CM february 2008.pmd - Clark Development Corporation
Transcription
CM february 2008.pmd - Clark Development Corporation
1 Corporate Clark ready for int’l airport operations An official of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) said the Clark Freeport is “physically” ready as the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) is gearing to operate as the country’s premiere gateway to the world. CDC President Liberato P. Laus made the announcement shortly after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently declared DMIA as the replacement of the congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Laus said the Clark Freeport is “physically ready” in terms of infrastructure to accommodate vehicular and human traffic once the DMIA is fully-operational as an international airport. He noted the completion of the P21-billion Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), which will soon open this coming March. The expressway would then connect Clark to contingent areas like Subic’s seaport in Zambales province and the industrial areas of Tarlac province. “Travel time to Subic, which usually takes 2 hours, will now be cut down to just 30 minutes,” Laus said, adding that nearby Tarlac province will be closer by just 10 to 15 minutes. Laus stressed that Clark officials have been bullish in the development of the Freeport’s infrastructure to meet Ms. Arroyo’s grand vision to transform Clark into an aviation and logistics hub in the Asia-Pacific Region. He added that within the first quarter of 2008, construction work for the Clark-South Interchange (CSI) is set to start. Earlier, Executive Vice President Isaac Puno III of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) reported before the media and Clark officials that construction work on the CSI, which would link the Clark Freeport and nearby Angeles City and Mabalacat town to the SCTEx “is set to start early next year (2008).” Puno said the construction date was “based on the BCDA’s revision and assessment of the area,” which is near the Mabalacat gate of Clark. “We are set to start construction [of the Clark-South Interchange] by early next year as per our assessment and revision of the area’s geography,” said Puno, who is also program manager for the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway Project (SCTEP). The CSI, which would cost the government an initial P314 million, is among the three interchanges that would connect the province of Pampanga to the 21-billion SCTEx project. The two other interchanges would be built at the Hacienda Dolores in Porac town and in Floridablanca town. The Porac interchange would cost P260 million while the Floridablanca interchange would cost P280 million. Laus said the construction of the CSI is expected to attract more investors inside the Freeport as Presidential infrastructure projects will realize the government’s vision to make Clark and Subic Bay Freeport Zones as the premier logistics hubs in the Asian pacific region. FULL-SCALE EXERCISE. Firemen from the Clark International Airport Corp (CIAC) Fire Department extinguish flames during a demonstration conducted recently by the CIAC Emergency Services Department (ESD). The CIAC-ESD, that has a Category 9 Rating for crash fire and rescue capabilities, will conduct its second Airport FullScale Exercise next month at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA). Clark Polytechnic to supply aviation workforce With the growing demand for aircraft maintenance technicians worldwide, the Clark Polytechnic said it is fit to supply the aviation industry with a competent workforce. Clark Polytechnic Executive Director Jose Vladimir Sampang noted that the aviation industry is not only experiencing a shortage of pilots but likewise, a huge need in aircraft maintenance technicians. He said Clark Polytechnic, a subsidiary of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), is flooded with applicants for its Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) courses. Currently, Sampang said they have already received at least 136 applications apart from 120 students currently enrolled this year. “We will be graduating our first batch for our two-year course on March this year,” Sampang said, adding that the would-be graduates have signified their intentions of pursuing the four-year AMT course immediately after graduation. Sampang said he has already received calls from Malaysia who has asked Clark Polytechnic to train their students. But Sampang stressed that he will first flood the market with Filipino AMT graduates. “The need for AMTs is increasing. And even the parents of our AMT students have recognized this need. They are proud that their sons and daughters have jobs waiting for their children even before they leave school,” Sampang said. Sampang also revealed the importance of the role played by the Maintenance Repair Operations (MRO) in the aviation industry saying “an airplane will not fly unless the MRO says so.” “MROs are run mostly by Clark... page 6 2 Investments IBM cites Clark Freeport’s IT competitiveness Information Technology (IT) giant IBM has cited Clark Freeport’s edge in IT noting that this former United States military facility has become a strategic location for its expansion programs. IBM Philippines President James Velasquez, in an interview over Aksyon Central Luzon Special Edition hosted by Sonny Lopez, said Clark has “become a strategic place for IBM to focus its efforts in.” Velasquez said IBM is eyeing Clark in line with their ongoing GEO Expansion programs, which taps top regions outside Metro Manila with IT opportunities. “We are committed to bring out our IT and Business Solutions to Clark’s business landscape, majority of which are classified under Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs),” he said. Velasquez said the SME/ Mid-market is one of IBM’s largest and fastest growing market opportunities, adding that “IBM recognizes the contributions mid-sized businesses make, in innovation within their industries as well as being the driving economic engine for the global economy.” Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Liberato Laus has, likewise, cited IBM for bringing IT solutions to locator and investor firms based at Clark. Laus, during IBM’s product and services launching at the Holiday Inn Clark Laus dubbed “IBM@Clark, Technology and Business Solutions for Clark Business Leaders,” noted Clark’s competitiveness in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry. “We are ICT-prepared [in Clark] as technology ad- vances run at a fast pace,” Laus said. In April last year, the Department of Trade and industry (DTI) and the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) have given Clark a 9.23 score (10 being the highest) in ICT readiness. The DTI and CICT, Laus said, have certified that Clark has met most of the crucial requisites of being an ideal destination for ICT locators. “Clark is positioning itself as a viable outsourcing center for ICT and ICT-enabled services due to its strategic location, highly-skilled and trainable manpower pool, and available investment areas with adequate facilities,” Laus said. Balloon fiesta good for local flight schools The 12th Hot Air Balloon Festival that kicked off here last week augurs well for the domestic aviation industry especially to different flight school. Community Extension Services Office Manager Fely Rondolo (left) hands over one of the 35 street lights donated by the Clark Development Corporation to the municipality of Bamban for the illumination of the Bamban Bridge . Representing Mayor Ding Anunciacion are Elmer Anunciacion (center) and Ramon Sibal (right). Also in photo are Edna Dacanay and James Robin Castaneda. 3 Thus, said Phillip Jose Panlilio, Clark Development Corp. (CDC) executive vice president, who told Clark Monitor that the four-day event develops interest among younger generation on aviation. “This is one of the impacts of the festival aside from boosting local tourism,” Panlilio said after at least 19 hot air balloons took off at the ADAC of the Philippine Air Force here. As the organizer of the fourday festival, the CDC has answered the growing interest of thousands of tourists to the festival as noted in the increasing number of spectators who flock to the event. Panlilio said the festival dubbed “a weekend of anything that flies” is designed to attract families. “Hot air ballooning is just one of the activities we have slated this February,” he said. Other activities include plane and other aeronautical exhibits, kite flying, radio controlled mini helicopter flying, sky diving, and paragliding. Local flight schools also secured booths in the festival area in order to promote their curriculum, Panlilio added. With regards to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s declaration of the nearby Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) as the country’s premiere international airport, Panlilio said Clark is prepared in terms of infrastructure, adding that various road projects like the P21-billion SubicClark-Tarlac Expressway are ongoing. He added that the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC), which is a subsidiary of the CDC, “is dedicated and ready to meet the challenge.” The Airport Macroasia, PAL to infuse $50m in DMIA facility Top Philippine Air Lines (PAL) officials led by Lucio Tan are banking on the viability of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) as the next premier airport of the country preparing “to face the challenges of the aviation industry in the 21st century.” This, after the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Macroasia Corp. and PAL for the development of a 30hectare area in the Clark civil aviation complex. CIAC President Victor Jose Luciano said “CIAC is fortunate to have Macroasia Corp. in the Clark civil aviation complex because we know how its people passionately pursue ‘efficiency, strategic focus and character’ in its aviation-related businesses which include aircraft maintenance, repairs and overhaul, charter flight services, airport ground handling services and inflight catering services.” “We know well that Macroasia Corp. will play an important role in the development of the DMIA into a world-class international airport and a megalogistics hub and services as it extend sterling services in compliance with world standards,” said Luciano. “This could be the start of our long-standing partnership that may eventually see the entry of the country’s flag carrier – the Philippine Air Lines and its affiliates to serve other long-haul airliners. Macroasia Corp. President and CEO Joseph Chua claimed that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) “is really saturated” and saw the need to locate in the 2,500-hectare DMIA, which is four times the size of NAIA. At least $50 million will be initially infused on the development of a ground handling and in-flight catering facilities, according to Chua. Macroasia... page 6 CIAC-MACROASIA SIGNING. Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President and CEO Victor Jose I. Luciano (second from left) and Macroasia Corporation President and CEO Joseph T. Chua (second from right) sign a memorandum of agreement (MOU) for the development of a 30-hectare area at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA). Witnessing the signing are CIAC Board Chairman Nestor Mangio (left) and Philippine Airlines President and COO Jaime Bautista (right). GMA to open Clark skies To hasten its “phase in” as the country’s premier international gateway, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has agreed to issue an order calling for more liberalized air policies at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) inside Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga. “The President agreed there is a need to come out with a new Executive Order that will allow the entry of more international flights at DMIA,” Alexander Cauguiran, executive vice president of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), said. “This will greatly help in further preparing the DMIA to take on the important role as our country’s premier gateway for international flights,” Cauguiran said. On Tuesday, President Arroyo issued a directive during the Cabinet meeting that the DMIA will be developed and phased in to replace the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila as the country main international airport. Cauguiran said the President approved in principle the proposed EO 500-B that will amend the existing EO 500-A issued in August 2006. The latter order amended the original EO 500 released in January 2006. The EOs call for the expansion of air services at the DMIA and the Subic International Airport in Subic Freeport Zone in Zambales. “According to some sectors of the aviation industry, EO 500 was maybe too liberal. However, EO 500-A has proven to be too restrictive. This is why EO 500-B is intended to strike the balance between the two and ensure the growth of international passenger traffic at the DMIA,” Cauguiran explained. “Additional flights at DMIA will be generated because even airlines not covered or designated under existing Air Services Agreements with other countries will be GMA... page 6 4 1 4 2 5 CDC President Levy Laus, Laycia Marzan, and Purchasing Manager Zoraida Camello getting savvy with socialite Tessa Prieto (right). 1 Thumbs up with former president Fidel V. Ramos. (From left) VPs Franco Madlambayan, Noel Manankil, EVP Philip Jose Panlilio, AVP Bernie Angeles, CIAC President Victor Jose Luciano, Director Benigno Ricafort, and AVP Marizza Mandocdoc. 2 Up, up and away during the 12th hot air balloon fiesta. (l-r) VP Noel Manankil, EVP Philip Jose Panlilio, Corporate Secretary Pearl Sagmit, Asst. Manager Lancel Lagman, Asst. Manager Shower Raagas, Treasury Manager Eva Gabor, and Purchasing Manager Zoraida Camello. 3 5 3 (From left) Jho-an Banayag and Hillary Lagat of Kenya after the 1st Clark Marathon. 4 Chairman Rizalino Navarro (right) is all smiles with Fontana’s Tony Biggs (with cap) after the invitational Chairman’s Cup held at the Mimosa Golf and Country Club. 5 Community Civilians urged to take ‘active part’ in drive vs illegal drugs An official of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has called on the public “to take an active part “in helping government lessen, if not, eradicate drug-related incidents in their respective communities. Assistant Secretary Rodolfo Caisip, who is also deputy director general for operations of PDEA, sounded the call during an orientation program on Republic Act (RA) 9165 and Department Order (DO) 53-03 spearheaded by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) on February 18 and 19. “Drug abuse and other drug- related problems that have beset us is a social issue. This crisis does not only lie in the hands of the police, PDEA, or the authorities. The answer to this problem also involves the active participation of everybody – that includes civilians,” said Caisip, who addressed CDC employees during the two-day orientation held at the Clark Museum here. According to CDC President Liberato Laus, the orientation aims to provide CDC employees “continuing education on the laws related to drug prevention in the workplace.” “This activity,” Laus added, “will also be a venue to discuss the salient features of the company policies and programs for a drugfree workplace.” Caisip stressed that civilians can help drug enforcement agencies like PDEA, and the Philippine National Police in the fight against drug abuse by monitoring suspicious activities and characters in their respective communities and reporting these to the authorities. He said the PDEA has devised a rewards program where cash incentives will be given to anyone who can provide accurate tips or information that can lead to the ar- rest of persons involved in drug abuse or raid of establishments used for the manufacture or storage of illegal drugs. “For example, civilians can receive a P1-million cash reward for information leading to a raid of a medium-sized laboratory and a P1.5-million reward for a larger laboratory or warehouse,” Caisip said. Caisip added that informants, however, shall be required to fill-out forms at the PDEA regional office. He also assured civilian informants of their safety and that their identities will be kept under strict confidentiality. Macroasia in Philippine aviation services, backed by four companies which are among the aviation pillars in our country: CIAC as the airport operator and administrative provider, PAL as the commercial pillar, Macroasia and its subsidiaries, and Lufthansa Technik Philippines as base service providers.” “Our collective efforts start a giant step forward as we prepare to face the challenges of the aviation industry in the 21st century,” said Chua. “We will come out with a de- velopment plan and sign a lease agreement as soon as possible,” said Chua. Asked when PAL will start flying out of DMIA, PAL President and COO Jaime Bautista said “if all the support systems are there we will start flying.” But Bautista further noted that their entry in Clark “will be done in phases to complement the master plan of Clark (airport).” But Luciano noted that the main concern of PAL which is the in-flight catering will be finished by the 2nd quarter of this year. “By the time the DMIA is operational, the facilities of Macroasia and its affiliates are also operational,” said Bautista. “Gagawin nating sabay ang development.” Bautista has also said DMIA will be a major hub in two years. Luciano and Chua had inked an MOU in the presence of PAL President and COO Jaime Bautista, Lufthansa Technik Philippines President and CEO Bernhard Krueger-Sprenger, CIAC Chairman Nestor Mangio and other top PAL and CIAC officials. GMA ments on air safety and security will be permitted to fly into Clark. “Even under EO 500-B, commercial airlines wanting to fly into Clark will still be evaluated by the ATO and CAB,” Cauguiran said. The ATO or the Air Transportation Office is tasked with ensuring the safety and security of air travel in the country. The CAB or the Civil Aeronautics Board, on the other hand, is mandated to protect the country’s national interests in the aviation industry. Both agencies are under the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC). continued from page 4 1 “We envision Clark to be a globally-competitive aviation hub, fully equipped and complemented by the ingenuity and skill of the Filipino workers, that considers as paramount the interest of the Philippines and its own aviation players (the local airlines and its service providers) in the world aviation market,” said Chua. Chua said the MOU “embodies a framework for development Clark continued from page 3 aircraft maintenance technicians,” Sampang noted. With cheaper airfare due to the presence of Low Cost Carriers (LCCs), Sampang said airlines will fly more planes complementing the operations of MROs. Sampang said most Filipino AMTs are pursuing greener pastures abroad since salaries there are twice the amount of that being paid in the country. “This is a serious problem but we at Clark Polytechnic are addressing both,” Sampang said. He said there is a “big demand” on manpower from Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines, who are “hoping to get AMTs from Clark Polytechnic.” “That is why we are increasing our capabilities to address this huge need,” Sampang said. He said Clark Polytechnic has forged a partnership with Feati University, which has a 40-year track record in producing the country’s finest AMTs. “We have upgraded our books, digitized our instructional materials, and Feati will be bringing in more machines for thorough hands-on training,” Sampang said. continued from page 4 allowed to fly into the Clark airport,” he said. “And if these new air carriers prove they are really capable of servicing international routes out of Clark, they may be granted additional traffic rights not allowed at NAIA or other airports in the country,” Cauguiran added. The proposed EO 500-B, according to him, also provides for institutional measures to ensure that only commercial air carriers that conform with the country’s require- 6 Buzz CDC holds photography workshop The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Public Relations Department (PRD) held Monday a basic photography seminar-workshop at the Operations Technical Services (OTS) building. At least 40 participants from various CDC departments attended the seminar-workshop as preparation for the upcoming events to be held inside the Clark Freeport. In preparation for the staging of the 12th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta from Febru- ary 7 to 10 at the ADAC of the Philippine Air Force, the participants of the photography seminar went around Clark to take photographs shortly after a brief lecture at the OTS building. The participants are also preparing for a photo contest spearheaded by renowned artist Ross Capili. Capili’s photo contest also aims to promote Clark as a tourism destination for Central Luzon. PRD Manager Angelo “Sonny” Lopez, Jr. said the photography semi- nar is only the first of a series of lectures to be spearheaded by the PRD to hone journalistic and reportorial skills of CDC employees. Lopez added that the PRD will hold lectures on advanced photography, graphics design, newspaper design, and writing workshops in news, editorial, and business correspondence. The CDC has launched various tourism-related events which are part of the Clarksiyahan. Clarksiyahan, according to the CDC Tourism and Promotions Office (TPO), will be highlighted by the hot air balloon fiesta, among others. Clarksiyahan will also feature events like Boy Scout of the Philippines Silent Drill Parade, Chinese New Year celebrations, 2nd North Philippines Vistors Bureau Fun Golf, concert featuring Bamboo, Fashion Show Summer Wear, Motorcycle Drag Race, 1st CDC President’s Cup Circuit Race, and Hot Body Bikini Open. Aetas involved in Clark sub-zone dev’t Some 3,000 Aetas have been actively involved in the massive ecotourism and agricultural development of ancestral domains in a large portion of the 27,000-hectare Clark sub-zone in Pampanga and Tarlac. Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Liberato P. Laus said the involved Aetas have already accumulated at least P6 million representing their shares from the incomes of various foreign and local locators in the subzone. Laus said the involvement of the Aetas materialized following the signing of the joint management agreement between officials of Aeta Associations headed by Oscar Rivera, Laus of CDC and Eugenio A. Insigne of the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP). He added that many interested foreign locators have applied to establish their factories, including bio-ethanol power plants and entertainment and tourism resorts. A joint development council composed of CDC, NCIP and Aeta associations has been established to conduct the master development plan for the sub-zone. The Aeta tribes were dislocated by the eruptions of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991, according to French researcher Jean-Christophe Gaillard of the Center for Kapampangan Studies. Gaillard described the life of 7 Aeta communities as “enjoying a level of development, including asphalted roads, irrigation networks, and school buildings.” (Built by then Sacobia Development Authority). A good number of these tribesmen used to depend on the US servicemen in the then Clark Special Economic Zone but they are now answering the call to help develop Clark sub-zone through the forward thinking of CDC officials led by Laus. On August 24 last year, a General Assembly of Aetas occupying 10,680 hectares covered by certificates of ancestral domain title was held at Clark Expo Pilipino. “That was an unprecedented event that will surely pave the way for the development of the Freeport and will eventually lead to the social and economical uplift of Aeta communities in the joint management,” Laus said, “ecstatic of the new possibilities that will change the lives of the Aetas for the better.” Last September 5, through stern lobbying, the CDC had endorsed to NCIP national office the signed Joint Management Agreement (JMA) and application for issuance of Compliance Certificate Free Prior Inform Consent Process (FPIC) and the certification that the community has given its consent to the implementation of the JMA for the development of the ances- tral domain covering an area of 10,684 hectares within Clark Zone. The shares of the Aetas will be used for their livelihood, education and their economic uplift,” Laus added. Under the joint agreement, CDC can now manage the ancestral domain and enter into business arrangements with prospective locators of the area. As envisioned, the Aeta tribes shall be given employment priority in any projects to be implemented within the CADT. The state-owned company will also assist in providing communal infrastructure and developments to the community. The 75-year term will see to the 20 percent share of the lease to Aetas (to be deposited by CDC to the Aeta Development Fund). A worker rehabilitates one of the many acacia inside the Clark Freeport. In Focus El Kabayo stables opens at Clark A world-class riding stable held its blessing and inaugural opening recently boosting Clark Freeport’s thrust to become a sports and tourism hub in Central Luzon. El Kabayo Western Town, a series of facades replicating establishments with old west theme, will open its doors to the public, said Gabby La’O, president and sheriff of El K a b a y o We s t e r n To w n & Riding Stables. La’O said the blessing and inaugural opening was highlighted by the ribbon cutting rites to be led by executives from El Kabayo, Clark Development Corporation (CDC), and government officials led by Pampanga 1 st District Rep. Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin and Senator Lito Lapid, who owns at least three horses in the stables. Also, La’O said members of the Manila Polo Club, Ay a l a A l a b a n g Country Club, and executives Western theme buildings and horses are expected to draw more tourists to the Clark Freeport. from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority graced the event. In the afternoon, La’O added that the El Kabayo Riding Stables opened to the public where tourists can ride any of stables’ 20 horses. On Sunday, February 24, El Kabayo hosted a horse parade and a tilbury race or kalising where more than 20 riders from Central Luzon joined the event. CDC President Liberato P. Laus said the opening of El Kabayo is a welcome development and is expected to complement the CDC’s sports and eco-tourism program. Laus added that aside from its image as a worldclass investment haven, the presence of the riding stables will also bolster Clark’s image as an ideal venue for various family-oriented affairs. Prosthesis lab to rise at Clark More amputees will soon have artificial legs as the Clark Development Corp. approved the establishment of a prosthesis laboratory at the Clark Polytechnic Institute here. The project was approved by the CDC Board of Directors headed by its Chairman Rizalino S. Navarro recently. CDC Director Benigno Ricafort said the approval of the establishment of the prosthesis laboratory, including the training center, is in support of the walking free program of the Kapampangan Development Foundation. Clark Polytechnic is a subsidiary of CDC. The KDF, an organization of Kapampangans based outside the province, teamed up with the Physicians for Peace in a bid to provide free artificial legs to amputees in Pampanga. Also supporting the project is the Rotary Club International under the District 3790. KDF is targeting to distribute for free some 500 artificial legs and 1,000 wheelchairs by the end of 2008 to the poor and deserving physically disabled Kapampangan who cannot walk without the help of relatives, crutches and wheelchairs. Ricafort added that project aimed to develop more prosthesis not only for the amputees in Pampanga but also in other areas who are in need of artificial legs and wheelchairs. Ricafort, who is also president of KDF, said that some 21 amputees were given artificial legs of which KDF members prepare a cast for an amputee’s leg. two were children, while 15 others were given wheelchairs during the prosthesis program’s third session held at the Social Action Center of Pampanga (SACOP) on December 15. Earlier also 41 out of 140 qualified amputees were given a new hope to live more productively as they receive artificial limbs and wheelchairs under the same program and the Physicians for Peace (PFP). 8
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