SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Television and communications mogul Antonio “Tony Boy” Cojuangco is expanding a beach resort and hotel project, here with the infusion of P300 million fresh investments for site development.

“The Nabasan area will be one of the next top destinations inside Subic Freeport,” Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Administrator Armand C. Arreza said shortly after the contract signing for the P300 million project of Mr. Cojuangco held at the SBMA Board room early this week.

Mr. Cojuangco, chairman of Nabasan Subic Development Corporation, is currently developing the areas adjoining the former Nabasan Wharf beach into a world-class hotel resort with complete amenities with actual initial investments of P500 million thus increasing its pledges to P800 million.

Nabasan Beach is one of the popular places in Subic for tourists as it offers crystal clear waters. The beach area is also a favorite spot of scuba divers wanting to explore the marine life and underwater wrecks in Subic.

SBMA deputy administrator for business group Stef Saño also confirmed that Cojuangco has expressed strong interest to take over the rehabilitation of the Subic golf course including the construction of a five-star hotel and luxury villas within the golf course.

Mr. Saño said that Hanafil Golf and Tour Inc., the operator and developer of the 18-hole Subic golf course is presently negotiating the final terms and conditions for Mr. Cojuangco to the takeover the golf course.

Saño said that Benjamin John Defensor III, chief executive and president of Hanafil had already informed the SBMA authorities about the on-going negotiations with Mr. Cojuangco.

Hanafil has committed to invest $48-million for the redevelopment work of the 18-hole old Binictican golf course which was closed down last year. Howevr, golf club members are complaining on the slow-paced development being implemented by Hanafil.

Meanwhile, the SBMA Business and Investment department reported that a total of twenty-six tourism related expansion projects of existing locators with a combined total investment commitment of US$1,015,675,977 and employment of 7,279 have been processed by the SBMA during the first six months of the year.

The top ten (10) expansion projects for the first half of 2010 are Korean property developer M Castle Subic Philippines, Inc. (US$1 billion), Nabasan Subic Dev’t Corp. (US$6,521,739), Grande Island resort developer GFTG Property Holdings (US$2,223,222), Royal Duty Free Shops, Inc. (US$2,127,659), Aggressive North Developers, Inc. (US$1,063,829), Gerry’s Grill Restaurant operator James Fausto Corp. (US$891,304), Segara Villas and Promenade Commercial Building owner Global Hotel and Leisure Properties (US$ 666,667), computer and internet cyber shops operator Jemeryk Portal System (US$ 652173), Freeport Sarang (US$250,000) and Starbucks franchise holder R.Joseph Holdings (US$217,391).

SBMA Leisure Business and Investment Department Manager Kenneth G. Rementilla said that the SBMA also signed up for the past six months of the year a total of eighteen new project with combined total investment commitment of US$21,699,410 and hiring 1,029 workers.

The top 10 companies are Sand of Triboa Resorts (US$14,319,970),Subic Bay Brands & Lifestyle retails Concept, Inc. (US$6,065,217), Fertuna Holdings Corp. (US$5,434,782), CW Subic Bay Dev’t Inc. (US$1,489,361), FBM Gaming and Amusement (US$323,000), Jobin & Jobin, Inc. (US$319,148), Dunlevy Food Corp (KFC) (US$304,348), MDC Subic (US$260,869), RPQ Rides and Amusement Corp. (US$212,765) and Manila Golden Kawa (US$130,434).

The SBMA is actively promoting tourism to attract both local and foreign investors in this Freeport zone that offers multi-faceted activities such as eco-tourism, sports, historical and cultural attractions. Rey Garcia

Chief Inspector Fernando Bandola presents some of the items recovered from murder suspect Mark Dizon to (l-r) Chief Supt. Arthur Cacdac, regional police direction; Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan of Angeles City, Sr. Supt. Danilo Bautista, Angeles City Police Director, and Rey Malig of the Citizen Watch Group. Most of the recovered items from the alleged serial killer were from his nine victims, including the three foreigners, in separate occasions. Eric Jimenez

A suspected serial killer taking the lives of a British national, a US war veteran, a Canadian and six other Filipinos in strings of killing incidents occurred in a span of ten days from July 12 to 22 in Angeles City, finally fell into the hands of authorities.

Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said that the prime suspect identified as Mark Zamora Dizon, 28, computer technician, a resident of Barangay Salapungan, Angeles City was nabbed by Angeles police operatives led by P/Supt. Elvis Diaz.

“I commend the Angeles City police for the swift resolution of this heinous crime. A job well done,” Pamintuan said.

Angeles City Police director Senior Supt. Danilo Bautista in his report to Central Luzon Police regional director Chief Supt. Arturo G. Cacdac Jr., said that Dizon was arrested around 4:30 in the afternoon on Tuesday at the San Fernando, La Union Plaza by his men and operatives dispatched from Camp Olivas.

Bautista reported that he ordered his men to conduct a massive manhunt operation against the suspect who was positively described by several witnesses of the gruesome killing incidents.

The July 22 crime took placed inside the house of the victims identified as Albert Mitchell, 70, a member of the Veteran of Foreign War (VFW), his wife Janet, 53; and household help Isabel Fajardo, Marissa Prado, and Yulberto Vergara located at Manuela St., Hensonville Court, Barangay Malabanias.

Police investigation showed that Dizon, armed with 9mm caliber pistol, entered Mitchell’s house around noon on Thursday and believed that robbery may have been the motive behind the killings.

The victims were shot at point-blank range by the suspect as he fled away taking several valuable items from the victim’s house.

Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) gathered all the pieces of evidence from the crime scene as the cartographic sketches of the perpetrator were prepared by the Composite Investigation Unit of the Philippine National Police in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Police also said that Dizon has a standing warrant of arrest for robbery and carnapping issued by Hon. Judge Philbert Iturralde of RTC Branch 58 on January 13, 2005, docketed under Criminal Case No. 04-887-888.

Dizon is also the suspect in the robbery and killing of Briton James Bolton Porter, 51, and his live-in partner Melissa Madarang, 22, in Sta. Maria subdivision here on July 16, and the robbery and murder of Canadian Geoffrey Allan Bennun, 60, and live-in partner Abegail Helina, 20, at the Oasis Hotel and Villas in Clarkville Compound on July 12.

Appropriate criminal charges are now being readied to be filed against the suspect before the Angeles City Prosecutors Office.

SINGAPORE – Subic Freeport has been chosen as the first and only destination in the Philippines for international luxury cruise ships as a new regular route is being mulled in the Asia-Pacific rim.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has been invited to join as one of the founding members of the newly created Asia Cruise Terminals Association (ACTA) joining Asia’s top cruise ship destinations such as China, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka and India.

The association was organized by Singapore Cruise Centre Pte Ltd., the only cruise and ferry port operator in Singapore which manages passenger travel within the Southeast Asian Region. Singapore is one of the busiest seaports in world being the top-ranked transshipment port and regional hub for passenger travel in the region.

ACTA was formed to provide a unified marketing platform in the Asian region which is set to be formally launched on January 2011 as a non-profit organization.

SBMA Administrator Armand C. Arreza said that one of the key initiatives of the SBMA is to pro-actively promote and market Subic Freeport as the next cruise ship destination in Asia.

“Joining ACTA is a strategic move for SBMA as parts of our efforts to build solid business network with member countries,” Mr. Arreza said.

Mr. Arreza said that the SBMA is targeting major players in luxury cruise ship industry such as Star Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Silver Seas, Costa Crocere and other key players to make Subic as part of their cruise itinerary. 

During the meeting, Singapore Cruise Centre Pte Ltd Vice President Ivan Ng said that among several other ports in the Philippines, Subic Freeport was chosen because of its readiness to play a key role in the cruise ship industry.

“We are glad that SBMA will be one of the founding members of ACTA, we have only chosen one port in the Philippines and that is Subic Bay Freeport”, Mr Ng said.

Mr. Ng said that Subic has the port infrastructures, deep natural harbor, support facilities, security and tourist attractions.

“I am now convinced, and this strengthens the business case for Subic, that indeed, it is ready to play a key role in the cruise ship industry,” Mr. Ng said.

Singapore Cruise Centre Pte Ltd Vice President Ivan Ng (center) welcomes SBMA deputy administrator for tourism Raul Marcelo Marcelo (right) and SBMA maritime investment department head Ronnie Yambao upon arrival in Singapore.

SBMA deputy administrator for tourism Raul Marcelo said that Singapore Cruise Centre, which handles 9 million passengers annually, will serve as the model for SBMA to establish a cruise ship industry in Subic Freeport.

“Benchmarking from Singapore Cruise Center would mean learning expertise from the best of the best in terms of passenger handling, formulating waterfront development plans to integrate with the passenger terminal, technology, marketing activities and maintaining the momentum of the cruise ship market growth,” Mr. Marcelo said.

Marcelo, along with SBMA maritime investment department head Ronnie Yambao attended the organizational meeting, here of ACTA.

The following have been agreed upon by all ACTA member countries. 

Scope of activities
The Association shall cover the following activities:
• To formulate and to continuously update and implement a cooperative program for the improvement of cruise terminal operations and management efficiencies;
• To continuously exchange information and undertake innovations on:
• Cruise and passenger processes and handling systems;
• Relevant cruise terminal procedures and documentation;
• Cruise statistics collection and analysis;
• Training of cruise terminal personnel on various aspects of cruise ships and terminal management;
• Cruise berth planning and development; and
other cruise terminal related and / or other cruise related matters;
• To promote activities and foster closer relationship among Members of the Association.
Aims and objectives
The main aims and objectives of the Association shall be as follows:
• To provide the Members with a platform for regional cooperation in terminal development, operations and management; and
• To increase awareness of the Members’ cruise terminals internationally which result in an influential alliance leading to the emergence of a captivating Asia cruise playground;
• To promote and protect the interests of Members’ cruise terminal;
• To improve the standard and promote Asia cruise industry to international standard.
The specific objectives of the Association shall be as follows:

• To provide best practices in the cruise industry, to promote and to assist in the development and implementation of efficient operations and methods on the following:
1. Cruise terminal procedures and documentation;
2. Administration of cruise terminal personnel, including those of private agencies,
3. Involved in the business of the cruise terminal;
4. Cruise statistics;
5. Cruise information systems; and
6. Planning and development of cruise itinerary with cruise liners
7. Any other cruise related operational issues that will have material impact to Asia cruise industry.
• To promote the exchange of cruise related data and information on among the Members’ cruise terminals;
• To upgrade the skills and knowledge of cruise terminal personnel through the exchange of personnel for on-the job- training, exchange visits, holding of seminars/workshops on cruise terminal and / or cruise related issues including planning; operations and management;
• To promote cooperation in the coordination of Members’ terminals marketing, operations and management in Asia;
• To develop and maintain close relationships with other ASIA organizations especially those of ASIA cruise liners, regional or international cruise terminals, cruise related associations, resort owners, port agents and travel agents; and
• To undertake other activities as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above objectives.

SUBIC Bay Freeport, one of the top income earning economic and Freeport zones in the country, collected P3.5 billion revenues derived from various government taxes in the first six months of the year.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority said that the combined collection of the Bureau of Customs (BoC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) reached P3.478 billion during the first half.

“The first half collection is actually 62 percent of the entire 2009 figure. So at this rate, we could be looking at a P6-billion plus total at the end of the year,” SBMA administrator Armand Arreza said.

Figures submitted by the BoC and the BIR showed that in June alone, the two government collection agencies posted a total of P826.52 million, the highest monthly cash collection in the six-month period, as the two collecting agencies came up with P473.93 million and P352.59 million, respectively.

For the whole six-month period, the BoC recorded cash collections totaling P2.508 billion. This exceeded last year’s total of P2.206 billion by P301.6 million or 13.67 percent.

In addition, BoC also processed government-to-government transactions amounting to P2.818 billion, thereby increasing its total cash and non-cash collections to P5.326 billion.

Duties and taxes collected by the BoC were derived from domestic and foreign ship calls, transshipment operations, and the taxes and duties paid for by the Freeport investors, including importation of oil, importation of motor vehicles, and other general merchandise.

For the same period, the BoC also exceeded its target of P2.054 billion by almost half a billion or 22.12 percent.

Meanwhile, the BIR posted a total of P970 million in cash collections derived from income taxes, value-added taxes, percentage taxes and other taxes paid for by the more than 1,000 Freeport business locators and their employees, as well as an increasing number of port users.

BIR’s cash collection in January-June 2010 topped last year’s P706.38 million, surpassing it by P263.86 million or 37.35 percent.

Arreza noted that part of the taxes collected by the BIR is the corporate tax, which comprises five percent of the gross income of locators here, and which the law imposes on business enterprises operating within the zone in lieu of national and local taxes.

He said that part of the corporate tax paid by Subic enterprises is allotted to local government units (LGUs) affected by or contiguous to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Arreza added that starting in the second quarter of this year, the SBMA implemented a new scheme in collecting the two percent share of the LGUs.

Instead of going entirely to the BIR, the corporate taxes are split into 60 percent, which remains with the BIR, and 40 percent with the SBMA Treasury Department for direct remittance to the LGUs.

The LGU shares are intended to fund LGU development projects and provide for basic support services in health, education, and peace and order.

The SBMA revenue was issued to media amid reports that the national budget deficit ballooned to P196.7 billion in the first half, adding to the pressure on the government to keep the country’s finances under control.

According to media reports, the government tagged the failure to privatize state assets and a final spending flurry by the previous administration, but said they remained confident that this year’s expanded P325-billion deficit target would still be met.

The June shortfall alone was P34.6 billion as the government spent P126.7 billion while collecting only P92.1 billion.

Expenditures for the six-month period hit P788.8 billion, higher than the programmed P761.1 billion, versus revenues of P592.1 billion that were below a P615.9-billion target.

The January to June deficit also exceeded a P178.5-billion estimate offered by the previous government when it blew past its P145.2-billion first half goal in May. The five-month shortfall was P162.1 billion, which officials blamed on the failure to complete planned asset sales.

This explanation was reiterated on Wednesday by National Treasurer Roberto B. Tan in a statement issued to media, who said: “Privatization proceeds worth P30 billion programmed for the first half did not happen.”

The assets lined up for sale were a stake in the Malampaya natural gas project, a portion of the Food Terminal Inc. complex, and the lease of property owned in Japan .

The Aquino administration has lowered its 2010 privatization target to just P2 billion — which does not include the three assets — and officials have said it could resort to borrowings to narrow the deficit.

The country’s two main revenue agencies, the BIR and the BoC, both topped their first half targets: the former netted P403.5 billion, exceeding its P390.3-billion goal, while the latter netted P130.7 billion, also higher than its P124.1-billion mark.

But the Bureau of the Treasury was short of its P28.3 billion target, collecting only P24.9 billion, while income from other offices hit P33 billion, also short of the P73.3-billion goal.

Mr. Tan said the government was still keeping its 2010 deficit target of P325 billion — raised earlier this month from P300 billion.

“The increase in the collection target of the BIR for the whole year would cover the non-realization of privatization for the year,” he claimed.
The BIR’s 2010 collection goal has been hiked to P860.4 billion from P830.4 billion, and the BoC’s to P280.7 billion from P275.7 billion, on expectations of higher economic growth.

The Aquino government has said it would increase revenues by weeding out corruption in collection agencies and through better enforcement of existing laws before looking at tax increases.

Last year’s budget shortfall hit a record P298.5 billion, well in excess of the P250-billion target. Rey Garcia

The newly created Freeport of Bataan in Mariveles, Bataan has started drafting a master plan for the conversion of the former Bataan Economic Zone into a progressive Freeport zone as it gears up for new investors.

Authority of the Freeport of Bataan Chairman Deogracias G.P. Custodio said that the plan will be ready within the year which aimed to map out the 20-year development of the new free port by detailing what supporting infrastructure and land use policies are needed.

Mr. Custodio said that the construction of seaports and roads will go through build-operate-transfer schemes, with incentives such as tax perks to locators that will spend for such infrastructure.

The free port, which covers the former Bataan Economic Zone and the rest of Mariveles town, was established in June when Republic Act No. 9728 lapsed into law. There are 43 registered locators there, including electronics and garments firms.

Bataan officials are confident to see the resurgence of Mariveles as a highly industrialized territory with the creation of the Bataan Free Port Area (FAB).

Republic Act 9728, also known as the FAB law, was recently enacted, converting the Bataan Economic Zone (BEZ) into FAB as authored by Bataan Second District Rep. Albert Garcia.

FAB, as envisioned by Garcia, will attract many multinational companies and elevate the town as a bustling industrial center again.

It will be recalled that the BEZ, then called the Bataan Export Processing Zone (BEPZ), was the first public economic zone established in the country through Presidential Decree 66 in November 1972.

In the first decade of operation, BEZ boomed, attracting more than a hundred multinational locators and transformed Mariveles into an economic haven and one of the most progressive communities in Luzon .

With then vibrant BEZ, prosperity spilled over the entire town of Mariveles . Natives and migrants filled up thousands of jobs at the economic zone, and lots of business establishments started operation.

Sectors of transportation, housing, banking, services, among others, remarkably thrived. There was domino effect of progress in this town.

However, said Garcia, the administrative neglect of the Philippine Export Zone Authority, supervising agency of BEZ and other external factors, stunted the growth of the economic zone.

With dilapidated roads, buildings and other infrastructure, BEZ ceased to attract new investors, and many locators opted to leave.

Garcia pointed out that BEZ has never really achieved its full potential as envisioned when it was established that made him sought its conversion into a free port.

Mariveles will surely become a boom territory again as Garcia said with a free-port status, FAB will be ready for foreign trading, and is set to become an international logistic hub.

There will be easy and cheap transport of raw materials and finished products and less government intervention, which mean cheaper cost of operations for locating companies, said the solon.

Companies, he continued, will surely be attracted to locate at FAB.

Garcia said with the expected location of many companies soon at the free port zone, it is easy to calculate the positive economic impact it can bring to the province, particularly to the host town Mariveles.

He said industries like tourism and transport, and businesses like suppliers, restaurants and food caterers, retailers, among others, will surely thrive, and thousands of jobs will be generated.

Bataan Gov. Enrique Garcia pointed out that FAB is located to Manila Bay , a great bay, just like San Francisco Bay , Hong Kong Bay , Singapore Bay and Dubai Bay , all known logistic hubs.

He sees FAB to become a significant international logistic hub in the Asian region.
The governor said he is very excited on the huge development prospect FAB will bring to Mariveles and the other parts of Bataan province.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for trade and tourism Stef Sano (right) accepted a souvenir item from Yu Xingnan (2nd from right) head of the delegation from Wu Zhong Economic Development Zone. Looking on are Grand Pillar International Development, Inc. Chairman Johnson Yang (left) and chief operating officer Josephine Chua which facilitated the visit of the Chinese delegates.

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – This premier Freeport zone is pursuing to play a vital role to further strengthen the country’s trade relations over mainland China particularly in the fields of tourism, real estate development and business process outsourcing.

Officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority recently welcomed Chinese delegates on trade and investment mission here led by top representatives of Wu Zhong Economic Development Zone, one of the most progressive and dynamic industrial estates in southern China.

“The visit of top Chinese business delegates shows that the RP-China trade relation remains strong,” SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said in a statement.

A presentation on the Subic investments was conducted by Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for trade and tourism Stef Sano, SDA for legal affairs Ramon Agregado and SBMA investment department head Kenneth Rementilla.

The visit was facilitated by Subic-based housing developer Grand Pillar International Development, Inc. Chairman Johnson Yang and chief operating officer Josephine Chua.

According to Yu Xingnan, head of the delegation, the Subic Freeport could be an ideal place for China firms engaged in BPO business with the availability of highly-skilled and English-proficient workers.

In recent years, Mr. Yu said that Wuzhong has introduced a number of renowned international service outsourcing companies.

Mr. Yu said that in the next few years, Wuzhong District will be actively engaged in IT development while it is also set to expand its tourism industry by developing the new South Suzhou Trade Circle and the Taihu Lake National Tourism Resort.

He added that the Subic Bay Freeport could be used as a transshipment hub for China-made products that are exported throughout the world because of its strategic location in the Asia-Pacific region

Arreza said that SBMA is also actively promoting Subic as an alternative retirement haven for foreigners including Chinese nationals.

Ms. Chua said that Subic is ready to accommodate the expected influx of foreign retirees from particularly from Japan , US, Australia , Canada and China .

“We are presently developing a large area in Subic purposely to accommodate the growing needs of retirement homes for foreigners,” Ms. Chua said.

Mr. Yu also said that WuZhong district and Subic could also be a partner in tourism related projects including the setting-up of direct chartered-flights to connect the two progressive economic zones.

Officials of the SBMA and the Chinese delegates are now working on the possibility of establishing a Sister City agreement between Subic Bay Freeport and WuZhong district.

The Chinese delegates include officials of Wu Zhong Economic Development Zone such as Li Yongquan, Shen Bin, Huang Wenwei, Zhou Zhifeng and Zhang Yanlong. Rey Garcia

Transportation and Communication Secretary Jose De Jesus has ordered Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President and CEO Victor Jose Luciano to prepare to accommodate more diversion of international and domestic flights at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA).

The order came after the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) encountered navigational problems which forced flights to divert to DMIA.

NAIA recently suffered setbacks due to the aging navigational equipment and runway visibility problems due to the worsening of pollutions in Metro Manila that prompted airport officials to divert international and domestic flights at DMIA in Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

De Jesus told Luciano that DMIA must be ready anytime to accommodate more air carriers that would be diverted to Clark and prepare the needs of the passengers such as hotel accommodations and transportation service to Manila .

Luciano said that DMIA is ready anytime and well prepared to accommodate the influx of diversion of flights, adding that the aircrafts are safe to land in the area.

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) issued Memorandum Circular No. 62 enjoining all air carriers operating scheduled services in the Philippines to ensure the comfort and convenience of passengers during long delays through the provision of adequate food, water and personal necessities.

CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla said the circular is based on the general obligation of air carriers, as public policies, pending the formulation, finalization and adoption of a more specific and comprehensive set of rules that shall deal with the matter, in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Code.

Luciano said that DOTC will require airlines to give food and water to passengers during long delays.

The air carriers would be required to submit a Contingency Plan for long tarmac delays for its scheduled flights.

“DMIA is very much capable to handle diverted flights,” Luciano said as he assured the safety of the passengers.

De Jesus recently led an inter-agency meeting composed of representatives of NAIA, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Civil Aviation Board (CAB), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and CIAC headed by Luciano where they discussed the adoption of the CAB Policy to formulate Rules and Procedures dealing with airline passenger protection during long tarmac delays.

The CAB Policy was patterned before the United States to make safer regulations for air carriers during times of disaster and emergency.

These sets the conduct of regular consultation meetings with stakeholders, consumer groups, the CAAP, airport authorities, the DTI and other interested parties that shall culminate in a public hearing geared towards the finalization and adoption of such Rules and Procedures in compliance with the requirements of the Administrative code.

Arcilla said a Preliminary Conference is slated on July 27, 2010 at the CAB Board Room to discuss the Rules and Procedures on the Protection of Airlines Passengers During Long Tarmac Delays.

The CIAC management had already met with various ground handlers at DMIA for them to ready their equipment and services anytime to accommodate the needs of air carriers including passengers that would be diverted at DMIA. Rendy Isip

IBA, Zambales – To be able speed up the delivery of goods and services, newly-elected Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. announced yesterday that the province will soon be linked to two superhighways to fast track the entry of investments, here.

In his State of the Province Address (SOPA) delivered on Monday during the inaugural session of the Zambales Provincial Council, Ebdane said that his administration will be pushing for the development in all the 13 municipalities by pursuing the construction of two major roads.

“We aim for change, and we will open up Zambales for business and tourism over the next three years into this emerging growth center,” Ebdane said in a statement.

Ebdane told members of the provincial board that a budget of P50 million each has been earmarked for both the Botolan-Capas Road to directly link Zambales to Tarlac, and the Sta. Cruz-Mangatarem Road to create by-pass road access to eastern part of Pangasinan.

The amount will cover further leveling and paving of some 20 kilometers of land for the two ongoing projects.

Ebdane, who is former Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways, said the road projects are in consonance with his growth agenda.

“In real terms, our province has made a choice for change with my assumption as governor. This means that basic services, job opportunities and future growth prospects need improvement and must be done with optimum results,” the statement added.

Ebdane also stressed the need for the provincial government to improve revenue collection to be able to achieve the needed development that his administration has envisioned for Zambales in the next three years.

Ebdane also called on the provincial board, headed by Vice Governor Ramon Lacbain, to join hands with his office to bring about development that would benefit Zambaleños best.

“The state of the province of Zambales is solid and hopeful, simply because the people of Zambales have made a choice for change, and are now ready to work hard to make it
happen,” Ebdane told the board.

“While we have remaining budget for our provincial government’s operations, what I am on the lookout for are the funds and resources for the programs that we need to get going to
jumpstart our growth agenda,” he added.

These programs include his thrust to boost tourism, agriculture, and mining, and also to improve the provision of opportunities for education, health, employment and other
basic services. Cecille Garcia

CLARK FREEPORT— Clark’s export significantly rose by 93 percent to $747 million during the first six months of the year with electronic products dominating shipments overseas.

The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) through the Enterprise Regulatory Department reported that for first semester, exports reached $747 million this year surpassing the $387 million exports value posted covering the same period last year.

ERD Manager Rod Deang in his report to CDC President Benigno N. Ricafort said that the targeted $1 billion worth of exports could be reached should manufacturers continue to post the same trend towards the second semester of the year.

The report indicated that the increase in exports volume could be credited due to strong showing of Nanox Philippines, Inc., a Japanese manufacturing firm engaged in producing liquid crystal display (LCD) with $493 million export value in the first semester or an increase of 59 percent from the same January to June 2009.

Yokohama Tire Phils., Inc., on the other hand, also contributed in the first semester as it placed second with $106million output–the output is almost the same export volume last year.

On a per sector basis, the electronics sector posted the highest exports at $522 million or 70 percent, followed by tires at 14 percent, garments at $73million at 10 percent of the total export volume during the first semester.

Other notable exporters in the first semester are L&T International Group Philippines, Inc.; L&K Industries Philippines, Inc.; SMK Electronics Corporation; among others.

Export industry in Clark has recently been noted by the Department of Trade and Industry to be one of the prime economic boosters in Central Luzon following a strong export last year that contributes to economic development.

The Central Luzon region usually ranks 3rd among the 16 regions including NCR in terms of export receipts due to the presence of a number of economic zones in Subic, Pampanga and Tarlac provinces. Rey Garcia

SUBIC FREEPORT – As part of the government’s program institute reforms for police officers, the Philippine National Police (PNP) opened yesterday a new training school for values and leadership offering back-to-basics instruction on police discipline.

President Benigno Aquino III led the simple opening ceremony of the 1.7 hectare training facility called as the PNP Values and Leadership School built within the jungle of the lush Subic forest.

“Tell us what you need and we will give it to you,” Aquino said in his speech as a vowed to fully support all police reforms program of the PNP.

The training facility will offer a re-orientation program on the basic principles of police leadership, Christian leadership, purpose-driven life, police ethical standards, personal financial management, and team-building.

Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa also attended the opening ceremonies along with top officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority led by Chairman Feliciano Salonga and Administrator Armand Arreza.

Bataan Gov. Enrique Garcia, Zambales Gov. Jun Ebdane, Dinalupihan town Mayor Joel Payumo, Olongapo City Councilor Luigi Lipumano and several other local officials also graced the occasion.

The facility includes the administration building, dormitories, barracks, classrooms, a mess hall, and sports facilities.

Verzosa said that the values and leadership course that police personnel will undergo here is a refresher program to correct some personal lapses and to remind them of how they are supposed to conduct themselves as law enforcers and public servants.

The re-training facility was made available to the PNP through a Memorandum of Agreement with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and bankrolled by a P14-million grant from the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) in support of the PNP’s advocacy program of transparency and public accountability under the PNP Integrated Transformation Program.
In 2004, the PNP started to use Subic facility as a “reformatory school” for officers who have been found as TABA cops (tamad, abusado, bastos, and ayaw padisiplina or lazy, abusive, ill-mannered, and recalcitrant) during the time of former Director Avelino Razon Jr.
The facility was then called the “ Subic purgatory,” where they will undergo rigid retraining and courses to discipline erring police.
It could be recalled, that Versoza himself issued a warning that policemen caught inside bars and other similar nightspots without being part of any official operation will be sent to retraining in Subic or dismissed.
Verzosa issued the order in response to the growing complaints against policemen frequently seen inside nightclubs and other similar establishments.

He had also received reports of some police unit commanders accepting protection money from club owners who are engaged in prostitution and lewd shows.

Cops caught in night spots without being on official duty will be sent for reorientation to the TABA Camp in Subic in Zambales. (REY GARCIA)