U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in Subic for the annual Amphibious Landing Exercise

SUBIC BAY, Republic of the Philippines -The USS Essex (LHD 2), arrives here to unload Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, for participation in the annual Amphibious Landing Exercise, Oct. 22. PHIBLEX maintains interoperability of forces and increases readiness of participating units. The 31st MEU is operating in support of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade for the exercise, is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and remains the United States’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. Pfc. Michael Oxton

SUBIC BAY, Republic of the Philippines — The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived here, Oct. 22, to participate in the bilateral Amphibious Landing Exercise.

During the exercise, the Marines and Sailors of the 31st MEU will be working hand-in-hand with their Philippine counterparts.

“Our main mission is to conduct a bilateral exercise with the Philippine military to promote security engagement in the region,” said Lt. Col. Gary Roesti, the executive officer of the 31st MEU. “We will also be conducting civil military operations, which consist of community relations projects, as well as medical and dental care for the Philippine citizens that need it. Through doing this we have the chance to better improve our partnership with the Philippine country.”

For most of the Marines this will be the first time they have set foot in a foreign country, and they are looking forward to learning a new culture and interacting with the Philippine military forces.

“I’d like to be able to learn what the Philippine Marines are all about,” said Cpl. Eric L. Page, a military policeman with the 31st MEU. “I’ve never worked with them, so I would like to know how they run things.”

Page went on to say he also wanted to learn the similarities between the Philippine Marines and U.S. Marines and is looking forward to making some friends during the exercise.

Marines also expressed interest in interacting with civilians, many of whom may have not seen Marines before.

“We are working with Philippine forces right here,” said Page. “So we are looking forward to start interacting with the public and letting them know we are here to help them and work together.”

PHIBLEX is an opportunity to conduct training which is vital to maintaining the readiness and interoperability of the U.S. and the Republic of the Philippines military forces.

The 31st MEU is operating in support of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade for the exercise, is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and remains the United States’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. By Cpl. Garry J. Welch , 31st MEU - marines.mil

Hermosa locator to hire 3,000 workers

HERMOSA, Bataan--Hermosa Mayor Danny Malana said Sumi Philippines Wiring Systems Corp.is taking in about 3,000 workers once it starts full operation next year.

The Japanese firm, which is engaged in manufacturing, exporting and sales of automotive wiring harness and maintenance service, is a major locator at Hermosa Ecozone Industrial Park.

Malana said Sumi has invested about P300 million to put up its facility.

Earlier, SPWS president Takashi Takagaki said the plant site and design are tailored to ensure safe working conditions and compliance to labor laws.

According to Malana, HEIP is a 165-hectare industrial estate component in a 478-hectare mixed-use property development in the municipality.

Locators have access to the international seaport and airport facilities of Subic, along with Clark and Bataan freeport and economic zones. Butch Gunio - manilastandardtoday.com

ADB OKs P17.5-M grant for coastal management projects in Zambales

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved P17.1-million worth of livelihood assistance to fund coastal resource management projects in nine municipalities of the province.

Zambales provincial agriculturist Dr. Rene Mendoza said the selected fisherfolk, non-government organizations (NGOs) and people’s organizations will be receiving equipment, facilities and materials for predetermined livelihood projects under the Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project (ICRMP) of the Department of Agriculture.

The beneficiaries come from the towns of Sta. Cruz, Candelari, Masinloc, Palauig, Iba, Cabangan, San Felipe, San Antonio and Subic.

Zambales is the first province in Region 3 to receive funding under the ICRMP program for Enterprise Development and Income Diversification.

Provincial agriculturist Reynaldo Reologio said the ICRMP has four components: Policy and Institutional Strengthening and Development; ICRM and Biodiversity Conservation; Enterprise Development and Income Diversification; and Social and Environmental Services and Facilities.

The projects were approved after the Zambales NGOs and People’s Organizations (POs), with the assistance of the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), prepared and submitted project proposals for cooperative enterprises to the Department of Agriculture, which assessed the proposals.

Reoligio said the department will also be responsible for monitoring and providing further administrative and management assistance to the recipient organizations to ensure that the projects will prosper.

Funding that were initially approved for release are: P464,467.39 for a rice retailing and meat and fish processing facility in Subic town; P204,375.40 for tilapia production in San Felipe; P943,624.04 for natural salt production in Botolan; P387,074.85 for iodized salt processing and mudcrab fattening projects in Palauig; and P478,518.20 for a hog fattening farm in Sta. Cruz.

The assistance program requires that the recipient organization, upon earning back the full capital invested, can only retain 50 percent of the amount. The other half would have to be donated to a municipal federation of farmers or fishermen to fund more local entrepreneur projects, Reologio added.

“These projects augur well with the program of Governor Ebdane to develop the agriculture sector in the province,” Mendoza said.

He said under the governor’s administration, the PAO has become more active in assisting farmers and fisherfolk throughout Zambales on projects and activities that enhance their livelihood and industry.

“After the governor approved a half-million increase in our department’s budget, we have also improved our mobility and facilities and became more capable of rendering services under our mandate,” Mendoza said.

Recently, the PAO has also facilitated the distribution of gill nets to fishermen’s cooperatives in the towns of Palauig and Masinloc. Before that, the office also facilitated the distribution of 432,000 tilapia fingerlings that were dispersed in rivers and lakes in the province. By JONAS REYES - mb.com.ph

2,200 US Marines arriving at Subic for Military Exercise

Approximately 2,200 U.S. Marines assigned to the 31st U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit will begin military and humanitarian exercises in the Philippines.

Amphibious Landing Exercise PHIBLEX is a bilateral training exercise among Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) Sailors, and units from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown, together with USS Essex and the transport dock ship USS Denver is set to arrive at Subic Bay Freeport.

The 31st MEU will work with members of the Philippine marine corps on disaster preparedness, community development, and humanitarian assistance projects. The 28th annual exercise, which will take place at various locations across the country, is expected to last throughout the month.

“Thousands of local residents will benefit” from the medical and engineering projects, the news release states. “PHIBLEX 2012 perpetuates a long and lasting partnership founded firmly on common heritage between freedom loving countries committed to the preservation of liberty and democracy.”

The MEU is currently deployed with elements of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, which departed Sasebo last month for its patrol.

Jet Boat Saves Lives in Philippine Floods

It started as a sales' call and turned into a rescue mission. In the end, a single boat helped save 1,200 people. SJX's specialized jet boat - semi-flat bottomed, strong aluminum sides, able to carry loads of more than 2,200 pounds - was put into action immediately after the late September typhoon that hit the Philippines.

It started as a sales' call and turned into a rescue mission. In the end, a single boat helped save 1,200 people.

SJX's specialized jet boat - semi-flat bottomed, strong aluminum sides, able to carry loads of more than 2,200 pounds - was put into action immediately after the late September typhoon that hit the Philippines. Subsequent flooding from Typhoon Nesat displaced more than 100,000 people and left 50 dead.

SJX, based in Orofino, Idaho, had sent demonstration boats to the Philippines just months earlier to show government officials how effective the boats could be in times of emergency. These jet boats - called the Muscle Jon - can operate in water as shallow as 4 inches deep, and have a specialized bottom coating along with a tunnel system for the jet drive that allows it to work in debris-littered water.

"In flood situations, our boats have to be able to operate in the midst of an unbelievable amount of debris and also be able to withstand hits by large items," said Steve Stajkowski, owner of SJX.

The boat used in the rescue operation was sent to the flood stricken area of Bulacan province, Stajkowski said. And while the boats are rated for 2,200 pounds, they can carry up to twice that in certain conditions. The one used in the rescue operation carried up to 15 people at a time, in addition to their possessions and the boat's crew.

Use of the boat drew thanks - and an apology - from the disaster management office from the Philippine city of Olongapo. The official noted that the jet boat had been hit by the roof of a house that had been swept by raging waters.

"This incident happened when the jet boat was tasked to rescue a pregnant woman and her family with four children," the official wrote, adding that the roof began dragging the boat down the river. "Fortunately, the operator successfully maneuvered the boat away from the roof, thus transporting its passengers to safety."

Typhoons are common in the Philippines and search and rescue operations are frequent. While SJX typically makes its jet boats for the recreation market, used for fishing, hunting and river camping, it more recently has found a niche in law enforcement and government. The company sold 24 boats to the military in Ecuador to be used to catch drug traffickers that use the region's vast waterways to avoid detection. Search and rescue is now another function for these unique shallow-water type jetboats.

"In 2007, we started designing boats for the military, for harbor patrol, for search and rescue," said Stajkowski. "There are a lot of rivers around the world that have black water - water that is so filled with mud and debris that you can't see what is underneath the surface, and more so in flood-stricken areas. These types of conditions are exactly why this type of boat was designed."

Labor agency issues recommendations for Subic shipyard

THE Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) issued seven recommendations to a Subic shipyard company whose operations have recently killed six and injured others last October 7.

Although it withheld penalties for Keppel Shipyard Inc. (KSI), the agency nevertheless said that it should accredit all safety officers of the company and its subcontractors.

Other recommendations include employing at least two full-time accredited safety practitioners who will oversee and implement the company's safety program and the submission of the company's Annual Health Safety Environment (HSE) action plan that will be approved by the agency.

The company's safety officers should also attend a five-day Construction Safety Training conducted by the Occupational Safety and health Center (OSHC) or with an accredited safety training organizations, the Dole said.

The agency's two other proposals include the installation of two tower posts of a bigger diameter on each side of the stern ramp instead of just one tower post placed in the middle of the ramp, the regular checking and calibration of cables prior to any repairs on the ramp, and the proper installation and regular inspection by structural engineers of scaffoldings over 10 meters high and all other installations constructed over the scaffoldings.

These recommendations were made by the agency's inspection team immediately after the tragedy, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said.

"KSI management should implement these seven corrective measures on occupational safety and health to avoid the recurrence of the recent mishap in the said shipyard," said Baldoz. "These are short and long term recommendations, which should be undertaken to avoid a possible recurrence of the accident."

Last October 7, a 42-ton steel ramp being erected at the Keppel shipyard collapsed on a group of workers, killing six people and injuring several others.

Based on the report of Labor Undersecretary for Labor Standards and Social Protection Lourdes Trasmonte, several occupational safety and health (OSH) standards were violated.

These violations include inadequate support of the ramp being retrofitted, no design by structural engineer for scaffoldings more than 10 meters high, the temporary electrical installation suspended in the tube and coupler scaffolds, and no Dole-accredited safety practitioners, and no first-aid medical practitioners.

Dole has withheld imposing penalties, pending a report from the Senate inquiry called by Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada. (AMN/Sunnex sunstar.com.ph)

Zambales, Gapo managers back dual training system for students

The province’s Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) and the People’s Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) Subic Chapter is pushing for a mutually beneficial training system that would enhance the learning capabilities of students and address the human resources needs of establishments in the province.

PMAP is a nationwide organization of Human Resources (HR) managers.

The Dual Training System (DTS), which was enacted into law by the government in 1994 through Republic Act 7686, is a mode of training delivery that combines theoretical and practical training.

It is called "Dual" because the training happens in two venues – the school and the company. In usual DTS set-up, the student-trainee is in school once every week while the rest of the days of the week the student works and trains in the company.

Vice Governor and PESO manager Ramon Lacbain II sees that the partnership between the school and the company that will try the system will greatly improve the skills of students, which will be of good use once they graduate and land into suitable jobs.

PMAP president Lyn Amor Doble, also an HR manager of Hitachi Philippines located inside the Subic Bay Freeport, said that the DTS will considerably increase the manpower needs of companies that will adopt the system.

Companies participating in the program will also have the chance to sharpen the skills of students, a form of companies’ social responsibility, Doble said.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region 3 director Teodoro Gatchalian was invited to discuss some more with HR managers and company and school representatives from Olongapo City, the Freeport and the province on the importance of DTS in relation to RA 7686.

Gatchalian said that based from the provision, the DTS system is divided into two: 40 percent for in-school training while 60 percent will be spent for in-plant or company training.

The regional Ddrector added that the DTS will require students to train with the participating company from 18 months up to two years with allowance. by Allen M. Villa (WLB/AMV/PIA Zambales/VGO)

Subic Freeport seeks expansion in Bataan

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is firming up plans to extend the freeport’s area in Hermosa town, Bataan province.

Hermosa town Mayor Danilo Malana said the provincial council has already passed a resolution authorizing at least 200 hectares in his town to be declared as additional secure areas under the Subic Bay Special Economic Zone.

The local chief executive expressed interest in initially developing land areas in Tipo village, saying it was suitable for eco-tourism. The area is approximately a 10-minute drive from Subic Freeport and about 25 minutes from Clark.

“We will need an exit from SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) to Hermosa,” Malana said, noting that this would facilitate the movement of goods and people to and from the area.

The SBMA said the development will redound to the mutual benefit of the SBMA and the town of Hermosa.

The project aims to create synergy in development and commercial projects that have large multiplier effects on local economies, and pool scarce resources towards better and more efficient project development and implementation. -- Anthony Bayarong - philstar.com

Zambales to export Pinatubo sand to Singapore

Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane yesterday said the provincial government will start exporting lahar sand from Mount Pinatubo to Singapore.

Ebdane inked a contract with BlueMax Tradelink Inc., a Filipino company with contacts in Singapore, for the dredging of the Bucao River in Botolan, Maculcol River in San Felipe, and Sto. Tomas River in San Marcelino.

He said the Bucao and Sto. Tomas rivers are the major waterways that drain from Mt. Pinatubo.

Ebdane said the provincial board passed a resolution charging P10 as extraction fee for every cubic meter of sand collected from the dredging project.

According to the governor, the provincial government stands to earn P4 million in monthly revenue.

Under the contract, Ebdane said 420,000 cubic meters of sand per month will be supplied to Singapore within a period of 18 months.

Aside from the extraction fee, local government units in Zambales will also have the opportunity to collect other charges like mineral tax and ore transport permit fee.

“We have so much sand from Pinatubo, and this has caused severe siltation of rivers and has often resulted in severe flooding in several towns and barangays,” Ebdane told reporters.

He said the provincial government has been paying dredging companies to remove sand from the rivers.

“Now, those who will dredge our rivers will pay us instead,” he added.

Ebdane said the sand to be extracted from Bucao and the other two dredging sites are heavy in metallic elements and would be processed before being exported to Singapore.

Clark Zapata, president of BlueMax, said his company was commissioned by Singaporean firms to supply sand for use in their reclamation and expansion projects.

By Ric Sapnu (philstar)

Olongapo City - 54th JOTA and 15th JOTI

54th JOTA and 15th JOTI

This is Philippine JOTA JOTI Station. The James L. Gordon Council of Olongapo City. We have 25 boys and girls participating this year. We are at echolink DU3EJP-L Please visit our JOTA JOTI Scouts page and leave a message for this year's jamboree. Happy JOTA JOTI fellow scouts!!!http://facebook.com/jotiscouts

more photos in this link

Olongapo City - Scouting Month 2011

October is Scouting Month. Everyone is encourage to support the programs and activities of the Local Scouting Movement under the theme "Scouting Builds Movement".

Olongapo City - commending Dr. Roland Fronda for composing Himno ng Olongapo

Dr. Roland Fronda received commendation for his invaluable contribution to the city's effort of conserving and promoting Olongapo's historical and cultural heritage through the Himno ng Olongapo, the official hymn of the city which he composed along with Mr. Allan Morada.

Olongapo City - winners in Math competition held in China & Singapore

Congratulations to the winners of the recently held 2011 International Mathematics Competition at Singapore and 2011 China Primary Math Olympiad:

a. Neil Joshua Patiag - Merit Priza

b. Mikhaela Marie Diaz - Bronze medal

-Bernardo Capili (coach)

Olongapo City - Gawang Gapo - JUBILEE HOMES FOR THE POOR

This week's exhibitor for the Gawang Gapo Product Exhibit Booth is JUBILEE HOMES FOR THE POOR - maker of recycled doormats made of scrap cloth. (contact person: Lolita Mahan).

Olongapo City - Relief goods from Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce

Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce headed by President Danny J. Piano gave relief goods to those who were affected by typhoon Pedring and Quiel last Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Sta. Rita Elementary School and Nagbaculao.

more photos in this link

Six dead in Subic Shipyard as ramp collapsed

Olongapo City Subic Bay News Philippines
theres an accident in keppel subic ship repair facility...as of now 5 dead and 8 injured... from MAYOR JAY KHONGHUN
Thursday at 10:44pm · Like · Comment
Andreas Fröschl, Ryle Lans Lacson and Joanna Racosas Ulanday like this.
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Roselynn Corpuz Pusing awww... tsk!
Thursday at 10:46pm

Vinzralf Fres what happened? send more details...please!
Thursday at 10:47pm

Bong Marquez names please!!
Thursday at 10:48pm

Miguel Balmaceda wth
Thursday at 10:48pm

Ashain Jade Valenzuela Grabe :(
Thursday at 10:50pm ·  1 person

Olongapo City Subic Bay News Philippines a ramp/scaffoldings collapsed and crushed the workers below
Thursday at 10:50pm

Roselynn Corpuz Pusing tsk tsk... tragic... condolences to their families... :(
Thursday at 10:52pm

Bong Marquez http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/10/07/11/4-subic-shipyard-workers-killed-accident
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Thursday at 10:54pm

Vinzralf Fres thanks admin..keep us updated on what is really happening in our city..thanks again.
Thursday at 10:54pm ·  1 person

Richard Losadio Kindly po... Sana ma i post ung mga name ng mga na injured person. Salamat po!
Thursday at 10:55pm

Ofelia Villaflor sana matulungan agad cla ng company...
Thursday at 10:56pm

Gladies De Guzman Medel ‎:(( awts
Thursday at 11:02pm

Ronaldo Chomat ano na nmn yan???!!!!!!!!!
Thursday at 11:11pm

Ronaldo Chomat asan na ba kayo?????
Thursday at 11:12pm

Olongapo City Subic Bay News Philippines Inform daw muna nila next of kins before they release the names. In consideration of the families affected by this tragedy
Thursday at 11:13pm ·  2 people

Ronaldo Chomat bakit d pareho ang mga balita???
Thursday at 11:13pm

Doc Do Little ano klase accident nangyari?
Thursday at 11:16pm

Olongapo City Subic Bay News Philippines We are in a dynamic world. Don't expect news that never changes.... Every minute every second life somewhere is being created and taken away
Thursday at 11:17pm ·  4 people

Doc Do Little calling safety officer ng shipyard
Thursday at 11:19pm

Olongapo City Subic Bay News Philippines Sa Lady of Lourdes hospital daw ay 9 ang injured at may nagtext din na nasa site ng accident... 6 ang sinasabing namatay. Remember these are breaking news and we are just trying to give you info as we get them from the field
Thursday at 11:28pm ·  4 people

Emy Nicolas why at lourdes hospital? bakit hnd sa gordon haspital dinala?
Thursday at 11:58pm

Vivian Atulan- Manzano anong klaseng accident?
Friday at 1:16am

Aubrey Bratinella eto poh ba yung sa DELTA? o sa HANjiN?
Friday at 2:04am

Olongapo City Subic Bay News Philippines Hindi sa hanjin au, sa Subic Shipyard, dating Philseco na binili na ng keppel.
Friday at 4:42am ·  1 person

Olongapo City Subic Bay News Philippines Ayon sa latest report, nasa critical condition ang ilang nasa ospital, lets pray for their recovery. Madami daw naputolan ng kamay at paa sa mga naaksidente dahil naipit sa scaffoldings (mga tubo) ng bumagsak na platform
Friday at 4:47am

Vivian Atulan- Manzano names please!!! good lord prayers for them'
Friday at 4:56am

Aubrey Bratinella my god.. lets pray for them po,,super sad ang news na yan.. i will definitely pray for them..:(
Friday at 4:59am

Ledor Merino because Lourdes hospital is the nearest hospital from keppel shipyard...
Friday at 7:13am

Roger Mendaros Sana mag-hire ang shipyard ng qualified Safety Officer at hindi iyong kunyari graduate lang ng college pero wala namang alam sa implementation ng proper safety procedures o wala pang experience. May website ang U.S.A. OSHA at saka CALOSHA para sa guidelines ng Safety. Doon mag-base para mag-develop ng local safety standards sa Shipyard na iyan. Marami din makukuhang information sa Shipyard Safety sa ibang website, hanapin lang kung saan kukunin. 29 1/2 years ako sa U.S. Shipyard pero hindi ako nakakita ng disgrasya na nangyayari diyan sa Subic. Naiiwasan ang disgrasya kung magaling ang Safety Officers ng Shipyard.Palakulin siya siya kung hindi marunong.
Friday at 7:54am ·  2 people

Doc Do Little ‎@Roger mendaros....100% agree ako sa sinabi mo correct ka dyan.
Friday at 4:33pm

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/10/08/11/death-toll-subic-shipyard-accident-climbs-6

ALAY LAKAD 2011 SET SUNDAY

Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. and former Zambales Vice-Governor and First Lady Anne Gordon together with the city government officials and employees will join the Alay Lakad 2011 on Sunday October 9, 2011.

With this year’s theme “Hakbang sa Pagbabago, Alay sa Kabataang Pilipino” signifies the foundation to help and promote the development and welfare of the youth.

The annual event, which will start at 5 a.m., is organized by the Alay Lakad Foundation, Inc. Olongapo in cooperation with different government agencies, civic organizations and non-government organization (NGOs) to support and finance the organization’s socio-economic projects for the out-of-school youth in the city.

“Ang Alay Lakad na ito ay isa lamang paraan upang matulungan natin ang mga kabataan na magkapag-aral at makapagtapos sa kursong kanilang nais at maging instrumento sa pagbuo ng pangarap ng kabataang Pilipino,” Mayor Gordon said.

Proceeds of the fund-raising campaign will benefit the out-of-school youth through educational assistance, skills training and livelihood programs.

Participants will assemble at the Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Covered Court and then tread the three (3) kilometer walk from the assembly point to R.M. Drive to Gordon Avenue passing thru 14th Street to Rizal Avenue to the Old Hospital Road to Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC), the final point.

Certificates of recognition and plaques of appreciation will then be given to outstanding individuals, groups and organizations for their invaluable support to the foundation.

“On behalf of the Olongapeño youth, I would like to extend my commendation and support to this year’s Alay-Lakad. I know that many Olongapeños have already benefited from the foundation’s scholarship programs and I hope that the non-government organizations (NGOs) will continue to support and to help the underprivileged,” Mayor Gordon added.

ASSISTANCE FOR “TRASH SLIDE” VICTIMS AT BGY. NEW CABALAN

The city government of Olongapo continues to provide assistance to victims of typhoon Pedring and closely monitor the condition and needs of families in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas in the city, including the victims of the trash slide at the dumpsite in Bgy. New Cabalan.

Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. and former Zambales Vice Governor First Lady Anne Gordon visited the affected families in New Cabalan together with representatives of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), City Health Office (CHO), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Environment and Sanitation Management Office (ESMO).

“Inilagay natin under a state of calamity ang Olongapo para mas mapabilis ang pagbibigay ng kinakailangang tulong at mailapit din natin sa Pangulong Aquino upang magkaroon tayo ng sapat na assistance para agad na makabangon ang mga nabiktima ng mga naganap na kalamidad sa ating lungsod,” Mayor Gordon explained as food bags were distributed and medical services were provided.

The affected families received medicines and food bags containing rice and canned goods. The families of the three landslide victims were given financial assistance.

“Nagpapatuloy ang aming pag-abot sa inyo ng mga kaukulang tulong upang makausad tayo mula sa mga nagdaang pagsubok sa ating lungsod,” FL Anne stated.

“Umaasa akong hindi na mauulit ang trahedyang ito sa sandaling maitayo na ang ating panukalang sanitary landfill sa lugar na ito,” Mayor Gordon said, adding that the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has already approved the loan that would be used to fund the construction of the landfill, a priority project of the city government.

1st CANVASSING FOR THE CITY FIESTA QUEEN ON OCTOBER 8

The 17 lovely candidates of the Search for Olongapo City Fiesta Queen are expected to show off their best in elegant evening wear in the 1st canvassing to be held on October 8, 2011 at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC).

This year’s city fiesta theme is “Baliktanaw”, reliving and reminiscing the hey days of Olongapo and inviting Olongapeños all over the world to come home and experience this “more-than-the-usual” fiesta.

Councilor James “Bugsy” Delos Reyes, as 2010-2011 City Fiesta Executive committee (EXECOM) chairman, will lead the said event.

“Sa nalalapit na pagdiriwang ng ating city fiesta ang lahat ng committee ay puspusan ng naghahanda para maging masaya at kapana-panabik ang mga event na magaganap na inaabangan ng mga Olongapeño,” said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr.

This year’s city fiesta beneficiaries are the Barangay Health Centers of the 17 barangays of the City, Tourism projects and for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Other activities slated for the celebration of the Olongapo City Fiesta 2011 include the Wow Artistang Gapo Ito (W.A.G.I.), a local talent search for the best talent in Olongapo, Kids’ Concert and Children’s Fashion Show on October 28, Cinemalaya Film Showing which will run from November 27 to 30, Drum and Lyre Competition and Lantern Parade on December 9 thru the coordination of the Department of Education (DepEd) Division of City Schools – Olongapo.

The much awaited City Fiesta Grand Parade will be held on the Fiesta date itself on December 30, 2011. The colorful and fun-filled parade will feature different floats and groups from various sectors of Olongapo City and celebrities from Metro-Manila.

SUSPECT IN KILLING AT BGY. WEST BAJAC-BAJAC, SURRENDERS

One of two suspects in the killing of 60-year-old Wilfredo Padel surrendered on October 5, 2011.

Olongapo City PNP Director Christopher Tambungan presented the suspect identified as Ronald Tamayo, 22 to Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. while the other suspect, Lincoln Catolico, 37, is still the subject of manhunt operation.

According to the initial investigation of Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO), Station 1, on October 1, Padel had a heated argument with Tamayo and Catolico because Padel was trying to get their land title from his common-law partner, Trinidad Castillo, grandmother of Tamayo.

When the argument worsened, the two suspects pulled knives and stabbed Padel. The victim managed to retaliate by hitting them with a dustpan but Padel fell on the ground when the two continued to maul and stab him. The suspects fled from the scene after the incident.

Subsequently, Padel was immediately rushed to James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital (JLGMH) but he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

“Kusang loob na sumuko si Tamayo habang pinag-hahanap naman ng mga awtoridad ang nakatakas na si Catolico,” Station 1 Commander PCI Cesar Cabling said, while Tamayo denied the charges, “Nagkusa po akong sumuko dahil malinis po ang konsensya ko na wala po akong kasalanan.”

“Hindi ko po siya magagawang patayin dahil siya na ang nakagisnan kong lolo,” said Tamayo who is currently detained at the OCPO, Station 1.

Comedienne's brother missing in Olongapo trashslide

Two bodies were recovered in Olongapo City when tons of garbage buried 5 homes following rains brought by Typhoon “Pedring” on Tuesday.

The bodies were recovered Wednesday afternoon, as authorities searched the almost 30-meter-high pile of garbage in Barangay New Cabalan in Olongapo City.

The victims were identified as 26-year-old Lanivie Ganseco and her 1-year-old daughter Shanaia.

Authorities are still looking for 35-year-old Edgardo Doesnt, who is believed to be buried under the pile of garbage.

“Kailangan namin makita. Mahirap isipin na mawawala lang ng ganoon lang,” said Doesnt's mother Evelyn.

Doesnt is a brother of actress Wilma Doesnt.

The trashslide occurred around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, as rains loosened a large mound of garbage at the dumpsite.

“Noong gabi, narinig nalang namin na malakas na ugong. Akala namin may buhawi,” said Rowena delos Santos, one of the residents.

Search operations are still being conducted by the 24th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, Olongapo police and a rescue team from Barangay New Cabalan.

Local officials have ordered a pre-emptive evacuation in the area, in anticipation of incoming typhoon “Quiel”. -- Report from Pia Gutierrez, ABS-CBN News

Pedring affects 5,000 families in Zambales

Some 5,000 families or more than 25,000 individuals were affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Pedring in the province.

As of September 29, Thursday, the province continued to experience intermittent moderate to heavy rains with gusty winds.

Latest Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) report shows that out of the more than 5,000 families affected, 742 of them are in the different evacuation centers in their areas.

In Botolan town, 118 families or almost 500 individuals are housed in two evacuation centers in town. Evacuees from Barangays Bangan and Capayawan, both coastal barangays, are housed at the Capayawan Elementary School while 75 evacuees from Brgy. Carael are at the Kapuso building in Poblacion.

In the town of Cabangan, 126 families from Barangays Tondo, San Isidro, Arew, Anonang, and Longos have been displaced by the typhoon but all 509 individuals went to their relatives for shelter.

Almost a hundred families from Barangays Sto. Niño and Longos in San Felipe are currently housed at the Sto. Niño Barangay Hall and Longos Elementary School.

More than 40 families in San Antonio town, meanwhile, were displaced by Pedring coming from low-lying barangays of San Juan, Burgos and San Nicolas and are temporarily taking shelter at the San Juan Elementary School and at the DLRC building of the Yangco Elementary School. Some went to their relatives for help.

PDRRMC report also states that Jose Buno, a 45-year old resident of Barangay Lomboy in Cabangan died of drowning while Ernesto Labrador, 57, of Sitio Maligaya, Barangay Maloma, San Felipe is missing.

Wilfredo Baldevicio,36, from Barangay Magsaysay, Castillejos, on the other hand, is now recuperating from injuries he got when a tree fell on him while riding his motorcycle along Barangay Calapacuan in Subic town.

The Risk Reduction Office in the province pegged the damage in agriculture at P48.9 million on almost 3,000 hectares of rice fields.

$500-m Masinloc Coal Plant expansion up

AES Corp. of the US has committed to expand the 600-megawatt Masinloc coal-fired power plant in Zambales province by an initial 300 MW at a cost of $500 million.

Andrew Horrocks, country manager of AES Philippines, told reporters at the sidelines of a conference Thursday that the company was waiting for government permits to go ahead with the expansion

“We are on expansion stage. We are going through the process, getting the environmental clearance certificate and final stage of permits,” Horrocks told reporters.

Horrocks expects to receive approval of the Masinloc permits by November. He said the coal plant expansion received strong support from the local communities.

“We have very good relationship with them, no problem with that,” he said.

Horrocks said the company hoped to start construction soon.

He said the company sought approval to expand the power plant by 600 MW.

“The first 300 MW [is] roughy around half a billion dollars. Our permitting is for 600 MW but our view is 300 MW by 2015,” the AES official said.