Thursday, March 31, 2005

SITEMAP


Subic
Bay Olongapo Philippines







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Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Private sector not covered by 4-day work week order: DOLE

 
The Department of Labor and Employment Tuesday clarified that the country's private sector is not covered by President Gloria Arroyo's order mandating a four-day work week for all government departments, bureaus, agencies, and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs).

Nonetheless, Labor chief Patricia Sto. Tomas said the exclusion of the private sector from the President's order does not preclude employers in the sector from utilizing the same scheme in line with energy conservation, and all existing labor laws.

Sto. Tomas said the President's administrative order, which was signed on her behalf by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, noted the need to cushion the impact of the oil price increases on the government without prejudice to the maintenance and improvement of public services.

Pres. Arroyo had directed all departments, bureaus, offices, and other agencies of the Executive Branch of the government to adopt the four-day work week on the months of April and May.

Her order shall continue to be in force starting April until May, unless otherwise extended.

Accordingly, on these two months, all employees of the agencies covered shall report for work from Monday to Thursday of each week, except on holidays, and render services of 10 hours a day, exclusive of meal periods.

The order does not cover front line agencies involved in providing health, safety, security, protection, emergency, and other services that need to be provided on a continuous basis, Sto. Tomas said

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87-year-old American sex tourist sentenced to 20 years jail

 
LOS ANGELES (AFP) - An 87-year-old American sex tourist who was arrested as he set off to have sex with two pre-teen girls in the Philippines was sentenced Monday to 20 years in jail.

Wheelchair-bound widower and grandfather John Seljan had faced up to 180 years in prison for the six counts on which he was convicted in November, prosecutors said earlier.

But US federal Judge Alicemarie Stotler said she had to take into account the reality that the minimum sentence she could impose -- 15 to 20 years -- would put Seljan behind bars for the rest of his life.

"When you're 87 years old, it is tantamount to a life sentence," Stotler told the court in Santa Ana, in California's Orange County.

Seljan, a former country singer, was the first person to be convicted at trial of violating the 2003 Protect Act that punishes US sex tourists irrespective of where the crime occurred.

He was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport in October 2003 as he prepared to board a flight to the Philippines, where prosecutors said he was planning to have sex with two girls aged nine and 12.

The suspect was armed with 45 kilograms (100 pounds) of chocolates, sex aids, pornographic pictures and sexually explicit letters written to the two young girls.

Many of the pictures show the old man with small girls who were often naked. Seljan is sometimes naked or has his underwear pulled down, while his letters to the girls are rife with references to their "love-making."

Seljan, who urged young girls to call him "Uncle Johnny," told FBI agents who arrested him that he had been "educating" young Filipinas for 20 years but did not know that his actions were illegal, his trial court had heard.

But the judge was sceptical: "To everyone else it is just so very difficult, if not downright hideous, to understand what Mr Seljan did, (and) to understand that he could really think that this was not wrong," she said.

Prosecutors say Seljan, who authorities began investigating in November 2002 after intercepting one of his letters, also had maps to the girls' homes in his luggage.

The conviction and 20-year sentence highlights a US crackdown on its citizens travelling abroad for sex tourism.

"The PROTECT Act criminalized conduct by Americans who travel abroad to molest children in foreign countries," said Assistant US Attorney Richard Lee said after the sentencing.

Seljan "is one example of an individual trying to do just that and I think his 20-year sentence reflects the seriousness of how Congress views the problem and what they're trying to do about it," he said.

Seljan was convicted in 1977 of first-degree sexual assault on an 11-year-old in the northeastern US state of Wisconsin.

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Tuesday, March 29, 2005

4-day week saves P114M

 

The government expects to save some P144 million when its offices carry out the four-day workweek schedule on April 4.

Acting Budget Secretary Mario Relampagos said on Monday that the P144 million represents 10 percent of the government’s 2005 budget for electricity, water and fuel consumption.

Relampagos said the four-day schedule will take effect until May, but if it is successful, he will recommend its extension to President Arroyo.

Under the schedule, state employees will work 10 hours daily from Monday to Thursday.

But 30 percent, or 420,000, of 1.4 million state workers will not be covered by the new schedule, Relampagos said. Exempted are the military, police, firemen, Coast Guard, hospital and health services, emergency and calamity services, and the Bureaus of Customs and of Internal Revenue.

Officials from the energy and budget departments and the Office of the Executive Secretary met Monday to discuss the implementing rules of the reduced workweek.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and Relampagos said the salary of daily wage earners will not be affected by the new schedule.

“They will continue to be paid on the basis of a five-day work­week, so they do not lose their pay for the fifth day as long as they are able to render 10 hours of work a day for the rest of the four days,” Relam­pagos said.

The government urged private companies to come up with their own energy-saving measures.

Energy Undersecretary Peter Anthony A. Abaya said the shortened workweek will be carried out from April to May, when electricity consumption tends to rise because of the increased use of air conditioners, electric fans and other cooling appliances and devices.

“We also expect more savings through reduced traffic congestion due to one day-off and off-peak driving hours on regular days,” Abaya said.

Government employees are also expected to save an average of around P40 a day, he added.

Business groups supported the four-day workweek, saying the bill will bring relief to employers and workers alike.

In an interview Rene Soriano, president of the Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines, said the modified work schedule, besides reducing power use, will also result in other savings.

Workers, he said, will save on weekly transportation cost since they will be required to go to work for fewer days, but on longer work schedules.

They will also spend less for their personal allowance, which will include meals and other miscellaneous spending.

Sergio Ortiz-Luis of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the reduced workweek will also allow the government to save on other utilities.

Ortiz-Luis said a similar proposal was raised in 2004 by the private sector.

He said private companies, especially those in the electronics and semiconductor sectors, may also adopt a similar work schedule to cut expenses.

Ortiz-Luis said start-ups for electronics and semiconductors are very costly and doing it a day less would also give companies enough savings.

Soriano agreed with Ortiz-Luis that the private sector may adopt the four-day workweek.

He cautioned that amendments in the Labor Code must be made to allow more companies to adopt the shorter workweek.

Soriano said some provisions in the Labor Code specify that workers be paid for overtime if they exceed the normal 8-hour-a-day schedule.

He said the provisions should be amended to allow companies to offset the exceeding working hours, without having to pay overtime rates.

The Manila Electric Co. reminded consumers to use electricity wisely during the summer months.

Meralco said simple but often neglected energy saving tips are a big help in lowering electricity use most especially in households.

Tips such as using compact fluorescent lights instead of incandescent bulbs, doing the ironing at one time and opening refrigerators only when needed will help a household save electricity, Meralco said in a statement.

Appliances operate more efficiently and use less energy when they are in good working order

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Transport strike grips Central Luzon

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO- The Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator sa Pilipinas (STOP) Monday said it crippled public transportation services in four of seven Central Luzon provinces when its members stopped plying their routes to protest the 500-percent increase in toll rates at the expressway.

Tom Talavera, STOP spokesperson, said the strike paralyzed 90 percent of the routes in Pampanga, 95 percent in Bataan, 60 percent in Zambales and 50 percent in Tarlac.

Jeepneys and Tamaraw FX vans also stopped plying their routes along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), he said.

Some 4,000 tricycle drivers in Mariveles, Bataan, launched a sympathy strike, Talavera said.

Picket

Some 500 protesters, led by the Alyansa ng Mamamayan at Transport Sector Laban sa NLEx (Aklas), picketed the San Fernando gates of the NLEx from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Some 200 drivers who protested the 500-percent increase in rates at the 84-km highway, also marched from the University of Philippines-Diliman to the Toll Regulatory Board office in Quezon City to demand a rollback, Inquirer reports said.

A plan to file before the Supreme Court, a petition nullifying the contract of the Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) to operate the NLEx for 30 years has been postponed, said Aurora Broquil, spokesperson of the Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya.

Broquil said lawyers were still finalizing the complaint that would focus on the supposed transfer of franchise to the MNTC from the state-owned Philippine National Construction Corp.

Police version

Chief Supt. Rowland Albano, Central Luzon police director, however, said the transport strike was a flop since it failed to affect most parts of the region.

Albano said the province most affected was Bataan.

Bataan Gov. Enrique Garcia suspended work in government offices and classes at all levels throughout the province.

Members of the Kapisanan ng mga Sasakyan sa Bataan (Kasakbayan) led the Bataan strike.

But at the Bataan Economic Zone, only a few factories were affected by the transport strike since many companies sent vehicles to fetch their employees in Balanga City and Orion and Limay towns.

Stranded commuters got free rides in trucks and buses fielded by the police, he said.

In Pampanga, work at government offices was suspended at noon Monday due to the strike

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Monday, March 28, 2005

Palace mulls new anti-smuggling body

Malacañan on Sunday said it will study the proposal of Sen. Mar Roxas II to create an anti-smuggling superbody to determine whether it is needed to step up the fight against smugglers.

Palace Communications Director Silvestre Afable Jr. said the intention behind the proposal seems commendable but Malacañan will await for his "concrete recommendations" before deciding on the matter.

Afable said there are existing special bodies against smuggling, which have resulted in higher tax collection, "but if the sense of Sen. Roxas is we need a stronger anti-smuggling campaign with the creation of this task force, the government is very willing to consider this."

"We have not seen the scope or membership of the task force proposed by Sen. Roxas and if there are concrete recommendations as to membership, then it will be considered by the government," Afable said

He said Malacañan will also determine whether the creation of such a body would be "feasible" especially now that the government is bent on strengthening its anti-smuggling campaign.

Roxas, chairman of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs, filed Senate Bill 1969 seeking to create an Antismuggling Commission composed of representatives of nine government agencies that would spearhead the investigation and prosecution of smuggling cases.

Roxas said the proposed commission is envisioned as a "potent and rigid enforcement alliance that shall proactively seek out and preemptively wear down big-time smugglers."

The body in charge of coordinating the government’s anti-smuggling drive is the Task Force Against Smuggling headed by Interior Secretary Angelo Reyes.

Reyes said the implementation of Republic Act 9280, otherwise known as the Customs Brokers Act, starting Monday will boost the anti-smuggling drive of the government.

Reyes said the enforcement of the new law would rid the Bureau of Customs of dishonest brokers who connive with importers in cheating the government of taxes through smuggling or misclassification or under-declaration of imported goods.

The implementation of the Customs Brokers Act was discussed during a meeting of the Cabinet Oversight Committee on Anti-Smuggling (COCAS) presided by Secretary Reyes last week.

During the meeting, newly-appointed Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina and lawyer Araceli Habaradas of the Department of Finance told Reyes that the new law would professionalize the practice of brokerage. It would also result in the purging of brokers who have been found conniving with unscrupulous importers in acts of smuggling or under-valuation or misclassification of imports.

Reyes told reporters that under the new law, brokers would have to sign import documents under oath, thus making them criminally liable for any false statements or misdeclarations. Reyes said the government has been losing P50 billion annually owing to pure and technical smuggling.

RA 9280 would also enable the government to close down and penalize customs bonded warehouses that are used for smuggling and also purge importers who have violated customs rules and regulations. It will also allow the government to quickly dispose of seized cargo through public auction to augment the coffers of government and prevent the confiscated items from getting spoiled while in storage.

RA 9280 was signed into law by President Arroyo in July 2003, but its implementation was deferred because some brokers expressed opposition to the implementing rules and regulations. The IRR was finalized by the Professional Regulation Commission and published only on March 15. The law becomes effective 15 days after publication.

President Arroyo created the TFAS last November 16 through Executive Order No. 385 to intensify the drive against smuggling

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Thursday, March 24, 2005

Who are mangling the English language?

Did you think that Pinoys were the only folks mangling the English language?---Here are some signs and notices written in English that were discovered throughout the world:

In a Tokyo Hotel:
Is forbidden to steal hotel towels please. If you are not a person to do such a thing is please not to read notice.
In a Bucharest hotel lobby:
The lift is being fixed for the next day. During that time we regret that you will be unbearable.
In a Belgrade hotel elevator:
To move the cabin, push button for wishing floor. If the cabin should enter more persons, each one should press a number of wishing floor.
Driving is then going alphabetically by national order.
In a Paris hotel elevator:
Please leave your values at the front desk.
In a hotel in Athens:
Visitors are expected to complain at the office between the hours of 9 and 11 A.M. daily.
In a Yugoslavian hotel:
The flattening of underwear with pleasure is the job of the chambermaid.
In a Japanese hotel:
You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid. (Tayo na sa Japan!!!)
In the lobby of a Moscow hotel across from Russian Orthodox monastery:
You are welcome to visit the cemetery where famous Russian and Soviet composers, artists, and writers are buried daily except Thursday.
In an Austrian hotel catering to skiers:
Not to perambulate the corridors during the hours of repose in the boots of ascension.
On the menu of a Swiss restaurant:
Our wines leave you nothing to hope for.
On the menu of a Polish hotel:
Salad a firm's own make; limpid red beet soup with cheesy dumplings in the form of a finger; roasted duck let loose; beef rashers beaten up in the country people's fashion.
In a Bangkok dry cleaners:
Drop your trousers here for best results.
In a Rhodes (Greece) tailor shop:
Order your summers suit. Because is big rush we will execute customers in strict rotation.
>From the Soviet Weekly:
There will be a Moscow Exhibition of Arts by 150,000 Soviet Republic painters and sculptors. These were executed over the past two years.
A sign posted in Germany's Black Forest:
It is strictly forbidden on our black forest camping site that people of different sex, for instance, men and women, live together in one tent unless they are married with each other for that purpose.
In a Zurich hotel:
Because of the impropriety of entertaining guests of the opposite sex in the bedroom, it is suggested that the lobby be used for this purpose.
In an advertisement by a Hong Kong dentist:
Teeth extracted by the latest Methodists.
In a Rome laundry:
Ladies, leave your clothes here and spend the afternoon having a good time.
In a Czechoslovakian tourist agency:
Take one of our horse-driven city tours - we guarantee no miscarriages.
Advertisement for donkey rides in Thailand:
Would you like to ride on your own ass?
In a Swiss mountain inn:
Special today -- no ice cream.
In a Bangkok temple:
It is forbidden to enter a woman even a foreigner if dressed as a man.
In a Tokyo bar:
Special cocktails for the ladies with nuts.
In a Copenhagen airline ticket office:
We take your bags and send them in all directions. (hindi kaya sa NAIA
ito?)
In a Norwegian cocktail lounge:
Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar.
In a Budapest zoo:
Please do not feed the animals. If you have any suitable food, give it to the guard on duty.
In the office of a Roman doctor:
Specialist in women and other diseases.
In an Acapulco hotel:
The manager has personally passed all the water served here.
>From a Japanese information booklet about using a hotel air conditioner:
Cooler and Heater: If you want just condition of warm in your room, please control yourself.
>From a brochure of a car rental firm in Tokyo:
When passenger of foot heave in sight, tootle the horn. Trumpet him melodiously at first, but if he still obstacles your passage then tootle him with vigor.
Two signs from a Majorcan (Spain) shop entrance:

English well speaking
Here speeching American.
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Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Exporting labor through BPO

By Edgardo B. Espiritu

It’s graduation time once again. We put such a great value on education that this event usually represents the fulfillment of a big part of Filipino parents’ dreams for their children.

Graduations bring pride, happiness and hope to Filipino families. But the sobering reality after the graduation rites is that thousands of new entrants to the labor force will have to find jobs. And the perennial situation is that there are too few jobs to go around. Many of these young hopefuls end up as part of the unemployment statistics.

In the current situation in the Philippines, one sector that is counted on to provide jobs to new graduates, and others who have been scouring the job market for a longer period, is the business process outsourcing or BPO sector. This includes the most familiar type of BPO operation, the call centers, as well as a range of other activities, such as medical transcriptions, accounting and other back office operations, and higher value-added ones, such as animation and other creative services and software development. These services are provided either by local firms under contracts with the outsourcing global firms or by foreign firms that either use the outsourced services directly or also for sale to global firms. These BPO operations usually pay relatively higher salaries than other industries, and this is why job seekers, including graduates from the best schools, vie for the still limited number of jobs that they offer. But BPO operations definitely remain a growth area in the Philippine economy as the process of global economic integration proceeds.

I have already tried to show in a previous piece under this column that international outsourcing basically constitutes trade in services. It allows foreign firms to provide certain services to consumers or other producers in their home markets using our workers. Outsourcing is just a natural consequence of firms seeking greater efficiencies and bigger profits. It is an integral part of the global value chain systems that have been made possible by new technology and freer markets, the same forces behind the overall trend of globalization.

BPO operations in effect enable us to export our manpower services without our workers having to leave our shores. It is also changing the nature and structure of our labor exports. Before, and still currently although to a lesser extent, exporting workers at the lower end of the skills spectrum involved construction workers and machine operators to the Middle East. Now with BPO, we are able to sell the services of our accountants, programmers, other IT specialists, and so on in the world labor market while they remain in the country.

Moreover, like free trade in general, outsourcing brings the benefits of increased specialization and bigger markets, such as greater efficiencies and the so-called economies of scale and scope, increased employment, and lower prices of goods and services. The benefits accrue not only to the developing countries that provide the labor services but also to the developed countries that purchase them.

But just like free trade in general, outsourcing also gives rise to controversial political eco­nomy issues. Most of these revolve around the same protectionist opposition to free trade. Outsourcing is looked at as an increasingly important cause of lost jobs in developed countries. In fact, the protectionist lobbies seem to be scoring some points recently. For instance, it has been reported that in the US and Australia, new laws are currently being initiated to limit out­sourcing activities by firms with government contracts.

Further, these protectionist views seem to ring truer in the case of outsourcing than in the case of the usual trade in goods. In the latter case, particularly as regards simple manufactured goods such as those currently massively imported by developed countries from China, the jobs affected are lower skilled ones, which, after all, the developed countries have long clearly lost any advantage in. But in the case of outsourcing, the jobs being lost are middle or higher skilled ones that still have a significant bearing in developed countries’ job markets.

But fighting this tide of global outsourcing activity seems to be a futile effort in the long term. This trend is a product of strong economic forces. Firms will always look for ways for reducing costs, improving efficiency, and increasing their profits. The developed countries from where outsourcing activity emanates are therefore sure to benefit from these advantages that are achieved by its firms, and in addition would realize second-round benefits from business expansion and increased trade with the labor services-exporting countries. Addressing the political and labor issues that outsourcing engenders, therefore, rests largely on the developed country governments, on how well they can redistribute the gains from this activity and re-tool and re-deploy the affected workers.

For the services exporting countries like the Philippines, on the other hand, the benefits seem to be more clear-cut. BPO operations in the country provides us the opportunity to export our labor without the negative social repercussions of actually deploying workers overseas, such as separated families and exposure to grave physical, emotional, moral and other types of risks. Further, since the skills required by these operations are often also those normally needed in rapidly developing economies, such activities do not create artificial and externally determined changes in the skills and career structure of our labor force. Thus, outsourcing does not, for instance lead to an oversupply of nurses when the external demand for such specific types of workers suddenly dries up.

With such clear and substantial benefits, we should therefore aim to attract as much BPO activities as possible to maximize our country’s potential gains from this global trend.
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Gov’t borrowings overshoot 128%

The government stepped up the pace of its borrowings in the first two months, accumulating so much debt this surpassed the first-quarter quota by 128 percent to P99.7 billion instead of only P77.65 billion as planned.

This performance highlighted the fiscal concerns of such institutions as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or the international rating agencies that would rather the government stepped up its revenue generation instead.

There is fear the weak revenue stream would aggravate further an already imperiled public sector and launch a cycle of borrowings that could bring the entire economy to perdition just a few short years from now.

The IMF wanted a front-loading or the stepping up of the fiscal consolidation program of government “so as to send a strong signal to markets about (its) commitment to tackling the fiscal problem” and bring this about, for instance, by raising the value-added tax (VAT) rate.

This year's two-month borrowings of P99.7 billion was 320 percent higher than year ago borrowings of only P23.7 billion.

Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima was forced to borrow this much money from foreign and local lenders because the main collection arms had revenues of only P113.149 billion even as public spending accelerated to P153.202 billion.

This compared with last year's spending totaling only P132.311 billion.

As a result, the government posted a P40.053-billion budget shortfall in the first two months, almost 16 percent higher than a year ago.

Purisima acknowledged financing goals were exceeded for the period on a net basis.

He said foreign borrowings for the period totaled P69.2 billion with the issuance of 25-year global bonds that raised $1.5 billion from overseas investors.

Locally, only P30.5 billion worth of IOUs, mostly in the form of Treasury bills (T-bills), helped them meet maturing debts during the period.

These activities resulted in a gross financing mix in which 56 percent represented foreign borrowings and only 44 percent were locally obtained.

Purisima provided an incomplete picture of the government's spending program for the period in which P56.862 billion represented interest payments while another P23.945 billion was the allotment to local government units.

Net lending for the period totaled P1.63 billion.

On the revenue side, the Bureau of Internal Revenue collected P73.694 billion, almost 13 percent higher than a year earlier.

The Bureau of Customs also surpassed last year's collection by more than 8 percent to P19.783 billion from P18.215 billion.

The Bureau of Treasury also collected P13.104 billion or nearly 55 percent higher than year ago level of only P8.475 billion.

Other offices of government collected P6.568 billion, 15 percent higher than year ago of only P5.5684 billion.
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Napocor to offer personnel for outsourcing contracts

State-owned National Power Corp. plans to spin off its engineering and technical units in a bid to ensure continued employment for personnel who may be displaced with the privatization of the power firm’s generation assets.

Napocor president and chief executive Rogelio Murga said the definite selling of Napocor plants compelled officials of the power firm to explore opportunities outside the corporation that can benefit its workforce.

He added the Napocor would be offering the services of its engineers and technical personnel to new power plant owners as well as power generation companies outside the Philippines.

He added the technical and engineering services are potential money-making units since these personnel could easily offer their expertise for outsourcing even if Napocor is already fully privatized.

“We have decided to package our technical services for contracting, particularly to the buyers of hydro, thermal, geothermal, coal, natgas and diesel plants. Our people are more than capable of handling these services. It would be a waste to just let them go when the Napocor is finally privatized. This way, we can provide our employees a chance to engage in a more lucrative venture,” said Murga in a statement.

The Power Engineering Services (PES) being offered by Napocor include management and technical support in various fields related to the planning, building, operating and repair/rehabilitation of energy generation resources. They can also carry out fabrication work and special projects.

At present, the PES can mobilize over 3,000 current and former Napocor employees to service contracted agreements with local and foreign energy generation companies.

It is envisioned to become an independent group that provides manpower and engineering services for power generation projects.

“This service offering is available to all energy companies anywhere in the world, since the PES is able to ramp up manpower numbers quite easily from the abundant labor supply in the Philippines, and train new workers adequately before they are deployed,” Murga said.

Pursuant to R.A. 9136 (Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001), the Napocor has been trimming its pool of employees in preparation for the firm’s privatization. The most recent personnel movement affected 5 percent of its current manpower.

Apart from initiating the PES, the Napocor has been conducting a number of in-house seminars on capability-building and entrepreneurship that encourage employees to explore business opportunities once they leave Napocor
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Tuesday, March 22, 2005

Investment Incentive Schemes

frequently asked questions• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
What requirements must be complied with before a foreign corporation can engage in business in the Philippines?
Is a foreign investor allowed to own 100% of a business entity?



LOOK FOR GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES Singapore
A number of government incentives are available to help startups. Find out how these incentives can help you to finance your new business.
http://www.business.gov.sg/start/incen-index.htm
Technopreneur Investment Incentive Scheme (TII)
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Malaysian airline is set to start twice-a-day flights at Clark

CLARK ZONE, Pampanga — Malaysia’s second largest commercial airline will commence two flights a day daily at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) starting on April 5.

Clark Development Corp. (CDC) Executive Vice President Victor Jose I. Luciano said the regular flights to be mounted by Air Asia here is a manifestation of the much-improved tourist and investment potentials of economic zone.

The scheduled regular flights of Air Asia came as an offshoot of the success of Asiana Airlines of South Korea since it mounted regular flights between Incheon and Clark in October 2003. Asiana is the second Korean flag carrier.

Luciano said the Air Asia flights would have two routes — from Malaysia via Kuala Lumpur to Macau to Clark, and Kota Kinabalu to Clark.

Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu are the two of the most frequented tourist destinations in Malaysia.

Air Asia, which provides the lowest airline fares, operates a fleet of modern Boeing 373-300 jets. The airline said that it will concentrate on just one type of aircraft in order to focus on and maintain efficient operations.

Air Asia airplanes are maintained by international world-class partners such as GE Engine Services for engine maintenance; Volvo-Aero for aircraft engine and aircraft frame parts; and ST Aero for heavy maintenance and engineering components.

The airlines fleet fully meets the conditions of international aviation safety standards and is regulated by the international reputed Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) Malaysia and is overseen by the Department of Civil Aviation.

Joyce Lai, regional director for Marketing and Communications of Air Asia, assured Filipinos who will visit Malaysia that the airline will provide the lowest airline fare so that more would be enticed to fly aboard Air Asia.

Lai said that although Air Asia is the second largest Malaysian airlines, but it’s very aggressive with its fares that’s why Air Asia was branded as the Ryan Air or Easy Jet of Malaysia

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Friendship

A friend is one who knows us, but loves us anyway
- JEROME CUNNINGS -

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Monday, March 21, 2005

Be An Encourager

A SPARK OF ENCOURAGEMENT
CAN REKINDLE WARMTH IN THE HEART!!!
The power in words can build up or tear down-
Create a big smile or produce a sad frown;
So in all your contacts with people each day,
Be sure to encourage in all that you say.
- Fitzhugh -

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Friday, March 18, 2005

Tax implications of the Tourism Act of 2004


RECOGNIZING that tourism is one of the largest industries in the world that can bring in the much-needed dollars to fuel our economy, Senator Richard Gordon filed Senate Bill No. 1834, titled "The Tourism Act of 2004." This bill is pending in Congress but has already gone through several technical committee hearings.

The bill has three major objectives: (i) the reorganization of the Department of Tourism (DoT); (ii) the establishment of the Tourism Economic Zone Authority (TEZA) and tourism enterprise zones (TEZs); and (iii) the establishment of Tourism Philippines, which will merge the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) and the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corp. (PCVC) into one body. The proposed establishment of the TEZA and TEZs carries with it the proposed grant of tax incentives.

Income tax holidays

Similar to locators in special economic zones established under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Clark Development Authority (CDA), investors in TEZs will be entitled to several tax incentives.

Section 51 of SB 1834 proposes to grant TEZ-registered enterprises an income tax holiday (ITH) of five years from the start of operations, extendible for another five years provided the TEZ-registered enterprises undertake a major expansion or upgrade of their facilities. The additional period will be computed in the proportion that the cost of the expansion or upgrade bears to the total assets of the TEZ-registered enterprise.

As the name implies, the income tax holiday will exempt the TEZ-registered enterprise only from the payment of income tax. Hence, such enterprise will not be exempt from the payment of other taxes, like value-added tax (VAT), documentary stamp tax (DST), excise tax, and other national internal revenue taxes.

Under existing laws, the income tax holiday granted by the Board of Investments (BoI) or the PEZA is either four or six years, depending on whether the enterprise is pioneer or non-pioneer, extendible for another two years for pioneer enterprises, depending on several factors such as ratio of capital equipment to labor, foreign exchange earnings or savings, or the use of indigenous raw materials. Investors registering with the BoI or the PEZA may avail of the above-mentioned ITH, including investors in tourism activities.

With the passage of the Tourism Act of 2004, the TEZA will now administer the ITH incentive for investors in tourism activities that locate in TEZs.

Preferential tax regime

Under SB 1834, after the ITH of the TEZ-registered enterprise expires, it shall be entitled to a preferential tax rate of 2-3 percent on gross income, in lieu of all national and local taxes, depending on the amount of investment and the number of persons employed. The secretary of tourism and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) are to prepare the implementing rules of this provision.

Unlike the ITH, the preferential tax regime will exempt the TEZ-registered enterprise from all national and local taxes including, but not limited to, VAT, DST, excise tax, local business tax and real property tax. This is similar to the PEZA incentives. However, under the RA 8748 amendment to the PEZA Law, the exemption from real property tax was removed since most local governments rely heavily on the same for their revenue sources. As currently worded, SB 1834 exempts the TEZ locators from the payment of real property tax.

The 2-3 percent tax on gross income shall be shared as follows: 1/3 to the local government unit concerned; 1/6 to Tourism Philippines; 1/6 to the TEZA; 1/6 to the national government; and 1/6 to a special fund for preservation of local culture, heritage sites and environment in and around the TEZs. Again, the rules governing this provision shall be drafted by the DoT and the BIR.

Exemption from customs duties/taxes

Unlike the special economic zones under the PEZA or the free ports created by law, like Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zamboanga Freeport and Cagayan Freeport, the TEZ is not proposed to be treated as a separate customs territory but merely as a special designated area. As such, Section 51 of SB 1834 proposes to exempt all importations of capital goods into a TEZ for use by a TEZ-registered enterprise from the payment of customs duties and taxes. This means such importations will be exempted not only from customs duties, but also from VAT on importations.

However, this exemption applies only to capital goods, i.e. equipment, machinery, materials, and not to finished consumer products that are allowed to be imported by those located in the legislated free ports cited above.

Other tax incentives

TEZ-registered enterprises shall likewise be entitled to incentives provided for in other incentives laws, provided there is no conflict and double enjoyment.

If there is an overlapping of incentives, the TEZ-registered enterprise must choose only one incentive regime. This merely means that if the TEZ-registered enterprise desires to avail of incentives that are available under the PEZA or the BoI, but are not available under the draft bill, it may so avail of the same.

However, should there be an overlapping of the incentives being availed of, the TEZ-registered enterprise may only choose one incentive regime with respect to that incentive being sought.

In addition to these tax incentives, Section 54 of the bill allows TEZ-registered enterprises that shoulder the cost of restoring material cultural heritage within a TEZ in accordance with the rules and regulations issued by the National Historical Institute, to fully deduct said costs for income tax purposes.

Moreover, income derived by construction firms from such restoration works shall be exempt from tax.

Other tax implications

In connection with the proposed establishment of Tourism Philippines, SB 1834 proposes (i) to allow hotels and other accommodation establishments full deductibility from gross income of the cost of major expansions, renovations and upgrading of facilities, and (ii) a hospitality tax of 5-10 percent on the lease of rooms by accommodation establishments not located in TEZs.

While hotels and accommodation establishments welcome the deductibility of the cost of major expansions, renovations and upgrading of facilities from their gross income, they have expressed reservations about the hospitality tax, which they claim will drive up the cost of the rooms. There is light at the end of the tunnel, however, in that the bill's sponsor has expressed openness to a fee of $1 to $5 per head in lieu of this hospitality tax. The reaction of hotels and accommodation establishments to this possible change has not yet been elicited or discussed in any formal hearing. It would therefore be interesting to know their position given that the intent of the bill is to channel this tax, along with proceeds collected from travel taxes and operations of Duty Free Philippines, to Tourism Philippines.

SB 1834 clearly intends to harmonize and rationalize the tourism efforts of this country to spur economic growth. Given that tourism is the world's largest industry in terms of dollar earning capacity, and the recent events (albeit unfortunate) that have befallen our neighbors in the region, focus on tourism as the engine of growth is indeed timely.

The grant of tax incentives specifically for tourism-related investments may serve as the impetus to attract the much-needed capital to establish new tourist sites, enhance historical and cultural attractions, and improve existing accommodation establishments and basic tourism services. If the desired integration and rationalization of the tourism industry through the reorganization of the DoT, as well as the establishment of the TEZA, TEZs, and Tourism Philippines, comes to fruition, we may yet see, in the not too distant future, the kind of tourist visits that Malaysia (15 million tourists per year) and Thailand (12 million) are currently enjoying.

Finally, SB 1834 should be considered in the light of HB 3295, or the Omnibus Incentives Bill, which was filed in Congress by the Department of Trade and Industry to harmonize all incentives schemes currently in place
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Thursday, March 17, 2005

Mountain Woods in Subic opens door to nature lovers


Mountain Woods, an idyllic mountain retreat located at West Kalayaan, SBMA, recently held an Open House where guests had a generous preview of the venue’s upgraded facilities and fantastic nature environs. Everyone marveled at the serene setting of the place, its breezy mountain air tempting guests to just relax the whole day.

The resort has just completed development efforts to enhance the charming ambiance of the place, with a welcoming lobby, upgraded rooms, and well-planned landscaping. Guests were treated to sumptuous food and drinks, which they enjoyed at Le Jardin, the resort’s flagship dining outlet. The open-air restaurant boasts of an experienced and well-versed culinary team that knows and cares what discriminating guests want on their dining tables: Good food, exquisite wine, and a unique al fresco romance, cum piano playing and serenading.

Aside from the food, the visitors raved about the resort’s eternity pool which has a commanding view of the mountains and the forests at the backdrop. A gazebo area was also pictured as a perfect venue for weddings and other events that can be celebrated in a romantic nature ambiance.

A sister company of popular White Rock Resort, Mountain Woods aims to attract a broader market which may avail of this secluded resort’s enticing amenities. The natural forest setting of this veritable "Garden of Eden" defines the word privacy and pleasure all over the place. The views alone, which consist of commanding views over the lush forests of Subic, are a sight to behold, which are much missed by weary Manileños. Here, the cool and crisp mountain breeze, and relaxing panoramas will virtually recharge and rejuvenate their stressed bodies and mind.

Guests may avail of the affordable accommodation packages, fit for families and groups. The package allows use of the resort’s vast facilities for their various needs and wants. Mountain Woods will also ensure that after all activities, guests are pampered with the resort’s health/ spa services, relaxing rooms, recreation facilities (billiards, ping pong, darts) and delightful banquets.

Set amidst the seemingly rustic environs are 28 very spacious rooms complete with world-class amenities offered for the conveniences of urban living: cable TV, telephone, air-conditioning and private T&B with hot & cold shower, and individual balconies facing the forest and Subic Bay. The resort also has function rooms that can accommodate various social banquets or business meetings.

As an added treat, guests may enjoy the facilities of White Rock for free, while they are billeted at Mountain Woods. A two-in-one VIP Privilege Card also applies here, for members to enjoy both White Rock and Mountain Woods with benefits, discounts and special treats on room accommodations, dining amenities and leisure activities that have real value for money.

Mountain Woods is located on Entemador Street, West Kalayaan, inside SBMA. For inquiries, call Manila Sales Office at 421-2781
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mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee...

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee...

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "

I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

The golf balls are the important things-your God, family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions -- things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car.

The sand is everything else -- the small stuff.

If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play with your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18.
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal."

Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."
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Wednesday, March 16, 2005

GMA signs into law P907.6-B National Budget for 2005

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo formally signed into law yesterday this year’s P907.6-billion National Budget, easing up the gridlock in the government’s delivery of basic services and other infrastructure projects for the past two-and-a-half months.

The President finally enacted the 2005 General Appropriations Act (GAA), now logged as Republic Act (RA) No. 9336, after two and a half months of delay where the national government was forced to "reenact" last year’s P864.8-billion national budget.

"This is the first time in the long tradition of budget legislation we have achieved partisan and interchamber unanimity in approving a budget faithful to the original proposal of the Executive," presidential legislative liaison officer Gabriel Claudio said.

He said the landmark approval of this year’s national budget without presidential veto will seal off the Arroyo administration’s commitment to reform and development as contained in the President’s much-acclaimed 10-point legacy agenda.

According to Budget Undersecretary Mario Relampagos, the new national budget now puts teeth to Mrs. Arroyo’s 10-point agenda -– job creation, balancing the budget by 2010, provision of water and electricity nationwide, and education for all, among others.

"This budget accord proves that we are all one and committed inputting our fiscal house in order. Given our nation’s situation, we really do need a fresh budget, not a reenacted one, to cope with the demands of the present time," he said.

In compliance with the congressional mandate that gives the biggest chunk of the national budget to education, she okayed the allotment of P122 billion for the Department of Education (DepEd) and its attached state universities and colleges all over the country.

Relampagos explained that the budget earmarked for education will mean providing for 10,000 additional teachers to reduce the shortage of teachers by 30 percent and building 7,500 classrooms in those areas experiencing acute classroom shortage.

About P153 million was earmarked for additional textbooks to keep up with the 1:1 book-to-student ratio per subject per grade/year level, while a total of P928.04 million was also set for scholarships to about 58,085 students in tertiary and vocation leves.

The DepEd is followed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) which shares the second biggest allocations with P48.5 billion for this year, then by the Department of National Defense (DND), with P46.2 billion.

Also getting a bigger share in the newly-approved GAA for 2005 are the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), with P43.9 billion, and the Department of Land Reform, with P14.7 billion.

"We know now how we can source the implementation of the 10-point agenda the President has launched from Day 1 of her election, and we hope we’ll be able to hasten the implementation of such projects," Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita earlier said.

The budget signing ceremony held at Rizal Hall, Malacañang Palace was witnessed by leaders and members of the Upper and Lower Chamber of Congress led by Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Jose de Venecia.

Also present were Senate and House appropriations committee chairmen Sen. Manuel Villar and Rolado Andaya, Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., and Deputy Speaker for Mindanao Rep. Gerry Salapuddin, and Reps. Prospero Nograles and Raul del Mar.

No members of the Senate and House minority bloc were, however, present during the signing ceremony, despite earlier pronouncement by the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino, the most dominant opposition party today, to collaborate with the administration.

Relampagos, who is temporary at the helm of the budget department due to the indefinite sick leave of Budget Secretary Emilia Boncodin, also said that about P56.6 billion was likewise earmarked for infrastructure projects nationwide.

These infrastructure programs and projects include, among others, P29,4 billion for road and bridges, notably Ilocos-Cordillera Road, the Halsema Highway, the Davao-Agusan Road, and the Trans-Panau Highway, including the completion of ongoing circumferential roads.

No more reenacted budget — Villar

Sen. Manny Villar, chairman of the committee on finance, yesterday said that "all’s well that ends well" in so far as the 2005 national budget is concerned.

The budget was finally signed by President Arroyo in Malacañang yesterday morning, witnessed by Villar and other lawmakers.

"Finally, the country can stop operating on a reenacted budget and start using the newly approved and signed 2005 budget. Now that we have put the budget out of the way, we can buckle down to work on other important legislative measures that our country urgently needs to restore fiscal health," Villar said.

"The budget is very important. It is necessary for any country for its efficient operations. And it is the only piece of legislation that the Constitution mandates. It is our duty to pass a national budget. Failure to enact a new budget every year paints a bad image of the country to the international community," he added.

"We have done our part. The budget is signed by the President, sealed and delivered for implementation. We can now move forward with other legislative works and reforms that need to be done," he said.

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Fw: [Ulo Ng Apo] Digest Number 169


> Nabanggit ni Mr. Ariel Jose na nagsasagawa ang Globalpinoy Chamber of
> Small and Medium Enterprises ng FREE Livelihood Seminar sa iba't ibang
> panig ng Pilipinas.
>
> Maari po bang ilathala ninyo ang mga 'schedules' para makadalo ang ating
> mga kababayan na malapit sa venue na gagawin na seminar sa Styro-Art
> Craft?
>
> Maraming salamat.
>
> Annette
>
> Global Pinoy wrote:
> Isang masayang bati sa lahat ng Pinoy,
>
> Malugod naming ipinababatid sa lahat na nagkaroon ng bunga ang
> isinasagawang KAYA NG PINOY Expo ( www.KayaNgPinoy.coms.ph ) ng
> Globalpinoy Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises.
>
> May bagong tuklas na karunungan na hindi na kailangan mag-aral ng matagal
> at gumastos ng malaki upang makapag-simula ng negosyo. Alamin ang tungkol
> sa bagay na ito sa www.MagandangBalita.coms.ph at ipaalam sa ating mga
> kababayan upang magkaroon sila ng dagdag na kabuhayan.
>
> MABUHAY ANG PINOY!
>
> Maraming salamat po.
>
> Globalpinoy Management Team

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Tuesday, March 15, 2005

JAPANESE INVESTORS KEEN ON PUTTING UP HEALTH AND MEDICAL TRAINING CENTERS IN SUBIC

Senator Richard Gordon led the officials of the Tokushukai Medical Group, world’s 3rd largest chain of private health institutions, to Subic Bay Freeport Zone for a site inspection of proposed areas for the investor’s hospital and medical training center slated for construction starting next month.

 

Tokushukai President and CEO Dr. Takao Suzuki disclosed that the 1,000-bed medical cum retirement center worth P5.6 billion will be the latest addition to the company’s existing 217 medical facilities worldwide which include 57 general hospitals.  He had previously communicated with Gordon about his interest in setting up the health institution in the Philippines.

 

Gordon said Subic can accommodate the proposed facility adding that the international airport and seaports within the freeport zone can be utilized to facilitate the transport of medical equipment and goods as well as patients from all over Asia.  He asserted that Japanese and other Asian elderly who cannot stand cold weather can find Subic as a perfect retirement area.  He emphasized that this market would help boost the country’s tourism industry.

 

According to Gordon, Filipino nurses and caregivers can also be accommodated in the proposed medical training center, adding that they need not work abroad once the center opens.

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Tuesday, March 08, 2005

US$215 MLN Development For Subic Bay Freeport


SUBIC, March 8 Asia Pulse - The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is targeting 2007 to complete its US$215 million short-term development plan for its port facilities.

There are stages of development - phase 1 and phase 2.

Phase I involves the construction of a 280-meter berth, and installation of new gantry cranes with total handling capacity of 300,000 tons of equivalent units (TEUs) per year.

In Phase II, another berth measuring 280 meters will be constructed and two additional gantry cranes will be installed.

With all four operational gantry cranes, each capable of handling 150,000 TEUs, the total handling capacity can reach up to 600,000 TEUs per year.

The third phase is covered in the long-term development plan that will be sustained up to year 2020.

Financing this phase of the said project will largely depend on the need and actual volume generated in the future.

The project entails the construction of a new container terminal at the Cubi Point areas with a berth length of 560 meter and a berth of 13 meter.

Currently, only one gantry crane is installed at Sattler Pier and is operational. The crane is capable of handling 100,000 TEUs per annum.

It can also hold a maximum capacity of 30 metric tons and could lift 30 containers per hour or an average of one container for every two minutes.

Two port terminals have likewise been built and are now operational the Fertilizer Bulk Terminal at the Boton Wharf and the Grain Bulk Terminal at the Leyte Wharf.

Subic Bay Freeport Development Project, a flagship of the National government, was conceived after years of study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on the possibility of constructing an international container terminal on the former US Naval facility.

Felicito Payumo then chairman of SBMA and Hiroshi Yasuda, governor of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), signed a loan agreement for the project on August 31, 2000.

At present, Subic Bay Freeport has a total of 15 operational piers and wharves servicing different kinds of seas vessels from small crafts, commercial yachts and ferry boats to container vessels, cargo ships oil tankers and aircraft carriers.

The port facilities were recently augmented with the assistance of the private sector, pending the actual implementation of the Port Development Project.

The current interim terminal operation at the NDS is a joint venture agreement among the SBMA and port operators International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) and Royal Port Services, Inc. (RPSI).
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Monday, March 07, 2005

Quiz : see if you can figure it out

Which country in Asia

1.was the first to become a republic, but replaced a sitting president in 2001 without benefit of elections, death or disability, resignation, or impeachment?

2.was the first to embrace democratic processes, but whose elections are the region's bloodiest and most fraudulent?

3.was the first to write a constitution for itself but endured 14 years of dictatorial rule?

4.had the second highest gross national product [GNP], next to Japan, in 1938?

5.has been characterized by UNICEF as "first among the worst-managed children's health care systems in Asia"?

6.has the weakest, most under-funded Armed Forces?

7.is the largest per-capita debtor to the International Monetary Fund?

8.spends one-third of its annual national budget to pay the interest fees on its foreign debt?

9.has the highest per-capita crime rate and is known as the region's "kidnap capital"?

10.is overwhelmingly Catholic, but has the second largest number of child prostitutes?

11.pays the second highest retail electricity rates, next to Japan?

12.is currently, next to Bangladesh, the region's poorest nation- state?

Which country in the world

13.is the only one named after a foreign colonizer-king?

14.is the only one, save for Nepal, that continues to face a communist insurgency?

15.is the only one to ask for and host foreign combat troops to help quell criminality?

16.taught the world how to grow rice but for the last 10 years has been a net importer of the staple?

17.has been characterized by the World Health Organization as "the epicenter of the global tuberculosis epidemic?"

18.expects its metropolian population to double [from 11 million to 22 million] in less than 17 years and its total population to double [from 80 million to 160 million] in less than 29 years?

19.has been tagged internationally as "the number one violator of intellectual property rights?"

20.ranks second only to Madagascar worldwide in the list of countries with the most threatened mammals?

21.currently ranks, among 180 states surveyed, as the 11th most corrupt country?

22.in a study of 186 countries, is the 6th most culturally fragmented nation-state [containing 87 distinct nations that speak in excess of 160 living languages, excluding their dialects]?

23.deforests its remaining timberland at the rate of 100,000 hectares/year?

24.used to be the largest exporter of abaca hemp and sugar, but is low the world's largest exporter of domestic labor?
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Saturday, March 05, 2005

Subic Bay tourism groups and stakeholders organize

New ‘Subik’ tourist destination is born

Driven by a common goal and vision towards the betterment of the tourism industry in the country, various tourism organizations and stakeholders around Subic Bay have united to form the Greater Subic Bay Tourism Bureau (GSBTB) that will spearhead the new "SUBIK" tourist destination.

With a fresh name intended to accentuate GSBTB’s optimistic view to regain the prestige of Subic Bay, particularly in maximizing the area’s vast tourism potentials, SUBIK is envisioned to make the market area – composed of Bataan, Olongapo, Subic Bay Freeport, and Zambales – the ultimate vacation haven and convention center for both local and foreign tourists.

In its recent induction of officers held at Legenda Hotel, GSBTB chairman George Lorenzana of White Rock and Mt. Woods Resort Hotels said SUBIK’s vision centers on the total enhancement of Subic Bay and its adjoining areas into a secure, competent, sustainable, ecologically sound tourism and vacation mecca in the Asia-Pacific region. With GSBTB’s core of competent stakeholders as board members and the strong support of its Board of Advisers mostly composed of political leaders in the area, and the SBMA leadership plus the active participation of member-organizations, Lorenzana noted that in due time, the Bureau’s efforts will eventually bear its fruit, not only for SUBIK but for the entire country.

GSBTB’s other officers are: John Corcoran of Ocean Adventure as vice-chairman, Cheryl Singson of Legend Intl. Resorts Ltd. as secretary, Linda Lim of the Olongapo Tourism Council as treasurer and chair for Ways and Means, and Bayani Chavez of Zambales Tourism Council as auditor.

Other members of the Board of Directors who also act as committee chairpersons are Gabby la O’ of El Kabayo Riding Stables for Tourist Attractions/Beautification; Francis Elum of Grande Island Resort for Hotels, Resorts, Spas; Nanik Sadhwani of Duty Free Shop for Shopping/Retailing; Vicky Garcia of Bataan Tourism Council; Victoria Gonzales of Bagac-Morong Resort Association; Jocelyn David of Bataan Hotel and Restaurant Operators Association; Sotero Gan, committee chairman for Entertainment/Nightlife of Olongapo Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce; Carlos Gamboa of Olongapo Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Teresa Yap of Zambales Tourism Council for Education, Culture, Training; and Sonny Almazan for Security/Safety, also of Zambales Tourism Council.

Other committees are for Subic Bay Enhancements/Bantay-Dagat chaired by Carlito Baloy of Baloy Beach; Tourism Activities, Sports Events, Youth Programs chaired by George Ramirez; Marketing Services, Sales, and Promotion chaired by Raymund Siongco; Membership and Secretariat chaired by Patrick Escusa; and Traffic and Transportation Services chaired by Eloy Pineda of InterIsland Tours and Transport.

GSBTB is composed of 12 committees that will implement the bureau’s vision and strategies. These strategies are: Enhancement of attraction locations within the Greater Subic Bay (GSB) area through continuous beautification programs and upgrading; coordinate with government agencies, NGOs and affiliated entities for maritime safety, security, sanitation and hygiene, and reforestation, development of water sports activities, relentless education of inhabitants along the coastline and river banks and fisher folk to instill active volunteerism in the upkeep of the bay and coral reefs; develop and implement policies and guidelines for hotels and resorts; develop linkages to provide value for money tour packages; provide fast and comfortable routes or access points into and around SUBIK through coordination with government and public transport companies; support at least two world-class nightclubs and original cultural shows that give wholesome service and entertainment to tourists; develop oriental style spas and wellness cohesive nightlife; and develop a jingle on Subik for international distribution.

The committees will also help make Subik a conducive venue for various local and foreign events depicting the area as an ideal, safe, and dynamic place for fun, leisure; facilitate the cultivation of a "service culture" throughout the SUBIK area; create a shopping area/tiangge where all exhibitors converge to create a shopping haven and serve as outlets for local and foreign products, especially the famous Zambales mangoes; coordinate a 24-hour security with the help of local police and participation of school cadets; and create a SUBIK newsletter that will monitor tourism establishments and activities and aid in soliciting financial support, sponsorships, and volunteer work from members.

In its thrust to help develop Subik as a convention center, the bureau has set its sights on two convention centers – in SBMA and Olongapo. It will assist in making them more accessible to hotels in the area and implementing projects that will beautify and smoothen traffic flow and signages to and from the convention centers.

"The synergy and the formatting of a more viable ‘critical mass’ coming from Subik’s tourism assets and active business sectors are string catalysts to SUBIK’s development as a convention center," Lorenzana said.

Also lined up is the development and promotion of various historical places, among which is Lubao, eyed as a viable gateway to Subik such as the Macapagal ancestral home and the 400-year-old Lubao Church, both ideal for educational tours. Other known tourist attractions are the Bataan Memorial in Mt. Samat, the verdant forests of SBMA, Subic Bay and the Subic Sunset resorts, not to mention the various water sports activities such as those offered in Ocean Adventure, El Kabayo, Grande Island, and many others.

On the promising economic scenario looming clearly ahead for Subik, Lorenzana is confident the achievements of the bureau will help uplift the socio-economic structure of the community in a sustainable manner, and could very well serve as an example of what our country can do if business, the government, and the community act together
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