Subic bay news vol 12 no 15 15.00Php

Subic Freeport Attracts more Php 26.00 Investors from Taiwan SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – More Tai- wan-based companies are now setting their sights on this premier free port, with eight firms expressing interest to in- vest here after talks with Subic Bay Met- ropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials in the recent Philippine Investment Forum held in Taipei. SBMA Chairman and Administra- tor Wilma T. Eisma, who presented in- vestment and business opportunities in the Subic Bay Freeport during the forum, said two Taiwanese companies had so far committed a total of $9 million in invest- ments right away. These are FTI Holdings Group (Milagros International Inc.), which plans to invest $6 million in Subic and to hire 600 workers within the year, and Grey Matter Industries Group, which had com- mitted to invest $3 million and hire 200 workers. FTI Group designs, manufactures and sells luggage, fashion handbags and backpacks, apparel and apparel accesso- ries, outdoor products and pet products and accessories which are sold in the United States. ] More than 250 Taiwanese investors attended the Philippine Investment Forum organized by the Philippine Investment Promotion Plan Eisma said FTI’s chief auditor, (PIPP) in coordination with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Taipei. Paul Lee, already inspected a prospective factory site in Subic’s Tipo area on April AboitizPower completes purchase in AC Energy’s thermal power company 30, and will conduct another inspection with other company officials next month Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPow- to finalize the new business venture. er) completed its acquisition of a 49% Meanwhile, Grey Matter Indus- voting stake and a 60% economic stake tries Group, which is engaged in the in AA Thermal, Inc., AC Energy’s thermal manufacture of PET bottles, plastic films platform in the Philippines. and other plastic products, has already This follows the execution of a sent the SBMA a letter of intent on April share purchase agreement for the trans- 29, Eisma added. action last year, and the completion of More than 250 Taiwanese in- all conditions precedent. The Philippine Competition Commission approved the vestors attended the April 24-26 Taipei transaction last February 28, 2019. The trade roadshow organized by the Philip- transaction is valued at USD572.9 million, pine Investment Promotion Plan (PIPP) after adjustments. in coordination with the Philippine Trade AA Thermal has interests in GN- and Investment Center (PTIC)-Taipei, the Power Mariveles Coal Plant Ltd. Co., the commercial affairs section of the Manila owner and operator of an operating 2x316 Economic and Cultural Office (MECO). MW coal plant in Mariveles, Bataan, and The forum showcased invest- in GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co., the devel- ment and business opportunities for oper and owner of a 2x668 MW supercrit- Taiwanese industry players who are re- ical coal plant project in Dinginin, Bataan, positioning their strategy in light of the which is currently under construction. recent global trade and economic devel- GNPower Mariveles has been op- opments and conflicts between major erating since 2013 while GNPower Dingi- global markets. nin Unit 1 is currently expected to come Eisma said that in the Taipei trade online later this year. roadshow, six other Taiwanese firms ex- The completion of the transaction pressed interest to locate in the Subic With its first unit coming online later this year, GNPower Dinginin seeks to help stabilize increases AboitizPower’s economic inter- Bay Freeport and the Subic agency is now power supply in the grid. ests in GNPower Mariveles and GNPower in touch with them to firm up investment Dinginin to 78.3%, and 70%, respectively. plans here. Among the prospective investors are Rong Shin Industrial Co., Ltd., which DENR USec. Antiporda threatens CDO vs open dumpsite in Bataan is recognized as the world’s leading man- LIMAY, Bataan -- The Department of Environment and Natural Re- ufacturer of lawn and garden power tool sources (DENR) said it will issue a cease-and-desist order against muffler system; Catcher Technology Co., an open dumpsite in a village here after inspection Wednesday. Ltd., which is a major supplier of Taiwan- “Para hindi madagdagan ang basura, bibigyan natin ng ese computer giant Wistron; Primax Elec- cease and desist order upang mapigilan ang pagtatapon dito (In tronic Ltd., which manufactures com- order not to have more wastes, we will issue a cease and desist puter peripherals and accessories for order to stop the dumping here),” DENR Undersecretary Benny the Taiwan, China and the United States Antiporda said. markets; CDStar Co., Ltd., manufacturer “If you will notice sa bandang likod ang Manila Bay at of Skechers, Keen, Clarks, Asics, Salomon dito punung-puno ng basura (Manila Bay is at the back and here, and Novi shoes; and Ya Horng Electronics there are lots of garbage). This is another Smokey Mountain in Co., Ltd., producer of electrical applianc- the making. Ang pinagkaiba lang hindi sinusunog ang basura dito es and audio-visual electronic products pero pinapabayaang ganiyan (The difference is that the wastes for the US, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, here are not being burned but just left like that),” he said. and France. Pointing to the garbage heap, Antiporda said: “Mapapan- Another prospective investor is sin din natin ang buong kabundukan ay napakaganda pero sinira Sagittarius Sporting Good Co., Ltd., (Xia- ng mga basurang ito (We can notice the beautiful mountain but men Feipeng Industry Co. Ltd.), a manu- this garbage dump ruins the view).” facturer of sports and protective equip- “Hindi papayagan ni Secretary Cimatu na ganito ang ment, which said it intends to produce mangyari. Ang creek ginawa nilang kanal. Saan napupunta ang fishing and sports inflatable boats in tubig, hindi nila ma-explain. (Secretary Cimatu will not allow this Subic. to happen. The creek turned into a canal. They cannot explain Eisma said most of the incoming OPEN DUMPSITE INSPECTION. Undersecretary Benny Antiporda of where the water goes. Sa theory namin, (In our theory), it ends Taiwanese investors will locate at the the Department of Environment and Natural Resources explains the Tipo area, which is being developed by ill effects of using the open dumpsite in Limay, Bataan on Wednesday up in the river,” the DENR official said. the SBMA as a major industrial site (May 8, 2019). The inspection is part of the government’s effort to see OPEN DUMPSITE, page 02 protect and rehabilitate the environment. (Photo by Ernie Esconde) Subic Bay News www.subicbaynews.com 02 Despite rains, Angat Dam Bataan May 13 elections Se- Sec. Villar inaugurates 9.6-km water level dips further curity Preparations Pulilan-Baliuag Diversion Road BALANGA CITY, Bataan -- Security preparations are in place to ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the mid-term elections in the province on Monday, the Bataan Police Provincial Office said on Saturday. Col. Villamor Tullao, Bataan police director, said the full force of the provincial command has been dis- patched to secure 167 polling centers in 11 towns and one city in the province and to maintain peace before, during, and after voting and canvassing. Some members of the Armed Forces of the Phil- ippines and the police’s Special Action Force and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion have been tapped as reinforcement. Tullao said most of the vote counting machines (VCMs) have been tested and sealed and now fully se- ALTERNATE ROAD IN BULACAN. Public Works and High- cured. ways Secretary Mark Villar (right) delivers his short Gilda Rodrigo, assistant provincial election su- message during the inauguration of the 9.6-kilometer pervisor, said only 10 VCMs have remained untested Pulilan-Baliuag Diversion Road in Pulilan, Bulacan on CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan-- The water elevation in Angat and unsealed due to the problem involving the SD (Se- Thursday, May 9, 2019. Looking on are Pulilan Mayor Dam slightly dipped even after the heavy rains in Metro cure Digital) cards. Maritz Ochoa-Montejo, Rep. Gavini Pancho and DPWH Manila and some parts of Bulacan Wednesday night. She said there are 695 primary or principal Regional Director Roseller Tolentino. (Photo by Manny Maricel Cruz of the Bulacan Provincial Public Af- VCMs and another 73 contingency VCMs in Bataan to Balbin) fairs Office said the water elevation in Angat Dam slightly serve 545,507 registered voters in 167 polling centers slid to 174.78 meters on Thursday morning as compared in 237 barangays. PULILAN, Bulacan -- The new 9.6-kilometer Pulilan-Bali- to 175.10 meters on Wednesday morning. On the other hand, there are 3,605 established uag Diversion Road is now open to motorists. On the other hand, Sevillo David Jr., executive polling precincts and 695 clustered precincts in the Department of Public Works and Highways director of the National Water Resources Board, said in (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar led on Thursday the inau- a text message to the Philippine News Agency that com- province divided into two congressional districts. guration of the new road that will decongest the crowded pared to previous days, the rate of decline in the dam's “We expect the cards to be delivered any time section of Maharlika Highway from Barangay Tibag in Pu- water elevation after the heavy rains is a bit lower. today (Saturday) and we will proceed immediately with lilan town to Barangay Tarcan in Baliuag town. Meanwhile, Bro. Martin Francisco, chairperson of the final testing and sealing. There are no other con- The project with a total cost of PHP509.60 million the Sagip Sierra Madre Environmental Society Inc. based cern and we see no more hitch for the voting to pro- was implemented by the DPWH Regional Office 3 head- in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources ceed regularly on Monday,” Rodrigo said. ed by Director Roseller Tolentino. It was started in 2015 (DENR) forest reserved site in the Sierra Madre Mountain Col. Ricardo Santiago, chief of Police Communi- and completed this year under the government's "Build, Range, Barangay San Mateo, Norzagaray town, said that ty Relations, said police are conducting regular check- Build, Build" program. rains have been experienced in some parts of the water- points and inspections in coordination with the Com- The alternate four-lane diversion road begins at shed areas of Angat and Ipo Dams since Monday. mission on Elections. the Pulilan-Calumpit Road in Barangay Tibag near the Francisco said that heavy rains were monitored He said that so far, there had been no recorded North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) toll plaza and ends in in some parts of the watersheds from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. election-related incident in the province. (PNA) Daang Maharlika Highway, formerly Doña Remedios Trin- (PNA) idad Highway in Barangay Tarcan, Baliuag town. Some 37K illegal campaign posters Villar said that transportation improvement proj- OPEN DUMPSITE...... from page 01 in Central Luzon taken down ects such as this diversion road is seen to boost the local He said that based on the inspection, garbage at economies of Pulilan and Baliuag as well as the quality of the Limay Solid Waste Management Processing Facility life of the Bulakenyos. are products of years of dumping. "In this project, an additional feature was im- “We will conduct immediate investigation. Year plemented such as the inclusion of bike lanes, highlight- 2015 pa lang nagkaroon na ng soft closure and rehabili- ing the importance of pedestrian infrastructure in roads tation ang lugar na ito. Nagtataka lang po tayo kung bakit across the country," he added. nagtuluy-tuloy (there was already a soft closure and reha- Villar also said that the DPWH will push for the bilitation in this place in 2015. We are just wondering why construction of more bypass roads to improve traffic flow it continued),” he said. and create new development opportunities. Antiporda said they were previously informed The new diversion road will cut travel time from that the area was a garbage transfer station but inspection NLEX to Baliuag town from one hour to 30 minutes. (PNA) showed that it was an open dumpsite. He said that wastes are at the foot of the moun- Organic Backyard Farming tains and piled up several stories high. “Immediately, isu-summon namin ang local gov- ernment ng Limay para ipaliwanag nila kung bakit nagka- for Nueva Ecija Villagers ganito (we will summon the local government of Limay to explain why this happened),” he said. Antiporda said the inspection has no bearing on ILLEGAL CAMPAIGN POSTERS REMOVAL. Police and the elections. Commission on Elections (Comelec) personnel super- “Wala kaming pakialam sa election. Ang impor- vise the removal of illegal campaign posters along Jose tante sa amin mapangalagaan na tuluy-tuloy ang paglilinis Abad Santos Avenue, City of San Fernando, Pampanga na ginagawa namin sa Manila Bay natin (We do not mind during one of the Oplan Baklas operations conducted about the election. What is important to us is to continu- in Central Luzon. (File photo courtesy of the Police Re- ously do the cleaning of Manila Bay. If there are areas like gional Office 3) this na hindi natin pipigilan, hindi magiging successful ang CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- A total of 37,436 illegal cam- paglilinis natin. Masasayang lang ang malaking halaga na paign posters were removed from the stretch of major gugugulin (that we do not prevent, the cleaning will not thoroughfares and barangay roads throughout Central Lu- be successful. The big amount of money we are spending zon, a police official said on Saturday. will just go to waste),” he said. (PNA) Police Regional Office-3 (Central Luzon) director, Brig. Gen. Joel Napoleon Coronel, said this was the result of the region-wide Oplan Baklas operations by the Com- mission on Elections (Comelec), the Philippine National Police, and other partner agencies in the region. URBAN GARDENING. A variety of vegetables are being “Most campaign materials removed were over- raised by residents of a village in Cabanatuan City, Nue- sized and posted in prohibited areas, like electric lines and va Ecija, who have finished a 45-day urban gardening trees,” Coronel said, adding that they provided security training. The project dubbed as "Kabalikat sa Kabu- every “Oplan Baklas” operation. hayan" aims to help the villagers earn additional in- He said they also secured the delivery of all vote counting machines (VCMs) and other election parapher- come. (Photo by Marilyn Galang) nalia to the Comelec provincial hubs and polling centers CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija -- Some 87 residents in the region. of Barangay Daang Sarile here, mostly beneficiaries of “We will continue to be on guard for the election the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program paraphernalia until the conduct of polls on Monday,” he (4Ps), finished a 45-day training on urban gardening on said. Wednesday. Meanwhile, Coronel reminded police personnel Alberto Pangilinan, 44, a motorcycle mechanic, of protocols on Election Day. said he is optimistic of earning additional income from He said all security forces will keep a distance of beyond 50-meter radius from the polling and canvassing an erstwhile unutilized backyard, which is now plant- places they are assigned to secure. ed with different vegetables such as eggplant, tomato, No police personnel shall also be allowed to en- chili and lettuce. ter or stay inside the polling and canvassing area, except The training dubbed "Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan", when there is an actual disturbance of the peace and or- which also includes a seminar on production of organ- der. ic fertilizer and pesticide, was principally sponsored by Police personnel are also prohibited from engag- SM Foundation, the charity arm of the giant mall chain. ing in a conversation with any voter or disturb or prevent "Wala kaming ginamit na kahit anong commer- or in any manner obstruct the free access of the voters to cial na abono at pamatay-kulisap (we did not use any the polling areas. (PNA) kind of commercial fertilizer and insecticide)," Pan- gilinan said. The scheme, he believed, will help them earn more. "Malaking tulong sa amin (It is a big help to us)," he said. Cristina Angeles, assistant vice president of SM Foundation, said the project is in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, City Social Welfare and De- velopment (CSWD), and village officials. She added that the program is being imple- mented in different parts of the country with beneficia- ries already numbering 23,000. "Kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa mga nagtanim ng halaman, sa mga nagtagumpay kami po ay very proud sa inyo kasi patuloy niyo kaming pakakainin (We are thankful to those who planted, for those who have succeeded, we are very proud of you because you con- tinue to feed us)," Angeles said. She asked for God's continuous guidance for TEL. 251- 3104 CELL: 0917 503-8350 / 0928 503-8350 / the urban farmers, who held a harvest festival in the [email protected] village on Tuesday, where they prepared dishes using 0932 879-8350 email: their organic vegetables. (PNA) www.subicbaynews.com Subic Bay News www.subicbaynews.com 03 AROUND CENTRAL LUZON BALITA SA WIKANG PINOY TESDA, OWWA inks MOA for Bulacan Pre-Labor Day Job Fair returning OFWs CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- He added that they will also des- Technical Education and Skills Develop- ignate a focal person who will orient and ment Authority (TESDA) signed a Mem- facilitate training, assessment and certifi- orandum of Agreement (MOA) with the cation and job referrals for returning OFWs Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and their families. (OWWA) for partnership in skills training, Lapeña said that as part of the technical education and assessment and MOA, TESDA will also maintain a database certification of returning Overseas Filipino of OFWs who have participated in the skills Workers (OFWs). training or have been referred to local job The undertaking, through the opportunities. Comprehensive OFW Reintegration Pro- For its part, OWWA shall provide a gram Framework, aims to strengthen TES- list of willing and able returning OFWs to DA’s intervention for returning OFWs. TESDA with information on their capaci- “Under the agreement, TESDA will ties, expertise and skills, as well as indi- provide OWWA with an updated list of cation of possible trainings needed to en- programs and schedules of skills training hance such capacities and skills. including the Training for Work Scholarship The agreement is anchored on the Program, Special Training for Employment agencies’ mandate to serve and promote Program, Onsite Assessment Program and the interest of OFWs and their families, other initiatives that are viable for return- in recognition of their contribution to the ing OFWs and their families,” TESDA Direc- country’s economic development. (PIA 3) tor-General Isidro Lapeña said.

CSC reminds state workers to remain apolitical May 85 aplikante ang hired-on-the-spot sa idinaos na Pre-Labor Day Job Fair sa Pro- vincial Capitol Gym nitong Abril 30. (Vinson F. Concepcion/PIA 3) LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS -- May 85 ap- kabilang na ang mga construction work- likante ang hired-on-the-spot sa idinaos ers, service crews, call center agents, at na Bulacan Pre-Labor Day Job Fair sa Pro- medical workers. vincial Capitol Gym nitong Abril 30. Paliwanag ni Alonzo, ang mga Ayon kay Provincial Youth, Sports hindi pinalad na matanggap ay maaar- and Public Employment Service Office ing suportahan ng Department of Trade Head Elizabeth Alonzo, 54 sa mga ito ay and Industry (DTI) para sa pagsasanay kababaihan at 31 naman ay mga kalalaki- sa pagnenegosyo at ng Technical Educa- han. tion Skills and Development Authority Umabot sa 56 kumpanya ang nag- (TESDA) para sa skills training. (PIA 3) alok ng trabaho dito at sa ibayong dagat Mga Ulap sa ibabaw ng mga

CSC Regional Supervising Human Resource Specialist Sonny Cuadro reminds state workers to re- dam inasinan para umulan main apolitical in line with the upcoming May 13 Midterm elections, as he warned them of possi- ble sanctions under CSC Memorandum Circular 30-2009. (Marie Joy L. Simpao/PIA 3) CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- Civ- “Publishing or distributing any il Service Commission (CSC) reminds state campaign literature or materials designed workers in Central Luzon to remain apoliti- to support or oppose the election of any cal in line with the upcoming May 13 Mid- candidate, local or national; directly or term elections. indirectly soliciting votes, pledges or sup- In his speech during the “No to port for or against a candidate; and being Vote Buying, No to Vote Selling” motor- a delegate to any political convention or cade, CSC Regional Supervising Human member of any political committee or di- Resource Specialist Sonny Cuadro warned rectorate for similar political organization state workers who will engage in political are also among the prohibited acts,” he activities of possible sanctions under CSC said. Memorandum Circular 30-2009. He added that making speeches or “Those who will be caught or publication to draw political support in -be found guilty of engaging in partisan polit- half of any particular party or candidate for ical activities will be penalized with one public office; soliciting or receiving contri- month and one day to six months suspen- butions for political purposes directly or in- sion for the first offense and dismissal from directly; and becoming publicly identified public service for the succeeding offense,” with the success or failure of any candidate Cuadro said. are also included in the memorandum. However, he assured that this Cuadro also reminded govern- will go through due process whether it is ment workers to always protect and up- caught in the act, until such time the deci- hold their credibility and continuously be sion is final and executory. of public service with or without additional Partisan political activities that benefits. state workers should avoid include forming “As civil servants, you should al- organization, association, club, committee ways keep in mind that your position is not for the purpose of soliciting votes under- permanent and that you are dispensable. taking any campaign for or against candi- So it is critical that you always do what is dates; holding political processes, confer- right even if you are alone or even when ence or meeting; and making speeches, you are being laughed, because you will announcements or commentary or hold- not make mistakes in doing what is right,” ing interviews against or for any candidate he said. (PIA 3) or public office. Comelec to public: file formal Nagsabog ng saku-sakong pinong Asin o Iodized Salt sa mga kaulapan sa ibabaw ng mga dam ng La Mesa, Ipo at Angat upang makagawa ng artipisyal na ulan at mapataas complaint vs vote buying, selling ang lebel ng tubig dito. (Shane F. Velasco/PIA 3) CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga With this, Cot-om said that a -- Commission on Elections (COMELEC) multi-sectoral network is needed to erad- PLARIDEL Bulacan -- Nagsabog ng sako-sa- Kaugnay nito, habang sinisikap urged the public to file formal complaints icate or at the least, lessen incidences of kong pinong asin o refined salt sa mga na pataasin pa ang lebel ng tubig sa against vote buyers and vote sellers. vote buying and vote selling. kaulapan sa ibabaw ng mga dam ng La naturang mga dam, pansamantalang Pampanga Provincial Election Su- “We alone in the Comelec cannot Mesa, Ipo at Angat upang makagawa ng puputulin ng National Water Resourc- pervisor Fernando Cot-om said that among solve the problem. We have a short term artipisyal na ulan at mapataas ang lebel es Board ang suplay ng patubig sa mga election offenses, vote buying and vote solution and it is very well within the pow- ng tubig dito. lupang sakahan ng palay sa Bulacan at selling are the hardest election offenses er of the Comelec to implement or enforce Gamit ang BN-2 Islander na ero- Pampanga simula Mayo 16. to prosecute due to lack of complaints and the existing laws against vote buying and plano, inilipad mula sa Plaridel Airport ang Sa ngayon, mayroon pang 10 witnesses. vote selling. But we also need to deputize may 25 sako ng pinong asin na pinamaha- cubic meter per seconds o katumbas ng “Vote buying and vote selling are the Philippine National Police and Armed laan ng Bureau of Soils and Water Man- 864 litro kada araw ang pinapadaloy na very big issues that is akin to a cancer in Forces of the Philippines to enforce laws,” agement (BSWM) ng Department of Agri- patubig sa mga lupang sakahan. the society. However, despite the fact that Cot-om said. culture (DA). Samantala, tiniyak ni David na we know this problem exists, Comelec and In terms of long term solution, he the Department of Justice can only start said it all boils down to education and the Ayon sa Project Development Offi- patuloy ang isasagawang pag-aasin sa with the investigation when there is a for- need to change the values of the public. cer nitong si Mary Joy David, bawat isang ulap, kung kinakailangan pang lalong mal complaint filed before us,” Cot-om “Another long term factor is the sako ay naglalaman ng 25 kilo ng pinong madagdagan ang lebel ng tubig sa mga said. economic development of people. It has asin. dam. Based on the data of Comelec been proven in other countries that the Isinagawa ang pag-aasin sa ulap sa Nananatiling pinagkukuhanan Central Office for the past three automat- more developed their economic condi- panahon na nakakaranas ng tagtuyot ang ng 96 porsyentong suplay ng tubig ng ed national and local elections, there were tions become, the less incidence of vote malaking bahagi ng bansa. Metro Manila ang Angat Dam sa Nor- only 220 cases filed and most of them buying they have,” Cot-om said. zagaray. Pinaghahatian ito ng dalawang were dismissed due to non-appearance of In closing, he reminded the can- Katunayan, sinabi ni Metropolitan pribadong konsesyonaryo na Maynilad complainants and lack of witnesses. didates that the reason why they are run- Waterworks and Sewerage System An- at Manila Water. For his part, Comelec Assistant Re- ning for public office is to be of service to gat-Umiray Transbasin Operation Division Bukod dito, simula nitong unang gional Director Elmo Duque said vote buy- the people so there is no need to buy peo- Manager Ted Elipio na nasa 176 metro bahagi ng 2019, nasimulan nang matik- ing and vote selling are among their great- ple’s votes. ang lebel ng tubig ngayon sa Angat Dam man ng mga Bulakenyo ang tubig mula est challenges. “For the voters, let us keep in mind na nasa bayan ng Norzagaray. sa Angat Dam sa pagsisimula ng inisyal “The very people that we elect to that the amount or thing that the candi- Malayung malayo sa 214 na spill- na operasyon ng Bulacan Bulk Water govern us, to lead us, are the very persons dates give us in exchange of our votes are ing level tuwing panahon ng tag-ulan at Supply Project Stage 1. we are going to prosecute. That’s the big only temporary. Let us be vigilant of their pagdating ng mga bagyo. Bagama’t malaki Partikular na nakikinabang dito dilemma we have right now. In addition, hidden agenda and remember that the ang ibinaba, mas mababa pa rin aniya ang ang lungsod ng San Jose Del Monte at the Omnibus Election Code was promul- money they use to buy votes are at the ex- gated in 1985 so it does not totally cover pense of government projects if ever they naitala sa Angat Dam noong unang bahagi mga bayan ng Santa Maria, Marilao, the entire sphere of what we call vote buy- win,” Cot-om said. (PIA 3) ng 2010, na panahon din ng mas matind- Meycauayan, Obando at Bocaue. (PIA 3) ing and vote selling,” Duque said. ing tagtuyot, na umabot sa 157 metro. IN THE NAVY Sea-Air-Space Exposition 2019 Day One

Earthquake-resistant structures in New Clark City

WASHINGTON (May 6, 2019) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson delivers the keynote address at the Sea-Air-Space Expo. Sea-Air-Space is the largest maritime expo in the United States and brings industry and private-sector companies together with military decision makers. (U.S. Navy Photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Nick Brown) By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd other services is also crucial to maintain- Class Brittney Kinsey, Defense Media Activ- ing superiority, particularly in places like ity Public Affairs the Arctic Circle where there hasn’t been a large naval presence. NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (NNS) -- Sea ser- “When it comes to maritime read- vice chiefs and civilian defense leadership iness in the Arctic, we cannot and should discussed myriad opportunities and chal- not go alone,” said Rear Adm. John A. lenges commanders face while operating Okon, commander, Naval Meteorology and on land, sea and air during the first day of Oceanography Command. “Collaboration the 54th annual Sea-Air-Space Exposition is key. Resources and access points are lim- (SAS), May 6, 2019. ited, so we must work with our maritime Speaking to reporters, Bases Conversion and Development Authority President Vivencio Derived from the Chief of Naval partners to be successful.” Dizon assures that the structures in New Clark City can withstand strong seismic waves Operations’ (CNO) Design for Maintaining Richardson echoed Okon’s com- in the event of an earthquake. (Cherie Joyce V. Flores/PIA 3) Maritime Superiority 2.0 (Design 2.0), this ments during his keynote remarks at the year’s exposition theme is “Sustainability, Sea Services Luncheon. NEW CLARK CITY, Tarlac, May 6 (PIA) stated. Agility, Superiority.” “The Arctic is a very dynamic sit- -- Bases Conversion and Development Aside from the quality materials CNO Adm. John. M. Richardson, uation,” he said. “There are seaways that Authority (BCDA) assured that the struc- and construction, Dizon noted that the Commandant of the Marine Corps General are open that were not open before, conti- tures in New Clark City (NCC) can with- NCC has a good-quality soil that naturally Robert B. Neller, Commandant of the U.S. nental shelves that are being exposed that stand strong seismic waves in the event makes the area resilient and the facilities Coast Guard Adm. Karl Schultz and Admin- weren’t exposed before, so I think that of an earthquake. sturdy. istrator of the U.S. Maritime Administra- merits a response from our maritime forc- “In relation to the recent 6.1 NGAC is a 40-hectare project that tion retired Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby each es and there’s tremendous value in part- magnitude Luzon quake, the buildings is part of the 9,450 hectare NCC in Capas, addressed during the sea service chiefs nering with our fellow services such as the panel the specific obstacles their services Coast Guard.” and facilities have maintained their Tarlac. contend with in the current maritime envi- Keeping the waters open for In- structural integrity as there were no It has sports facilities that will ronment. do-Pacific trade routes, which bolster glob- cracks and damages reported,” BCDA host the 30th South East Asian Games Richardson explained that rapid al economic prosperity, also remains a top President Vivencio Dizon said. this November namely a 20,000 seater changes in technology and maritime secu- priority for the Navy. Dizon emphasized that the Athletics Stadium, 2,000 seater Aquatics rity requires a level of trust and confidence “A third of the world’s trade flows earthquake resistance of the Nation- Center, and 525 unit Athletes’ Village. in leaders tasked with commanding mari- through the South China Sea, 90% of the al Government Administrative Center Also for completion under Pha- time forces. world’s trade flows by the sea, tens of tril- (NGAC) structures at NCC is way beyond se1A is a seven-storey Government Build- “It’s very important that our lead- lions of U.S. dollars flow through that body the intensity 7 seismic tolerance pre- ing which will serve as an integrated op- ers are people of character and integri- of water,” said Richardson. “It’s extremely scribed under the building code. erations center for government agencies ty so that when we put them in front of important that those lines of communica- “We have to build better. So, we involved in disaster risk reduction and our Sailors to lead them, not only do they tion and sea lanes remain open, and that’s built the structures here in a way that management, a 525 unit condominium know their business in warfighting but why the United States Navy is there and they can stand no matter how strong an type housing for government employees also that we would be proud for our sons that’s why we’re going to stay there.” earthquake is. If the building code re- dubbed as “The Residences”, a commer- and daughters to follow them,” he said. Other scheduled keynote speakers quired an intensity 7 seismic tolerance cial facility, and a River Park. (PIA 3) “Whether at sea or near the sea, respond- and panelists include Secretary of the Navy then we will build more than that,” he ing to any man-made or natural crisis, Richard V. Spencer, Undersecretary of the [they] are so much more than a maritime Navy Thomas Modly, Assistant Secretary of warrior, [they] are also diplomats and are the Navy for Research, Development and securing our prosperity.” Acquisition James “Hondo” Geurts and Talentadong Manggagawang Richardson also stressed the im- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rus- portance of improving the logistical ca- sell Smith. pabilities, stating that services will only Founded in 1965 and the largest Tarlaqueños 2019 maintain an upper hand in the maritime maritime exposition in the United States, environment by becoming more agile. SAS brings together the U.S. defense indus- ‘’We have got to get capabilities trial base, private sector U.S. companies into the hands of our soldiers, Sailors, air- and key military decision makers for an an- men and Marines – more and faster,” he nual event to share the most current poli- said. “It’s important that as the pace quick- cies, programs, information and technolo- ens, as new technology enters the fray, as gy relevant to maritime service. SAS takes the security environment manifests itself place May 6-8 and will include speaker and in a really fast-changing world that we professional development sessions and don’t forget those fundamentals in terms dynamic maritime and defense exhibits on of providing sustainable forces. ” the latest technology and military equip- During a panel on the Arctic, ment. speakers explained why partnering with

Department of Labor and Employment Tarlac Officer-in-Charge Aurita L. Laxamana (right) awards this year’s Search for Talentadong Manggagawang Tarlaqueños Grand Winner Christian Ramos (left) with a certificate, plaque and P15,000 cash prize. (Trix- ie Joy B. Manalili/PIA 3) TARLAC CITY -- Call center agent Chris- said. tian Ramos was hailed as Grand Winner D’Luxe Band placed second re- in the Search for Talentadong Manggaga- ceiving a certificate, plaque and P10,000 wang Tarlaqueños 2019. cash prize while the Crippen Crew ended Ramos, call center agent from third with certificate, plaque and P8,000 Sutherland, bested 14 other contes- cash prize. tants winning a certificate, trophy and Special awards were likewise giv- PhP15,000 cash prize. en to Paul Marion Vallentos-Best in Cos- NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert Neller “This competition aims to show- tume Award; D’Luxe Band-DOLE Choice delivers remarks during the Sea Service Chiefs panel at the Sea-Air-Space (SAS) case the outstanding talents of Tar- Award; Christian Ramos and D’Luxe Exposition, May 6, 2019. The annual exposition, hosted by the Navy League of the laqueños and to foster camaraderie Band-My MetroTown Award; and Ruel United States, brings together key military decision makers, the U.S. defense in- and unity in the labor and management Dayao-People’s Choice Award. dustrial base, and private-sector U.S. companies for an innovative, educational, workforce in the province,” Department The activity was organized by and professional maritime based event. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Tar- DOLE in partnership with the provincial Specialist Seaman Apprentice Richard Rodgers) lac Officer-in-Charge Aurita L. Laxamana government of Tarlac. (PIA 3)