Clark to have direct link to SCTEx, BCDA assures

[ Manila Bulletin Online ] March 6, 2008

CLARK FREEPORT — The government-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) gave yesterday assurance that Clark Freeport Zone will definitely have direct access to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

The BCDA said the construction of the Panday Pira Road which serves as a vital link from the SCTEx to the Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) through the Clark North-B Interchange will start as soon, adding the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) has released a supplementary loan for the SCTEx. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Davao construction industry prospects upbeat after slump

Vol. XXI, No. 154 [ Business World Online ]
Thursday, March 06, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

DAVAO CITY — The city is experiencing a construction uptick following a slump caused by a spike in imported construction materials three years ago.

Ramon Allado, president of Allado Construction Co., former president of the local chapter of the Philippine Constructors’ Association, said the growth could have been higher if local firms merged and partnered to corner lucrative contracts. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

$ 4B in investments eyed in Clark in ’08 executive says

[ Manila Bulletin Online ] March 6, 2008
By FRED ROXAS

CLARK FREEPORT— Some big-time foreign investors, including a global information technology (IT) firm, will pour in some $ 4 billion in fresh investments on this freeport, starting this month.

Bernardo Angeles Jr., assistant vice president of Clark Development Corp. (CDC), said that foreign businessmen have shown great interest in investing in various big-ticket projects and expansion programs here.> > > [ full story ]
_____________________________

Trade, tourism in Sultan Kudarat

By Joji Ilagan- Bian
Philippine Daily Inquirer 03/06/2008

April will be a busy month for the province of Sultan Kudarat, with several activities lined up.

These include the 2nd Sultan Kudarat Business Week Celebration (April 7-11) to be hosted by the Sultan Kudarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. (SKCCIFI), Federation of Mindanao Business Chambers of Mindanao and Isulan Chamber of Commerce and the 2nd SocSarGen (South Cotabato, Saranggani, General Santos) Area Business Conference on April 16-21.

The province is composed of 11 municipalities and one component city; its coastal areas and towns are directly facing Australia and the three major Asean partners of Mindanao—Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Electrification of remote Benguet sitios readied

[ Manila Bulletin Online ] March 6, 2008

Beneco gets P21-M loan from NEA to energize non-viable areas
By DEXTER A. SEE

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Rural electrification is a major backbone of development in remote communities, and so the national government is supportive of projects of electric cooperatives to provide power supply to non-viable areas.

This statement was made by Edith Bueno, administrator of the National Electrification Administration (NEA), during the recent turnover of a P21-million check to the Benguet Electric Cooperative (Beneco) here for its projects to energize many still unlighted sitios in this vegetable-producing province.> > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Pollution, slums, janitor fish threaten Laguna de Bay — study

03/05/2008 [ tribune.net.ph ]

Pollution, slums and an invasion of foreign fish species are threatening the Philippines’ largest lake, one of the nation’s major fish farming regions, according to a study published yesterday.

Laguna de Bay on the outskirts of eastern Manila covers more than 90,000 hectares but since 1965, fish pens and cages have been built out across some 15 percent of the lake. > >> [ full story ]
____________________________

Foreign investors eye P120-M cable car project in Aurora

By Manny Galvez
Tuesday, March 4, 2008 [ philstar.com ]

DINGALAN, Aurora – A group of Japanese, Korean and Filipino investors are eyeing a P120-million cable car project in this coastal town, which could help promote the province as an investments and tourism haven and perk up the local economy.

Businessman Romeo Callanta, chairman of the RC Electric Corp. (RCEC), told The STAR that the cable car project will be the first of its kind in the country and will be similar to the cable car line in the Hong Kong Ocean Park. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Mati's Waniban Island now a certified tourist destination

PIA Press Release 2008/03/04
By Neela G. Duallo

City of Mati, Davao Oriental (4 March) -- Unmindful of the big potential it has for the local tourist industry of the City of Mati, Waniban Island remains picture perfect of it's white sand, oozing blue waters, sight refreshing mangrove trees, surrounded by the grandeur of nature.

As such, Davao Oriental Vice-Gov. Mayo Almario instructed Provincial Secretary Chito Gregorio to get a certification from the Dept. of Tourism-Region 11. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Baguio zone eyes doubling new projects to P6.8B in ’08

By Ayen Infante
03/04/2008 [ tribune.net.ph ]

The Baguio Export Processing Zone (BEPZ) seeks to attract P6.8 billion worth of investments in the first semester or double the P3.6 billion total investments for last year.

In a report submitted to Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) director general Lilia De Lima, zone administrator Tereso Panga said Baguio remains bullish in attracting new locators with declaration of 6 additional sub-zones in the area. > >> [ full story ]
____________________________

Clark forecasts substantial rise in investments

Vol. XXI, No. 151 [ Business World Online ]
Monday, March 03, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

Talks ongoing for $3-B project --- CDC exec

CLARK DEVELOPMENT Corp. (CDC) expects investments to be robust this year given prospects for new big-ticket projects as well as locator expansions.

About P8-10 billion in investments could come in this year, up almost 70% from 2007’s P5-6 billion, CDC assistant vice-president Bernardo Angeles told BusinessWorld.

"Prospects are good for 2008. Clark’s biggest competitive edge is faster turnaround time because you can cut down on costs when shipping." Mr. Angeles said. > > > [ full story ]
_____________________________

Security Bank OKs P500-M loan to Aboitizland

By Doris Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:58:00 03/02/2008

MEDIUM-SIZED SECURITY BANK Corp. has provided a P500-million loan facility to Aboitizland Inc., the real estate arm of the Cebu-based Aboitiz conglomerate.

In a statement, SBC said it entered into the loan agreement to fund Aboitizland’s latest property development foray in the Queen City of the South.

“The growth prospect for the property industry in Cebu is truly phenomenal. The increased demand for both residential and commercial development is prompting leading real estate companies to expand their portfolio to match the needs,” said SBC senior vice president Patricia May Siy.> > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Comprehensive anti-smoking ordinance ready

Sunday, March 02, 2008 [ sunstar.com.ph ]
By Ernie Olson Jr.

[ Baguio City ] MANY Baguio residents and visitors are looking forward to the forthcoming implementation of the city's Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance, after Baguio City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. recently approved it.
The ordinance, before Bautista's approval, was passed on third and final reading by the City Council last Monday afternoon. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Gawad Kalinga reaches out to Aetas

By Patricia Esteves
Sunday, March 2, 2008 [ philstar.com ]

In a Gawad Kalinga village in Burog, Bamban town, Tarlac, neatly dressed Aeta children gather inside a Sibol classroom, GK’s pre-school facility, listening intently as their teacher reads books and counts numbers.

Their parents, meanwhile, are out in the field, harvesting fruits and vegetables or tending to livestock.> > > [ full story ]

____________________________

Construction of P5-B Cagayan Int’l Airport to start this year

By Charlie Lagasca
[ philstar.com ] March 2, 2008

TUGUEGARAO CITY – The construction of another international airport is set to start this year as part of the national government’s continued efforts to transform this country’s northernmost part into a world-class tourism and business investment destination.

Jose Mari Ponce, administrator of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), said that the construction of the airport, with an initial funding of P5-billion, would be a joint venture between CEZA and a multinational private firm with technical and supervisory assistance from the Department of Transportation and Communications.> > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Japanese firms top list of Clark foreign investors

[ sunstar.com.ph ] March 1, 2008

CLARK FREEPORT -- Japanese firms has topped the list of foreign investors here as of January this year, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) said.

CDC president Liberato Laus said the corporation's marketing department reported that 26.72 percent or 35 out of the 66 companies inside the freeport are owned by Japanese.

Next to Japan is the US with 25 companies (19.08 percent). Followed by Korea with 17 companies (12.98 percent), Taiwan and Australia which both have 10 companies or (7.63 percent). > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Bizmen see Davao City's construction boom

PIA Press Release 2008/03/01
By Prix D. Banzon

Davao City (1 March)--Business leaders see a boom in the construction industry of Davao as more infrastructure projects are in the pipeline for the next three years.

Engr. Ramon Allado, president of Allado Construction Company Southern Philippines Construction Core Group revealed in a briefing during the opening of the 2nd International Building Materials, Interior Products, Construction Equipment and Services Exhibition that with government spending in infrastructure more projects are coming for the Davao Region. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

500-year-old Agusan tree becomes a tourist stop

[ manilastandardtoday.com ] March 1, 2008

BUTUAN CITY—The Philippines’ oldest tree has become an official tourist destination after the tourism department and local officials opened a tourist center near it in Magallanes, Agusan del Norte.

Officials inaugurated the center last week near the 500-year-old Bitaog tree, and it is expected to accommodate 200 visitors daily in the village of Caloc-an.

The tree was declared the Philippine Centennial Tree in June 1998 after a local historian, Florante More, nominated it as the country’s oldest tree.> > > [ full story ]
_____________________________

Durano optimistic on Davao

[ Manila Bulletin Online ] March 1, 2008

DAVAO CITY — Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano is optimistic about the prospects of Davao City as one of the best tourist destinations in the country.

He said Davao City will be highlighted at the International Tourism Fair ITB, the world’s biggest tourism fair, to be held in Berlin, Germany on March 5-9, 2008.

Durano made this statement during the 2nd Davao Travel Show held recently here.

"One thing Davao can look forward to this coming ITP fair in Germany is that our new product, the Adventure Philippines package, will prominently highlight Davao City and the rest of Mindanao," he said.> > > [ full story ]
_____________________________

Philippine Eagle Center gets boost from Tourism department

Saturday, March 01, 2008 [ manilatimes.net.ph ]

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has donated five million pesos for the construction of a new entrance lounge to the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) in Davao City.

The PEC is the home of 36 Philippine Eagles as well as the center for research and breeding of the Philippine Eagle, one of the critically endangered eagle species in the world. The area was established and maintained by the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), a non-profit organization established in 1987, > > > [ full story ]
_____________________________

Davao City to make available spaces for call center operations

PIA Press Release 2008/02/29

by Prix D Banzon

Davao City (29 February) -- Davao City Investment and Promotion Center (DCIPC) head Engineer Roberto Teo during the Davao Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Property Forum on Thursday said that the city in the next few months will make available some 20,000 sq. m. for call center operations.

Teo said some of these projects are ongoing and they expect the available the spaces to be ready toward the end of the year.> > > [ full story ]
____________________________

DAR XI to distribute 8,500 has. farmlands

2008/02/28 [ PIA ]

Davao City (28 February) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Region XI aims to distribute this year 8,500 hectares of private agricultural lands to CARP farmer-beneficiaries in the region.

DAR regional director Datu Yusoph B. Mama said that this number of hectarage is the region's contribution to the nationwide target of 130,000 hectares as directed by Agrarian Reform secretary Nasser Pangandaman for the year 2008. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Dev't of IT parks in Davao to be tackled

[ sunstar.com.ph ] February 28, 2008
By Joy Romares-Sevilla

THE new chairperson of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Committee of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) announced Wednesday that a business process outsourcing (BPO) property forum will be held Thursday at the Davao Convention and Trade Center.

Lizabel "Wit" Holganza, DCCCII ICT Committee chair, said in Wednesday's edition of the Club 888 press forum at the Marco Polo Davao that the one-day summit, which will start at 9 a.m., would bring together property developers and partner agencies to tackle issues in developing IT parks in Davao City. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Ancestral claimants appeal to stay in Wangal

[ sunstar.com.ph ] February 28, 2008

ANCESTRAL land claimants within the 54-hectare government lot at Wangal in La Trinidad are appealing to the Benguet Provincial Government to allow them to stay in their ancestral properties.

This came following the Provincial Board's (PB) move to investigate the approved survey under the name of private persons within the provincial lot.

In a petition addressed to Governor Nestor Fongwan and members of the PB, the claimants asked the Provincial Government not to evict them from the properties they have been occupying "since time immemorial." > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Subic-Clark road to open end of April

Wednesday, February 27, 2008 [ sunstar.com.ph ]
By Albert B. Lacanlale

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) clarified that the opening of Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) will be by the end of April and not on April 5 as earlier reported.

The bases agency, which implemented the construction of the 93.77-kilometer toll road, said the final touches are still being done for the project and it will be completely operational by the end of April. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Two lanes on flyover stretch closed starting Wednesday

Wednesday, February 27, 2008 [ sunstar.com.ph ]

CEBU CITY -- Heavier-than-usual traffic is expected starting late Wednesday and for the next six months, with the closure of two inner lanes of the four-lane Gov. Mariano Cuenco Ave. in Banilad for the construction of the P89.6-million flyover.

The public is advised to "avoid the area as much as possible" and bear with the inconvenience.

The 390-meter flyover will span the road from the Mahiga Bridge area and beyond the A.S. Fortuna St. junction. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Davao ICT sector seeks more space for expansion

2008/02/27 [ pia ]

by Prix D. Banzon

Davao City (27 February) -- The ICT sector of Davao is finding ways to respond to the need of prospective investors in the IT business.

Andrei Fournier, trustee of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) in an interview said a consultation with landowners in Davao City will be held on February 28 at the Davao Convention Center from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.> > > [ full story ]

____________________________

TRC cuts rent in Central Luzon technoparks

By Tonette Orejas
[ Philippine Daily Inquirer ] 02/26/2008

MABALACAT, Pampanga, Philippines -- The government’s Technology Resource Center (TRC) has reduced by 20 percent the rent in nine techno centers it manages in the Central Luzon region.

This is to provide some relief to exporters hurt by the strengthening of the peso, Science and Technology Secretary Estrella Alabastro said here.

The rate reduction has benefited at least 32 locators in the provinces of Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales, Alabastro said. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

DENR, LGU in reforestation program covering 50,000 hectares

[ manilatimes.net ] February 26, 2008

THE Natural Resources Development Corp. (NRDC), the corporate arm of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), will partner with local government units to rehabilitate 50,000 hectares of denuded forests.

“We are encouraging the planting of industrial trees, which yield hardwood, and the establishment of agro-forestry projects to enhance the rehabilitation of the country’s denuded forest areas and to create more income-generating opportunities in the country­side,” Environment Secretary Lito Atienza said. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

No conflict seen in efforts to protect Boracay

[ Manila Bulletin Online ] February 26, 2008
By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

BORACAY — Eminent Persons Group (EPG) secretary Virtus Gil is hoping for the support and commitment of the local government of Malay to implement the existing municipal ordinances.

The EPG secretary was invited by the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the Sangguniang Bayan of Malay in a joint session in the island on Friday to clarify the role of the Inter-Agency Committee, the task force mandated by the Letter of Instructions (LOI) 1298 to "take actions to prevent the proliferation of all illicit activities that would downgrade the ecosystem and destroy the natural attractions of Boracay Island." > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

DENR okays 7 mining exploration permits

[ philstar.com ] February 26, 2008
By Marianne V. Go

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Jose L. Atienza has approved seven exploration permits and is set to approve five more plus four mineral production sharing agreements (MPSA).

In an interview with The STAR, Atienza said that he has approved the issuance of exploration permits to Century Peak Corp; Minprocess Group, Inc.; Oceana Gold (Phils.) Resources Corp.; Sagitarrius Mines, Inc.; Masbate 10 Phils., Inc.; Masbate 13 Phils., Inc. and that of Saprolite Mining Inc.> > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Accor Group building bed and breakfast facility in Cebu

By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio
Monday, February 25, 2008 [ philstar.com ]

European leader in hotels the Accor Group is developing a multi-million peso bed and breakfast facility in Cebu.

In an interview, Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines chairman and president Humphrey O’Leary III said investments in the local hotel industry continues as evidenced by the interest of the Accor Group.

In fact, O’Leary said the development in the industry is concentrated outside Metro Manila. “The investors are looking at building hotels in places outside Metro Manila,” he said. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Boracay Island task force prepares for peak season

Monday, February 25, 2008 [ manilatimes.net ]

BORACAY ISLAND: The Bantay Boracay Task Force, marking March 1 as the start of the peak season in this resort island, is now busy preparing for the arrival of tourists who usually come for their Holy Week and summer vacation, reported the Philippine­ News Agency.

Nieven Maquirang, Caticlan Port administrator and a member of the task force, said that starting March 1, the Land Transportation Office will be implementing a traffic rerouting plan for all types of vehicles bound for Caticlan Jetty Port—the gateway of this resort island. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

CEZA, private groups spend P11 B in ecozone infrastructure

[ Manila Bulletin Online ] February 25, 2008
By BERNIE C. MAGKILAT

The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) and a consortium of private sector groups are investing P11 billion for the construction of infrastructure projects particularly an international airport and seaport to jumpstart the development of the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport in Santa Ana, Cagayan.

CEZA administrator and CEO Jose Mari Ponce said they are looking at the completion of all the infrastructure facilities by 2010.

Of the total investment requirement, Ponce said between P5 billion to P6 billion would be used to for the construction of the international airport and P4 billion to P5 billion for the construction of the container port. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Aurora emerging trade, tourism hub – Loren

February 24, 2008 [ journal.com.ph ]

BALER, Aurora ?" This province will soon emerge as a major hub not only for tourism but also for commerce and trade owing to its abundant natural resources, tourist spots and investor-friendly projects, Sen. Loren Legarda predicted.

Legarda, Senate economic affairs committee chairperson, said the province is teeming with promise with the setting up of a special economic zone which is a key ingredient in making the province the next investor’s haven in the country.

“Its tourism potential is not actually potential but for real. And what's also interesting is it’s environmentally secure,” she said. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Eastwood-inspired mall to open in Malolos

Sunday, February 24, 2008 [ philstar.com ]

MALOLOS CITY – A P120-million Eastwood-inspired mall development is set to open in this city next month, thereby opening hundreds of job opportunities to new graduates.

Envisioned to become the new destination in this historic city, The Cabañas is owned and developed by Doña Rita Realty Corp. It is located in a 2.3 hectare land along the MacArthur Highway in Barangay Longos here and surrounded by numerous housing subdivisions, large provincial universities like the Bulacan State University, Centro-Escolar University-Malolos campus and the University of Regina Carmeli. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Bill creating Cebu economic zone OK’d by House panel

Vol. XXI, No. 145-A [ Business World Online ]
Saturday, February 23, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

CEBU CITY — The House committee on economic affairs has approved a bill proposing to declare the entire province of Cebu as a special economic zone.

Deputy Speaker Raul V. del Mar, main proponent of the bill, said the measure was approved on Thursday. It will be forwarded to the appropriation and ways and means committees for approval because the bill calls for P1-2 billion in start-up funds from the national government.

In the meantime, Mr. del Mar said they would sit down with all city and town mayors as well as the Cebu governor to discuss the bill. The consultations will be scheduled as soon as the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), which had initiated the proposal, completes a pre-investment study.

"We don’t want to go to plenary with the bill without the stamp of approval by the local government officials. If we don’t get their unanimity, we hope to get at least the majority of the LGUs," Mr. del Mar said. > > > [ full story ]
_______________________________

C. Luzon sees potential in retirement industry

Saturday, February 23, 2008 [ sunstar.com.ph ]
By Albert B. Lacanlale

MEXICO -- Central Luzon is now strengthening its potential in the worldwide retirement industry, targeting a huge share of market that takes to various parts of the globe 60,000 retirees all over the world every year.

Albert dela Cruz, regional coordinator for the Housing Sector of the Central Luzon Retirement Industry Enhancement Team (CLRIET), said the region's potential to woo in a sizeable pie of the country's 10,000 to 20,000 annual visiting retirees could no longer be underestimated. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

P300-m resort to rise on Samal Island

[ manilastandardtoday.com ]

By Roderick T. dela Cruz

DAVAO City—The Bangayan Group of Companies is building a nine-hectare resort-residential complex on Samal Island that is expected to boost tourism activities in Davao.

Under construction is the Holiday Oceanview Resort & Spa, which includes a 120-room hotel, a 400-room condominium complex, a marina, and a subdivision.

The project is expected to be completed by 2009. . > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

More Filipinos to experience Boracay with add'l flights landing at Caticlan airport

PIA Press Release
2008/02/22

by Venus G. Villanueva

Kalibo, Aklan (22 February) -- More Filipinos are expected to visit and experience Boracay with more flights now landing directly at Caticlan Airport in Barangay Caticlan, Malay, Aklan, the jump-off point to Boracay Island.

The latest to join the bandwagon of flights to Caticlan Airport is the Cebu Pacific (CEB) Airline, which will have its maiden Manila-Boracay (Caticlan) flight starting February 29 of this year and the Cebu-Boracay (Caticlan) route starting March 28. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Bulacan folk nix relocation of Metro informal settlers

By Dino Balabo
Friday, February 22, 2008 [ philstar.com ]

STA. MARIA, Bulacan – Hundreds of residents here, including students from private high schools, staged a rally last Wednesday afternoon to oppose the relocation of informal settlers from Metro Manila to their town.

The protesting residents were joined by local leaders like Mayor Bartolome Ramos and Rep. Reylina Nicolas, who vowed to support them. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

NiHao subsidiary gets exploration permit for Zambales project

Friday, February 22, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

NiHAO MINERAL Resources International, Inc. said on Wednesday that the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has granted its wholly owned subsidiary, Mina Tierra Garcia, Inc., exploration permit EP-001-2008-III for its mining claim in Botolan, Zambales.

The permit was issued in the name of the original applicant, Saprolite Mining, Inc., which assigned its interests to Mina Tierra Garcia on July 31, 2007. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

ATO asked to issue height limits near Clark airport

Thursday, February 21, 2008 [ manilatimes.net ]

ANGELES CITY: Local businessmen and foreign investors yesterday called on the Air Transportation Office (ATO) to make public the height limitations for buildings around the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA).

This developed in the wake of a “building frenzy” in and around the Clark area in anticipation for the DMIA’s full operation as the premier international airport of the country. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

RP, Sokor okay funds for construction of fish processing plant

[ sunstar.com.ph ] February 20, 2008

THE South Korean and Philippine governments have already signed the agreement for the funding of the construction of the Fish Processing Facility at Bonuan Binloc in Dagupan City.

The record of discussions (ROD) was signed by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica) through Koica resident representative Kim In. > > > [ full story ]
_________________________

HK Express set to launch Clark flights

Thursday, February 21, 2008 [ sunstar.com.ph ]

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Hong Kong Express has announced its thrice-a-week flight at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA), which will start on March 5.

The airline will conduct its open-chartered flights to DMIA for the next three months in a bid to attract Chinese tourists as well as investments into the freeport. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

DENR starts rehabilitation of Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando River System with support from Bulacan LGUs

The rehabilitation of the Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando (MMO) river system started today, February 20, following Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza’s declaration of the major waterway as a water quality management area.

The classification of MMO as a water quality management area means the implementation of an integrated action program to ensure the rehabilitation of the water system. The activity has the full support of the provincial government of Bulacan and mayors of towns through which the river traverses. > > > [ full story ]
[ Source : www.denr.gov.ph ]
____________________________

Pesina mulls probe on P1.3M city hall demolition

[ Iloilo City ] Wednesday, February 20, 2008 [ sunstar.com.ph ]

By Jay D. Balnig

COUNCILOR Antonio Pesina is considering investigating the bidding of the P1.3-million demolition work of the old Iloilo City Hall building in Plaza Libertad.

Pesina said he has long been puzzled of the City's Bids and Awards Committee's (BAC) bidding, where the V. Solis Construction was awarded the P1.3 million contract.

Pesina said the BAC, which City Legal Chief Edgar Gil heads, failed to furnish him the copy of the minutes of the reported bidding of the P1.3 million demolition works. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

DENR cancels tax declarations on Boracay wetlands

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr., Jocelyn Uy
Visayas Bureau, Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- Environment Secretary Lito Atienza on Friday ordered the cancellation of tax declarations issued to claimants of a four-hectare wetland in Barangay Yapak and a one-hectare wetland in Barangay Balabag, both on Boracay Island.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources noted that the two areas were up for commercial development.

“While Boracay is synonymous to white beaches, we must not forget that there are other ecosystems on the island that must be accorded utmost protection and conservation measures,” Atienza said in a statement Sunday. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

50-year-old Magsaysay law stalling developments in Davao reservation area

Vol. XXI, No. 142 [ Business World Online ]
Tuesday, February 19, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

DAVAO CITY — A more than 50-year-old law signed during the administration of President Ramon D. Magsaysay has given the city government headaches as modernity and migration threaten to swamp one of the city’s reservation areas.

Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte said he is not inclined to demolish the multimillion-peso "baywalk" behind Queensland Motel in this city’s Matina Aplaya despite an order from the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA). > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Arroyo bares master plan for Pangasinan

[ sunstar.com.ph ]

BINALONAN -- The National Government finally announced its master plan for the province of Pangasinan.

Thanks to former President Fidel Ramos' "Pangasinan as Gateway of Opportunity" column at Manila Bulletin that came out last month.

In her speech last Saturday here, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo cited five major medium-term projects, which she said are integral part of the North Luzon agri-business quadrangle super region. These are airports, expressway, railroad, irrigation and seaport. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

PAL, Macroasia to infuse $50M in Clark Airport

Tuesday, February 19, 2008 [ manilatimes.net ]

The memorandum of understanding represents a framework for development in Philippine aviation services

By Joey Aguilar, correspondent

CLARK FREEPORT: Airline magnate Lucio Tan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) officials and Macroasia for the development of a 30-hectare area in the Clark civil aviation complex. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Property developer starts selling fourth Pampanga project

Vol. XXI, No. 142 [ Business World Online ]
Tuesday, February 19, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

GOKONGWEI-OWNED Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC), through its housing and land development division, yesterday introduced its fourth project in Pampanga.

In a statement, the company said the project named Fernwood Parkhomes will be developed jointly with the Prieto family. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

PEZA cuts power rates in ecozone

[ Manila Bulletin Online ]

By MYRNA M. VELASCO

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has started reducing power rates for locators in government-run special economic zones in January this year by a range of P0.15 to P0.20 per kilowatt hour.

PEZA director general Lilia de Lima said the first ecozones to be granted rate cuts are those in Bataan and Cavite. The next wave of reductions would be in Baguio and Mactan (Cebu) Export Processing Zones.> > > [ full story ]

________________________________

City moves to revive old business district

Monday, February 18, 2008 [ manilatimes.net ]

ILOILO City: Save Calle Real. For decades, business used to flourish at the old central business district here. But in recent years, the entry of big investments in other areas of the city has taken its toll on the once-famous Calle Real.

Mayor Jerry Treñas has acknowledged that Calle Real suffered but said the entry of bigger malls should also be encouraged under the spirit of free enterprise.

He, however, has not lost sight of the fact that Calle Real— that stretch of Iloilo City covering the streets of JM Basa, Aldeguer, Iznart, Guanco and portion of Ledesma—is priceless.> > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Boracay environmental fee controversy stand-off rages

[ Manila Bulletin Online ]

By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

MALAY, Aklan — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Aklan is trying to resolve the impasse on the controversial P50 environmental fee charged on non-Aklanon tourists at the Caticlan jetty port.

SP member Plaridel Morania said a special joint session with the Malay Sangguniang Bayan (SB) is slated on Feb. 22 in the island of Boracay to resolve the environmental entrance fee issue. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Lucio Tan group plans expansion in Palawan, may build hotel-resort

Monday, February 18, 2008 [ manilatimes.net ]

THE Lucio Tan group is looking at the possibility of expanding its hotel business in Palawan where it already has presence through its mining concern, MacroAsia Corp.

Joseph T. Chua, MacroAsia president and chief executive, said the group is looking at the prospect of putting up a resort-hotel in the island that is famed for its pristine beaches and excellent diving sites. > > >[ full story ]
_____________________________

Abacus unit enters into JV for Batangas project

Vol. XXI, No. 141 [ Business World Online ]
Monday, February 18, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

AN INVESTMENT house subsidiary of listed Abacus Consolidated Resources and Holdings, Inc. inked a full joint-venture agreement for a real estate development in the Batangas province.

In a disclosure, Abacus said Philippine Regional Investment Development Corp. (PRIDE) executed an agreement with Solar Resources, Inc. to develop upscale residences and townhouses on a property adjacent to the Montemaria Shrine in Batangas City. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

Second phase of Casiguran airport project gets P157 M

By Manny Galvez
Monday, February 18, 2008 [ philstar.com ]

CASIGURAN, Aurora – The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has allocated P157 million for the second phase of the airport project in this northern coastal town.

Engineer Wilson Mirabona, director of the airport maintenance section of the Air Transportation Office (ATO), said the fund, approved by DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza, will be utilized for the construction of a 36,000-square meter concrete runway, 4,800-square meter concrete apron, concrete taxiway, terminal and administration buildings, fire station, parking spaces and other structures. > > > [ full story ]
____________________________

SBMA eyes $2.5-B investments in 3 yrs

By Bebot Sison Jr.
Sunday, February 17, 2008 [ philstar.com ]

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – After breaching its $5-billion investment target last year, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has increased its goal to $7.5 billion, or $2.5 billion more in fresh investments within the next three years.

SBMA administrator and chief executive officer Armand Arreza made this announcement the other day as he revealed a $250-million investment commitment in Subic by Jafza International FZE, the global economic zone operations arm of Economic Zones World, which is owned by the government of Dubai.

“Now that we have exceeded our original target of $5 billion when Subic investments reached $5.4 billion in 2007, we have adjusted our 2010 goal to $7.5 billion,” he said.> > > [ full story ]
_______________________

PGMA eyes Binalonan as future investment and dev't center in North Luzon

BINALONAN, Pangasinan (16 February) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assured residents of this town that she would help them make Binalonan more attractive for investment and development within the North Luzon Agri-Business Quadrangle.

The President made the assurance in her speech at the inauguration this morning of the Binalonan Airfield owned and managed by Binalonan Mayor Ramon Guico and family and on the occasion of the annual town fiesta.

But the President was quick to add that before Binalonan could be made more attractive for investment and development, there is a need to improve its airport and seaport. > > > [ full story ]
_____________________________

Davao City corners biggest slice of foreign direct investment

by Prix D Banzon

Davao City (16 February) -- Davao City cornered the biggest slice of Foreign Direct Investments of newly registered corporations where it posted a 144 percent increase last year.

Securities and Exchange Commission Davao extension office head Atty. Javey Paul Francisco said that total paid up capital under FDI last year amounted to P45.7 million from 82 registrants against P18.7 million for 54 under new investments in 2006.

Francisco noted that about 60 percent of these foreign investors are from Korea. > > > [ full story ]
____________________

Business operators violate guidelines for ‘clean and green’ Boracay

[ Published by : tribune.net.ph ] February 16, 2008

Commercial establishments and some uncooperative residents in Boracay island have allegedly violated requirements and guidelines of a “clean and green” Boracay according to Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA).

In a press statement, PTA said business operators have been diverting the public’s attention from the real matters at hand to avoid accountability for their non-compliance and violations.

“They violate simple sanitation codes like the installation of grease traps. Imagine on such a small island, we also have illegal water connections,” the PTA said. > > > [ full story ]
_________________________________________________

It’s integration or bust for Subic and Clark

[ Manila BulletinOnline – mb.com.ph ] February 16, 2008

By JONAS REYES

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Secretary Eduardo Pamintuan, head of the SubicClark Alliance for Development Council, (SCADC) said the Subic and Clark freeports zones should integrate their development strategies or face failure in their mandate to become an international service and logistics hub.

"We don’t have any choice, it’s integration or bust," Pamintuan said.

Pamintuan, who is also tasked to oversee the development of the two freeports as head of the SCADC, said Subic and Clark must exist as complementary entities in order to fully realize their potentials. > > > [ full story ]

__________________________________________________________________

The real issues in Boracay

[ journal .com.ph ] February 15, 2008

So many issues have been cropping up regarding Boracay Island, but with the drafting of the Boracay Comprehensive Master Development Plan by world-class planners Palafox and Associates commissioned by the Philippine Tourism Authority, tourists, businesses, and residents are expecting to see a brighter future for the premiere tourist destination.

“To ensure Boracay’s stature as the best beach in the world, we in the PTA made sure that the development plans, which included neighboring Carabao Island and the municipalities of Nabas, Buruanga, and Caticlan, were environmentally sound and ecologically considerate. It seems too narrow-minded to look at and plan only for Boracay when we all know its proximities will always be affected by whatever development we bring onto Boracay Island...,” rejoined Mimi del Rosario, Boracay Environmental Infrastructure Project engineer, when asked about the different issues besetting Boracay Island. > > > [ full story ]
________________________

World Bank sets aside $7M for conservation of 11 sites

Vol. XXI, No. 140 [ Business World Online ]
Friday, February 15, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

DAVAO CITY — The World Bank’s Global Environment Facility (GEF) has set aside $7 million for the preservation of 11 sites in Mindanao. The funding will form part of the $90-million Mindanao Rural Development Program, which the bank is supporting and whose primary goal is to address poverty on the island.

In a program statement, the $7 million fund would support seven sites in Western Mindanao, two in the Caraga Region and two others in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

In Western Mindanao, the projects are in the towns of Olutanga, Mabuhay and Talusan in Zamboanga Sibugay; Vencinzo Sagun and Margosatubig in Zamboanga del Sur; and Sibutad and Rizal in Zamboanga del Norte. In Caraga, the identified municipalities are Marihatag and San Agustin and in the autonomous Muslim region, the towns of Lamitan in Basilan and Datu Blah in Shariff Kabunsuan. > > > [ full story ]
_________________________

SBMA unit may close due to financial woes

Friday, February 15, 2008 [ philstar.com ]

By Bebot Sison Jr.

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Freeport Service Corp. (FSC), a subsidiary of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), may have to close because of a financial crisis, the new company president revealed recently.

Antonio Rex Chan, who was appointed last month as FSC president by President Arroyo, said “urgent measures” are necessary now to prevent the closure of the 15-year old company that provides services to both the SBMA and business locators here.”

At the root of the financial crisis, Chan said, are a deficit of P7 million incurred by the firm as of January 2008, and more than P70 million in outstanding loans and debts that have to be paid. > >> [ full story ]
______________________

RD Realty to construct GenSan CBD

Vol. XXI, No. 139 [ Business World Online ]
Thursday, February 14, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

GENERAL SANTOS-based RD Realty and Development Corp. is planning to develop a 106-hectare central business district (CBD) in the province for an initial outlay of P300 million.

In an interview, RD Realty Managing Director Roy C. Rivera said the development would be handled by its subsidiary, Richmond Land Innovations, Inc.

"The project will be called Richmond Global City which I view to be a prime central business district with a ’city-within-a-city’ concept," Mr. Rivera told BusinessWorld.

He added that the first phase of the development would include restaurants and gasoline stations. Funds for the construction would be generated internally as well as from bank loans. > > > [ full story ]

Boracay Crown denies reclamation charge; Marvella Hotel ceases operations

Vol. XXI, No. 139 [ Business World Online ]
Thursday, February 14, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

CEBU CITY/Koronadal City — The Boracay Crown Regency Hotel & Convention Center yesterday refuted the findings of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that it has encroached on a wetland area in Barangay Balabag in Boracay.

"That is not true. Boracay Crown Regency[’s] property is not a swamp and the project proponent did not reclaim. To reclaim is one thing, backfill is another. Boracay Crown Regency did the usual backfill as part of normal civil works," said legal counsel Deolito Alvarez.

He clarified that the wetland, which is about 5,000 square meters, is located across the hotel property.

"What happened was the residents around the natural wetland diverted the water from the wetland by placing a culvert that cuts across the road and illegally diverted the overflow from the wetland to the hotel property. When Boracay Crown bought the property, it had to close the culvert," Mr. Alvarez said.> > > [ full story ]

Robinson's mall to rise in Bajada

Thursday, February 14, 2008 [ sunstar.com.ph ]
By Grace L. Plata

ANOTHER mall will be rising in the Bajada area of Davao City.

According to Councilor Peter Laviña, the building of a Robinson's mall here was announced by Frederick Go, president of Robinsons Land Corporation in his recent visit to the city.

Long rumored after its land banking in Davao, the Gokongwei group will be the third major mall developer to venture here after Henry Sy set up SM City Davao almost a decade ago.

Ayala Land earlier entered into partnership with the Floriendo's for the development of the latter's 10-hectare property in front of the Redemptorist Church.

The Robinson's mall would be located also at Bajada near the Water District. > > > [ full story ]
______________________________

Two developers told to stop construction in Boracay

Vol. XXI, No. 138 [ Business World Online ]
Wednesday, February 13, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

BY ERIC B. DORENTE

THE ENVIRONMENT department has stopped two companies’ construction activities in the island resort of Boracay, Aklan.

In an interview, Environment Secretary Lito Atienza said the two companies, Boracay Crown Regency Hotel and Gorgeous Holdings were building development projects in two reclamation areas in Boracay.

In building the projects, the two firms violated a moratorium imposed on construction on the island.

"I have ordered the provincial officer on the ground to find out how they were given the permit, what documents they had, and to cancel whatever these are," Mr. Atienza said.> > > [ full story ]
_________________________________

Leyte not imposing higher taxes to attract investors

[ Manila Bulletin Online ] February 13, 2008

‘Higher taxes would make province unfriendly to business’

By JACK C. GADAINGAN

TACLOBAN CITY — To make the province "investor-friendly," Gov. Carlos Jericho "Icot" Petilla said the province will not impose higher taxes, especially to private business.

Instead of imposing higher taxes, the provincial government will embark on a more efficient and intensified tax collection campaign to increase revenues needed to deliver more public services to the people.

"Imposing higher taxes might only make Leyte unfriendly to business," Petilla said.> > > [ full story ]
________________________________

SBMA eyes Subic as regional hub

By Ric Sapnu
Tuesday, February 12, 2008 [ philstar.com ]

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said it will establish Subic as a regional development center in Southeast Asia in the next 20 years.

The move would also spur the development of municipalities around the free­-port, SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said.

“Our big long-term goal would be to transform the greater Subic Bay area into a First World eco-urban center in 20 years,” said Arreza. He said that the project is expected to bring significant investment, financial, and business opportunities. > > > [ full story ]

New Mindanao inter-regional road network part of infra surge

[ Published by : PIA ] 2008/02/12

by RG Alama

Davao City (12 February) -- The P1.59 billion road network that aims to connect Regions X and XI through the provinces of Davao del Norte and Bukidnon is part of the P200-billion that the Government will invest for infrastructure programs in the whole country.

"This is P1.599 billion of the P200-billion we will spend for infrastructure." President Gloria Macapgal Arroyo said during the groundbreaking rites for the 57.7 kilometer Kapalong-Talaingod Boundary-Valencia Bukidnon Secondary Road.

"This is part of our infrastructure surge." the President said during a very short message during the project briefing during the groundbreaking ceremony held last Friday (February 8) in Kapalong. > > > [ full story ]

Cebu emerging as a world-class tourist destination

Monday, February 11, 2008 [ philstar.com ]

CEBU CITY: The city’s hosting of another high profile international tourism event this October is seen to strengthen the province’s quest to be a world-class destination for global conferences, reported the Philippine News Agency.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said tourism stakeholders are preparing for the United Nations-World Tourism Organization’s (UN-WTO) Sixth International Tourism Forum for Parliamentarians to be held in Cebu on October 22 to 25.

Cebu received international recognition for its hosting of the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit in January 2007.>>> [ full story ]

[ Published by : manilatimes.net ] February 11, 2008
________________________________________

PGMA leads groundbreaking ceremony of P1.5-b road project in Davao Norte

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2008 | INFRASTRUCTURE

KAPALONG, Davao del Norte - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led today the groundbreaking ceremony of the P1.5-billion Kapalong-Talaingod-Valencia City-Bukidnon road, a major component of the government’s “infrastructure surge” program this year.

Under the “infrastructure surge” program, 3,000 kilometers of roads will be constructed all over the country this year alone under a P200-billion spending program.

The 58-kilometer road project here merited a special mention by the President in her State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) last July as an important component of her administration’s overall efforts to develop Mindanao, reduce poverty and hunger and attract investments into the region.. . . [ full story ]

SITEL, worldwide leading call center, comes to Davao

Davao City (8 February) -- Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) newly-designated OIC-regional director and labor attaché 11, Atty. Jalilo O. dela Torre bared today that SITEL, a world's leading call center company plans to invest and establish its company here in Davao.

Labor Attache and OIC-regional director dela Torre, who just assumed office last February 1st said that with SITEL's plan to expand its services here in Davao, Dabawenyos would expect more employment opportunities to be provided by one of the biggest call center in the world, he said.

Meanwhile, OIC-assistant regional director Ofelia Domingo said just very recently, SITEL's Human Resource Development for Northern Mindanao, Ms. Irene Roa, presented its company profile during their visit here in Davao.

The presentation was held at the Holy Cross of Davao college gym with the support of DOLE regional office and PESO manager Arnold Barillo, and participated in by partner stakeholders, PESO managers, students and DOLE personnel coming from the various parts of Mindanao region.

Director dela Torre shared a success story of DOLE-CAR in its linkages with SITEL and other stakeholders in making Baguio City as an ICT friendly City that boost employment generation in the area.

SITEL is now looking for a competitive agent who can help in upholding and bringing out the name of the company here in Davao City, an agent who can help in providing fully integrated customer care and back office processing services.

Ms. Roa, in her company presentation said "one thing I can assure is that: customer can expand professionalism, service consistency, support and information in every transaction."

We are set to establish a well-managed call center that can serve customer quickly, honestly and efficiently and effectively in call handling, faster response to callers, phone etiquette, basic logic in telephone problem solving and many more outsourcing services, Mr. Roa further said. (PIA)

[ Source : www.pia.gov.ph ] February 8, 2008
____________________________________

Convergys to open Bacolod facility April

Vol. XXI, No. 135 [ Business World Online ]
Friday, February 08, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

BACOLOD CITY — Customer care management provider Convergys Corp. targets to open in April a contact center here, its ninth in the country.

Marife Zamora, vice-president and country general manager, said the company has hired about 100 employees and aims to create 500 new jobs in Bacolod before the end of the year.

"Bacolod City has been providing well-educated English proficient talents and we see a lot of potential," she said during a courtesy call to Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia.

Clint Streit, Convergys president for customer management, also said Bacolod has a pro-business environment because of the support of the local government and the business sector.

‘Flattered’

Mr. Leonardia said the local government was flattered that Convergys has chosen to expand to Bacolod outside of Manila and Cebu.

Convergys currently employs 12,000 people in its six contact centers in Manila and two in Cebu.

"We have set a target that over the next five years, we will double that presence in the Philippines," Mr. Streit said.

Friendly city

Construction is underway for a 3,000-square-meter facility here.

It will include a contact center, administration office, recruitment and training rooms, advanced language laboratory and a cafeteria.

"Our presence here and the kind of support we are getting is really a testament to the fact that Bacolod City is, indeed, the most business-friendly city," Ms. Zamora said. — Chrysee G. Samillano

[ Published by : Business World Online – bworld.com.ph ] February 8, 2008
_________________________________________________

SBMA unveils plan for eco-urban center

By Malou Dungog

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Feb. 8 (PNA) — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) unveiled on Tuesday its long-term goal of establishing in the Subic Bay area a First World eco-urban center that would also push for the development of municipalities surrounding the free port. In his state of the Freeport address (SOFA) at the Subic Bay Arts Center here, SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said the SBMA envisions a unique eco-urban development that could serve as a regional city for South East Asia. “This is the challenge for the future,” Arreza told stakeholder groups here. “Our big long-term goal would be to transform the greater Subic Bay area into a First World eco-urban center in 20 years.” Arreza, who reported on the agency’s plans after SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga cited accomplishments in the past year, said the eco-urban project will incorporate significant investment, financial and business opportunities, and allow the convergence of developments in logistics, commercial, leisure, educational, and medical industries. “It would also complement Clark Freeport in our common posturing as the new catalyst for growth in the Mega Luzon area,” he said. Under the plan, the SBMA has identified various development nodules for government and private funding. These include commercial areas in downtown Olongapo and Subic’s Gateway District; integrated resorts in Olongapo, Morong, Bataan and Subic, Zambales; industrial estates in Hermosa, Bataan and Castillejos, Zambales; and information technology (IT) parks at the Tipo area, also in Hermosa. The plan also calls for development of an integrated port and logistics area; a medical city in Cubi; an education city; additional housing areas at the El Kabayo area and in Tipo; and a shipbuilding center at the Redondo Peninsula. Arreza said the vision for Subic’s eco-urban center is boosted by Executive Order No. 675 and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway Project (SCTEP), which is set to open next month. “These are the two ‘enablers’ that would help us deliver on our vision,” he stressed. He said that E.O. 675, which extended Subic’s tax and duty-free regime to other areas within the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone (SSEFZ) that may be identified, fenced, and secured by the SBMA, would address the problem of limited space in Subic. On the other hand, the SCTEP would have a “tremendous potential” because it would hasten the movement of goods and manpower in the area, he added. “With this alliance between Subic and Clark, and now the surrounding areas as well, we will be able to compete against the best in the South East Asian region,” he said. At the same time, Arreza expressed confidence that the eco-urban development plan would be a viable project, given the SBMA’s success in generating investments since 2006. “In our first SOFA two years ago, Chairman Salonga and I pledged to double investment commitments in Subic from the cumulative total of $ 2.3 billion in 2005 to $ 5 billion in 2010,” Arreza recalled. “Now that we have exceeded our original target when we reached $ 5.4 billion last year, we have adjusted our 2010 goal to $ 7.5 billion,” he said. Arreza added the SBMA had paved the way for more investments in Subic by streamlining investment- and port-processing procedures, organizing the SBMA business group into industry-focused units, and facilitating the automatic renewal of certificate of registration and tax exemption. It also clarified legal ambiguities, harmonized customs procedures, intensified the agency’s credit and collection efforts, and cracked down on smuggling. (PNA)

[ Published by : Positivenewsmedia.net ] February 8, 2008
__________________________________

Robinsons Land breaks ground for Mindanao residential project

[ Published by : Philstar.com ] February 7, 2008
By Zinnia B. Dela Peña

Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC), the real estate development arm of the family of taipan John Gokongwei, has broken ground on Richmond Hills, a middle-income residential community that will rise on an 8.2-hectare property in Cagayan de Oro.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, RLC said Richmond Hills’ average lot size is 150 square meters priced for as low as P675,000 with an option for housing, ideal for overseas Filipino workers and the middle market segment.

“Richmond Hills is perfect for individuals who look for affordable quality homes in a secured community where they can enjoy comfortable living that they deserve. Moreover, our super easy financing plans make it easier and more convenient than ever before for our clients to avail of our offering,” said Marilu Alferez, RLC general manager and senior vice-president.

Alferez said the project sits on a plateau in Bgy. Camaman-an, offering residents a breathtaking view of the city.

She said the residential subdivision is also strategically located near commercial and business districts.

RLC has been very busy expanding its presence nationwide. It recently unveiled plans to build six clusters of townhouse villas within its planned exclusive residential resort community in Mactan, Cebu.

The project, called Blue Coast Residences, will rise on a 3.37-hectare property that will comprise a total of 25 two to three-story villas. It will be launched in the second quarter of the year.

RLC’s second project in Cebu is Aspen Heights, a 25-hectare residential subdivision in Consolacion which offers lots with option of housing package.

Other projects in the pipeline include AmiSa, a five-star, six-tower condominium resort which will be located in Mactan and a three-storey mixed-use building.

The six towers will offer 900 high-end seaside condominiums units and a five-star resort which will have 200 to 300 rooms. The IT building, on the other hand, will also house retail outlets and a condominium hotel on RLC’s 4,000-square meter property in Fuente Osmeña, Cebu City.

RLC, through its housing unit Robinsons Homes, has over 26 residential communities and commercial subdivision projects all over the country.

[ Published by : Philstar.com ] February 7, 2008
_______________________________