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Metro Express

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FEEDING FRENZY of giraffes at the Calauit island wildlife sanctuary in Busuanga, Palawan. Calauit island measures 3,700 hectares and is home to endemic animals and African wildlife. It was declared a game preserve and wildlife sanctuary in 1977 as the Philippines responded to an appeal by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to save endangered animals of Africa.

A VALIANT STAND ON SPREADING PH’s BRIGHT SIDE

Vol. 1. No.16

Manila, PHILIPPINES

Sept. 26 - Oct. 03, 2011

P12.00

‘T’WAS WORTH THE TRIP’ Conquer the skies with.....

President Aquino has been getting a lot of negative criticisms lately stemming from his travels abroad that allegedly cost millions of pesos from the Filipino people everytime he departs.

In some measure however, indications point to nothing but each was “worth the trip” with pledges of multi-million dollar investments by multinational corporations here in our country.

(Cont’d on page 3)

President Noy sits with U.S. President Barack Obama (C), Norway’s Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff and South African President Jacob Zuma (L-R). Obama hosted the Open Government Partnership event in New York September 20, 2011. The leaders are in New York for the UN General Assembly.

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DSWD releases P2.6-B rice subsidy for small-scale farmers and fisherfolks The Department of Social Welfare and Development said that it has released P2.86 billion for 1.1 million beneficiaries of the Rice Subsidy Program for Small-Scale Farmers and Fisherfolks nationwide.

Started in May 2011 and expected to be completed by end of September, the program is a short-term intervention for farmers and fishermen and their families to help

DOE transparent in achieving mandate The Department of Energy (DOE) is open to investigations and inquiries of Congress and other stakeholders as it maintains its position that it has always been transparent in light of recent price trends in the market.

“We have explained and presented to various groups and legislators how we monitor and compute fuel prices, and we will continue to be transparent and are very much willing to be called by Congress and be investigated,” Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras said.

Sec. Almendras, currently in Brunei for the ASEAN Energy Ministers Annual Meeting, stressed that the DOE has always been open

SEC. ALMENDRAS

with its pricing computation especially with transport groups.

The DOE is encouraging groups to present their basis for the nine-

peso overpricing claim so the department can further study it.

The DOE also stressed that it has put in place price mitigation plans since December 2010 to counter oil price hikes.

It appealed to oil companies and the public transport sector and was granted P1.00-P1.50 per liter discount in selected areas.

Starting last January 2011, the DOE initiated a weekly meeting to apprise the transport sector of oil price movements in the international market and their corresponding impact in local pump prices.

The agency also clarified that the issues besetting the transport sector are many and that diesel pricing is only one of these.

them cope with the effects of increasing prices of commodities and fuel and to tide them over during the lean months.

Under the program, the beneficiaries received cash assistance in exchange for undergoing the four-

day training and rendering community service.

The four-day training focused on agricultural and food production, family and community disaster preparedness, gender development orientation, planting methods

for palay and corn, and bangka making. The Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the local government units assisted in the conduct o f the trainings.

Cont’d on page 2

Metro-SubicExpress BUSINESS & LEISURE: Two faces of

Subic Freeport

(See page 8/Backpage)

Officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and local government units in Olongapo City and Zambales join owners of M/V Star Borealis and M/V Star Polaris for a ceremonial picture-taking during the naming-ceremony of the two newly-built bulk carriers at the Hanjin shipyard in the Subic Bay Freeport recently.

2

Metro Express

NEWS

Sept. 26 - Oct. 03, 2011

LRT/MRT & THE METROPOLIS

Enrile backs resolution deferring implementation of LRT-MRT fare hikes More police visibility with P1 B for 6,451 new hires The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P1.03 billion fund to the Philippine National Police (PNP) to cover the salaries of 6,451 newly-hired policemen deployed throughout the country.

Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad said the release will support the efforts of the Aquino administration to improve the policemen-to-population ratio and to enhance the visibility of policemen in critical and risky areas.

“The fund is meant to gradually address the hiring backlog that has been hounding the PNP over the years, as part of the commitment of the Aquino administration for a more peaceful environment that is essential to the economic growth of a country,” said Abad.

The fund was sourced from 20 percent personnel services budget for the PNP, representing the estimated magnitude of unfilled police positions, which was withheld by the DBM. In August, the DBM has released P3.35 billion to address the deficiency in the salaries of PNP personnel due to the earlier non-release of this 20 percent.

He also added that additional 3,045 positions are yet to be filled up by the PNP, which are on top of the additional 3,000 new PO1 positions under the budget of the PNP for 2011. All in all, at least 12,000 policemen will complement the present strength of PNP in 2011.

Aside from the hiring of more policemen, the DBM released recently P1.75 billion to the PNP to enhance the capability of the police force to effectively fight criminality and maintain peace and order throughout the country, as part of the PNP Modernization Program.

The fund will be used to purchase equipment for our policemen, including the procurement of around 11,000 units of brand new guns to fill up firearms insufficiency in the PNP, 750 units of digital base, mobile and handheld radio to provide a faster means of communication, as well as police vehicle units. “With these releases, we may expect improvement and development in the capabilities of our policemen nationwide in fighting the criminals and in responding to crises,” Abad said.

In the next year’s proposed budget, the PNP is allotted P57.7 billion and is allowed to hire additional 3,000 policemen.

SENATE President Juan Ponce Enrile expressed his support to Senate resolutions deferring the implementation of the fare hikes in the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT). ”I will support it,” Enrile said, referring to the Senate resolutions filed by Senators Joker Arroyo, Manny Villar and Ralph Recto, all asking the government to defer the implementation of the LRT-MRT fare hikes.

Enrile said the government must Sen. JUAN PONCE ENRILE be ready to subsidize the public services for the benefit of the poor already burdened by the high costs and prices of prime commodities. ”The situation in the country is such that there’s too much burden on the public and I think that government must be ready to subsidize public services for the benefit of the poor,” Enrile said. ”Considering the cost of transportation in the country and the uncontrolled increase in prices of fuel for transportation I think the government must sacrifice and ready to subsidize transportation needs of the people,” he added.

On the proposal to include in the resolution the deferment of the value added tax on toll fees, Enrile said the Congress should enact law to remove VAT on such fees. ”Since the Supreme Court has spoken and I respect the opinion of the Supreme Court, until it changes its mind, the remedy is now for Congress to enact a law to remove VAT on toll fees,” Enrile said.

Personally, Enrile said he opposed the imposition of VAT on toll which he described as additional burden to the people. ”It is a collection of tax to pay an advance payment for a public work that was the responsibility of government,” Enrile said.

QCPD activates PCP near malls

A customer checks imported shoes for sale on a street in Manila. The Philippines has been posting record amount of seized fake goods, most of them from China, showing the government’s commitment to enforcing intellectual property rights, a government watchdog said. In the first eight months of 2011, over 87.7 million USD worth of counterfeit products were picked up, 62 percent up from the same period last year.

Roxas to LTFRB: Help lower operating costs of transport sector Transport Secretary Mar Roxas has instructed the new chairman of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Jaime D. Jacob, to help transport operators and drivers cut costs amid rising fuel prices by reviewing the existing insurance policy guidelines for public utility vehicle (PUVs) operators.

Currently, LTFRB requires operators of PUVs to get passenger insurance from only two entities as a registration prerequisite.

The current monopoly in passenger personal accident insurance is held by PAMI for those registering odd-numbered plates and by UNITRANS for those registering even-numbered plates.

“Sa kabila ng patuloy na pagtaas sa presyo ng diesel, isang kongkretong paraan upang makatulong sa mga jeepney operators at mga tsuper ay ang pagbaba sa premium na kanilang ibinabayad sa insurance, at ang pagpalawak sa sakop ng insurance coverage,” Roxas said.

Presently, jeepney operators pay almost P1,000 for an annual coverage. Given that there are approximately 230,000 jeepneys registered, this amounts to P230 million in premiums yearly. For the roughly 170,000 buses and other PUVs, the average P1,000 annual premium they pay for coverage amounts to P170 million.

“Ang pangunahing responsibilidad natin sa DOTC ay isulong ang kaligtasang pampubliko sa pamamagitan ng isang komprehensibong insurance coverage sa mas mababang halaga.”

“While we hope and pray for safe journeys, we must be prepared in case accidents happen. Immediate and proper payment of claims is a prerequisite for this type of insurance,” Roxas said.

Roxas ordered Jacob to review the existing monopoly structure and find ways such that there will be prompt payment of claims, with lower premiums, higher coverage, and better service.

“Tulad sa cellphones rates, ang kompetisyon sa kalakalan ay siyang nagbunga ng mas mababang presyo at mas mabuting serbisyo tulad ng UNLI na tawag,” Roxas added. “ Halintulad dito, kapag mas marami ang kompetisyon sa pag-alok ng insurance coverage sa pampublikong

sasakyan, inaasahan na bababa ang singil at gaganda rin ang serbisyo.”

Under the present LTFRB Passenger Personal Accident Insurance Program (PPAIP), which expires on September 15, 2011, PUV operators can only get insurance from the two LTFRB-accredited insurance groups.

“Now that the 5-year accreditation program of the two insurance groups has expired, we are now opening the accreditation to more participants. These include management companies representing insurance groups or individual insurance companies,” Jacob said.

In opening the closed monopoly, PUV operators will be able to choose from any of the OIC-LTFRB-accredited insurers. LTFRB plans to give accreditation to at least five qualified insurance groups.

“LTFRB is assuring the public that while we are in the process of accrediting other insurance groups, application of insurance coverage for new and existing PUV operators will be business as usual,” said Jacob.

“They may continue to patronize existing providers, PAMI and/or UNITRANS, if they should so choose; what is important is that there will be other alternatives para walang taga-an sa singil,” Roxas added.

Likewise, LTFRB will no longer adopt a scheme that assigns specific vehicles to a specific insurer.

Opening the monopoly to other insurance companies will bring the premiums paid by PUV operators down by an average of 17 percent, according to a report prepared by the Insurance Commission. Every month, jeepney operators fork out third-party liability (TPL) premiums of P990. The Commission’s report shows that premiums can be reduced to P841, or P149 lower than the previous premium, once new insurers are accredited by LTFRB. “We understand the transport operators’ plight in view of the alarming and continuous increase of fuel products. We shall exhaust all means to help cut costs for transport operators and drivers,” added Roxas.

“The bottom line is that we want to provide safe, affordable and reliable transport systems.”

DOH reports 52% decline in dengue cases for July and August this year The Department of Health (DOH) reported 70,204 dengue cases for the week ending September 10, 2011—over 24,000 cases less or 25.87 percent lower than for the same period last year. In addition, the number of cases in July and August (the peak months for dengue) was 52 percent lower than last year. Fatalities also went down this year: 396 deaths were reported, which is lower than last year’s 620.

Most of the dengue cases came from the National Capital Region (15,427), Central Luzon (13,347), and CALABARZON (10,215). At the National Capital Region, most cases were from Quezon City (4,611), Manila City (1,944), Kalookan City (1,941), Valenzuela (1,090), and Pasig (838).

Ages of cases ranged from less than a month to 92 years old. Fiftythree percent of reported cases were men. Forty-one percent belonged

to the 1-10 years age group.

“The marked reduction in cases can be attributed to the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, especially local governments, who disseminated timely information to residents and spearheaded cleanup drives in their communities,” Assistant Health Secretary Enrique Tayag explained.

However, Tayag warned the public not to be complacent, as dengue is an all-year round public health threat.

The health official noted that dengue is a preventable disease. He urged the public to continue maintaining clean surroundings by ensuring that all possible mosquito (Aedes Aegypti) breeding sites are destroyed or discarded. Some common breeding sites are empty softdrink bottles, bamboo husks, old tires, and flower vases.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Constantine Bautista and Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director Police Chief Supt. George T. Regis activated Tuesday the QCPD Police Community Precinct (PCP)- 1 near two big malls in Sitio San Roque, Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City.

PCP-1, located near SM City Mall and Ayala Trinoma, is under the QCPD- Masambong Police Station (PS-2).

In his message, Regis said the activation of the PCP will be a big boost to our policemen in maintaining peace and order especially for those who will be assigned in the area.

“Our establishing this PCP is in line with QCPD’s proactive stance – of being always one step ahead of the situation – of making things happen to prevent regrettable things from happening.

By putting up this PCP, we want to be closer to the “frontline,” to have the base, the facilities, the manpower, and the resources to contend with crime prevention, crime solution, and most of all, police-community relations.

This also forms part of our programs to bring the police closer to the people and to work harmoniously together towards a safe and crimefree community,” Regis said.

Supt. Audie Madrideo, QCPD-Masambong Police Station 2 (PS-2) commander, was also present in the ceremony.

DENR to cleanse mining industry of ‘wang-wangs’ At the same time, DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje is recommending to President Aquino a new approach of awarding mining tenements to deter corruption.

“Consistent with the instruction of President Aquino, the DENR will resume the granting of mining permits only after we have fully cleansed the ‘wang-wang’ in the mining industry,” Paje said.

The DENR, through the Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau (MGB), has already issued 500 permits. Some of these permits are being used for speculative trading or sold to other companies, without generating revenue for the government.

“This is not the kind of mining we want to encourage. The government is allowing mining operation in the country because we want to generate revenue for the government and the Filipino people and to fuel the country’s economic development,” Paje stressed.

The DENR chief acknowledged that the current revenue sharing in mining is not favorable to the government.

“The two percent excise tax, which is the share of the government according to the Mining Act, is not enough to pay for the environment cost considering the fact that mining is an extractive industry. This is the reason why the DENR is pushing for the payment of 5 percent royalty by mining companies,” Paje said.

He also proposed to Malacañang the abolition of the current scheme in awarding mining permits, which is through the “first come, first served” basis. In lieu of this, he recommended that the awarding should be done through tendering/bidding.

Paje stressed that through this approach, discretion and corruption in the awarding of mining tenements will be eliminated.

DSWD releases...

(From page 1)

After the training, the beneficiaries rendered community service under the Cash-for-Work scheme for seven days along with tree planting, reforestation, coastal cleaning, dredging of waterways and canals, and repair of damaged community facilities due to disasters. The beneficiaries received cash upon completion of the activities based on the prevailing regional wage rate in their respective areas.

OIC-Secretary Alicia R. Bala said, 50 percent of the cash assistance will be used to buy food or rice in the market to boost the economy in the area.

The program has a budget of P4.2 billion for 1.57 million small-scale farmers and fisherfolks.

The list of beneficiaries were identified through the DSWD National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) project based on their 2010 data of poor farmers and fisherfolks per city and municipality.

BUSINESS

Sept. 26 - Oct. 3, 2011

METRO EXPRESS

3

Task force to probe alleged collusion by oil firms to hike oil prices – Roxas Amidst the current nationwide transport strike, Transport and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas assured the country’s transport groups that the government is taking concrete steps to address the issues raised by public utility vehicles (PUVs) operators and drivers.

Roxas said a task force composed of representatives from the Department of Transport and Communications (DOTC), Department of Energy (DOE), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) has been formed by the government to investigate any “questionable collaboration” among oil companies in setting the prices for oil products at the expense of the riding public, and transport sector.

SEC. ROXAS “We hear out the public and transport groups’ sentiment on the continuous oil price hike, thus the government has quickly taken concrete action to check if there is any collusion among oil firms to control oil prices in the market,” Roxas said.

The task force will investigate how oil companies come up with market oil price, particularly how much they actually spend to import the product from oil cartels in the Middle East, transfer it via Singapore or

A student walks through racks of assorted cheap imported garments, deemed on oversupply with the emergence of “ukay-ukay” in the local market.

Exports rebound

Exports rebounded month-onmonth in July 2011 as it reached US$4.4 billion, which is 7.3 percent higher than the US$4.1 billion total exports in June 2011. This is due to significant growth in agro-based and mineral products, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

According to the latest report from the National Statistics Office (NSO), exports of agro-based products in July 2011 grew by 50.2 percent from the same month last year, because of significant increases in the receipts from sugar products (15,348.9%), fruits and vegetables (69.1%), coconut products (17.3%), and natural rubber (347.6%).

“Sugar exports continued to benefit from higher domestic production, increased foreign demand, and escalating prices in the world market,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Cayetano W. Paderanga, Jr. Based on data from the World Bank, Paderanga said that prices of sugar products in the world market in July increased by 61.6 percent year-on-year, on the back of lower production in Brazil, which accounts 25 percent of global sugar output.

Meanwhile, export of mineral products grew year-on-year by 82.6 percent in July 2011 due to significant increases in the value of copper (52.1%) and gold (169.0%) shipments, compared with the same month a year ago.

“Gold exports continued to benefit from higher price and increased foreign demand, as investors favored safe-haven buying amid economic uncertainties in advanced regions like the Euro Area and the United States,” said Paderanga, who is also NEDA Director-General.

For the first seven months of 2011, export earnings grew by 3.3 percent to US$29.2 billion from US$28.2 billion in the same period a year ago. However, total exports for July 2011 contracted by 1.7 percent year-on-year due to slow foreign demand in electronics, which

comprised more than 50 percent of the country’s total exports.

Electronic exports declined to US$2.3 billion in July 2011 from US$2.9 billion in the same period last year due to lower receipts from semiconductors (-33.5%), electronic data processing unit (-12.4%), communication/radar (-55.3%), consumer electronics (-10.9%), and medical/industrial instrumentation (-0.7%).

Despite this, the NEDA official is upbeat on performance of electronics exports in the coming months. Citing reports from the Semiconductor Industry Association and the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries of the Philippines, Inc., a seasonal boost in sales is anticipated in the coming months, as demand increases through the holiday season.

The full recovery of the electronics supply chain in Japan is also expected by the end of the third quarter of 2011.

Meanwhile, manufactured exports in July 2011 dropped by 8.9 percent to US$3.6 billion from US$3.9 billion last year, as higher outward shipments of major export products such as wood manufactures (77.0%), machinery and transport equipment (33.2%), chemicals (38.7%), and garments (30.1%) were less than the 21.3 percent drop in electronic exports.

In terms of export destination, Japan was the top overseas market of Philippine products in July 2011, with a 23.8 percent share of the country’s total exports. Exports to Japan increased by 84.7 percent to US$1.1 billion in July 2011 from just US$571 million a year ago.

The significant growth was attributed to gains in the exports of semiconductors, automotive electronics, wood manufactures, chemicals, gold, machinery and transport equipment, copper, and bananas to Japan.

The U.S. was second top export market with a 14.7 percent share followed by the People’s Republic of China (12.3%), Singapore (7.9%), and Hong Kong SAR (6.5%).

NEDA Press Bureau

BIR tax collections continue growth Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) tax collections continue to register year-on-year growth.

For the month of August, taxes generated by the BIR expanded by 11.2 percent compared to the same month last year. The total amount generated for August reached P87.93 billion. Compared to the amount collected in August 2010, which totaled P79.10 billion, this year’s collections expanded by P8.84 billion.

On a cumulative basis, this year’s eight-month tax collection registered a growth of13.4 percent compared to the same period last year.

From January to August 2011, the BIR has generated a total of P619.71 billion in tax collections. Compared to the collections generated during the eight-month period last year, which totaled P546.37 billion, this year’s cumulative collections expanded by P73.34 billion.

Worth the trip...

From page 1

Following his trip to the US, President Aquino and his retinue proceeded to Japan where he was warmly met by the Filipino community.

Here goes President Aquino’s speech before a huge Filipino crowd in Japan last Sept. 25, 2011.

Magandang hapon po. Maupo po tayong lahat.

Secretary Albert del Rosario; Ambassador Manolo Lopez; Ambassador Toshinao Urabe; Secretaries Mar Roxas, Gregory Domingo, Sonny Coloma; Ms. Joyce Villanueva-Ogawa, Chairperson of the Philippine Assistance Group in Tokyo; other members of the Philippine delegation; fellow workers in government; honored guests; mga minamahal ko pong kababayan: Magandang hapon po sa inyong lahat!

Nakakainggit ho kayo ang taas ng energy level n’yo. [Laughter] Kakagaling lang po natin sa Estados Unidos kung saan naging mainit ang pagtanggap sa atin ng ating mga kababayan doon, dahil na rin po sa magandang bunga ng mga repormang isinusulong natin sa atin pong Inang Bayan.

Para na rin po mas makatipid, ginagawa na nating parang biyaheng Quiapo ang lakad natin [laughter]—dirediretso po: Manila to San Francisco, San Francisco to New York, New York to Washington, Washington pabalik ng Maynila, all in five days inclusive of travel time [applause]. Pinaliwanag ko na lang po sa mga kasama natin—‘di ko sinabi sa kanilang nagtitipid tayo— sinabi ko, “Alam ninyo, mamadaliin na natin lahat ‘to para hindi na natin maranasan iyong jetlag. Bago tayo magpanibagong oras ay nakabalik na tayo sa Pilipinas.” [laughter] So kami po’y pinabalik, binigyan kami ng isa’t kalahating araw magpahinga, at maswerte po tayo sa araw na ito dahil kahalubilo ko kayo bilang unang nating lakad dito po sa bansa ng Japan.

[Applause] Bago po tayo tumulak ngayon dito sa Japan para makiramay sa mga nangyaring sakuna, at makipagdiyalogo na rin po sa mga pinuno ng Hapones, napakasuwerte nga po talaga at kayo ang una kong hinaharap sa pagdayo ko dito. Pakiramdam tuloy natin ay parang bateryang cellphone bagong karga sa kuryente, at handa na namang umarangkada para maihatid sa kaunlaran ang atin pong inang bansa. Lahat naman po talaga nito ay para sa inyong lahat.

At dahil sa sinisimulan natin ang pagdalaw dito sa Japan sa ganitong pagsasalu-salo—sa piling ng ating kapwa Pilipino dito sa Tokyo—tiyak na naman pong, katulad ng mabunga din nating biyahe sa Estados Unidos, magiging matagumpay din ang pagbisitang ito.

Bakit nga ba tayo nandito sa Japan? Pangunahing layunin po natin dito ay ang higit na pagpapatibay sa kooperasyon at pagkakaibigan ng Pilipinas at ng Japan. Kaya naman makikipagpulong tayo sa kagalang-galang na Punong Ministro Yoshihiko Noda upang talakayin ang mga paksang lalong magpapaigting sa ating samahan, at siguradong magtutulak sa pag-unlad ng atin pong mga bansa. Kaugnay nito, inimbitahan din tayo ng Kanyang Kamahalan, ang Emperador ng Japan, para sa isang diyalogo. Nakakataba nga po talaga ng puso: kung dati, iniisnab-isnab lang ang bansa natin kapag may mga bagong pinuno ang mga karatig-bansa, ngayon po, palagi na tayong isa sa mga unang inaanyayahan. [Applause] Bakit po? Dahil batid ng buong mundo ang resulta ng tuwid na daan. Ibang-iba na nga po talaga ang lagay ng Pilipinas: bumabangon na po tayo mula sa imahen ng kawalang-direksyon, at naibabalik na natin ang ating pambansang dangal.

Nakapila din po sa schedule natin ang ilang pagpupulong kasama ang mga negosyanteng Hapon. Hindi lang po mga kawani ng gobyerno, pero miski mga pribadong sektor ng mga bansang binisita natin, nagpakita ng pagkasabik sa pagbabagong nangyayari sa atin pong bansa. Japan po ang nangunguna nating katuwang sa kalakal, at sasamantalahin po natin ang magandang pagkakataong ito upang buksan ang pinto para sa mas pinatibay na kalakal at komersyo.

Malinaw po: tumatawid po ng dagat ang tiwalang ipinamalas ng ating mga kababayan sa bago pong administrasyon. Sa puno’t dulo nito, nananatili pa rin pong iisa ang ating batayang diwa sa mga pagbisitang tulad nito: ang makagawa ng mas maraming trabaho para sa mga Pilipino.

Minabuti rin po nating tawirin ang lawak ng karagatan upang personal na maipaabot ang ating pakikiramay at pagdadalamhati sa trahedyang dulot ng tsunami at lindol dito sa Japan. Sa katunayan, sa pagbisita natin sa Ishinomaki City bukas, nakahanda po tayong mag-abot ng tulong upang makaagapay sa mga naapektuhan ng trahedya.

Napakabuti po ng bansang Japan sa atin sa tuwing susubukin tayo ng mga kalamidad. Sa mga panahong sila naman ang dinadagsa ng mga pagsubok, nararapat lamang po na suklian ng Pilipinas ang mabuting pakikitungo ng mga Hapon sa atin.

Alam natin ang dahilan kung bakit maraming Pilipino ang nag-iibambansa.

Paano ka naman mananatili sa Pilipinas kung ang mga utak-wangwang lamang ang patuloy na yumayaman habang ang mga gumagawa ng tama ang napapag-iwanan. [Applause] Mulat po tayo sa sistemang dinatnan natin.

Isang sistemang wang-wang na marahil ay nagtulak sa marami sa inyong makipagsapalaran na lamang sa ibayong dagat, sa halip na patuloy na maisantabi ng pamahalaang pang-aabuso lamang ang inaatupag.

Kung dati po ay pilit pinagtatakpan ang mga katiwalian, ngayon po, nagsisilabasan na ang mga isyu ukol sa sistemang-wangwang. Mula sa dagat ng kape sa PAGCOR, kung saan isang bilyong piso mula sa kaban ng bayan ang kanilang pinasingaw, hanggang sa mga helicopter na pinagsawaan muna bago i-deliver sa PNP, nauungkat na po natin ang lahat ng ito. Titiyakin nating hindi ito matatapos lamang sa pag-uungkat; titiyakin nating matibay ang ebidensya, at hindi na makakalusot pa ang mga salarin. Uumpisahan po natin iyan bago matapos itong taon na ito. [Applause] At sa kaunting kooperasyon ng Hudikatura, baka naman makulong na natin ang mga iyan sa susunod na taon. [Applause] Pananagutin natin ang mga nagkasala para hindi na sila pamarisan pa ng iba. [Cheers and applause] Babaliktarin natin ang kalagayang dinatnan natin. Simple lang ang hangad ko: na sa June 30, 2016, higit kumulang, 11 a.m., taas-noo akong bababa sa puwesto, at hindi ako mahihiyang humarap sa milyun-milyong Pilipinong nanalig sa akin dahil sa mismong mga mukha nila ay makikita na ang talaga namang laganap na pagbabago [applause]—ang ginhawa, ang dangal na hindi nila nararamdaman bago po tayo nakapagtulong-tulong baguhin ang ating lipunan. Gusto nating marating ang isang Pilipinas na malinis sa katiwalian, isang Pilipinas na malaya sa kahirapan, isang Pilipinas na mararating ang kanyang pinakapotensyal.

Hindi naman po tayo puwedeng bumisita na lang sa Japan na walang pasalubong na good news para sa ating mga kababayan. Nitong Enero lang po, pormal na inilunsad ng Land Bank of the Philippines at Japan Post Bank para sa isang remittance tie-up. Parang hindi ninyo yata lam iyon ah.

other routes, and load the products into gasoline trucks before they reach oil gas stations, said the transport secretary.

“We respect the transport group’s rights to strike and air their views. We only want to ensure that the strikes are peaceful and will create minimal effects on the daily lives of our citizens and the local trade,” Roxas said.

According to Roxas, the DOE has been tasked by the government to review if there are over-pricing in oil products. They were also directed to set the records straight in the determination of the just and reasonable prices of oil commodities.

Last week, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) announced as well the impending adjustment of the current toll fees, due to the imposition of 12 percent VAT [value-added tax] on tolls by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), effective next month.

“The toll fee adjustment has been reviewed and approved by the Supreme Court, hence this is legal and the government has to implement it,” Roxas said.

Mukhang kulang ang advertising. [Laughter] Nabalitaan po kasi namin na mataas ang singil sa bawa’t transaksyon sa pagpapadala ng pera sa inyong mga mahal sa buhay sa Pilipinas. Ito’y iche-check ko sa inyo; ang balita po kasi sa akin, ngayon po sa pagtutulungan po ng Land Bank, Japan Post Bank, at ng mga pribadong mamamayan dito po sa Japan ay napababa na raw po iyong charges para sa remittances. Tama po ba iyon? [Reactions from the crowd] Parang ilan lang ho ang nagsabing tama iyon ah. [Laughter] Pakinggan po ninyo ito: ibig pong sabihin, dahil sa may mahigit na 200 branches at 7,500 post offices sa Japan, mas madali na po kayong makapagpadala ng pang-tuition sa inyong mga anak o pagpagawa ng inyong dream house. [Reactions from the crowd] Ano ho iyon? Tama ho ba o mali? Tama. Kung mali ho iyon baka bago na ang presidente ng Land Bank pag-uwi ko. [Laughter] Pero mahusay ho iyong nandoon.

At siyempre, mas malaki pa ang maipapadala ninyo dahil dapat bumaba na ang inyong charges.

Ito lang po ang munting pakiusap ko sa inyo pong lahat: palagi sana nating tandaan na anuman ang trabaho natin dito sa Japan, dala-dala palagi natin ang dangal at ngalan ng atin pong bansa at bandila. Bawat isa sa inyo ay Ambassadors ng Pilipinas, kaya naman nananalig akong magiging responsable kayong kinatawan ng ating bansa dito po sa Japan—[From the crowd: “Tama!”] Tama na naman! Masyado ho akong natutuwa dito, baka hindi na ho tayo matapos [laughter]—iginagalang at sumusunod sa kanilang mga batas, may respeto sa bawat makakasalamuhang tao, at taas-noong ipinapabatid sa mundo ang galing at tunay na puso ng lahing Pilipino. [From the crowd: “Tama!” followed by laughter and applause] Ang pagkukumpuni natin ng sistema, ang pagsasaayos natin ng bansa ay nakatuon sa kapakanan ninyo at ng inyong mga mahal sa buhay. Simple lang po ang hangad natin: ang gumawa ng mas marami pang trabaho sa ating bansa, para hindi na ninyo kailanganing lumisan pa upang kumita ng dagdag na pera sa ibayong dagat.

Sa abot ng ating makakaya—ano po iyon? [Question from the crowd] ‘Pag aalis po kayo ng bansa, ang hangad po natin, ginusto ninyo: choice. Hindi ‘yung napilitan kayo dahil wala kayong nakitang trabaho sa atin pong bansa, ‘di ba? [Applause] At talagang marami na hong trabahong nalikha.

Sa abot ng ating makakaya, gagawin natin ito dahil ito ang panata ko po sa inyong lahat. Hangga’t kabalikat ko kayo— ang aking mga Boss na nakikiisa mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo—walang duda na magtatagumpay ang lahing Pilipino. [Applause] Taglay po ni Juan at Juana dela Cruz ang sipag, talino, at talento; nasa kamay natin ang kakayahang magdulot ng makabuluhang pagbabago.

Manatili lang po tayong nagbabayanihan—nasaan mang sulok tayo ng mundo—ay abot-kamay na po natin ang ating mga mithiin bilang isang bayan.

Bago po ako magtapos: Alam po ninyo, isa sa mga inspirasyon ko dito’y isang kumpanyang ngalan ay Japan Gas Corporation. Bakit po? Mayroon pong hindi bababa sa 70 hanggang 80 inhinyero natin ang nagde-design ng mga iba’t ibang mga factory tulad ng mga refinery sa Middle East. Isipin po ninyo, ano? Nandito raw po iyong isa; itong kababayan natin po ay galing doon. [Applause] Nakakapagtayo, nakakadisenyo sila ng refinery, na hindi naman ho ganoong kalaki nasa Pilipinas: wala po sa eksperiyensya nila. Pero iyong galing, iyong talino, iyong talento ay talaga naman pong hinahangaan nang may-kumpyansya iyong Japan Gas Corporation na sila ang magdisenyo nitong pagkadambuhalang mga factory na ito. At hindi lang po natapos doon. Seventy to 80 dito sa Tokyo, 800 sa The Fort sa Pilipinas ang kanilang mga empleyado. Lahat po n’on enhinyero. Sila na raw po’y equivalent ng SGB sa engineering. At ang Pilipino raw ho, kung hindi una, pangalawa sa pinakamaraming foreign contingent ng kumpanyang iyan.

Bago ho ako magtapos talaga, may ibabalita lang ho, dahil iba na ho ang problema natin sa Pilipinas ngayon. Noong ako po’y nag-umpisang maging congressman, at kailangan po ng iba’t ibang bagay ng ating distrito, lumalapit tayo sa kung ano-anong ahensya ng gobyerno, ang parating sinasabi sa atin, “walang pera ang ating bansa.” So doon nga raw nauso iyong wala raw hong justice: “just tiis.” Tiis na lang ho tayo nang tiis sa situwasyon, kaya “just tiis.” [Laughter] Pero, sabi nga ho sa inyo, bago na ang problema. Nitong Agosto po, nagkaroon tayo ng surplus na nine billion (pesos). Hindi na ho deficit iyong August account. Sumobra sa ginastos natin. Ano ho iyong problema? Dinagdagan na ho natin iyong gastos noong Agosto, nagkaroon pa tayo ng sobra sa revenue collection. [Applause] Pero hindi ho maganda rin iyong mayroon tayong surplus dahil puwede naman hong ikinumpuni na iyong eskwelahan; puwede namang idinagdag iyong kalsada; puwedeng nadagdagan iyong health services. In effect, ‘pag pumasok po itong pondo sa ekonomiya, lalong lalaki ang ating ekonomiya po, tataas ulit lalo iyong revenue, dadami iyong pagkakataon ng bawat Pilipino. Pero sabi ko nga, maganda na yata iyong problema ay iyong sobra ang nasa kaban ng bayan ngayon na kailangang gastusin kaysa iyong napakarami ang kailangang gastusin nang walang panggastos. Hindi ho ba? [Applause] Mayroon na hong sumisenyas sa akin: “Alam naming natutuwa ka, pero halika na. Mayroon ka pang … “ Ilan nga ba ang lakad natin ngayon dito, Jun? Sa apat na araw po—itong araw na ito kakarating lang namin, kaya mabait ho sila sa akin, binubuwelo muna. Dalawa po ang lakad natin. Bukas ho, dahil pangalawang araw na dito, anim. Susunod na araw, dahil nakabuwelo na raw: dalawampu. [Laughter] Pagkatapos noon, bago ho kami sumakay ng eroplano, may walo pa ho silang naihanda. Kaya kapag mayroon pong nagreklamo sa isinisuweldo ninyo sa akin, maawa na kayo ha. [Laughter and applause] Mayroon ho tayong mga kalaban sa Pilipinas na nagsasabi lahat na lang raw ng naa-apoint ko kaibigan, kaklase—KKK ang tawag nila. Alam ho ninyo si Ambassador Manolo Lopez, kaibigan po ng pamilya namin iyan.

Kayo na ho siguro ang testigo: dumating dito, hindi pa ho napre-present ang kanyang credentials, sinalubong na ng tsunami, may earthquake pa [laughter]—hindi pa ho officially recognized kung tutuusin—ay nagtrabaho na, kumayod, tumulong sa ating mga kababayan. Palagay ko kayo na ang testigo: walang makakapagsabing pinabayaan kayo ng ating embahada dito.

[Applause] Hindi ko binabaliwala ang aking commitment sa inyo. Pipilitin natin ang pinakamahusay na paglilinkod, at ibabalik natin ang tunay na paglilinkod po ng inyong pamahalaan. Dahil kaya naman po naitatag ang itong pamahalaan ay dahil kayo po ay nagbigay pahintulot. Natural, kayo ang boss, kaya ang interes ninyo ang dapat pangunahin sa amin.

Ulitin ko lang po, kung may hangad nga ho tayo rito: pagbaba nga— pasensya na po kayo kung talagang tinitignan ko na po iyong petsa kung kailan ako bababa [Laughter]: June 30, 2016, bago ho 12:00, dahil kailangan manumpa na po iyong papalit sa akin nang 12:00 noon (kung gusto ninyo hong malaman ang eksakto ho: four years, nine months)—paglingon ho natin, sabay-sabay nating masabing talaga namang, ‘di hamak, ang laki ng pinagbago ng Pilipinas.

Magandang hapon. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.

The Metro Express is published and distributed weekly by el amigo media solutions at Philippine Economic Zones, LRT Lines 1 & 2, MRT, Congress, the Senate and other government offices. For press, photo releases and advertising inquiries, text or call Hotlines Globe 0915-5517486 and Smart 0949-1661022. Emails: 2011metroexpress@gmail.com and esns03@yahoo.com. el amigo media solutions Publisher Ismael ‘El’ Amigo Editor Fitzgerald Cecilio Asst. Editor A.Z. Kal Art Director Eugene Labadan PR, Marketing & Circulation Manager Benjie Alejandro, Ana Cheza Montana, Noel Dolor Editorial Contributors

‘A mission accomplished’ SUBIC — He has a very tight schedule wrapped around various power meetings mixed with other pressing matters to attend to and so with it the Metro Express feels lucky enough to finally have this rare one-on-one interview with SBMA’s dynamic Administrator and CEO Mr. Armand Arreza last Wednesday, 20th of July (2011) going and here, on paper now.

A good friend of the men and women of this humble publication, Mr. Arreza’s six-year “Tour of Duty” is nearing maturity particularly come 19th of September 2011 but this northern fellow gamely answered questions thrown at him from his appointment, to controversies, and of course, his personal plans after SBMA. But it should be worth mentioning that while he was appointed by then President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria MacapagalArroyo way back in 2005, Arreza quite literally rose up from the ranks: He started out as SMBA volunteer worker himself 18 years ago along with wife Ma. Paz Arreza, notwithstanding high Wharton credentials.

Needless to say, although the Administrator got embroiled in a BETTER LATE myriad of controversies including overly fat checks which for him THAN NEVER “over time” came to be proven untrue, he certainly knows the “ins and outs” as far as the SBMA is concerned like the back of his hand.

So to speak, his six-year “Tour of Duty” as SBMA Administrator is almost complete but he humbly refuses to call it straight as “mission accomplished.” For him, though, he certainly got a “passing grade” as what he says.

But oh, make that double “A” for double “AA.” His initials are synonymous or up to it.

ISMAEL A. AMIGO Verbatim, here goes Metro Ex1ST-APLUMA press’s exclusive interview with the youngest Administrator the SBMA ever had: Metro Express: Sir, in your speech with which the Subic Times eventually posted in its website last April 18, 2011, you welcomed the appointment news from Malacanang replacing key positions at SMBA particularly the chairman and the new administrator. Was it really your true and sincere feelings or you still have feelings of some sort of unfinished business for you to let go of SBMA? Please explain...

Arreza: No, for me, sa aming kasi e, I think it’s been an honor and privilege na nakapaglingkod as administrator ng SBMA. But ah, I think there is a good reason bakit six years, ano… midterm, want to protect the administrator from ah, in the office from all the political ah… alam mo naman its’ very, the position itself, it’s a lightning rod through that.

But I think six year is long enough to do, to implement very specific program so I think it’s time to bring somebody in… with fresh new ideas with ah…also a desire to do something for the community. So hindi naman masama necessarily to have new people coming in every six years. So, the institution for me I think will continue on ‘di ba? But madaming, there are new directions that can be pursued. So, Of course I welcome the appointment on my personal standpoint, ah..I think I want also to pursue other things…

Metro Express: So, would you say sir that it was “mission accomplished” for your “tour of duty” at SBMA or do you feel that you could do better as SBMA Administrator under the Aquino Administration?

Please elaborate comparatively from past SMBA administrations…

Arreza: Well you can never say, its mission accomplished because you always want to do more things. But looking back I’m very happy with chairman Salonga and I have accomplished. Ah, looking back its, its easier to see kasi over six years what has happened. Six years ago, ah…employment was at a low. There was minimal investments coming in. I think now we have ah, almost 94,000 workers in the base. Right?

You see more business activity again. So, I think those are very evident, ah…the other day I just chatting... six years ago I was with… to negotiate a contract with NAPOCOR to purchase electricity for the base, about purchase agreement with NAPOCOR six years ago. And ah.., just an indication of how much activity happened. Six years ago the contract was 35 million, 35 megawatts of electricity. Yung pipirmahan namin by September (2011) when it expires, is ah, almost 80 megawatts. So you can see, ‘di ba, pagtumataas ang kuryente tumataas yung kunsumo. So there’s a lot more business here, a lot more, activity, happenings. The fact na domobol yung kuryente di ba, that’s a lot of indication there’s a lot of activity within the zone. We’re venturing to new projects, may mga bagong projects that are going to be developed not just within the former base but outside and then there’s interest in renewable energy right and establishing leisure estates….tourisms estates. So I think for the most part, what we set out to do chairman Salonga and I did with a passing score. So hindi naman, you see what we set out to do but I think there’s always ah, room for improvement…

Metro Express: So…what would you think would be your legacy here at SBMA as the youngest administrator the SBMA ever had? You are the youngest di ba to serve as SBMA administrator?

ARREZA: Tatatlo pa lang naman kami…err.., apat, apat pa lang naman kaming naging administrator so…yahh.. well..looking back six years ago I was 33 when I was appointed. So talagang, really young. I don’t know if I was naïve then but I really wanted to ahhh, I think, yung accomplishements ko would be measured by the stability of the institution that you leave behind. So my legacy would be seen after I leave. If ah…, the organization continues to perform and deliver... and that would be my legacy. Umm…ah, I mean, It’s common knowledge na very politicized itong SBMA. Ah, but I think for the past few years, politization has disappeared. So which ah, I mean everybody now realizes that what we have a common goal. And its makes it, things easier, it make things easier to get done di ba kesa sa, of course you still debate, so have disagreements but that’s an exchange of ideas. Pagalingan kayo ng ideas as opposed to different camps. I think the institution has EDITOR’S NOTE: All commentaries and or opinions submitted by columnists and herein published shall remain as personal opinion of Metro Express’ column writers. As such, these cannot and never be construed nor considered as similar to that of this publication (Metro Express)’s stand on issues discussed. Be that as it may, Metro Express shall not be held liable on any legal issues related/pertaining to, or any column/ commentaries that may appear herein.

Wrong timing President Noy may have all the best of intentions when he ordered the Department of Transportation and Communications now under the care of 2010 losing running-mate Mar Roxas to effect the soonest possible time, the increase in fares at the Light Rail Transit and Metro Rail Transit commuter trains.

Implementation of which has already been delayed by a year now come October 2011 Sec. Roxas explained in the media and that the President is much too much compelled at effecting much-needed fare increase so as to effect necessary upgrades of LRT and MRT services and free up the Palace on subsidies which according to lawmakers and local executives, if rechanneled to them, could spell more services to their constituents.

As we said, President Noy’s intention is nothing but for the best of everyone.

But lo and behold, not every Juan seems happy of the proposed increase in fares. Sen. Manny Villar for one, immediately voiced out his concern on the issue saying “it’s not the right time

EDITORIAL

OPINION Metro Express

4

Sept. 26 - Oct. 03, 2011

VIEWS, COMMENTARIES, OPEN FORUM

to implement the fare increases” because, he said, fare subsidies for 2012 has been included in its proposed budget for next year.Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile also expressed his support to Senate resolutions deferring the implementation of the fare hikes in the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT).

The Senate resolutions were filed by Senators Joker Arroyo, Manny Villar and Ralph Recto, all of them are asking the government to defer the implementation of the LRT-MRT fare hikes.

Timing is everything. The Palace must defer too that proposed toll gate VAT and prevent the floodgates of massive rallies here and there from bursting.

semento kama, payong bubong. wawa talaga ibang kapatid natin noh?

A.Z. Kal

EDITOR’S NOTE: Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Administrator and CEO Armand Arreza ended his “Tour of Duty” at the former naval base of the U.S. of A. last September 19, 2011. And, long before that or a month before the maturity of his term, the Metro Express felt lucky enough to get a rare one-on-one interview with the man which was subsequently published a week after. But as promised and due to popular demand, we are reprinting it verbatim.

So…yung…umm, am, looking at some schools already na ipa-pilot yung application. I’ve identified already the team to develop it.

Metro Express: Can you name some (school) sir? Pwede na po bang banggitin yun?

Arreza: Hindi pa, hindi pa masyado pang maaga. And then there still some other things I want to pursue as well but hindi siya strictly government. It’s a non-governmental work but ah, well, there are other ways to serve your country keysa sa gobyerno.

Metro Express: Sir, past and present, SBMA has its own share of controversies. What do you think were the worst to be forgotten and the best to be remembered? Please explain…

Arreza: Madami tayo nun (controversies) ah… but I think over time a lot of people have seen a the allegations were untrue. For instance, Hanjin is the biggest investor to come not just in Subic Bay but in Central Luzon, Bataan. A lot has been talked to, about their safety record but ah, you know a lot of people don’t see that sometimes these accidents are caused by unsafe acts done by workers themselves.

Yung ibang workers kasi tend to have cavalier attitude towards safety kaya nagkakaron ng mga insidente ganun (accidents). But a lot was made to arrest the laxity or inability to monitor it. But you’re talking about 24,000 workers you’re talking about 400 hectares it’s almost like monitoring an entire munisipyo and making sure nobody does anything wrong. I think there’s has been a significant improvement on their safety record.

Yung mga environmental issues that have been raised, I think a lot of them had been unfair. Obviously the, we feel that we’ve done formidable job in protecting the environment. We haven’t cleared areas for development I think Subic bay forest continues to be healthy but ah, lot has been said about the SBMA to compromise for the sake of deSo there’s a lot more business here, a lot more, activity, happenings. The velopment but anybody who has fact na domobol yung kuryente di ba, that’s a lot of indication there’s a lot of come here have seen that a lot of activity within the zone. We’re venturing to new projects, may mga bagong talk is just really negative in the media. projects that are going to be developed not just within the former base but There’s a lot of talk about comoutside and then there’s interest in renewable energy right and establishing pensation, about how excessive leisure estates….tourism estates. So I think for the most part, what we set out we compensated I was but again, it was proven to be untrue. So I to do chairman Salonga and I did with a passing score -- Arreza said, my, the position of the adof instructions, teaching and learning for students. Pagdating sa Math ministrator and the chairman here in the SBMA tends to be a lightning kasi a lot of it is understanding. Math is building from one concept with rod for controversy. But I think we rather share controversy but ah, the other. So pag hindi ka magaling in a particular concept when you over time people have seen that a lot of it was just really trumped up, move forward mas mahirap for you to pick it up. Ah…so it’s important exaggerated stories in the media. you… there’s repetition and there’s understanding……..’pagka text Metro Express: SBMA has a new chairman now in Roberto Garcia books and ahh… limited ang number ng teachers mo mahirap… So am while the appointment papers of your supposed replacement in Mr. developing an application right now. Yung mga bata can do math exer- Rafael Reyes seemingly got stuck somewhere. Can we say that it’s a cises, learn different ah, master different mathematical skills and then good sign for an extension of your service or not? Please explain…

Arreza: Well si Mr. Reyes has his reasons for not yet taking the they can…It’s ah, self learning. Natuturuan ka tapos you work through the exercises. When you make a mistake you have to repeat it over and position for sure chairman Garcia has come in and taking the reign of over again until you master the skill before you move to the next skill. the organization so I’m slowly turning over to him as well. My term has For teachers, since it’s all automated, its’ very easy to see the, it’s very a definite end. So wala siyang, wala naman siyang holdover provision. easy to see how the students are doing. Kung isang teacher for a My appointment papers were signed September 19, 2005. So it ends hundred students o 60 students magtse-check ng mga papers manual- Sept 19, 2011 it expires. I certainly hope that a replacement would have ly, that’s very difficult di ba? And a lot of times, yung mga matatalino been named by then.

Metro Express: So, what could be the reason of Mr. Reyes of not nade-delay ng mga mababagal. And everybody moves at the same pace. If you have such a, an application in place, di ba na it’s self- taking the position yet?

Arreza: I just don’t know why he’s not keenly pursuing it…so I learning, the teachers are there to facilitate learning, mas bibilis yung good the ones are able to move up. The teacher can focus on: “alam ko don’t know if he still wants to…it’s up to the President if he still wants na kung anong areas ng estudyante ko…my students are doing well to talk to Mr. Reyes or appoint somebody else.

Metro Express: Do you have future plans for SBMA or the Subic tututukan ko yan. So nale-leverage ang time ng teacher. Secondly, in science as well, in science you need to do lab, experiments kasi it’s Freeport after or when your replacement finally comes around? been proven na if you read about something you are able to retain Arreza: Well, ako…for SBMA? I intend to stay here naman because maybe 30-40 percent of it. But if you see it done or you do it yourself I love living here in SBMA. My family is from Surigao. But I grew up in you are able to retain more. Kaya for science it’s important to do more Manila. Nag-volunteer lang ako dito (SBMA) with a lot of other people experiments but for public schools hindi nagagawa yun e. Kasi you 18 years ago. Dito ko nakilalala yung Misis ko... kaya… I think we’ve settled here already. So…most likely dito kami titira…of have what? Iisang set ng lab equipment for a hundred students…. course…ah…you know I need to pursue other things so that might Metro Express: Sa lahat po ba ng level applicable yan…?

Arreza: Well, gusto ko i-pilot in a few schools kung saan idedevelop take me to Manila but I think it’s good to be at home so… we’ll be…we’ll continue to be involved maybe in some community activities…but ko yung program.

Ah, it can run on any tablet platform and then yun na nga…the idea certainly I want also to help incoming administrations…if ever they… is really to automate the learning process and make it more efficient so require my service maybe just also to give advice and so forth… but yung oras nung teacher is better leveraged. So, ahh…that’s why I said certainly not to meddle in the operations of the SBMA. Metro Express: Thank you very Sir… its social entrepreneurship the intention is to make money but the intention is to make it self-sustaining na para it continues to grow.

Arreza: Thank you, thank you. matured beyond that or simply because you belong to the other camp automatically lahat ng gagawin mo masama. Now, I think it’s more towards ah, I have a different idea, a different viewpoint how can we see how can we get the best from these ideas and so forth. Makikita mo dun sa debate yan e, sa mga discussions on the board. Duscussions are more along the lines of policy, more along the line of ideas keysa sa “I belong to one camp, you belong to other camp.”

Metro Express: So, If given the chance sir ni ah, by the President to serve longer beyond your Sept. 11, 2011 maturity of service. Will you accept it or not? Or you don’t want to answer the question?

(Here, Admin Arreza almost begged off from giving any comment saying “no, thank you…no thank you” but he nevertheless proceeded in giving civil remarks…)

ARREZA: …but it’s gonna be an honor if a he’ll (President Noy) consider me but personally I want to pursue other things as well.

Metro Express: Let’s skip that Sir..Let’s have this one…life after SBMA. Arreza: Life after SBMA? (Chuckles), Well, actually, I want to engage in..no, no politics. Other than poilitics wala na totoo. Actually, I want to engage in some form of social entrepreneurship. There, ah, am working with some friends, some former colleagues. One is in the area of education… developing applications that can be rolled out. Yung level of math and science instruction here in the Philippines has gone down dramatically, Theres’ a lack of textbooks and so forth. So a lot of ah, a lot of schools mostly private schools a lot of people have gone towards that direction replacing textbooks using ano, a tablets ahh… to replace textbooks. But I think the power of the text, the tablet can be unlocked to be developed specific applications that improve the level

Sept. 12 - Sept. 19, 2011

LEGIS/EXEC NEWS

Metro Express 5

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, THE SENATE & EXECUTIVE BEATS

Dep’t on marine resources proposed IN THE WAKE of reports that the country’s popular fish species are getting fewer and smaller due to overfishing , Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. has pressed for the expansion of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) into a department separate from the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The senator filed a bill that seeks to create the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) whose primary function is to ensure the preservation and proper development of the country’s marine resources. At present, this function is being handled by BFAR, an agency under the DA. In pushing for this proposal,

Bong Revilla said the creation of the DFAR will be a significant breakthrough in providing utmost protection to Philippine marine resources. “Being a country with enormous bodies of water and abundant marine resources, a significant number of Filipinos engage in fishing as their main source of livelihood. Our proposal will correct the traditional bias of government for agriculture and provide the long-delayed attention to our fishermen,” he pointed out.

The lawmaker stressed that it is only proper to convert BFAR into a department so that it can have sufficient manpower and larger fund to effectively address the problems besieging the country’s

REVILLA

fisheries and aquatic resources. He cited as example the news report that the population and size of small pelagic fish species—sar-

dines, matambaka and galunggong—were dwindling due to overfishing. Small pelagic species, which is the most affordable and common source of protein for ordinary Filipinos, account for half of Philippine seafood catches.

Based on the national stock assessment program of BFAR, there are 10 fishing grounds in the country where overfishing occur. These are the Lingayen Gulf, northern Zambales, Visayan Sea, Camotes Sea, Honda Bay, Babuyan Channel, Lagonoy Gulf, Sorsogon Bay, Hinatuan and Dinagat Bay and Davao Gulf. “If the exploitation of our major marine grounds continues, this will be very bad to our economy. Our fishing industry is

at stake here. If we fail to address this properly, this will trigger unemployment,” said Bong Revilla, referring to the report of Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission that there are 1.5 million people working in the fishing industry of the Philippines and it exports an estimated $769 million worth of fish every year.

Under Senate Bill 1989, the DFAR will develop and implement a Monitoring Control and Surveillance System (MCSS) for Philippine fisheries and oceans at the national and regional levels to ensure that the fisheries and marine resources in Philippine waters are wisely utilized and managed on a sustainable basis.

TRUST GOD. Father Almighty. + It will also actively engage in the conservation, protection and rehabilitation of rare, threatened and endangered marine species as it may determine, including their habitats.

“Our bill will give impetus to the government’s continuing efforts to increase food production to meet the demands of the country’s fast growing population.

A well-managed fisheries and marine resources are necessary in upholding food security,” Bong Revilla added.

Press Release

Kiko: Keep existing school calendar

NEW YORK CITY – Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Fiesta Equities president Romeo Chan during a courtesy call at the Guggenheim Room OMNI Berkshire Hotel in line with his working visit to the United States of America Monday afternoon (September 19). Chan and his company are currently exporting 1 million liters of “coconut water” per month from the Philippines to the United States thru Michael Kirban’s Vita Coco, the beverage company that introduced pure coconut water to American consumers. Vita Coco’s shareholders include superstars Madonna and Demi Moore who are both enthusiasts in the healthy nutritional elements of coconut water.

Repeal 46-year-old geology profession law - Trillanes The Senate approved on third reading Senate Bill No. 2941 that seeks to repeal the 46-year-old the geology profession law and replace it with a new measure that will govern the practice of geology profession and education in the Philippines.

Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV has been pushing for a new law to make it attuned to the present conditions and global standards and at the same time protect the practice of profession in the country from unqualified foreign nationals.

“The geology profession has grown and has become even more vital in our society’s as well in our

economic activities in order to address our countries present needs in areas such as the continued search for energy sources, mineral resources, land development, mitigating natural hazards, geotechnical and geothermal studies for infrastructures, and environmental planning and monitoring,” said Trillanes, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Civil Service and Government Reorganization.

“The existing law which covers the geology profession has become completely out-dated, if not obsolete, in the context of developing nation and globalizing world,” said Trillanes, sponsor of the bill.

The proposed measure has the following salient features: It redefines and expands the coverage of the practice of geology, and delineates the scope of the practice vis-a-vis other allied fields such as mining and metallurgical engineering; It establishes the creation of a board which shall be named the Professional Regulatory Board of Geology and shall supervise, control, and regulate the practice of geology. It states the Board’s authority in the conduct of education, examination and licensing of geologists; It provides for a guideline in issuing the certificates of registra-

tion and identification card, as well as the certificate of specialization to our professionals; It provides for a mandatory continuing professional education for geologists in order to ensure that they would be up-to-date on the latest development and innovations in their profession; and This bill includes a foreign reciprocity clause which prohibits the practice of foreign geologist in the country unless the country of the foreigner geologist grants the same or similar privileges to Filipino geologists in their country.

Another version, House Bill No. 380, is still pending with the Committee on Civil Service.

PDEA drug test capable of detecting 4 common drugs The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said it has the capability to determine the presence of four dangerous drugs in a person’s body though urine drug testing.

PDEA Director General Jose S. Gutierrez Jr. said the drug testing immunoassay kit currently being used by the PDEA Laboratory Service is capable of identifying the presence of shabu, marijuana, ecstasy and cocaine, which are predominantly abused in the country.

Santiago also said that laboratory results using this kit may be obtained in five minutes.

During the deliberation on PDEA’s proposed 2012 budget in Congress last Monday, Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy expressed concern over her discovery that most centers accredited to administer drug test

to applicants for the issuance and renewal of drivers’ license could only confirm marijuana and shabu in specimens submitted for analysis.

Gutierrez concurred with the observation of Rep. Herrera-Dy that there is a need to upgrade the capability of accredited drug testing centers.

However, Gutierrez clarified that upgrading the capability of said drug-testing centers is beyond PDEA’s control.

The accreditation and overall supervision of drug testing centers falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health (DOH). On the other hand, the Integrated Drug Test Operating Manual and Information System (IDTOMIS) being used to facilitate issuance and renewal of driver’s license is being managed by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). The IDTOMIS form being filled up by applicants only requires result of laboratory analysis for shabu, marijuana.

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, formerly a chairperson of the Senate Committee on Education, shares a dissenting view on a proposal to change the school calendar, now under review by the Department of Education.

“Go slow on changing the school calendar,” he says. “As former Chair of the Education Committee, this matter was brought to our attention in 2004. While the typhoon season causes a disruption of classes in June and July, data show that the strongest tySen. Pangilinan phoons come in during September and October, the months wherein the change in start of the school calendar is being proposed.”

“Foremost to consider is the excessive heat during the months of April and May,” the lawmaker points out. “Unlike typhoons which disrupt classes for a few days, the summer heat takes place daily for two months.”

“Our classrooms aren’t air-conditioned and in many areas are overcrowded. Can our young students bear the heat on a daily basis for two months? Or will this not affect their physical and mental health?”

Senator Pangilinan points out further: “Typhoons happen two or three times in a month, thereby disrupting classes for several days—but the summer heat is a daily ordeal. DepEd must weigh its options. Several days of class disruption due to typhoons or daily ordeals and suffering from the summer heat due to the dry season?”

“For this reason I oppose the moving or changing of the calendar until such time that a definitive study has been undertaken to determine the impact of excessive heat in the learning process of our students.”

Should the Department of Education be bent on pursuing the proposal, Pangilinan puts forward a recommendation: “The DepEd should pilot-test the impact of summer heat on our students. Essential in the learning process is the need to provide a setting conducive to learning.

Will the exposure to daily excessive heat for two months get in the way of this essential requirement? DepEd must pilot-test the proposal before making any final recommendations.”

DENR: Refrain from catching wild birds to avoid bird flu Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje today appealed to the public to refrain from catching, handling, keeping, and trading wild birds to avoid the risk of bird flu.

He also reminded traders that the import ban on wild birds, their by-products and derivatives from bird flu-infected countries remains in effect.

Paje made the appeal in the wake of a recent report of the United Nations-Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) on the “possible major resurgence” of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) with signs of a mutant strain of the H5N1 virus.

The report also indicated that the H5N1 virus is already making inroads to Asia and other parts of the world with unpredictable risks to human health and the poultry industry.

“We don’t want to be alarmist, but it is better to err on the side of caution and keep the country and our people safe from the virus,” Paje said, noting that the new mutant strain of the virus has been found in our neighbor countries China and Vietnam.

Quoting medical reports, Paje said that the deadly bird flu can be easily transmitted through inhalation or direct contact with discharges or feces of infected birds. Thus, he advised the public to contend themselves with watching the birds from afar. “Enjoy the sight of birds flying freely up in the sky or frolicking in seashores; do not touch them.”

Likewise, Paje also warned communities in farms and coastal areas to keep away from any dead bird and to immediately report cases of unusual die offs of wild birds to the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) at tel. nos. (02)-9258953, or to the nearest field offices of the DENR, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Health. Paje also said that the ban on the importation of wild birds from bird flu-infected countries based on the list of the World Organization for Animal Health is still in effect. The import ban, which the DENR has imposed since January 2004, also covers wild bird by-products and derivatives. Since its first detection in 2003, the bird flu virus has already infected a total of 63 countries worldwide. So far, the affected countries include Bangladesh, Bulgaria, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Mongolia, Romania, and Vietnam.

Philhealth launches public-private parternships for Kalusugan Pangkalahatan The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) today launched its public-private partnership (PPP) schemes with some of the biggest names in the businesses sector in support of the Department of Health’s agenda of Kalusugan Pangkalahatan or Universal Health Care.

Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona, who also serves as the Chairman of the Board of PhilHealth, was on hand to formalize the partnership with the different companies.

Kalusugan Pangkalahatan is the health reform agenda of the Department of Health. Its main aim is to provide financial risk protection for all Filipinos, especially the poor, by ensuring universal PhilHealth coverage and improving the benefits OBEY of PhilHealth. The PPP initiatives are designed to help PhilHealth enTRAFFIC courage more and more people to RULES! become part of PhilHealth and to assist PhilHealth in improving its So that others may live. services for its members. All of

S

these will be at no cost to the Corporation.

“The National Health Insurance Law mandates that each and everyone—rich or poor, must be members of PhilHealth. That’s why we are hell bent in achieving universal coverage in 3 years” declared the health chief.

The implementation of this endeavor shall be phased, starting from Metro Manila on September 12, then in Luzon on September 19, Visayas on September 26, and Mindanao on October 3. The SM chain of malls and CIS Bayad Centers will provide more than 1,300 registration sites for those who wish to be PhilHealth members. Also, Globe and Smart telecommunications will provide marketing support to inform the public about PhilHealth offerings and benefits. In cooperation with e-soluzione and 1abx, the telecom giants will allow users to transact with PhilHealth through their mobile phones.

“We want to encourage all Filipinos, especially the informal sector, to enroll in PhilHealth” said COO/EVP Alexander A. Padilla, who started this initiative.

Through this PPP initiative, all PhilHealth members will now be en-

titled to discounts for medicines and other health services. Watson’s Pharmacy will give discounts for medicine and cosmetic product purchases while Rose Pharmacy and SouthStar Drug will have discounts for its unbranded generic drugs. Qualifirst, a subsidiary of United Lab, will also give 50- to 60-percent discounts for its generic medicines. Likewise, Glaxo-Smith Kleine (GSK) will offer a substantial discount for their flu vaccines, while PQ Health Shield will provide a 20-percent discount on all vaccines given in their outlets. Other discounts will be given by Fresenius Medical Care for its hemodialysis services and Vivian Sarabia Opticals who will offer free eye examination and a 20-percent discount on frames and lenses.

ALL CARDS has committed to assist PhilHealth in providing the new and better quality PhilHealth ID card, which will be made of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and shall have a magnetic stripe. Finally, UNILAB will be shouldering the card cost of senior citizens.

“The support of the private sector is critical in our pursuit of our objectives. Government cannot do it alone, we need the support of all our partners” concluded Secretary Ona.

Arci: No big or small roles KAPATID actress Arci Munoz does not mind portraying support roles in television even though she’s groomed as the next big star of TV5.

Arci will be part of the upcoming primetime series “Ang Utol Kong Hoodlum” starring Jasmine Curtis-Smith and JC de Vera.

During the press conference, Arci said that she’s not picky when it comes to projects assigned to her by the network and always grateful for the opportunity given to her.

“I believe there’s no small roles, only small actors. I want to support Jas (Jasmine) and I’m not here to compete. Andito ako to have a career and do to my work,” she said. “Every work na ibibigay sa aking ng network is a blessing and para tumangi doon eh parang sino ba naman ako.”

The actress added that even though she will just reprise a small character in the series, the viewing public can expect only the best of her.

“I’m going to do my best and will do everything to reach my goal. As of now, I can say na I’m halfway through it and thankful ako na yung mga tao eh nakikita naman yung progress ko,” she said.

ARCI MUNOZ

Sept.12 - Sept. 19, 2011

Ejay Falcon admires Sarah Geronimo Young actor Ejay Falcon has revealed that he secretly admires pop princess Sarah Geronimo.

Falcon finally admitted that his top showbiz crush is Geronimo, adding that he has always been a fan of Geronimo.

Given the chance, he claimed that he is more than willing to work with her.

“Gusto ko siyang makatrabaho kasi napapanood ko siya parang ang galing-galing niya. Ang dami niyang talent,” he explained.

Apart from Geronimo, Falcon also admitted admiration towards

“I believe there’s no small roles, only small actors. I want to support Jas (Jasmine) and I’m not here to compete. Andito ako to have a career and do to my work,” she said. “Every work na ibibigay sa aking ng network is a blessing and para tumangi doon eh parang sino ba naman ako.”

-- Arci Munoz

Teresa Loyzaga proud of son Diego Actress Teresa Loyzaga said she is proud of her son’s achievement as a new actor.

Diego Loyzaga, Teresa’s son with actor Cesar Montano, is now part of teen show “Growing Up” after appearing on defunct hit television series “Mara Clara”.

“I’m very proud,” said Loyzaga, who is now in Manila to be with her son.

“Maraming salamat. Diego seems to be enjoying so much and it’s also wine-welcome siya so he’s enjoying so much ako ang ninenerbiyos.”

Loyzaga said that as a mother, she is there to remind her son to always be humble and thankful for the blessings he is receiving.

“Discipline, keep his feet on the

UN

EJAY FALCON

SARAH GERONIMO

Asked if she and Montano, Diego’s father, are okay, Loyzaga replied, “You know, walang hindi naaayos in time, and I think there’s been enough time that has passed.”

DIEGO LOYZAGA

FS &

SHOWBIZ

Metro Express 6

Metro Express

ground, huwag lalaki ang ulo at matuto siyang gumalang sa lahat ng tao,” she added.

“I’m very proud,” said Loyzaga, who is now in Manila to be with her son.

“Maraming salamat.

Diego seems to be enjoying so much and it’s also wine-welcome siya so he’s enjoying so much ako ang nine-nerbiyos” -- Teresa Loyzaga

PORTS PAGE

plied, “Mas masarap na magkaibigan kami.”

“Mas nage-enjoy kami, lumalabas kami yung mga kaibigan niya at saka yung mga kaibigan ko rin yun na muna. Magkaibigan muna.”

Did you know that...

Orcullo snaps Ph’s long drougth with stirring win in ‘11 Predator Int’l Manila, Philippines -- Dennis Orcullo ended the Philippines long drought of fruitless wins when he defeated double world champion Mika Immonen in the finals of the Predator International Championship. Orcullo started the event off on bad footing when he dropped an embarrassing 9-3 loss to Japan’s Yukio Akagariyama, but won 8 consecutive matches in a row to claim the 11 years ongoing Predator crown.

The day started off with the final four players. The last westerner was Mika Immonen of Finland, alongside 2 Chinese pros in Liu Haitao and Wu Jia Qing, and last Filipino standing Dennis Orcullo. Immonen and Orcullo had to defeat their Chinese counterparts in order to stop an all Chinese finals.

Mika started off his match super strong playing fast and perfect. Before long he built a 7-3 lead. But Mika then became too cavalier in his choices going more offensively and failed to protect his lead. Liu played steady with accurate potting to climb back until he took the lead at 8-7. In the final games Immonen went back to using his more knowledgeable experience to regain the lead and out defensed Liu in the final game to receive ball in hand and run out for the 10-9 thriller.

“I was playing so well and looking at the score saying to myself how did it end up being so close?!”, said Immonen after the tight victory. That win was the third “hill-hill win by 1 game “win he had in the event. Meanwhile the heavily anticipated Orcullo versus Wu match was next. Wu had demolished all his opponents and then won a 10-9 thriller over national hero Efren Reyes. Many fans and players predicted Wu as the favorite to win the match with his abnormal offensive shotmaking skills. But Orcullo hardly gave Wu a chance to see any open shots as Orcullo ran rack after rack building a large early lead at 5-1. Though Wu did make some incredible shots, the lead lost at the start was too much to overcome and Orcullo won handily at 10-6.

In the finals, a packed arena of hundreds of people plus hundreds hanging from the mulitple stories above the table at the mall to catch a glimpse of the champions. The atmosphere was electric as Orcullo was in the hearts of the Filipino audicence.

Immonen took the early lead at 4-2, but both players were showing nerves as unforced errors increased. Immonen stayed ahead most of the way but Orcullo was nipping at his toes throughout. At 5-3 leading, Immonen missed an easy 4Ball which would have led to a 6-3 lead. Orcullo on the other hand missed a routine bank shot on the 1Ball,

his “Guns and Roses” co-star Empress Schuck.

However, he denied the allegation of a brewing romance between them. When asked about the real score between them, Falcon re-

History •

The world’s youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910.

•

The Los Angeles Rams were the first U.S. football team to introduce emblems on their

ORCULLO PUMPS THE AIR AFTER DOWNING DOUBLE WORLD CHAMPION MIKA IMMONEN IN THE FINALS OF THE PREDATOR INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

and another game missed the same bank again on the 1Ball.

At 8-8, Orcullo made a positional error leading to a mediocre safety. Immonen with a chance to play a strong defensive move instead left the shot open for Orcullo to come back with a better safety. Immonen lost the exchange and Orllo ran out and proceeded to break and run the next rack for the 10-8 win. This would mark the second time Orcullo has won the event .

The first time was in Las Vegas in 2009. He is the first Filipino to win this event twice, with Efren Reyes winning it last year.

“I wish I would’ve played with the same focus and intensity as I did against Chris Melling in the final sixteen stage. If I did, I would’ve perhaps won this match. But Dennis deserves this. He is one tough cookie,” said Immonen.

“I’m so happy to win this for the Philippines. It’s definitely a much greater feeling to win it here in Manila then when I won in Las Vegas!”, said Orcullo in his finals speech.

The 11th Annual Predator International Championship is the premiere event of Predator Cues and produced by Dragon Promotions taking place this week September 15 - 18, 2011 at Robinson’s Galleria Mall in Manila, Philippines. The event is cosponsored by Asia Brewery Incorporated, Yalin Tables, Andy Cloth, Pool & Billiard Magazine, Colt 45 Strong Beer, Summit Natural Drinking Water, Motolite, Aramith Balls, Robinson’s Galleria, Magic 89.9 Radio, Philippines Star Newspaper, Crowne Plaza Ortigas, and TV network partners ABS-CBN and ESPN Star Sports. World class pros from 30 countries were represented at this year’s event.

helmets.

•

Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.

•

Hershey’s Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it’s kissing the conveyor belt.

•

Chop-suey does not come from China. It was created by Chinese immigrants in California

•

Chocolate is the number one food stuff flavor in the world, beating vanilla and banana by 3-to-1.

•

Valentine’s Day originates from the ancient Roman festival of fertility, which was held annually on 15 February.

•

Americans eat twice as much meat as Europeans, gobbling up some 50kg (110 lb) per capita.

•

Every day 200 million couples make love, 400,000 babies are born, and 140,000 people die.

•

The word “Checkmate” in chess comes from the Persian phrase “Shah Mat”, which means “the

COMICS

What A.Z. Kal says on “weather, weather”!

NOON Raliyesta

No. 04

king is dead”.

NGAYON

•

More movies are being produced in India than in Hollywood. About 800 movies are released

Kongresista

annually.

•

There are more than 600 million telephone lines today, yet almost half the world’s population has never made a phone call.

A.Z. Kal

A.Z. Kal

SAHOD NA HABANG MAY TULO...

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Hanjin launches two new vessels SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co.-Philippines (HHICPhil) launched two newly-built bulk carriers during a vessel-naming ceremony held at its shipyard here on Saturday.

The vessels, which were named M/V Star Borealis and M/V Star Polaris, have an individual capacity of 180,000 deadweight tons and a gross tonnage of 93,681 tons.

Both vessels are 292 meters long,

45 meters wide and 24.75 meters deep.

The ships were purchased by Star Bulk Carriers Corp., a global shipping company based in Athens, Greece, providing worldwide seaborne transportation solutions in the dry bulk sector.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Roberto Garcia, Olongapo City mayor James Gordon, Jr., HHIC-Phil pres-

ident Jin Kyu Ahn, as well as Star Bulk president Spyros Capralos graced the event. Nicoletta Panayiotopoulos and Danae Capralos served as sponsors in the ceremony.

In his message, SBMA Chairman Garcia extended his appreciation to HHIC-Phil for continuing to contribute to Philippine economic development through its shipbuilding operations in this free port.

Danae Capralos, daughter of Star Bulk Carriers Corp. president Spyros Capralos, prepares to cut the rope to unveil M/V Star Polaris, one of the two bulk carriers that were named at the Hanjin shipyard in the Subic Bay Freeport over the weekend.

Metro-Subic

Express www.metroexpressnews.yolasite.com

SUBIC BAY, PHILIPPINES “As you maybe well aware of, because of Hanjin’s presence in the Philippines in the past few years, the Philippines has come from nowhere to become the fourth largest shipbuilder in the world.

And I congratulate President Ahn and his staff for the magnificent job that they have done here in Subic Bay,” he said.

Garcia also welcomed Hanjin’s plans to expand the shipbuilder’s presence in Subic Bay, saying that the SBMA has already reserved an additional 200 hectares for such purpose.

“We hope that in a few years, the Philippines will go from number four to number one in the world,” Garcia said.

“We hope that you will continue to contribute to the economy, not only in terms of the production of ships but also in creating,

Sept. 26 - Oct. 03, 2011

especially, more jobs for Filipinos,” he added.

For his part, Star Bulk president Spyros Capralos extended his gratitude to Hanjin for making topquality ships for his company.

“Today’s ceremony is of high importance because Star Borealis and Star Polaris are the company’s first new-building vessels ever,” he said in his address.

“We are very pleased, not only with the superb construction quality, but also with the safety record of the construction since there were zero incidents.”

Capralos also said that Star Bulk and Hanjin share the same vision for better and more effcient ships that will suprpass the strictest global safety and environmental standards.

“We acknowledge the efforts made to ensure that our vessels

were designed with low-waste levels and highly-efficient plans and equipment to support low-energy operation. Improving energy efficiency is critical not only because it reduces emissions, but also because it directly affects our stability,” he said.

After the unveiling ceremony, both vessels were blessed in a Greek Orthodox Church religious rite. A tour of the vessels and a ceremonial horn-honking immediately followed the blessing.

HHIC-Phil, which is located at Subic’s Redondo Peninsula, has the two largest drydocks in the world. Its operations here now make the Philippines the fourth largest shipbuilder in the world.

The Subic shipyard currently employs 22,000 skilled workers from various local communities.

SBMA Media Bureau

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND SEMINAR Class 38 of Immanuel Series poses with elders, “auxies” and the Ecclesial Team lead by Fr. Jess Fernandez, Team Couples Bro. John & Sis. Nitz Calamiong and Bro. Sonny and Sis. NItz Baquiran for posterity during Immanuel Series’s Marriage Encounter Weekend Seminar last Sept. 9, 10 & 11, 2011 at La Verna Retreat House, Tagaytay City. Immanuel Series is a member of M.E. Tuklasan Sector. Not in photo are series servant leaders Bro. Smack and Sis. Bobitte Amigo. Class 38 includes couples Jon and Enid Matriano, Jose and Rosalyn Aquino, Steven and Michelle Joaquin, Edward and Michelle Lumabi, Rexmelle and Nemalyn Decapia, Edmund and Imee Rivera, William and Rosemary Perea and couples Robert and Clarivel Nagar.

, Marriage Encounter: FAITHH EALTH & MYSTERIES A must for couples It has already been a couple of weeks before we filed our last piece in this corner.

Mea culpa.

And as such apologies is on the line.

The reason is, yours truly has been so preoccupied lately with preparations for our weekend seminar in our Marriage Encounter community, particularly, Immanuel Series Tuklasan Sector.

This entailed fund-raising and everything.

The M.E. is an apostolate for married Catholic couples where I and my better half Esperanza serve as Head Servants, punong tagapaglingkod sa paglalapit ng Ating Panginoong Hesukristo sa mga magasawahan.

As I write this piece, our series was in the middle of things preparing for our very

first reunion of new graduates in Class 38 at the Technological University of the Philippines in Taguig City last Sunday, September 25, 2011.

Expected to attend were the eight newly-minted encountered couples and of course, the elders of our series.

Former Tuklasan president couples Bro. John and Nitz Calamiong volunteered to preside over the proceedings of the first

reunion, which normally takes longer than the rest of other reunions as it involves introduction of elders, couple by couple for familiarization purposes for the benefit of the new grads.

Without getting into the nittygritty of the M.E., this works almost similar to that of the Couples for Christ but some people say there is something with M.E. that cannot be found

nor experienced at CFC although they do have similar reasons for being.

Both have similar focus and introducing our God Almighty, our Creator Jesus Christ, the supreme symbol of divine love for

The Ecclesial Team of Class 38 led

by Fr. Jess Fernandez (center) Team Couples Bro. John and Sis. Nitz Calamiong, Sis. Nitz and Bro. Sonny Baquiran.

Immanuel Series: One big happy family in Jesus Christ. Fr. Agot (10th from left) obliges for aphoto op with elders of Immanuel Series shortly after giving an inspiring talk on commitment a week before IS’s ME Weekend Seminar. Bro. Fred (extreme right) and Sis. Judith Bugaoisan (fourth from left) hosted the Series’ recollection.

married couples.

A good clue for the uninitiated is this: Once you attended a weekend seminar for M.E., everything will not be the same again.

Couples have to allow someone in, at the center of their married life: God. Another clue is: the M.E. is non-reformative.

Meaning, there are no guarantees.

No guarantee that an alcoholic husband or wife will be reformed overnight.

No guarantees that a philandering husband will change overnight, etc.

But, but, but. There is but one guarantee: God will make a way.

God bless!

www.metroexpressnews.yolasite.com

email: 2011metroexpress@gmail.com

Metro-Subic

Express

Subic Bay, PHILIPPINES

Sept. 12 - Sept. 19, 2011

Hanjin launches 2 new vessels Full story on page 7

Officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and local government units in Olongapo City and Zambales join owners of M/V Star Borealis and M/V Star Polaris for a ceremonial picture-taking during the naming-ceremony of the two newly-built bulk carriers at the Hanjin shipyard in the Subic Bay Freeport recently.