BCDA: Disposition proceeds from Metro Manila camps at P50.8-B

News &Views at the Base
Official Publication of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority
Vol XI. No. 1
January - February 2011
BCDA: Disposition
proceeds from
Metro Manila
camps at P50.8-B
News
Traffic Volume in SCTEX
up by 24% in 2010
BCDA turns over P1.8-B
to National Treasury
Profile
The Veteran:
Director Max Sangil
Cover Story
BCDA: Disposition proce
from Metro Manila
T
by Roy Victor R. Rosales, BCDA Public Affairs Department
he state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has generated
Php50.822 billion for the period May 1993 to December 2010 from the disposition of former
Metro Manila camps, primarily Bonifacio Global City, Market! Market!, Serendra, McKinley Hill,
JUSMAG Property in Fort Bonifacio and the Villamor Air Base, among others. Of this amount, Php19.32
billion has been remitted to the National Treasury for the account of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFP), broken down into Php9.823 billion for the AFP modernization program and Php9.496 billion for
the military replication expenses.
Similarly, remitted to the National Treasury were
Php462.2 million representing the shares of contiguous
municipalities of Taguig, Pateros and Makati as well as
Php7.092 billion in favor of 14 government beneficiary
agencies mandated under R.A. 7227 (the Bases
Conversion and Development Act), as amended by
R.A. 7917.
These government agencies include the National
Shelter Program that finances mass social housing
project for the underprivileged and homeless citizens
of the country. Other government programs are the
National Health Insurance Program; Higher Education
Development Fund, otherwise known as the Higher
Education Act of 1994 that finances students’
scholarship, faculty development and the improvement
of physical plants of colleges and universities under the
Commission on Higher Education (CHED); science and
technology scholarships for young Filipino scientists and
students in selected countries through the Department
of Science and Technology; the Study Now Pay Later
Program for poor but deserving youths who shall enroll
or are enrolled in science and technology (S&T);
the multi-year program of the prosecution service;
the modernization program of the National Bureau
of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine National Police
(PNP) and improvement of prison facilities; the judicial
reform program; the establishment of preschool and
day-care centers nationwide; the summer program
for the education of students (SPES) in accordance
with Republic Act No. 7323; the construction of Senior
Citizens Centers as provided under Republic Act No.
7876; the emergency and contingent needs of the
areas devastated by the Mount Pinatubo.
The other proceeds in the amount of Php10.675 billion
went to the following: taxes and fees paid to the Bureau
of Internal Revenue and local government units;
housing and relocation expenses of informal occupants
affected by the developments; survey, titling and
2
masterplanning; construction of site development/
utilities projects; and replication expenses of nonmilitary facilities formerly located in the military camps.
Only Php8.482 billion went to the conversion and
development of former U.S. military bases like Clark,
Poro Point in La Union and Camp John Hay in Baguio
as well as to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway which
enhances the complementary development of Subic
and Clark. It is worthy to note that the original intent
of the Bases Conversion Law was the conversion and
development of these properties and the AFP share in
the disposition proceeds is just one of the fund sources
for the AFP Modernization Program.
The BCDA said that the share of the AFP and other
government agencies are directly remitted to the
National Treasury and, in turn, the Department
of Finance (DOF) and the Department of Budget
and Management (DBM) are responsible for safekeeping, programming and releasing the respective
appropriations of these government agencies to
finance their programs and projects. After BCDA’s
remittance of the funds to the Treasury, BCDA is no
longer involved in the use and disbursement of these
funds.
The BCDA said it is set to remit to the Treasury an
additional Php1.847 billion for the AFP share, coming
out of the Php4.791 billion additional disposition
revenues in 2010. Based on current projections, some
Php26 billion more are expected from joint venture
transactions already entered into for the development
of Bonifacio properties.
This is over and above
the projected revenues from the 45 percent share
being held by BCDA in Fort Bonifacio Development
Corporation (FBDC), the private real estate firm
currently developing the fast-rising Bonifacio Global
City which is controlled by Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) and
the Campos Group.
eeds
camps
at P50.8-B
Bonifacio High Street at Bonifacio Global City
The Venice Piazza at Mckinley Hill
Marriott Hotel Manila at the former Villamor Airbase
in Pasay City
32nd and 5th Avenues inside Bonifacio Global City
3
Happenings
March 18-20, 2011
3-day Zamba Multi-sports Festival
Zambales Province
In this issue
2-3
Zambales Province opens its pristine
waters and powdery magnetite sand
beaches as it hosts the Zamba Multisports Festival scheduled on March
18-20, 2011. Almost 600 participants
will enjoy three days of various
competitions such as cycling, open
water swim, ultimate frisbee, sprint
duathlon, and triathlon spiced with
exciting side events like body tattoo
competition, bikini open and beach
party.
Cover Story:
BCDA: Disposition proceeds from
Metro Manila camps at P50.8-B
source: http://subicbaynews.blogspot.com
credits: Olmin Leyba of The Philippine Star
March 27, 2011
Globe Run for Home 2011
Bonifacio Global City
Set to take place at the “Home of
the Passionate Minds,” the Globe Run
for Home 2011 aims to help charities
namely: GK, Haribon Foundation,
Virlanie Foundation and Habitat
for Humanity.
The P50 from the
registration fee will go to a charity of
the runner’s choice.
For more information, visit:
http://www.globe-demo.com/run
5
April 2 and 3, 2011
Best Food Forward: A Benefit Summer
Food Fair
NBC Tent, Bonifacio Global City
6
“Best Food Forward!,” (BFF) is a grand
food and drink fair to be staged at the
NBC Tent inside Bonifacio Global City.
Scheduled to be launched on April
2 and 3, 2011, the food fair aims to
showcase a variety of the best cuisine
in the industry. The event also gives
an opportunity for newcomers in the
food business to be seen and savored.
It will be the place where food and
culture will come together to create a
deliciously rare food experience.
7
Traffic volume in SCTEX
up by 20% in 2010
SCTEX puts CL on road
to progress
BCDA turns over P1.8-B
to National Treasury
8-9 Profile:
The Veteran:
Director Max Sangil
April 10, 2011
2011 Baguio 21K. Feel the hill.
Baguio City
For4more information, visit:
http://baguio21k.com
12
CIAC, DMIA
Bird watching in
Camp John Hay
Profile
14-15 Locator
The Manor at
16
Camp John Hay
Icon:
Subic-Clark-Tarlac
Expressway
http://www.facebook.com/SCTEX and
http://www.facebook.com/pages/SCTEXSubic-Clark-Tarlac-Expressway/61716464307
For inquiries and more information,
you may also call (63 920) 9148175 or (63 917) 794-1984 or email:
[email protected]
Experience the thrill of running uphill in
the 2011 Baguio 21K. Feel the hill. Set
in the highlands of the Philippines, this
half marathon run will test your legs
as well as your lungs. Organized by
RenderFarm Productions, this exciting
event will have three race types
which are 5K, 10K and 21K Run.
10-11 Achievements
mark 2010 for
Know more about BCDA. Visit our website at:
www.bcda.gov.ph
News and Views at the Base is a bi-monthly external publication of the
Public Affairs Department of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.
ALOYSIUS R. SANTOS
Chairman
GEN. NARCISO L. ABAYA (RET)
President and CEO
Editor-in-Chief LEILANI BARLONGAY-MACASAET
Executive Editor ROY VICTOR R. ROSALES / Managing Editor MARICAR SAVELLA-VILLAMIL
Writers/Layout Artist GARRY A. CATIVO / MICHELLE S. SAN JUAN
Photographer AGEM O. ALFAFARAS / Circulation IRAH F. DAVID
Editorial Address: BCDA Corporate Center, 2/F Bonifacio Technology Center
31st Street corner Second Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Philippines
Tel.: (632) 816-6666 Fax: (632) 816-1113 E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.bcda.gov.ph
In the News
Traffic volume in SCTEX
up by 24% in 2010
by Roy Victor R. Rosales, BCDA Public Affairs Department
T
he state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA)—owner and
builder of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX)—said that the number of vehicles
using the toll road in 2010 rose to 8,958,201 or equivalent to a 24.55 percent increase
compared to the 7,192,524 vehicles that used the toll road in 2009.
BCDA-SCTEX Program Manager for Operational
Support Services and Spokesperson Robert Gervacio
said that in terms of toll revenues, the SCTEX generated
P625.6 million from the period January to December
2010 or a 23.59 percent increase from the P506.2 million
toll revenues generated in 2009.
He said that of the 8.95 million vehicles that used the
toll road in 2010, 84.32 percent belonged to the Class 1
vehicles or cars, jeepneys and other vehicles with two
axles and not more than seven feet in height; 4.10
percent belonged to Class 2 vehicles that make up
trucks with two axles and over seven feet high; and
11.58 percent consists of Class 3 vehicles or trucks with
three or more axles and above seven feet high. He
noted that Class 2 and 3 vehicles plying the SCTEX in
2010 increased by 4.25 percentage points to 15.68
percent compared to 11.43 percent in 2009.
Mr. Gervacio said that considering 2010 was only the
third year of commercial operations for the SCTEX,
he expects traffic volume to increase by at least 10
percent in 2011.
“We expect a moderate traffic volume increase of
some 10 percent for 2011 as more motorists get to the
habit of using the SCTEX owing to the stress-free driving
and travel time saved compared to driving along
the national, municipal and even barangay roads,”
Gervacio said.
In terms of percentage share of traffic volume per
interchange, the Mabalacat Interchange—the
interchange that links to the North Luzon Expressway
(NLEX)—was the busiest with a 32.34 percent traffic
volume followed by the Tipo (Subic) Interchange,
15.35 percent; Tarlac City Interchange, 13.43 percent;
San Miguel (Luisita) Interchange, 10.27 percent,
and Dinalupihan Interchange, 9.72 percent. The
remaining interchanges namely: Concepcion, Clark
North, Dolores, Clark South, Porac, and Floridablanca
registered a combined traffic volume percentage
share of 13.69 percent.
The SCTEX is a 93.77 km. 4-lane divided toll road limited
access highway and considered as the country’s
most scenic expressway showcasing the breathtaking
landscape of Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales and
Tarlac. The toll road features 12 interchanges, 4
major bridges, 42 minor bridges, 54 underpasses, 360
drainage structures, toll road facilities and equipment.
The expressway allows Clark and Subic to forge a
growing partnership by building on each other’s core
strengths. More importantly, it now paves the way for
the synergy of Clark and Subic Bay Freeport Zones into
one big facility resulting in the convergence of landair-and sea-based transport.
Toll plaza at Porac Interchange
55
In the News
SCTEX puts CL on road
to progress
C
by the BCDA Public Affairs Department
entral Luzon has been experiencing tremendous growth in tourism and investments, largely owing to
an efficient road network specifically the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) to meet the visitors’
demand for comfortable and speedy travel within the region, as well as to other places of interest in
other parts of mainland Luzon.
The state-owned BCDA, builder and owner of
the SCTEX said that since the SCTEX opened for
commercial operations in 2008, there has been a
steady increase in investments not only in Clark and
Subic but also in the neighboring provinces that
connect to the alignment of the SCTEX.
Citing figures made public by the Clark International
Airport Corp., the BCDA officials said there are about
60,000 Koreans in Clark and Subic at any given time.
Koreans account for the biggest number of foreign
arrivals at the Diosdado Macapagal International
Airport (DMIA) at the Clark Freeport Zone.
“The developments now unfolding in Central Luzon
augur well for the realization of our vision of a strong
economy anchored on high-impact government
infrastructure projects such as the SCTEX which was
built to create a growth engine in the countryside,”
SCTEX Program Manager and Spokesperson Robert
Gervacio said.
He noted that the SCTEX, together with the DMIA in
Clark and the deep water seaport in Subic are the
moving force designed to develop the region into
a globally competitive logistics hub. “We are now
unmistakably moving towards that direction,” he
added.
To cope with the expected 60 percent increase in
passenger traffic, SEAIR is deploying two big-body
114-seater Airbus 319 planes to service the ClarkSingapore connection.
Last October, South Korea’s budget carrier Jin Air,
had its maiden Incheon-Clark flight. Using a 180-seater
Boeing 737-800, Jin Air now flies to Clark five times a
week. Other air carriers being hosted by Clark are
Asiana Airlines which also serves the Clark-Incheon
route, Tiger Airways which flies daily to Singapore,
and Air Asia which also flies daily to Kuala Lumpur
and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia.
Metro Manila-bound motorists from Central and
Northern Luzon are also afforded seamless overland
travel courtesy of the linkage between the SCTEX
and the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).
Likewise, motorists from Manila will find it more
convenient to use the SCTEX on their way to Central
and Northern Luzon especially Pampanga, Bataan,
Subic Bay, Zambales, Pangasinan, Baguio, La Union,
Cabanatuan and Ilocos as they will find it to be the
fastest, most convenient and practical route saving
on time and fuel.
Over the past years, the DMIA
has been attracting more
air carriers, indicating that it
is a viable alternative to the
normally overcrowded Ninoy
Aquino International Airport in
Metro Manila.
Just last Dec. 16, the South
East Asian Airlines (SEAIR)
inaugurated its regular ClarkSingapore-Clark
route
at
the DMIA. SEAIR, reputedly
the second oldest airline
in the country next to the
Philippine Airlines, has been
linking Clark to key cities
nationwide, notably Cebu
and Davao, along with the
world-renowned island resort
of Boracay.
6
Subic-Clark Stretch of SCTEX
In the News
BCDA turns over P1.8-B to
National Treasury
by Roy Victor R. Rosales, BCDA Public Affairs Department
M
ALACAÑANG
PALACE—the
state-owned
BCDA was among the 19 government-owned
and controlled corporations (GOCCs) that
remitted a total of P29.25 billion to the National Treasury
during the Government-Owned and Controlled
Corporation (GOCC) Day last January 28, 2011.
During the ceremonial turnover of GOCCs’ check
dividends and remittances, BCDA Chairman Aloysius
Santos and BCDA Board Director Jose Luis Martin
“Chito” Gascon, turned over a check amounting to
P1.8-billion to the National Treasury. The turnover was
witnessed by President Benigno “Noynoy” S. Aquino III.
The P1.8 billion that BCDA turned over to the National
Treasury represents the share of the Armed Forces of
the Philippines (AFP) from the proceeds/revenues
generated from the redemption of preferred shares
of BCDA in Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation
(FBDC), the joint venture company developing
Bonifacio Global City, where BCDA holds 45 percent
equity.
In his speech, President Aquino said the “dividends
and other remittances from GOCCs will allow the
government to frontload its expenditures and speed
up the implementation of anti-poverty programs,
among others.”
President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino welcomes BCDA Chairman
Aloysius R. Santos as he turns over to the National Treasury the
corporation’s remittance check amounting to P1.8-B. Also shown in
the photo are: (from left to right) Cavite 1st District Representative
Joseph Emilio Abaya, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Senators
Franklin Drilon & Ralph Recto and BCDA Director Jose Luis Martin
Gascon.
President Aquino added that his administration will
work doubly hard to strengthen GOCC transparency
and disclosure practices to conform with international
best practices.
“Your companies’ major shareholders—the public—will
have access to your financial and operational results,
remuneration policies, related party transactions,
governance structures and policies, among others,”
the chief executive said.
The President also said the Department of Finance
is developing an IT-based reporting system that will
require full disclosure of several aspects of GOCC
operations. “This will give everyone a chance to,
once and for all, prove to the people that every
institution in government is on their side—on the side
of transparency, on the side of truth, on the side of
progress.”
Aside from Chairman Santos and Board Director
Gascon, other BCDA officials who attended the
turnover rites were composed of Executive Vice
President Aileen Zosa, Vice President for Planning and
Business Development Dean Santiago, Vice President
for Finance Nena Radoc, and Manager for Budget
Monitoring Hedda Rulona.
BCDA Chairman Aloysius R. Santos, VP for Business Development
Dean J. Santiago, Budget and Monitoring Department Manager Hedda
Y. Rulona, BCDA Executive Vice President Aileen R. Zosa together
with President Aquino pose for a souvenir shot with the President
after the turnover ceremony.
7
The Veteran:
Profile
Director Max Sangil
by Maricar Savella-Villamil, BCDA Public Affairs Department
“He saw the trees because he refused to be blinded by the forest.”
This was how former Pampanga Press Club President
Ramiro Mercado and his other media colleagues
described veteran journalist Max Sangil, in the latter’s
book Somewhere in Central Luzon, published in 1994.
A seasoned newsman, he worked before and after
Martial Law years as a reporter and a consultant of the
Philippine Daily Inquirer, and the defunct broadsheets
Philippine Daily Star and Philippine Daily Express.
It reads further: “To those who know Max Sangil as
a newspaper columnist in over two decades, one is
familiar with the tools of his trade—the axe that opens
many a Pandora box; dagger insinuations; a cleaver of
sarcasm; poniards of innuendos; provocative lances;
and for those he had hurt
and wounded, a shoeshine
rag and a gypsy violin, the
first to wipe their tears and
the second to salve their
indignation. These are his
tools for jungle survival.”
For a decade he was a radio commentator of DWGVFM, and has worked with local and national newspapers
as a former columnist of SunStar Pampanga among
other Central Luzon publications, editor of the Angeles
Observer and Consultant to the Philippine Journal
Group of Companies.
Looking back, even at a young age, Mr. Sangil knew
that writing is his life and his passion. As a college
student in the sixties, he was already able to put himself
to school as he was already working professionally as a
writer for komiks and magazines.
“I write good in Filipino,” he beams.
To date, BCDA Director
Maximo Sangil has been
a journalist for almost four He was earning P4.00 per page or P12.00 for a fourpage short story; a semester then was a little over a
decades.
hundred pesos. Eventually, he left University of Sto.
Tomas without earning his degree but soon enough,
became a successful publisher of his own paper in
Pampanga. At the same time, the young journalist did
radio broadcast and political PR (public relations) and
Veteran journalist
inevitably, entered politics.
Max Sangil has
made a name in
the local print and
broadcast media. He
From 1988 to 1998, Director Sangil was the number one
is currently one of the
member of the City Council of Angeles until he became
co-hosts of Talakayan,
Mayor in 1998, when then Mayor Ed Pamintuan and
a public affairs program
aired over 95.1 RW, CLTV36 Vice Mayor Francis Nepomuceno vacated their posts.
He ran for mayor the same year, under the banner of
and other cable carriers.
Apart from this, he is a the Liberal Party, but was not successful.
member of CAMI or the
Capampangan Media, Inc., Mr. Sangil was also past president of the Rotary Club of
whose president is Federico Angeles, and was recognized as the Most Outstanding
Pascual of the Philippine Star Rotarian in 2002 (Rotary District 3790) and Outstanding
and
chairman, Crispulo Club President in 2005.
Icban, Jr., editor-in-chief of
the Manila Bulletin. Further
he is a member of the
“I have a beautiful life. I have a beautiful family. I have
Tuesday Club of
Shangri-La Edsa, whose several friends. As a matter of fact, I am what they call
members are the biggies in the the Chairman Emeritus of a fellowship club in Angeles
called the ‘Monday Club’ where a cross-section of
journalism and political worlds.
Angeles’ businessmen, newsmen, etcetera meet every
Monday.”
BOLD
EXERTIONS
MAYOR MAX
MONDAY CLUB CHAIRMAN
8
The Monday Club has been in existence for 15 years.
“What makes you happy?” the interviewer continues.
The answer: “Mababaw and kaligayahan ko. When I
am with friends I don’t smoke; I don’t go to night clubs,
but we drink beer and talk about beautiful ladies like
Jennylyn Mercado, her recent movie Rosario and the
ladies on television with Willie Revillame.”
He continues, “Even at 11:00 in the evening before
I sleep, I enjoy reading and sending text jokes to my
friends….because I know that it will lighten their day….
At my age, these make me happy.”
MORE CANDID CONFESSIONS
“When I was young, I had my way… I never paid the
matrikula. I befriended the rector, the Parish Priest
of our town in Porac, and his note will be my ticket to
taking the periodic exams,” he shares, smiling.
It was notable that Mr. Sangil has a classic humor, and
an endearing wit to back it up. It is very easy to feel
comfortable around him. He is warm and is quick in
expressing gratitude for even the small things. He has
this sincere appreciation for people—from the CEOs to
the rank and file.
He describes himself as an “easy-going fellow.”
“Ang management style ko, yung pagkatao ko.
Kaibigan ko lahat,” he humbly reveals.
Indeed, such good nature must have enabled him to
hold crucial positions in his younger years.
At the age of 24, Mr. Sangil has already managed
four casinos. He was formerly a hotel manager and
an owner of a big printing press. He was a former
director of the Philippine National Bank (“When I’m no
banker.”), Meralco, and managed several businesses;
these, aside from his former career in politics and
broadcast/print journalism.
Currently, the Sangil family owns seven pawnshops and
two restaurants in Pampanga—with one managed by
his only son.
He makes special mention of the advice he gives his
children as they manage the family business: “You
should be nice to your workers–because you are
nothing without them.”
Though Director Sangil is quick to
point out that by nature, he
does not take himself seriously,
he emphasizes that he
always sees any job as an
opportunity to “discharge
his duties to the best of
his ability.”
THE
KAPAMPANGAN
SENIOR
For over a year
now, Mr. Sangil
has served as
one of the
Directors of the
Bases Conversion
and Development
Authority.
Concurrent
to this, he is director
of the BCDA
Management
and Holdings, Inc. and the Clark Development
Corporation. Mr. Sangil is also a former director of the
Clark International Airport Corporation.
As one of those appointed to the BCDA Board, he
believes that he has contributed largely to the thrusts
of BCDA because he comes from Central Luzon—
which is traversed by the BCDA’s biggest infrastructure
undertaking, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX)
and is the region where the biggest military base
outside the United States is located. Thus, he is very
much familiar with the terrain and the sentiments of the
stakeholders including non-government organizations.
For this, he asserts that more appointees to the BCDA
should come from Central Luzon.
When asked about his greatest challenge in life, he
candidly answers: “There is no more challenge. I’m
already a senior citizen.”
But the endearing and humble self-confessed “senior
citizen”—who despite the great wealth of experience
in his background—was very quick to express his
gratitude to his colleagues from the BCDA Board
because of the learning he gained from them.
“You cannot buy that experience eh. Parang yun na
ang aking PhD.”
He elaborates further on one of the parameters of
being “happy” in life.
On a more serious note, he describes the strengths of
BCDA.
“Huwag mo masyadong seryosohin ang sino at ang
ano at lalo na ang sarili mo. Handle your job with ease
and do not pressure your health over issues arising from
work, traffic…”
“BCDA exercises a lot of political will. Building the
SCTEX is not an easy job—with a lot of impediments
by some people and groups. I am telling the President
continued on page 13
9
Freeport / Ecozone News
Achievements mark 2010
for CIAC, DMIA
by the CIAC Corporate Communications Department
T
he Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) has steadily grown by leaps and bounds over the past
few years, having attracted more airlines that come along with it the passengers as well as services that drive
the airport’s activities.
Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President
and Chief Executive Officer Victor Jose I. Luciano said
among the major developments for 2010 are the start
of operations of Korean budget airlines Jin Air and
South East Asian Airlines (Seair), the expansion of the
Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in
the Clark Civil Aviation Complex, inauguration of the
DMIA expanded Terminal and the ground-breaking
for The Medical City facility at the Global Gateway
Logistics City (GGLC).
The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) is
the developer of the Clark Civil Aviation Complex and
operator of the DMIA.
Starting operations in late October 2010, Jin Air now flies
five times a week between the DMIA and the Incheon
International Airport in South Korea, a move that will
lead anew to an influx of Korean travelers to Clark that
will benefit as well the Metro Clark area and Central
and Northern Luzon where a host of tourist destinations
await the foreign travelers.
Jin Air’s five weekly Incheon-Clark-Incheon flights will
utilize the 180-seater Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Jin Air is a
full subsidiary of Korean Air, South Korea’s flag carrier
and its largest airline, that is among the top 20 airlines
in the world in terms of passengers carried and a topranked international freight carrying airline serving 130
cities in 45 countries around the world.
Jin Air is the second Korean commercial airline to
operate at the Clark airport after Asiana Airlines that
started operations in October 2003.
Luciano also said South East Asian Airlines (Seair),
the country’s second oldest airline and a pioneer
airline to locate and operate at the DMIA, initiated
in mid-December 2010 its twice daily low-cost ClarkSingapore flights.
No less than President Benigno Aquino III led last
December 7 the blessing of the Airbus A-319 at the
Seair hangar in Clark that will be used for the flight.
The Clark-Singapore flight that signaled the start of
more international flights at the DMIA as it adds to
the current average of 11 flights per day provided by
foreign and local budget carriers at the DMIA, capped
the coming of airlines to the DMIA for 2010.
Luciano said Seair’s Singapore operations at DMIA
will further boost the Clark airport’s development as
10
The Diosdado Macapagal International Airport
it serves more passengers, especially overseas Filipino
workers (OFWs), as the flight will bring them closer to
their families.
Seair is a pioneer locator and airline at the Clark
Freeport Zone, having started operations in 1995.
It is the second oldest airline in the country next to
Philippine Airlines (PAL) and operates domestic flights
such as to Boracay via the DMIA.
Seair President and CEO Avelino Zapanta said Seair
had leased two 144-seater Airbus 319 aircraft from its
partner Tiger Airways of Singapore. Two more Airbus
319 aircraft are expected to be delivered by the first
half of 2011. Seair will take over the Singapore flights
of Tiger at the DMIA. Zapanta added that SEAIR is
also eyeing more international flights to Hong Kong,
Macau, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Korea and Japan
to increase their presence in the Southeast Asian
Region by 2011.
At the same time, Luciano said leading aircraft MRO
company SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) will be
setting up its second hangar costing close to Php1
billion to provide MRO services for the Boeing 747 and
777.
He said the development of SIA’s second and bigger
hangar will again generate 300 direct jobs and 200
indirect jobs. Construction for the second hangar had
been slated for mid-November 2010 and is expected
to start operations by the end-2012.
Freeport / Ecozone News
The second hangar is in addition to its first hangar for the
Airbus 319 and 320 series aircraft that was constructed
in November 2008. The project is a joint venture with
Cebu Pacific Air. The first hangar, costing an estimated
Php800 million, started operations in July 2009 and has
provided MRO services to Cebu Pacific fleet of Airbus
aircraft.
Based in Singapore, SIAEC is a leading aircraft MRO
company providing total maintenance solutions to the
aircraft of the world. SIAEC, together with its 24 joint
ventures and subsidiaries across nine countries, formed
the SIAEC Group.
The SIAEC Group provides extensive MRO of aircraft
for more than 85 international airlines worldwide.
With certifications from more than 20 airworthiness
authorities, SIAEC’s six hangars and 22 in-house
workshops in Singapore provide complete MRO
services in airframe, component, engine, aircraft
conversions, and modifications to major airlines from
four continents.
SIAEC also provides support services at the Changi
International Airport in Singapore as well as line
maintenance
support services to
countries such as
Australia,
United
States, Hong Kong,
Indonesia, Vietnam
and the Philippines.
Service at the DMIA
has also been upped
after
passenger
facilitation processes
were found at par
Continuous expansion at DMIA is
rendered to accommodate more and
with
worldwide
more passengers each year.
industrial
and
commercial management system standards and
certified International Organization for Standardization
(ISO) 9001:2008 compliant.
The certification was given by TÜV RHEINLAND
Philippines Inc., a global leader in the certification of
management systems with 490 offices in 61 countries,
during awarding ceremonies held at the Mimosa
Convention Center in March last year.
The certification came after a year of activities that
involve an assessment of CIAC’s compliance to
general documentation requirements, management
commitment, customer focus, quality policy and
planning and adherence of CIAC, airlines and other
national agencies operating at the DMIA to the Service
Level Agreements and Service Excellence Standards
entered into by CIAC authorities with officials of these
agencies and airlines.
Darwin L. Cunanan, CIAC Corporate Planning Manager
and ISO Quality Management Representative, said
the conformity audit and assessment conducted by
TÜV RHEINLAND revealed CIAC measures up to the
quality management system standards in the field of
International Passenger Facilitation at the DMIA based
on specifications of ISO 9001:2008.
Romeo N. Dyoco Jr., CIAC Vice-President for
Operations and Business Development and ISO
General Manager, said the scope of ISO 9001:2008
involves Passenger Facilitation to deliver better quality
service to international travelers and passengers at the
DMIA which is bustling with international and domestic
flights provided by international and local air carriers.
Mid last year, the DMIA Terminal 1 Building Expansion
Project was also inaugurated by former President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo in June, a project that increased
the passenger volume of the Clark airport to Php2.5
million annually.
Developed at a cost of Php308.8 million, the expanded
terminal is expected to boost the operations of the
airport as well as attract more foreign and local airlines
to the DMIA. The newly-expanded DMIA Terminal-1
features two passenger boarding bridges to provide
convenience to passengers as well as improvements
that include Flight Information Display Systems (FIDS);
closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs); public television;
background music and a public address system; X-ray
machines; and, elevators and escalators.
Another noteworthy development for the Clark
Freeport Zone as a whole is the development of a
tertiary hospital that will provide medical and health
care services after President led the time capsulelaying for the development of The Medical City (TMC)
at the Global Gateway Logistics City (GGLC) in the
Clark Freeport Zone.
The Medical City Philippines is a tertiary health care
organization with a medical staff of 1,100 physicians
and 2,200 support personnel serving 40,000 in-patients
and 400,000 out-patients annually.
The Medical City Strategic Services Group Head
Margaret Bengzon said TMC Clark will serve as the
company’s flagship center for the Central and Northern
Luzon region. Bengzon said the hospital, which will be
fully-operational by 2013, addresses TMC’s expansion
strategies outside the Metro Manila area.
GGLC is a 177-hectare tract of land in Clark that is
being developed for a mixed use logistics center. It will
feature, among others, an aero park and a logistics
park. It will cost $1 billion and is being developed by
the Peregrine Development International firm with
funding from the Kuwait Gulf and Link (KGL) Investment
Company.
Passenger services have also been given a boost
following the operation of the DMIA Shuttle Service,
an added convenience to passengers provided by
jeepneys that ferry passengers from the DMIA to the
Dau Bus Terminal outside of the Clark Freeport Zone
continued on page 13
11
Freeport / Ecozone News
Bird Watching in
Camp John Hay
by Michelle Garcia, JHMC Marketing Officer/Acting PR Officer
Photo credits: Ely Teehankee, Wildlife Bird Photographer and Wild Bird Club of the Philippines Member
B
ird watching fascinates countless people around the world. Studies show many significant benefits from this
emerging hobby. There’s fitness and health, obviously because you have to be outdoors, hiking on trails
in between trees, exposure to sunlight and breathing fresh air all of which are good for the skin, heart and
lungs, and the body in general.
And who could resist the pleasure from nature? Bird
watching leads you to a more natural way of life.
This hobby enables us to get struck by the vitality of
nature, rhythm from the forest and effortless beauty of
the landscape. We get to see and feel these firsthand.
Ely Teehankee, a Wildlife Bird Photographer, and
member of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, also
explored the eco-trails of Camp John Hay and took
photos of the colorful little creatures living within its
environs.
Imam Bedejim Abdullah, a member of the Wild Bird
Club of the Philippines, visited the JHMC office one day
and talked about
the potential of
Camp John Hay
as a Birdwatching
Site. Little did we
know that it had
long been a site
for birders visiting
Baguio City. He
also
tagged
Camp John Hay
as an “Uncaged
Aviary” for birds
(some endemic)
that have found
sanctuary in the
forest reservation.
According to him,
birdwatching is “a
test of patience
as well as intellect,
when you strive to
Sulfur-billed Nuthatch
identify the birds.
It takes discipline to stalk and have a good view of
the species. It is a perfect family activity to enjoy the
outdoors and wind-up from urban stress and hectic
lifestyle.”
“The biggest satisfaction comes when
people get to see the beauty of the
birds and remember the One who
created them, GOD.” - Ely Teehankee
The desire to hunt for wildlife is woven into our being
and bird watching is the civilised way of giving
satisfaction to the thrill of the chase.
Birdwatchers strongly support efforts to save the
environment. At present, JHMC receives many pro
bono tips and advice on how to promote the hobby,
and protect the forest for these feathered friends
through the help of Dr. Rene Calado Jr., member of
the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines,
12
Citrine Canary Flycatcher
Long Tailed Shrike
The Veteran:
Director Max Sangil
from page 9
He shares his life’s motto—St. Benedict’s rule—to BCDA
employees:
and CEO and the other directors that without them,
the expressway may not be open to motorists until
now.”
“Ora et Labora. Discharge your function to the best
of your ability but remember that there is one Director
upstairs. Learn to help yourself and He will help
you.”
And he ends this with a bold statement: “If all
government agencies were like BCDA, baka mas
maayos ang ating bansa. Di ko sinasabing hindi
maayos….baka mas maayos.”
Thus, amidst all that needs to be
done, at the end of the day, Mr.
Sangil, a veteran of all trades,
traces back each day to the Lord.
THE GREATEST FATHER IN THE WORLD
Indeed, it was obvious that Mr. Sangil felt extra joy as
he revealed how brilliant his children are, as he spoke
in a louder tone.
“If I showed you their text messages, you would read
that my children call me the ‘greatest father in the
world,” he beams.
When asked if any of his children followed his footsteps?
Mr. Sangil answers, “No.” His eldest daughter is now
Vice President of Citibank. His second daughter
is managing the family business—their pawnshop
and jewelry shop. His only son manages the two
restaurants and publishes a magazine called In Flight
which is distributed among local airlines. His youngest
daughter owns a bakeshop—having extensive
culinary knowledge.
Going back to his book
Somewhere In Central Luzon
(1994), which he dedicates to
his parents—Pedro and Beatriz—
and his grandsons, the fearless
Mr. Sangil leaves a note for his
readers:
“I have attempted Somewhere in Central Luzon is a cryptic
here a serviceable nameplace indicating dateline of exclusive
sketch of my life, mostly confidential stories dispatched by
a national newspaper through its staff and
certain
events, correspondents.
and some people
involved in a drama which is a slice of life in Central
Luzon….The purpose of this book is to share with the
reader the experience of a young and struggling
newsman in the province as he travels in the maze
of social conflict, ideological struggle, and the
unpredictable conduct of fellow human beings.”
Achievements mark 2010...
from page 11
“Yan ang ROI (Return of Investment) ko eh. I sent them
to the best schools—UP and Ateneo.” he declares
with pride.
He reveals that he has five grandsons and prides
himself in the fact that they are all musically-inclined.
He confirms later on that he did play a little guitar in
the past and was actually one of the singers “of a
local combo which preceded RJ and the Riots and
the Electromaniacs.”
“As a husband? If you rate me from one to 10, I am
only a seven, di ako papasa.” he admits.
He acknowledges that he rates himself seven because
he can no longer come home at 5:30 in the afternoon
to water the plants and join the cooking. He often
comes home at nine o’ clock in the evening.
ORA ET LABORA
Work and pray.
Mr. Sangil acknowledges that he was raised in a Godfearing family, where one must be home when it is
time to say The Angelus.
to facilitate travel from the airport to Metro Manila,
Northern and Southern Luzon. These are on top of
the bus lines and taxis already operating at the DMIA
terminal.
The DMIA is host to foreign and local carriers
operating flights to various domestic and international
destinations. These include Asiana Airlines of South
Korea that flies the Clark-Incheon route daily; Seair
that flies to Singapore five times a week as well as to
Caticlan; Air Asia of Malaysia that has flights to Kuala
Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu daily; Pacific Flier with
chartered flights via the Clark-Palau route; and, the
Spirit of Manila Airlines (SOMA) that flies to Taipei while
Philippine carrier Cebu Pacific Air flies to Hong Kong,
Singapore, Macau and Bangkok in South East Asia as
well as domestically to Cebu.
“All these developments, along with several notable
activities undertaken to improve facilities and activities
at the DMIA, are indications that CIAC is raising the
bar of service at the DMIA to meet the growing
demand of the continuously developing aviation
industry in the country. These are all groundwork for
major developments that we foresee for 2011 that
include the entry of more airlines that would spur
advancement for the DMIA and CIAC,” Luciano
stressed.
13
Locator Profile
Managing The Manor
Q and A with GM Ramoncito Cabrera
T
he Manor Hotel at Camp John Hay in Baguio City is one of the summer capital’s famous and most-visited
establishments. Situated in the City of Pines, The Manor gives tourists a pictureque view of the Cordillera
mountain range making it a cut above all other hotels in the City.
General Manager Ramoncito Cornejo Cabrera shares his insights, visions as well as the hotel’s history with the
BCDA Public Affairs Department (PAD).
How long have you served as General Manager of The
Manor?
I have been the General Manager for The Manor
at Camp John Hay for about two and a half years
now and it has been a challenging yet rewarding
experience for me.
What mainly are your responsibilities as GM?
I am responsible for the hotel’s day-to-day operations
ensuring that all guests are satisfied with our excellent
service and employees are fulfilled with their jobs. Part
of my personal thrust is to instill continuous improvement
in all employees, thus, personnel trainings and career
development are part of their daily activities.
Prior to becoming GM, what other responsibilities have
you held?
I joined Hyatt Terraces Baguio in 1979 as Banquet
Headwaiter. I then worked my way up to become the
Assistant Director of Food and Beverage in 1984. I also
held the same position at the Hyatt Regency Saipan
and became the Director of Food and Beverage at
the Hyatt Regency Manila. In 1994, I joined Caylabne
The Manor at Camp John Hay
14
Bay
Resort
in
Cavite as Resident
Manager
and
subsequently
held the same
position in Manila
Southwoods Golf
and Country Club
in Cavite from
1996-2004. I went
back to Saipan
as a pre-opening
General Manager
for Aqua Resort
Club
prior
to
joining
Manila
Southwoods Golf
and
Country
Club. To further
hone and widen
Ramoncito Cornejo Cabrera
my
hotel
and
General Manager of The Manor
restaurant career,
at Camp John Hay
I attended several
trainings, seminar and hotel cross exposures in different
Hyatt properties. I am also a member of different civic
and industry affiliations. For these, I have received
different awards for my contribution to the industry.
Currently, I hold the position as the General Manager
of The Manor Hotel at Camp John Hay.
Can you give us a brief history of The Manor at Camp
John Hay; how it all started?
The Manor at Camp John Hay is owned and managed
by Camp John Hay Leisure, Incorporated together
with The Suites at Camp John Hay and CAP Trade
and Cultural Center. It was opened to the public in
December 2001 with 72 well-appointed rooms and 64
employees. At the moment, we have a total of 177
luxury rooms. The Manor is also an accredited AAA
Resort by the Department of Tourism since 2002.
Why did you choose to be part of Camp John Hay?
I was appointed by the President of Camp John Hay
Leisure, Inc., Mr. Alberto Q. Avanceña, to assume the
position of General Manager of the hotel.
What events / promos should your clients look out for
in 2011 or for the rest of the year?
Our clients should look out for the following:
1) Online Reservation System – guests from all over the
world may be able to book their reservations online
at www.campjohnhay.ph; 2) Bakasyon Grande sa
Baguio (March to May 2011) ; 3) Irresistible Baguio
Promo and Convention Specials (June to September
2011); 4) Mabuhay Balikbayan Advantage (July
to December 2011); 5) Convene with a Magical
Baguio Twist (January 1 to June 15 and October 16 to
December 20, 2011)
two-bedroom and three-bedroom suites. The facilities
at The Suites are The Lobby Bar and the 19th Tee
Restaurant which will be run by our partner for fine
dining, Le Chef, and the Lobby Shop.
How the SCTEX help The Manor or Camp John Hay?
With the onset of the SCTEX and the decrease of travel
time to Baguio, an increase of about 8 percent has
been manifested in room revenues for the hotel.
What is your advice for those who plan to invest as a
locator in the John Hay Special Economic Zone?
Since investments in Camp John Hay are on the
rise, there are a lot of benefits an investor may take
advantage of since the camp is a special economic
zone. I highly encourage investors to capitalize and
play a part in the dynamic commerce developing
inside the camp.
Any other matters you want our readers to know?
The Manor, being at the heart of Camp John Hay,
makes this hotel more appealing to local guests
and foreigners. Its historical charm, being the rest
and recreation facility of the American servicemen,
brings uniqueness into the hotel. The Camp itself
is a community of its own; where recreational and
leisure activities abound. We have an 18-hole, par-69
championship golf course, MileHi Center for shopping,
restaurants and coffee shops for dining, and outdoor
sports facilities, such as trekking, rappelling, various
rides and services, paint ball, horseback riding, etc.
What are your future plans?
This year, we intend to open and manage The
Suites at Camp John Hay, which will have 208 wellappointed rooms, consisting of studios, one-bedroom,
credits: Cherrylyn Tamiao, Executive Secretary of The Manor
at Camp John Hay
15
SUBIC-CLARK-TARLAC EXPRESSWAY
The 94-kilometer Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) is considered as the longest expressway in the country
to date. It was designed and built to interconnect three major economic zones in Central Luzon—the Subic
Bay Freeport Zone, the Clark Freeport Zone and the Central Techno Park in Tarlac. It is a flagship project of the
national government and is the biggest infrastructure undertaking of the Bases Conversion and Development
Authority.
SCTEX serves as the “new economic backbone” of Central Luzon and adjoining regions providing wider
investment, trade and employment opportunities.
SCTEX is also considered as the most scenic of all expressways showcasing the beauty of nature surrounded by
mountains and greenery while having a hassle-free travel along the toll road.