THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Volume 57 Issue 121 April 2008

Inside This Issue Mixer at the Subic Park Hotel

The Subic Park Hotel sits right beside Subic
Bay’s Moonbay Marina — where the
SBFCC Working Committees breathtaking view of sunrises and sunsets
offer panoramas to behold.
SBFCC News The hotel has a very nice lobby and lounging
area, a well-maintained garden, and a cozy
SBMA News restaurant where the Subic Bay Freeport
Chamber of Commerce recently held its
National News mixer/fellowship night. Members present
were treated to a sumptuous feast
Celebrate Earth Hour March 29 accompanied by service that is very friendly.
Dozens of name cards were once again
SBFCC Board Members exchanged and contact info shared between
members. Friends, old and new, enjoyed the
evening.
Inside Rates: Php
‰ Full Page (8” x 10.5”) 3,000.00
‰ Half Page (8” x 5.25”) 1,500.00 SECURITY and
‰ ¼ Page (4” x 5.25”) 750.00 EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMMITTEE
Chairman: Rose B. Baldeo
‰ Front cover (Bottom) 2,000.00 E-mail: gti@subictel.com Tel: 252-7064
‰ Back Page 3,500.00

Discount Rates:
Chamber Members – 10%
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Additional Discount – 10% for advance payment
covering 6 consecutive issues Chairman: Danny J. Piano
E-mail: dpiano@absoluteserv.com Tel: 252-3934
All articles must be in digitized format with payment
required on or before 10TH of each calendar month.
Articles / ads received past the deadline will not be
entertained. Artwork must be submitted in .pdf, LABOR COMMITEE
.jpg, .doc, .tif, .gif, or .html file format. Chairman: Peter Tumanda
If camera ready artwork needs to be prepared, we E-mail: ptumanda@yahoo.com Tel: 252-8137
can provide for a nominal additional fee.

NORTH LUZON EXPRESSWAY LIAISON COMMITTEE

Chairman: John E. Corcoran
MOTORIST HANDBOOK &
E-mail: johnecorcoran@cs.com Tel: 252-9000
Available @ the Chamber office. Great value for only

P20.00 – Motorist Handbook

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
P10.00– Gabay Lakbay Chairman: John E. Corcoran
120 pages of full-color General Tips for Driving the NLEX, E-mail: johnecorcoran@cs.com Tel: 252-9000
Handling Emergencies, Road Signs and Signals, Traffic
Rules and Regulations and excellent linear maps of each
NLEX interchange.

CHAMBER SECRETARIAT

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND
PRESS RELEASES ARE
PUBLISHED FREE OF
CHARGE FOR MEMBERS.
PRIORITY WILL BE
ACCORDED TO RELEASES OF
NEWS VALUE AND ARE
SUBJECT TO EDITING.
PLEASE SEND TO:

The Editor, SBFCC

Newsletter at SBFCC, Bldg.
866, Waterfront Road, SBFZ
Tel 252 3180; Fax 252 3190
Email: sbfcc@subictel.com

APRIL 2008 SBFCC Newsletter 2

 Message from the President:
Dear Fellow SBFCC Members,

I don’t know if it is the fast pace of the lives that we live or just a matter of my age but
time seems to be flying by. We are already at the end of the first quarter of the year.

One of the most significant issues that is before our business community is that of the
BIR’s Revenue Memorandum Circular on the matter of “Clarifying the taxability of ECOZONE- Freeport
Registered Enterprises with respect to the payment of Documentary Stamp Tax and VAT on importation
and other related issues. Your Chamber remains committed to maintaining a “level playing field” with
respect to the spirit and intent of R.A. 7227. BIR seems to follow a continuing course of looking to the
Special Economic Zones as a source of additional tax revenue through varying or amended interpretations
of the Republic Act. Because of the serious implications of the BIR’s proposed actions, I have asked our
SBFCC Business Development Committee, under the chairmanship of Director Danny Piano, to further
research and address this most serious issue. We have also met with Administrator Arreza and asked that
SBMA take a firm stand on any attempt to change the rules of the game and the purpose of the Freeport
Zone.

We are still looking for additional members for our Business Development committee as well as our
Security and Safety Committee. Please contact the Chamber office to sign up. We need your support and
active involvement.

Your Chamber has also asked the Administrator to ensure that locators and residents with a proper SBMA
IDs and a proper SBMA vehicle sticker are allowed access to the various residential and business areas of
our community. There was some concern that Kalayaan residents might be denied access to Binictican
and/or Cubi and visa versa. We have further asked that the Smoking Belching Ordinance be vigorously
enforced and applied to all, ensuring that the same high standards for protecting air quality are applied
equally and without exception.

Mark your calendars and sign up now for our SBFCC Annual Golf Tournament, Saturday, April 19, at the
Subic Bay Golf and Country Club. It’s always a fantastic event with good fellowship, a little competition,
great raffle prizes, lots of trophies and a wonderful dinner and awards ceremony.

I wish you happiness, good health and good business.

God bless,

John

APRIL 2008 SBFCC Newsletter 3

 WHAT HAS YOUR CHAMBER BOARD DONE SINCE LAST MONTH?

• Hosted yet another Mixer/Networking evening at Rama Mahal Restaurant

• Participated in BCDA’s invitation for a dry run tour of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway
Project
• Attended the Public Hearing on Proposed Policy on Delisting SBF Companies and Subsequent
Re-registration of Delisted Companies in the SBF
• Researched and coordinated the upcoming SBFCC Business Development Committee
Meeting for April 2, 2008
• Attended a site visit and ocular inspection at a Taiwan based coal-fired power plant
• Submitted to SBMA the SBFCC’s recommendations and response to the Smoke-Belching
Guidelines

Highlights of the last Liaison Meeting with SBMA Senior Officials

• Submitted suggestions for facilitation concerning ingress into SRF

• Recommended immediate implementation of SBMA Smoke Belching program

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

DATE ORGANIZATION EVENTS / ACTIVITY VENUE

MAR 24 – 29 Lighthouse and SBYC 16TH PRESIDENT’S CUP REGATTA Subic Bay

MAR 25 SBFCC MIXER/NETWORKING NIGHT RAMA MAHAL

3RD PHILS. OLYMPIC

APR 02 – 06 CENTRAL LUZON – CAR QUALIFYING GAMES SBF
FESTIVAL
GLOBAL GATEWAY CARAVAN (KICK-OFF OF THE
APR 12 SBMA, BCDA, CDC INAUGURATION OF THE SUBIC-CLARK-TARLAC SUBIC, CLARK, TARLAC
EXPRESSWAY- SCTEX)
APR 14 – 17 NDCC INSARAG EQ SIMULATION EXERCISE SBECC

4TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT SBGCC

APR 19 SBFCC
DINNER AND AWARDS CEREMONY SUBIC PARK HOTEL

APR 20 YOKUBARI FOUNDATION 1ST SUMMER FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL REMY FIELD

APR 25 – 27 SBMA BIAY FESTIVAL BOARDWALK

APR 29 SBFCC MIXER / NETWORKING NIGHT

MAY 02 PADYAK PINOY “PADYAK PINOY INVITATIONAL CHALLENGE ‘08” SBF

MAY 03 CANCER SOCIETY CONCERT-FUNDRAISING AND BENEFIT SHOW SBECC

MAY 10 - 11 TRAP SUBIC BAY INTERNATIONAL TRIATHLON SBF

“Give yourself an even greater challenge than the one you are trying to master and you will develop the powers
necessary to overcome the original difficulty.” – William J. Bennet

APRIL 2008 SBFCC Newsletter 4

APRIL 2008 SBFCC Newsletter 5
Career firefighter is SBMA 2007 Katherine Macomb, a tree nursery supervisor, who
came up with a natural irrigation system and fertilizer-
employee of the year free method of growing trees and ornamental plants.
A career firefighter, who led the Subic Bay Gianan, Sanchez, and Macomb each received a trophy,
Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) disaster response gift certificates, and P17,000 cash prize, while Lopez
team in Bicol recently, was chosen as the SBMA was given the top prize of P22,000 and an opportunity
Employee of the Year for 2007, besting three other to go on an exposure trip abroad as the SBMA’s
finalists in the second annual awards that recognized ambassador of goodwill. (PNA)
exemplary service.
Norberto Lopez, Fire Marshall of the SBMA Fire For sale at the Chamber Office:
Department, was cited for leading responding
firefighters in times of disasters, not only in EZ Map Subic Bay/Olongapo®
communities around the Subic Bay Freeport, but also Connecting You To Your Destination
in places as far as the Bicol region, said SBMA
Administrator Armand Arreza.
P100.00 only
The veteran firefighter, who was born and raised in
Call the Secretariat at 252-3180
Tondo, Manila, first joined the Consolidated Fire
Department at the then US Naval Air Station in Cubi
here in 1980.
In the Bicol disaster response effort, Lopez was part
of the team that cleared the path for other rescuers
and emergency aid teams, according to a citation
from the SBMA committee that conferred the award.
The SBMA Employee of the Year award is given to
employees with exemplary performance in line with
the agency’s core values of "malasakit" (concern),
excellence, and passion.
Started in 2006, the award was an offshoot of the
Civil Service Commission’s directive for government
agencies to establish a Program on Awards and
Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE), and
consisted of monthly selection of winners for each of
the six SBMA strategic business units.
The monthly winners then contended for the
Employee of the Year Award at the end of the year.
Arreza said SBMA chose to highlight the values of
"malasakit", excellence and passion to encourage its
employees to serve beyond the ordinary call of duty.
He also said that the employees recognition program
was organized to pay tribute to every SBMA
employee who contributed to the overall
performance of the agency.
The other finalists were Jean Gianan, a human
resource management officer, who was recognized
for her use of technology in developing databases for
monitoring Pag-Ibig, GSIS and Philhealth premium
contributions, and Pag-Ibig loans; Carlos Sanchez
XII, a tourism special project coordinator, who
handled Mutya ng Pilipinas Pageant 2007; and

Education is when you read the fine print. Experience is what you get if you don’t.” – Pete Seeger

APRIL 2008 SBFCC Newsletter 6

 US embassy not moving to Subic Bay Freeport
The American government has no plans to
transfer its embassy in Manila to the Subic Bay
Freeport in Bataan and Zambales, United States
embassy spokesperson Rebecca Thompson said
recently.
"Absolutely no." The US embassy has no plan to
move. We are staying here," Thompson said in a
phone interview.
Talk about the transfer plan has been going
around in Subic for almost a year now but the US
embassy has made "no official correspondence"
related to that, according to Armand Arreza,
administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan
Authority, a government corporation overseeing
the development of the Freeport.
The Freeport is a former American naval base. At
one time home to the US Seventh Fleet, Subic
was closed following the Philippine Senate's
rejection in September 1991 of the extension of
the 1947 military bases agreement.
Arreza said official correspondence from the US
embassy had covered only visits and military
exercises for the Philippine-US Visiting Forces
Agreement, a treaty signed in 1999 in support of the
bilateral defense program of the two countries.
Reports circulating in the Freeport said the transfer
plan arose due to a terror threat in Manila.
The site that was purportedly being eyed is in the
area of the former Cubi Point Naval Air Station or
Radford Field, now near the Subic Bay International
Airport.
A retired Filipino military general has worked as a
consultant in the plan, reports said.
SBMA Chair Feliciano Salonga, a former Philippine
Navy officer, said he has not received any word from
the US embassy about such plan. By Tonette Orejas
(Central Luzon Desk)

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” – Mother Teresa

APRIL 2008 SBFCC Newsletter 7

 and serve as a reminder of their roles as law enforcers
Modern Hospital To Rise In Subic and public servants.

IBA, Zambales — A world-class hospital will soon rise at
Redondo Peninsula in Subic Town. This was revealed
recently by Zambales Gov. Amor D. Deloso, who, along
with top officials of Korean Eximbank, People and
Nature, Medipark Corp., and Hanjin Phils. Shipbuilding
Co., recently inked the build-operate-transfer (BOT)
multi million medical facility project contract.
But he clarified that the PVSL will not be a reformatory
school similar to the TABA (tamad, abusado, bastos at
ayaw pa-disiplina) program launched by Dir. Gen. Edgar
Aglipay in 2004. Instead, the courses at PVSL would focus
on back-to-basic instructions on discipline, unit
leadership, family and community, as well as team
training exercises, he explained.

The hospital will be built at the site of the former US Razon underscored how the PVSL serves as an institution
military target range some five kilometers away from for the orientation of police officers on the basic principles
the huge shipyard complex. of police leadership and Christian leadership—teaching
police officers about purpose-driven lives, ethical
"The proposed twin seven story hospital center called standards, as well as personal financial management and
Redondo Ko-Phil Hospital project will not only cater team building.
to the medical needs of Hanjin workers and other
locators from the nearby Freeport but to over 700,000 Under the agreement, the SBMA will provide the PSVL a
inhabitants of Zambales who are long deprived of one-hectare site for free. Construction of the school
modern medical cure and facilities," Deloso said. building is set to start this March. By: Anthony Bayarong
Manila Times
"That is why the present provincial leadership had
decided to donate 40 hectares for this purpose, hoping
that our people could taste or experience some kind of
modern medical technology and treatment," he added.
Reports gathered here revealed that no hospital in
Zambales is in the "quality" category and that the three
district hospitals located in San Marcelino, Candelaria,
and Sta. Cruz, including the Ramon Magsaysay
Memorial Hospital in Iba, are way below standards.
"Saan ka nakakita na manganganak lang mamamatay
pa?" Deloso asked. By RANDY V. DATU Manila Bulletin

PNP putting up training school

in Subic Freeport
The Philippine National Police (PNP), together with the
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), will be
building a training school to provide continuous
education for police personnel in the country.
PNP Director General Avelino Razon Jr. recently signed
an agreement with SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga
and SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza for the
establishment of the PNP School for Values and
Leadership (PSVL) at Subic’s naval magazine area.
The signing of the accord was held at the PNP national
headquarters inside Camp Crame with Teresita Baltazar
of Presidential Anti-Graft Commission; Dir.
Charlemagne Alejandrino, PNP director for logistics;
Senior Supt. Jose Arne de los Santos, PNP training
service director, and Senior Supt. Jesus Gatchalian,
chief of staff of the PNP program management office as
witnesses.
Razon said the PSVL course would be a refresher
program to correct “ personal lapses” of police officers

APRIL 2008 SBFCC Newsletter 8

 Anti-Dengue Campaign
T he Olongapo City Government under the
administration of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr.
has intensified its year-round campaign against
Dengue.
In a recent flag ceremony of city officials and
employees, Mayor Bong Gordon urged every
Olongapeño to cooperate with the city government’s
campaign against dengue by keeping a clean
environment.
“Magtulungan tayo upang mapanatiling malinis ang
ating kapaligiran nang sa gayon ay makaiwas tayo sa
sakit na Dengue,” Mayor Gordon said.
Through City Health Officer Dr. Arnildo Tamayo, the
city government is pushing for the implementation of
the “4S” or the four ways to stay away from the
dangers brought about by the Dengue disease.
The 4S include (1)Search and Destroy all Breeding
Sites through regular cleaning of places where
mosquitoes hatch eggs such as tires, bottles, flower
vases, etc.; (2)Self-Protection through the use of
mosquito nets and repellants; (3)Seek early treatment
or medical attention immediately if fever persists for
two days; and (4)Say “No” to indiscriminate fogging or
defogging and ensure it is done only at appropriate
times (1-2 hours after sunrise or 1-2 hours after
APRIL 2008
sunset).
“Kung araw-araw nating lilinisin ang ating kapaligiran,
mawawala ang mga lamok na sanhi ng Dengue. Kung
walang lamok, walang Dengue,” Dr. Tamayo said.
Meanwhile, to achieve a Dengue-free environment, here
are some “Puksain ang kitikiti, Sugpuin ang Dengue” tips
from the Department of Health and City Health Office:
Ö Butasan o biyakin ang mga lumang gulong upang hindi
pag-ipunan ng tubig at pangitlugan ng lamok.
Ö Takpan ang mga drum, timba at iba pang ipunan ng
tubig upang hindi pamahayan ng kitikiti.
Ö Palitan ang tubig ng plorera o flower vase minsan
isang linggo.
Ö Linisin at alisin ang tubig sa paminggalan.
Ö Linisin ang alulod ng bahay upang hindi maipunan ng
tubig at pamahayan ng kitikiti.
Ö Alisin ang iba pang bagay na maaaring pag-ipunan ng
tubig at pangitlugan ng lamok tulad ng lata, bote, at
tansan.
For more information about ‘iwas-dengue’ tips, coordinate
with the Olongapo City Health Office at telephone numbers
224-8390 local 4147/4134.
SBFCC Newsletter 9
 BOI TRIMS LIST OF INCENTIVES Another important feature of the new draft IPP is the
The Board of Investments (BOI) has cut in half the list of automatic entitlement of micro, small and medium
priority sectors eligible for incentives in the new draft of enterprises (MSMEs) to an income tax holiday (ITH) if they
the 2008 Investment Priorities Plan (IPP). BOI managing undertake projects listed in the IPP. The BOI will no longer
head Elmer C. Hernandez, however, said the sectors give ITH to projects qualifying under the retention and
removed from the IPP list will still enjoy government expansion and diversification scheme, previously an
support. The six priority sectors included in the draft 2008 important programme of the agency. The draft IPP is now
IPP list are agriculture and agri-business, infrastructure, being presented to the different government agencies for
tourism, engineered products, research and development, comment. The BOI expects to submit the final copy of the
and strategic investments. 2008 IPP to Malacañang before March 30.
In 2007, there were 12 priority sectors, namely: steel and
iron; agriculture, fishery and support services; healthcare PAL PUSHES THROUGH WITH
and wellness products and services; information and EXPANSION
communications technology; electronics; motor vehicle;
Philippine Airlines, owned by taipan Lucio Tan, is pushing
energy; infrastructure; tourism; shipbuilding/shipping;
through with its international expansion plans. The
machinery and equipment, raw materials and intermediate
airline, in a statement, said it is launching flights to three
inputs in support of the activities listed in the IPP; and
R&D. new Chinese destinations to augment services to major
Asian cities in time for the peak summer travel period in
Retained in the IPP’s general headings of priority March. PAL is introducing regular flights to Chongqing,
investment areas are export activities and mandatory Chengdu and Macau. This comes at a time when PAL is
inclusions (activities that would receive automatic
constrained from expanding into the US market because
incentives as stated in various Philippine laws such as the
of the downgrading of the Philippines to Category 2 status
Mining Act and Clean Water Act), and the Autonomous
by the US Federal Aviation Authority.
Region of Muslim Mindanao List, or activities endorsed by
the BOI-ARMM. Although the excluded sectors will no
longer receive fiscal incentives, the importation of capital
equipment will remain tax free, Mr. Hernandez said.
Reducing the list to six priority sectors is in line with the
government’s fiscal consolidation, he said. Mr. Hernandez
said the 2008 IPP aims to balance the government’s fiscal
consolidation programme and the need to attract more
investments for economic development. "This IPP is really
focused in terms of the priority areas that we really need
for economic development," he said. Under infrastructure,
power is still included but incentives are limited to those
pertaining to renewable energy projects. Also falling under
this infrastructure heading are roads, tollways, railway
systems and mass housing. Telecommunications is no
longer included since the industry players already have
franchises to serve the entire country. Under the heading
of “engineered products” are included the basic
manufacturing of iron and steel as well as the production
of flat steel products—but to attract incentives the
operation should involve the integrated production of
billets because of the huge importation bill for this
commodity. Activities such as shipbuilding, machinery and
equipment, as well as motor vehicle parts and components
will also attract incentives but the mere assembly of
vehicles is no longer covered.
For strategic investments, a new addition to the IPP that
was recommended by the Joint Foreign Chambers. To be
covered are those with project costs of at least US$300
million and which either generate sizeable employment or
use technology or innovative processes that are world-
class. Regardless of the investment cost, Mr. Hernandez
said a project could still be considered as strategic if the
Philippines competes against other countries in winning it
and if it is approved by the National Economic and
Development Authority and Department of Finance.

APRIL 2008 SBFCC Newsletter 10

APRIL 2008 SBFCC Newsletter 11
 certificates in one day to facilitate the delivery of service.
MARINA to issue registration Marina has issued an order that its inspectors check the
plates for ships logbook, in order not to conduct a series of inspection in
a certain vessel.
The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) said
Marina personnel conduct random inspection at least
recently that it plans to issue registration plates for
after every 6 months.
ships starting this year.
Meanwhile, Marina will extend the special permit of
Marina administrator Vicente Suazo said the plates
Singapore-based MCC Transport Pte Ltd., which it issued
akin to those issued by the Land Transportation
last year to ensure the fast movement of containerized
Office to car owners, will enable the government to
cargo.
better track the vessels.
"I will not sacrifice the movement of cargo. If there are
He said that it is unfortunate that the Philippine
other shipping lines that will offer their services in place
vessels do not have a record, when it was acquired,
of MCC Transport, I would grant them the permit," Suazo
when it was refurbished and others.
said.
"Within the year the vessels will be ‘baptized’ and
MCC Philippines informed Marina of its plan to convert
would be assigned a ship marking plate. We will re-
one of its vessels, Medbay, to Philippine flag.
register all the vessels," he said.
MCC Philippines is owned by MCC Transport Singapore
The plates will be required to be displayed
Pte Ltd., Aboitiz Transport System Corp. and Mercantile
prominently inside the vessel.
Ocean Maritime Co.
"We don’t want them to think that it’s an additional
Aboitiz has sold 3 of its vessels, SuperFerry 15,
cost for them. We want them to see the benefits." he
SuperFerry 17 and SuperFerry 18 which led to shortage
said.
in container vessels. By Genivi Factao Malaya
He added that this is also a requirement from the
International Maritime Organization (IMO) to have
the vessels numbered.
The total number of Filipino owned vessels, including
passenger, cargo, and hull except pump boat were
5,000, of which about 1,500 tankers were container
vessels nationwide.
"Within the year, we will also work on the
harmonization of the certificates to easily know the
expiry dates," he said.
Normally, the vessels were issued around 20
certificates. Marina is working to make the filing for

Address all editorial comments, Suggestions and

material to the Editor.

SBFCC Bldg. 866 Waterfront Road, SBFZ

Tel #: 252-3180; Fax: 252-3190;
E-mail: sbfcc@subictel.com Website:
www.subicchamber.org

DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
Every effort is made to provide accurate and complete
information. However, with the thousands of documents
available, we cannot guarantee that there will be no errors.
With respect to information contained herein. SBFCC
makes no warranty, expressed or implied, including the
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose with respect to documents and programs
available. SBFCC assumes no legal liability for the
accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information,
process disclosed herein and hoes not represent that use of
such information would not infringe on privately owned
rights.

APRIL 2008 SBFCC Newsletter 12

 WB: Poor sanitation costs Pinoys development category as the Philippines, Jordan,
Surinam, Turkey, Dominican Republic and Belize have
P78B yearly comparably improved in rankings, the UNDP added.
The World Bank said poor sanitation in the Philippines The UNDP said Indonesia and Vietnam have kept their
costs the government P77.8 billion a year. positions at 108 and 109, while Thailand posted a slight
In its study “Economic Impacts of Sanitation in the downward move from a previous 74 but remained ahead
Philippines,” the World Bank said poor sanitation also of the Philippines at 78.
causes 31 premature deaths a day and reduces income Malaysia remained in the high human development
from fishery, tourism and other sectors. bracket at 63, the UNDP added.
“Healthcare costs account for 71 percent of the total The UNDP said China now ranks 81 under the medium
losses due to 38 million cases of diarrhea per year,” it development bracket, overtaking the Philippines two
added. years ago.
For every dollar invested in improved sanitation, the The theme of the latest HDR is “Fighting Climate Change:
World Health Organization had said, a country can reap Human Solidarity in a Divided World,” the UNDP added.
up to $9 in benefits.
Occupying the top 20 ranks in HDI in the 2007-2008 HDR
The World Bank study, which was also funded by the are Iceland, Norway, Australia, Canada, Ireland,
United States Agency for International Development Sweden, Switzerland, Japan, Netherlands, France,
(USAID), was to be launched in Mandaluyong City under Finland, United States, Spain, Denmark, Austria,
the theme “Sanitasyon ang Solusyon” (Sanitation is the United Kingdom, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand,
Solution). Italy.
The launch aimed to heighten public awareness on the The last 10 countries in the HDI are Congo, Ethiopia,
national economic impacts of poor sanitation and call on Chad, Central African Republic, Mozambique, Mali, Niger,
lawmakers, economists, investors and media to help Guinea-Bissau, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone. – With Pia
solve the problem. There was huge expectation on Lee-Brago (Phil Star)
Duque and Atienza’s presentation on “Operations Manual
on the Rules and Regulations Governing Domestic
Sludge and Septage” published by the Health
department with support from the US aid agency. By
Darwin G. Amojelar, Reporter (Manila Times)
RP human development improves but
drops in world ranking
The Philippines gained slightly in the Human
Development Index, but went below several notches in
ranking among other nations, according to the United
Nations Development Program.
In its 2007-2008 report, the UNDP said the HDI value of
the Philippines is 0.771 up from the 2006 level of 0.763.
The Philippines ranked 90th in human development
among 177 countries from 2006 when it ranked 84th.
The UNDP launched recently the 2007-2008 HDI in the
Philippines.
In the UNDP report, HDI was described as a “composite
index that measures the average achievements in a
country in three basic dimensions of human living.
“These basic dimensions are measured by life
expectancy at birth, adult literacy, and combined gross
enrollment in primary, secondary and tertiary level
education, and gross domestic product per capita in
purchasing power parity US dollars, respectively.”
The UNDP said HDI is “constructed from indicators that
are available globally using a methodology that is simple
and transparent.”
Other countries belonging to the same medium human

APRIL 2008 SBFCC Newsletter 13

 JOB VACANCY—
Position: CHIEF COPYEDITOR

Absolute Service, Inc., a US-based prepress company with branch at the George Dewey Complex of the
Subic Bay Freeport, is seeking a highly intelligent and motivated copy editor to be the liaison between an
editorial manager in the U.S. and an editorial staff in the Philippines.

Job Description

The Chief Copyeditor will assist in the creation and training of an editorial department at ASI. To be able
to handle this responsibility, the Chief Copyeditor is preferred to have some knowledge in the following:

„ Editing and proofreading medical manuscripts for errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

„ Adhering to style guidelines and making sure that all materials match these guidelines. Experience in
the American Medical Association and Chicago Manual of Style is a plus.

„ Recommending improvements in all editorial materials and ensuring that they are correct.

„ Checking of medical manuscripts and other items for readability, style, and agreement with editorial
policy.

Profile/Skills Required

„ A graduate in English / Journalism or similar degree with an excellent vocabulary, grammar, and
proofreading skills.

„ Attention to detail and research expertise.

„ Highly effective communication skills and an experience in copy editing.

„ Ability to recognize and correct style errors. Rewriting and reframing content so that it reads well and
gets the message across.

The preferred candidate will work closely with an editorial manager in the U.S. to learn the skills needed for
our style of medical copyediting and then train an editorial staff. Candidate must also demonstrate
computer literacy with special proficiency in Microsoft Word with MathType for editing text and math. The
ability to multitask, work well under tight deadlines, and self-motivation are keys to success in this position.

Excellent compensation package depending on qualifications awaits the successful applicant!

Please send your resume with 2x2 picture to:

Prof. DANNY J. PIANO LANI S. FRANCISCO
President/CEO HR Manager, ASI
Absolute Service, Inc. Bldg 1149, George Dewey Complex
dannyp@subictel.com Subic Bay Freeport Zone 2222
dpiano@absoluteserv.com Tel. 252-3934
asi.subic@absoluteserv.com

APRIL 2008 SBFCC Newsletter 14

 NEDA revises growth forecast Marina says cabinet level not needed yet
The National Economic and Development Authority The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) officials said they
(NEDA) revised downward its economic growth were happy with the proposal creating a maritime
forecast for the 1st quarter, citing weak manufacturing department, but added it is not needed at present.
and farm output. “We may not hit the 7% growth in Stakeholders supporting the creation of the maritime
the first quarter. Maybe 6%,” Socioeconomic Planning department claimed that it is high time that the Marina be
Sec. Augusto Santos said. Earlier, Mr. Santos said the promoted to cabinet level.
economy, as measured by the country’s gross
domestic product (GDP) will grow by 7%, sustaining Marina administrator Vicente Suazo said he recognizes the
the 7.4% expansion seen in the 4th quarter last year. support of the shipping industry stakeholders, claiming that
"it is good that the government leaders are now trying to
OLD SHIPS TO BE PHASED OUT consolidate the functions involving maritime affairs through
a bill.
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is drafting
guidelines to implement the Domestic Shipping "I’ll leave it to the authorities to decide. It is good that there
Development Act of 2004, which mandates the are intentions, but there’s no need to further press for it," he
retirement of sea vessels more than 30 years old to said.
ensure safety in sea travel and to modernize the Marina as well as the Philippine Ports Authority are currently
shipping industry. under the Department of Transportation and
"Vessels already 30 years old will be given five years Communication.
to meet safety and seaworthy standards after which Stakeholders claimed that in the maritime sector the clamor
they would be decommissioned to ensure to resolve the issues on transacting with several government
modernization of the fleet of vessels serving the agencies has been there for a decade. Shippers complained
Philippine archipelago," said MARINA administrator that they have difficulty dealing with maritime issues
Vicente T. Suazo Jr. The Shipping Act of 2004 Continuation in Page 16 …
requires MARINA to "prepare and implement a
mandatory vessel-retirement programme for all un-
classed vessels that fail to meet the classification
standards of a government-recognized classification
body." The law provides that "all vessels which have
attained the maximum vessel age as stipulated by
MARINA's mandatory vessel-retirement programme
which do not carry a class certificate issued by a
government-recognized classification body shall not
be allowed to operate in the domestic trade and shall
be automatically de-listed from the Philippine
Registry." The 2004 Shipping Act was passed by
Congress after noting that many vessels plying the
Philippine seas are already antiquated and ought to
be retired for the safety of passengers and cargo.
Most of the Philippine vessels are said to be between
ten to thirty years old. Earlier, MARINA warned that it
would cancel the licenses of oil tankers or even
remove them from the Philippine registry if they fail
to comply with the requirement of using double hulls
by April 30. Tankers carrying "white oil" are also
required to become double-hulled by 2010. White
mineral oil, or simply white oil, is derived from crude
oil, but its high degree of refinement makes it crystal
clear and odorless. Among the applications of white
oil, when mixed with base oil, are lubricants and
cosmetics. MARINA imposed the requirement as part
of the Philippines' commitment under the
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
International Convention for the Prevention of Marine
Pollution (MARPOL 73/78) and also to prevent further
oil spills that damage the Philippine coastal areas.  

APRIL 2008 SBFCC Newsletter 15

Marina .. Continued from Page 15
because they have to face several government agencies.
The Marina has been waiting for the legislation that will
minimize the agencies involved in the maritime industry.
It claimed there must be a legislation to correct and
identify which agency will have the sole concern on
maritime issues.
The efforts to create the department of maritime affairs
dates back during the Estrada administration.
The House Bills 883 and 2197, both seek to create a
Department of Maritime Affairs that will be tasked to
establish and administer integrated programs relative to
the promotion, development and regulation of the
country’s ports, shipping, shipbuilding and seafaring
industries; promotion of maritime safety; protection of
marine environment and resources; and training and
development of the country’s seafarers and merchant
marines.
"(The creation) emphasizes the urgent need to create a
separate department that will formulate a
comprehensive, sound and up-to-date policy that will
govern the administration of the country’s maritime
affairs," according to the said bill.
For the air industry, the DOTC has been pushing for the
enactment of the bill for the creation of the Civil Aviation
Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), in the light of the civil
aviation downgrade to category 2.
The Congress bicameral committee recently approved the
bill that would turn the Air Transportation Office (ATO)
into a separate authority and give it fiscal autonomy. By
Genevi Factao MALAYA ONLINE
 See something NQR?
Help SBMA LED (Law Enforcement Dept) help you!
REPORT IT…
Emergency: from landline, call 911
from cell phone, call 9111
Non-emergency or traffic violation report –Call 252-4550
For Binictican Housing 252-5347;
For Kalayaan Housing 252-5346
Even better, for more serious offences, submit a Voluntary
Statement to LED. Blank Voluntary
Statement Forms are available at all LED detachments or
print one from the Chamber website at
www.subicchamber.org
If necessary, sign it as a concerned investor or resident
drop it off at any LED detachment or FAX to 252-4667.
Better yet — take a photo or two, to help substantiate your
complaint..
A picture is worth a thousand words!
APRIL 2008
GMA to ask Congress to pass
corruption reform law
President Arroyo recently announced she will ask
Congress to come up with appropriate measures
aimed at addressing corruption after the Catholic
Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) gave
her a reprieve and rejected the mounting clamor for
her resignation brought about by alleged anomalies
in the administration.
“We will work to fight the corruption that still
plagues our nation,” the President told The STAR
during an interview here at the Davao International
Airport.
“For instance, I will ask Congress to pass a
Comprehensive Corruption Reform Act,” said the
President, who arrived here recently for the League
of Municipalities of the Philippines-Mindanao cluster
conference held at a local hotel here.
Mrs. Arroyo explained that officials shall be held
accountable for their actions should they be found
to be corrupt.
“We will let the chips fall, as the investigation will
proceed and friend and foe alike are brought to
account for their actions in the proper court and
with the proper due process,” she added.
Mrs. Arroyo said the refusal of the CBCP to call for
her resignation would be a good starting point for
her to work on what needs to be done in the
remaining days of her term.
“I know I am not perfect but I would work hard
everyday in order to achieve positive and lasting
change,” she said.
She said she would continue to push for a strong
economy in order to help the poor. “Without a
strong economy, we cannot help the poor.”
“My main concern is, there are so many things that
are left to be done. And I plan to work until the last
day of my term to fulfill our Philippine Reform
Agenda,” she said.
Mrs. Arroyo stressed that what is equally important
for her is to fight for the country’s economy,
environment and education.
“I count the fight for a strong economy, to cut
poverty by half in 2015, the fight for a clean
environment and the fight to have quality
education, as the most important imperatives of our
time,” she said. By Edith Regalado, Phil Star
SBFCC Newsletter 16
 WWF - March 29th – 8-9 pm – MARK YOUR CALENDARS
On 29 March 2008 the Philippines will join countries around the world as we literally "turn the lights out"
for Earth Hour - an event that will fuel awareness on climate change and prove that when the people of
the world work together, they can make a difference in the fight against global warming.

Earth Hour will take place throughout the Philippines from 8 to 9 pm on Sat, 29 Mar. 2008.
WWF invites you to participate by shutting off lights for 60 minutes, organizing your own
"lights-out" event or by sharing this information with your friends, workmates and family.
Launched in Australia on the 31st of March 2007, Earth Hour moved 2.2 million people and 2100
businesses in Sydney to turn off their lights for one hour. This massive collective effort reduced the city's
energy consumption by 10.2% for one hour. With Sydney icons like the Harbour Bridge and Opera House
turning their lights off and unique events such as weddings by candlelight, the world took notice. Inspired
by the collective effort of millions of Australians, many major global cities are joining Earth Hour in 2008,
turning a symbolic event into a global movement.
Today's buildings account for: Green Buildings save:
• 12% of world's water use • 30% in energy
• 40% of world's greenhouse gas emissions • 35% in CO2 emissions
• 65% of world's waste output • 30–50% in water use
• 70% of world's electricity consumption • 50–90% in waste costs
YOUR participation will go a long way in spreading the message that we, as individual droplets working
collectively – can create an impetus far more powerful than the mightiest of rivers. For more information,
log on to the WWF Earth Hour page at: www.earthhour.org.

Warming said to have potential to wipe out most species

R ising temperatures could wipe out more than

half of the earth’s species in the next few
centuries, according to researchers who published
a recent study linking climate change to past mass
extinctions.
Researchers at the University of York said their
study was the first to examine the relationship
between climate, extinction rates and biodiversity
over a long period.
The findings, published in the Proceedings of the
Royal Society, suggest climate change was the
cause of large-scale extinctions, said Peter
Mayhew, an ecologist who worked on the study.
The study analyzed fossil records and temperature
changes over 500 million years, and found that
three of the four biggest extinctions – defined as
when more than 50 percent of species disappeared
– occurred during periods of high temperatures.
"The relationship is true for the whole period in
general," Mayhew said in a telephone interview.
"If temperatures went up, then extinctions went
up and biodiversity tended to be lower."
The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change predicts that average global
temperatures are likely to rise by between 1.8
and 4 degrees Celsius (3.2 and 7.2 Fahrenheit)
by the end of the century, partly as a result of
greenhouse gas emissions.
The upper end of the forecast rise would heat
the earth close to the temperatures of 250
million years ago, when 95 percent of all animal
and plant species became extinct, Mayhew said.
Some of the past mass extinctions happened
over a brief few hundred years, providing
evidence that present day rapid temperature
rises could have the same impact, Mayhew said.
"It does give us an idea of what to expect in the
near future," he said. "There is nothing that says
it couldn’t happen in a short timescale." Malaya
Online

“Goals. There’s no telling what you can do when you get inspired by them. There’s no telling what you can do
when you believe in them. There’s no telling what will happen when you act upon them.” – Jim Rohn

APRIL 2008 SBFCC Newsletter 17

 GOLDEN EAGLE MEMBER
SBFCC ANNOUNCES exclusive FOR A 2ND CONSECUTIVE YEAR
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY COMPANY: GLOBAL TERMINALS DEVT INC.
GLOBAL SHIP MANAGEMENT & MARINE SVCS INC.
Representative: ROSE B. BALDEO
Type of Business: Marine Terminal Operation and Prime Real Estate
Development
Address: Bldg. 12P Rivera Pier SRF Compound, SBFZ
Tel. No.: 252-7064; 252-3158
E-mail Address: gti@subictel.com
Members receive for one complete calendar year:
Ongoing recognition through banner ad on the SBFCC
SILVER CIRCLE MEMBERS
website; COMPANY: ABSOLUTE SERVICE INC.
Opportunity to display banners at all SBFCC events; Representative: DANNY PIANO
Type of Business: Data entry, typesetting, Pre-press Technology Services
Live acknowledgement during SBFCC events throughout Address: Bldg. 1149 George Dewey Complex, SBFZ
the year; Tel. No.: 252-3934; 252-5235
One year quarter page ad in monthly SBFCC Newsletter; E-mail Address: dpiano@absoluteserv.com

Logo inclusion of event t-shirts and on-site banners at COMPANY: INNOVE COMMUNICATIONS
special events; Representative: JESSIE ALANO
Alternates: DAX APOLINARIO
Recognition as Silver Circle member in SBFCC Directory; Type of Business: Telecom Services
Recognition and banner placement as hole sponsor for Address: 15/F Globe Telecom Telepark
111 Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City
Annual SBFCC Golf Tournament;
Tel. No.: 0917-797-5282 (DA)
Unlimited mass emailing to all SBFCC members; E-mail Address: jessie.alano@innove.com.ph;
dax.apolinario@innove.com.ph
Two (2) players at the Annual Golf Tournament;
Priority endorsement of products to SBFCC members and COMPANY: OCEAN ADVENTURE
third party inquiries Representative: JOHN E. CORCORAN
Type of Business: Marine Theme Park
Two (2) Complimentary admission tickets to all monthly Address: Camayan Wharf, West Ilanin Forest Area, SBFZ
SBFCC social events Tel. No.: 252-9000
E-mail Address: info@oceanadventure.com.ph

All inclusive package price: Php 50,0000 COMPANY:

Representative:
PETRON FREEPORT CORPORATION
JONATHAN GALBAN
Type of Business: Retail of petroleum products
Address: Rizal Avenue cor Argonaut Highway, SBFZ
Tel. No.: 252-1858
E-mail Address: info@petronmarketing.com

COMPANY: SUBIC ENERZONE CORPORATION

Representative: ENGR. DANTE T. POLLESCAS
Type of Business: Electric Distribution
Address: Labitan St., Cor. Canal Road, CBD, SBFZ
Tel. No.: 252-7398; 252-7392
E-mail Address: dpollescas@aboitiz.com

Membership fee adjustments:

Corporate Members: P10,000
Associate Members: P 7,000
Last adjustment to membership fees was made in
2005. Due to increased operating costs and our
attempts to increase the level of service,
membership fees were disproportionate, allowing
almost the same level of service to both Corporate
and Associate members. For these reasons, we
have had to make an adjustment to the rates,
effective March 1, 2008.

APRIL 2008 SBFCC Newsletter 18

 NEW MEMBERS MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
COMPANY: DHL EXPRESS (PHILIPPINES) CORPORATION Individual Member: HAP CARPENTER
Representative: CHRISTOPHE PIGANIOL Address: 2136 Lords Landing Virginia Beach, Va. 23454 USA
Type of Business: EO Tel. No.: +1-757-412-2767 (USA)
Address: DHL House 2306 Chino Roces Avenue Kayamanan C E-mail Address: hapemann@aol.com
Makati City 1231
Tel. No.: 02 811-7227; 811-7100 COMPANY: JARDINE LLOYD THOMPSON INSURANCE
E-mail: christophe.piganiol@dhl.com; gino.cortez@dhl.com BROKERS, INC.
Representative: RHEA LIZBETH ANNE A. ABLAN
COMPANY: IRENE C. FRENCH REALTY Type of Business: Insurance and Re-insurance broker
Representative: IRENE C. FRENCH Address: 25TH FLOOR, PHILAMLIFE TOWER
Type of Business: Real Estate, leasing and rentals of Subic properties 8767 PASEO DE ROXAS, MAKATI CITY
Address: Suite #6 West Gate Office, Bldg. 286 Sampson Tel. No.: 02-884-5600
Road, SBFZ E-mail Address: rhea_ablan@jltasia.com
Tel. No.: 252-8640; 0918-913-0127 (ICF)
E-mail Address: irenecfrench@yahoo.com; carl@carlfrench.com COMPANY: KORYO SUBIC, INC.
Representative: SHINJI OBATA
COMPANY: PHIL-EM ENTERPRISES, INC. Type of Business: Industry of Plastic Molding Injection for plastic parts of
Representative: AJAY M. PATHAK camera, computer printer, cosmetic products
Type of Business: Trader / exporter/ consolidator of Philippine Food Address: Bldg. 8095 Boton Wharf, SBFZ
and Non-Food products Tel. No.: 252-8701; 252-8702
Address: Lot 12 Unit P Efficiency Ave. SBIP P-1, SBFZ E-mail Address: accounting@koryo-jyushi.co.jp;
Tel. No.: 252-7697 / 7698 obata@koryo-jyushi.co.jp
E-mail Address: philem_enterprises_inc@yahoo.com
COMPANY: KPMG MANABAT SANAGUSTIN & CO., CPAs
COMPANY: SUBIC OLONGAPO INFORMATION Representative: DESS S. IGNACIO
TECHNOLOGISTS SOCIETY INC (SOITS) Type of Business: Certified Public Accountants and Management
Representative: HERBERT MENDOZA Consultants
Type of Business: NGO - Group of IT Professionals, academe, and Address: Unit 142 / 144 148 Ground Floor, Alpha Bldg. Subic
business sector International Hotel, CBD, SBFZ
Address: No. 11 First St. New Asinan, Olongapo City Tel. No.: 252-2825; 252-2898
Tel. No.: 223-5976; 0927-922-6732 (HEM); E-mail Address: dignacio@kpmg.com
0928-397-3597 (AMJ)
E-mail: herbert_mendoza@yahoo.com COMPANY: LORENZANA DENTAL CLINIC
Representative: DR. ANA MARIA A. LORENZANA
Type of Business: Dental Clinic
Address: No. 14 20th St. EBB, Olongapo City
Tel. No.: 222-3638
E-mail Address: ldc1420@info.com.ph

Individual Member: DENNIS PALMER

Address: 62-B Finback St. East Kalayaan, SBFZ
Tel. No.: 252-8243; 0915-604-2366
E-mail Address: dennis_palmer@subictel.com

COMPANY: SANYO DENKI

Representative: TOSHIO SHINOHARA
Type of Business: Manufacturer of Fan Motor Cooling Systems
Address: Blk F-1 Technopark Along Argonaut Highway, Boton
Area, SBFZ
Tel. No.: 252-1735 loc.5 252-1725 loc.100 252-5611
E-mail Address: toshio_shinohara@sanyodenki.co.jp

COMPANY: SUBIC WATER AND SEWERAGE

Representative: EDNA CANLAS
Type of Business: Water & Sewerage Utility
Address: Subic Water Building, Rizal Ave., Subcom Area, SBFZ
Tel. No.: 252-2961 / 2965 / 2967
E-mail Address: ecanlas@subictel.com; sarah@subicwater.com.ph

COMPANY: THE LIGHT HOUSE MARINA RESORT

Representative: JESUS E. AVECILLA
Type of Business: Restaurant and Resort
Address: Blk 4 Lot 1 Moon Bay Marina Complex, Waterfront
Road, SBFZ
Tel. No.: 252-5000
E-mail Address: resort@lighthousesubic.com ;
jeajr_selma@selmagroup.com

COMPANY: TONG LUNG METAL INDRUSTRY

Representative: LIAO CHIU CHIEN
Type of Business: Metal industry, Door lock Manufacturing
Address: 11 Aim High Ave. Cor Commitment St. SBIP, SBFZ
Tel. No.: 252-6228
E-mail Address: c_lu@ezset.com.tw;tina_blast01@yahoo.com

APRIL 2008 SBFCC Newsletter 19

 JOHN E. CORCORAN Phone No: 252-9000
SBFCC President Fax No: 252-5883
President, Ocean Adventure/ Camayan Beach Resort E-Mail: johnecorcoran@cs.com
Camayan Wharf, West Ilanin Forest Area, Bus. Nature: Marine Theme Park & Beach Resort
Hotel
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE

ROSE B. BALDEO Phone No: 252-3159; 7064

SBFCC Vice President Fax No: 252-3072
Pres.& CEO, Global Terminals & Dev., Inc. (GTI) E-Mail: gti@subictel.com
Pres & CEO, Global Ship Management Bus. Nature: General Shipping Agency &
& Marine Services Inc. International Ship Supplier
12P Bldg. Rivera Pier, SRF Compound, SBFZ

PETER R. TUMANDA Phone No: 252-8137; 224-8084

SBFCC Corporate Secretary Fax No: 252-8137
President, ZEN STEP Professional Management Corp. E-Mail: ptumanda@yahoo.com
Subic Loft Admin Building Canal Road cor Manila Avenue, Bus. Nature: Real properties management,
Central Business District, SBFZ company services

DANNY PIANO Phone No: 252-3934; 252-5235

SBFCC Treasurer Fax No: 252-3935
President / CEO, Absolute Service Inc. E-Mail: dannyp@subictel.com
Bldg. 1149 George Dewey Complex, SBFZ Bus. Nature: Data Entry, Typesetting and Prepress
Technology Services

RASHEDUL CHOWDHURY Phone No: 252-1340 252-1341

SBFCC Director Fax No: 252-1342

Vice President for Operations, D-J AEROSPACE, INC. E-Mail: djaero@subictel.com

#12 Aim High Corner Commitment St., SBIP, Phase 1, SBFZ Bus. Nature: Assembly of Aircraft Parts

STEVE J. HAUCH Phone No: 252-1310 252-7906

SBFCC Director Fax No: 252-7905
Vice President and Country Director, CORPORATE AIR,
INC. E-Mail: recovery747@yahoo.com
Bldg. 8128 Subic Bay Int'l Airport, SBFZ Bus. Nature: Air Charter

DANTE T. POLLESCAS Phone No: 252-7392 / 7398

SBFCC Director Fax No: 252-7397
VP and General Manager, SUBIC ENERZONE CORP. E-Mail: dpollescas@aboitiz.com
Labitan St., Cor. Canal Road, CBD, SBFZ Bus. Nature: Electric distribution

APRIL 2008 SBFCC Newsletter 20