/SPG)  during the flag-raising ceremony at Rizal Triangle Multi Purpose Covered Court on July 18, 2011.