2014 R - 152 - EXPRESSING PROFOUND SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FAMILY OF SLAIN TRANSGENDER WOMAN JEFFREY “JENNIFER” LAUDE AND URGING THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THAT PROMPT JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED

   EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION   OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, 

HELD ON OCTOBER 22, 2014 

AT THE CITY HALL.

PRESENT:

Hon. Rodel S. Cerezo --City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer

Hon. Eduardo J. Piano- City Councilor

Hon. Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.-    “      “

Hon. Eduardo G. Guerrero- -    “     “

Hon. Benjamin G. Cajudo II-   “      “

Hon. Elena C. Dabu- -  “     “

Hon. Noel Y. Atienza- -  “     “       

Hon. Alreuela M. Bundang-Ortiz -  “    “

Hon. Edna A. Elane-   “     “

Hon. Emerito Linus D. Bacay-  “    “

Hon. Randy C. Sionzon- - President, Liga ng mga Barangay

Hon. Egmidio M. Gonzales, Jr.- Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative

ABSENT:

Hon. Eyrma Yvette D. Marzan-Estrella-  City Councilor (Sick Leave)

                                  

RESOLUTION NO. 152

(Series of 2014)

A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING PROFOUND SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FAMILY OF SLAIN TRANSGENDER WOMAN JEFFREY “JENNIFER” LAUDE AND URGING THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THAT PROMPT JUSTICE  WILL BE SERVED

WHEREAS, the Philippine Government enters into defense agreement with the United States of America through the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Enhance Defense Cooperation Agreement;

WHEREAS, with these agreements, US Military personnel were allowed to conduct activities or temporary stay in the Philippines to conduct mutual defense trainings such as Amphibious Landing Exercise or PHILBEX;

WHEREAS, US Navy Ships regularly conduct port visit in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, being the former US Naval Base for the rest and recreation (R & R) of their personnel, replenish their supplies, and repair of their ships;

WHEREAS, this year’s PHILBEX brings the USS Peleliu (LHA - 5) Expeditionary Strike Group to Subic Bay Freeport Zone for their R & R and, Olongapo City being the host city of the former US Naval Base, welcome the US servicemen hoping that their stay will provide additional boost to the economy of Olongapo;

WHEREAS, Olongapeños were shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic death of Filipino transgender woman Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude allegedly by a suspected US serviceman;

WHEREAS, while we in Olongapo acknowledge the benefits of a Port of call of US Navy Ships in our local economy, we condemn this gruesome act against our fellow Filipino and we are united in demanding for the swift justice in the killing of Jennifer Laude;

WHEREAS, the National Government through the Visiting Forces Agreement Commission, Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Justice have the jurisdictions in such cases we enjoin these government offices to act and seek swift justice for Jennifer before or within the one-year limit set forth in the VFA agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, with the unanimous accord of the Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod present,

RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the Sangguniang Panlungsod in session assembled to express as it hereby expresses profound sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family of slain transgender Woman Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude and urging the National Government to ensure that prompt justice will be served.

Let copy of this Resolution be furnished to the family of Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude, Department of National Defense, Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice for their information and prompt action.

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY, October 22, 2014.

2013 R - 160 - EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE BEREAVED FAMILY OF DAN C. ERALDO A.K.A. DJ DAN AND COMMENDING THE LATTER’S SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LOCAL BROADCASTING INDUSTRY

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION  OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON DECEMBER 27, 2013 AT THE CITY HALL.

  

PRESENT:

           

Hon. Rodel S. Cerezo -- City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer

Hon. Eduardo J. Piano- -- - City Councilor

Hon. Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr. -  “       “

Hon. Elena C. Dabu -   “       “

Hon. Noel Y. Atienza - -“       “

Hon. Alreuela M. Bundang-Ortiz -    “       “

Hon. Edna A. Elane-    “       “

Hon. Emerito Linus D. Bacay - - “       “

ABSENT:

Hon. Eyrma Yvette Marzan-Estrella- - - - City Councilor

Hon. Eduardo G. Guerrero- - “       “

Hon. Benjamin G. Cajudo II - - “       “ 

RESOLUTION NO. 160

(Series of 2013)

A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE BEREAVED

FAMILY OF DAN C. ERALDO A.K.A. DJ DAN AND COMMENDING THE LATTER’S SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LOCAL BROADCASTING INDUSTRY

WHEREAS, Dan C. Eraldo popularly known as “DJ DAN” was a radio announcer of DWGO AM 1008 KHZ back in early 1990s where he handled music programs that brought rhythm in every home reached by the airwaves. His introduction of greetings and song dedications alongside with music then created a perfect form of entertainment to the subtle broadcast industry in Olongapo;

WHEREAS, in late 1990s, Subic Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) established DWOK FM 97.5 and DJ Dan was one of the FM station’s disc jockeys who pioneered the station’s music and greetings format;

WHEREAS, since DJ Dan possessed a remarkably powerful deep manly voice, he captured the listening public’s attention which made people glue their ears with radio sets every time he uses the microphone and be on air; Moreover, DJ Dan could play with his voice to sound like there were several characters which created animation to his programming and radio commercials;

WHEREAS, inherent to his personality was the effortless way of making people laugh  in his positive or negative commentaries, be it in the form of pure comedy or at times with slight embarrassment caused to the  listeners, but  nevertheless, DJ Dan undoubtedly made  everyone happy in every word he uttered;

WHEREAS, due to his exceptional people skills and convincing power, he was  appointed in sales and marketing where he was able to easily tap advertisers and sponsors which resulted to good revenue to the radio station;

WHEREAS, DJ DAN proceeded to organizing events like concerts, competition and his renowned ‘Stage Slammin”- a group dance contest which had drawn many young members in the community to shift to dancing and bring out their unrecognized talents in motion and rhythm;

WHEREAS, dubbed as Olongapo’s “Master Showman”, DJ Dan discovered many local talents with exceptional skills in singing, dancing, modelling among many others. He likewise created a young group of trainees he called “DJs in a Row”, where he trained the members in radio announcing, event hosting and personality development;

WHEREAS, Dan C. Eraldo, a young vibrant broadcaster and entertainer who created an impact to the society, truly deserves a tribute for each and every fragment of his contribution during the golden years of local media;

NOW THEREFORE, on motion of Councilor Eduardo J. Piano, with the unanimous accord of the Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod present;

RESOLVE, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the SangguniangPanlungsod in session assembled to express deepest sympathies to the bereaved family of Dan C. Eraldo a.k.a. DJ Dan and commending the latter’s significant contributions to the Local Broadcasting Industry;

Let a copy of this Resolution be furnished his family and Subic Broadcasting Corporation for their information and record.

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY, December 27, 2013 

2013 R - 139 - EXTENDING AND EXPRESSING CITY’S WARMEST GREETINGS TO KA EDUARDO VILLANUEVA MANALO HEAD MINISTER OF IGLESIA NI CRISTO ON HIS BIRTH ANNIVERSARY ON OCTOBER 31, 2013

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION  OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON

OCTOBER 30, 2013 AT THE CITY HALL.

PRESENT:

Hon. Rodel S. Cerezo -  City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer

Hon. Eduardo J. Piano- -  City Councilor

Hon. Eduardo G. Guerrero- “       “

Hon. Benjamin G. Cajudo II -   “       “

Hon. Elena C. Dabu - -  “       “

Hon. Noel Y. Atienza -  “       “

Hon. Alreuela M. Bundang-Ortiz -  “       “

Hon. Edna A. Elane-   “       “

Hon. Emerito Linus D. Bacay - “       “

ABSENT:

Hon. Eyrma Yvette Marzan-Estrella- - City Councilor (On Official Business)

Hon. Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr. -   City Councilor

Hon. Carlito A. Baloy - - President, Liga ng mga Barangay                     

Hon. Dolly Mae M. Ramos-  SK City Federation President                                                                

RESOLUTION NO. 139

(Series of 2013)

A RESOLUTION EXTENDING AND EXPRESSING CITY’S WARMEST GREETINGS TO KA EDUARDO VILLANUEVA MANALO HEAD MINISTER OF IGLESIA NI CRISTO ON HIS BIRTH ANNIVERSARY ON OCTOBER 31, 2013

 WHEREAS, Ka Eduardo Villanueva Manalo was born on October 31, 1955 in Quezon City;    

WHEREAS, Ka Eduardo Villanueva Manalo finished his High School at Jose Abad Santos Memorial School Quezon City and Bachelor of Arts Major in Philosophy in 1978 at The University of the  Philippines. He also studied as Minister at Evangelical College (EVCO) of Iglesia Ni Cristo in 1980;

WHEREAS, Ka Eduardo Villanueva Manalo is the eldest child of Eraño Manalo and Cristina Villanueva and married to Lynn Ventura on January 2, 1982;

WHEREAS, Ka Eduardo Villanueva Manalo and Lynn Ventura have been blessed with three (3) children namely Dorothy Kristine who graduated with the course of Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Gemma Minna with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Musical Education and Angelo Eraño, Minister of Evangelism and Tagapag – ugnay Pangkalahatan ng mga Kapisanang Pansambahayan ng Iglesia Ni Cristo;

WHEREAS, Ka Eduardo Villanueva Manalo was the third and present Tagapamahalang Pangkalahatan of Iglesia Ni Cristo since September 8, 2003 who succeeded his father Eraño G. Manalo who died on August 31, 2009;

WHEREAS, Ka Eduardo Villanueva Manalo as “Tagapamahalang Pangkalahatan of Iglesia ni Cristo was able to organize Iglesia Ni Cristo outside of the Philippines, sixty-five (65) local, twenty (20) extension, and fifty-seven (57), worship groups which being prepared in order to become an extension on local in the future;

WHEREAS, under his stewardship, seven (7) ecclesiastical districts were added namely North East Asia (August 31, 2010) South East Asia (July 28, 2011) Eastern Canada (June 16, 2011) Western Canada (June 16, 2011) Qatar (July 9, 2012) United Arab Emirates (July 9, 2012) and Britain (July 9, 2012);

WHEREAS, Ka Eduardo Villanueva Manalo was able to ordain One Thousand Six Hundred Twenty new ministries for a period of three (3) years during his reign as “Tagapamahalang Pangkalahatan” of Iglesia Ni Cristo;

           

NOW, THEREFORE,  with the unanimous accord of the Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod present,

RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED,  by the Sangguniang Panlungsod in session assembled, to extend as it hereby extends and expressing City’s warmest greetings to Ka Eduardo Villanueva Manalo head Minister of Iglesia Ni Cristo on his birth anniversary on Octboer 31, 2013.

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY, October 30, 2013.

2013 R - 138 - EXPRESSING GRATITUDE TO HONORABLE JEJOMAR C. BINAY, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, FOR DONATING DOXYCYCLINE, IV FLUIDS AND RELIEF PACKAGES TO OLONGAPO CITY

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION  OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON OCTOBER 23, 2013 AT THE CITY HALL.

PRESENT:

Hon. Rodel S. Cerezo -  City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer

Hon. Eduardo J. Piano-   City Councilor

Hon. Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr. - - “       “

Hon. Eduardo G. Guerrero- - “       “

Hon. Benjamin G. Cajudo II -   “       “

Hon. Elena C. Dabu -  “       “

Hon. Noel Y. Atienza -  “       “

Hon. Alreuela M. Bundang-Ortiz - -  “       “

Hon. Edna A. Elane-    “       “

Hon. Emerito Linus D. Bacay -  “       “

ABSENT:

Hon. Eyrma Yvette Marzan-Estrella- - - -  City Councilor  (Sick Leave)

Hon. Carlito A. Baloy- -  President, Liga ng mga Barangay  (Sick Leave)

Hon. Dolly Mae M. Ramos- -  - SK City Federation President (Sick Leave)

RESOLUTION NO. 138

(Series of 2013)

A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING GRATITUDE TO HONORABLE JEJOMAR C. BINAY,  VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, FOR DONATING DOXYCYCLINE, IV FLUIDS AND RELIEF PACKAGES TO OLONGAPO CITY

WHEREAS, leptospirosis, a deadly bacterial infection, is commonly transmitted to human from contaminated water caused usually by rat urine, and symptoms appear only several days up to two (2) weeks post exposure to contaminated floodwater;

WHEREAS, an outbreak of leptospirosis in the City of Olongapo happened two weeks after the heavy flooding in the city brought about by the southwest monsoon rains on September 23, 2013;

WHEREAS, on October 10, 2013 at 2:30 in the afternoon, the Honorable Members of the City Council, in their 3^rd Special Session, passed a resolution declaring the leptospirosis outbreak in Olongapo City. It was reported that the city reached its peak of 631 cases of leptospirosis, and treatment to admitted patients are still on-going at the James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital (JLGMH);

                                                                                                  

WHEREAS, Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay donated to James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital 24 boxes of Doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body, and 30 boxes of IV fluids, used to prevent dehydration in patients. This initiative from the Vice-President Binay is timely due to shortage in supply of the medications needed by patients with leptospirosis;

WHEREAS, in addition to the medications, Vice-President Binay likewise donated 2,000 packages of relief goods for flood victims;

WHEREAS, the City of Olongapo conveys profound appreciation to the act of kindness extended by Vice-President Binay;

NOW, THEREFORE,  with the unanimous accord of the Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod present;

RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the Sangguniang Panlungsod in session assembled to express, as it hereby expresses gratitude to Honorable Jejomar C. Binay, Vice-President of the Republic of the Philippines, for donating Doxycycline and IV Fluids and relief packages to Olongapo City.

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY,   October 23, 2013

2012 R - 113 - EXPRESSING THE CITY’S FULL SUPPORT TO SCHOOLS DIVISION SUPERINTENDENT AND CO-CHAIRMAN OF THE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD JESSIE D. FERRER, CESO VI, IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH LAW

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON NOVEMBER 14, 2012 AT THE CITY HALL.

PRESENT:

Hon. Rodel S. Cerezo - - - Acting City Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer

Hon. Eyrma Yvette Marzan-Estrella - - City Councilor

Hon. Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr. - - “        “

Hon. James G. Delos Reyes - - - - “        “

Hon. Gina Gulanes-Perez - - “        “

Hon. Elena C. Dabu - - -   “        “

Hon. Eduardo J. Piano - - - “        “

Hon. Edna A. Elane - - - - “        “

Hon. Noel Y. Atienza - - - - “        “

Hon. Sarah Lugerna Lipumano-Garcia -“        “

Hon. Dolly Mae M. Ramos - - - SK Federation President

Hon. Carlito A. Baloy - - - - President, Liga ng mga Barangay

ABSENT:

Hon. Rolen C. Paulino - City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer (Vacation Leave)

             

                                                                                               

RESOLUTION NO. 113

(Series of 2012)

A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE CITY’S FULL SUPPORT TO SCHOOLS DIVISION SUPERINTENDENT AND CO-CHAIRMAN OF THE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD JESSIE D. FERRER, CESO VI, IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH LAW

WHEREAS, Schools Division Superintendent Jessie D. Ferrer was appointed by the national government as the City Schools Superintendent, which he merited by virtue of his wealth of training and experience in the field of education since the year 1988, and his high level of competency which include, among others, a Masters Degree in Educational Administration, Civil Service eligibilities as Career Executive Officer;

WHEREAS, he is viewed as a competent leader in the field of education and is accustomed to local conditions and customs given his exposure to the Olongapo City-Zambales area where he started his work and made contributions to the formation of the youth as a classroom elementary teacher at Barretto Elementary School prior to his assignment to higher positions under his jurisdiction;

WHEREAS, in less than a year under his supervision, directives of school policies were effectively implemented in the city’s basic education institutions, specifically in the operation of school canteens, announcement of class suspension, and rulings in the administration of integrated schools, to name a few;

WHEREAS, his management became instrumental in the pilot implementation of the K-12 Curriculum in the city, thus ensuring a smooth transition in the coming years. Moreover, he was able to address our schools’ infrastructural needs through public private partnerships (PPP), which granted ten schools with sixty (60) classrooms;

WHEREAS, Superintendent Ferrer continues to assure the city of a legislative mandate to ensure facilitation of a responsive, competent, and prompt delivery programs which enhance the state of education in the city;

NOW, THEREFORE, with the unanimous accord of the Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod present;

RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the Sangguniang Panlungsod in session assembled, to express, as it hereby expresses, the city’s full support to Schools Division Superintendent Jessie D. Ferrer, CESO IV, in a manner consistent with law.

Let a copy of this Resolution be furnished to the Department of Education and Mr. Jessie D. Ferrer for their information and record.

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY, November 14, 2012.

2012 R - 50 - EXPRESSING OPPOSITIONS TO THE PLAN OF THE SUBIC BAY METROPOLITAN AUTHORITY (SBMA) TO COVERT SUBIC BAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SBIA) INTO A COMMERCIAL ZONE, INSTEAD, SUPPORTING SBIA’S RETENTION AND FULL UTILIZATION

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON MAY 09, 2012 AT THE CITY HALL.

PRESENT:

Hon. Rolen C. Paulino - City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer

Hon. Eyrma Yvette Marzan-Estrella - City Councilor

Hon. Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr. - - - “        “

Hon. James G. Delos Reyes - - - “        “

Hon. Gina Gulanes-Perez - - - “        “

Hon. Elena C. Dabu - - -   “        “

Hon. Eduardo J. Piano - -  “        “

Hon. Edna A. Elane - - -   “        “

Hon. Noel Y. Atienza - -  “        “

Hon. Sarah Lugerna Lipumano-Garcia - - “        “

Hon. Carlito A. Baloy - - - President, Liga ng mga Barangay           

Hon. Dolly Mae M. Ramos - - SK Federation President   

ABSENT:

Hon. Rodel S. Cerezo - - - City Councilor (On Official Business)

RESOLUTION NO. 50

(Series of 2012)

A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING OPPOSITIONS TO THE PLAN OF THE SUBIC BAY METROPOLITAN AUTHORITY (SBMA) TO COVERT SUBIC BAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SBIA) INTO A COMMERCIAL ZONE, INSTEAD, SUPPORTING SBIA’S RETENTION AND FULL UTILIZATION

WHEREAS, the Naval Air Station Cubi Point now known as Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA), was constructed October 2, 1951 and befits all the requirements of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) as a Historical site, symbolizing the lasting friendship and cooperation between the people of the Philippines in general, the Olongapo constituents in particular, and the American People;

WHEREAS, the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA), which lies strategically at the center of the Asia-Pacific heartland, serves as a secondary and main diversion airport for Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA);

WHEREAS, while NAIA is now over-its-capacity limit and Clark International Airport (CIA) is expected to duffer the same fate as the Manila airports in the next five to ten years, the SBIA is capable of international and domestic flight operations which complements the general aviation requirements of Luzon;

WHEREAS, SBIA, an irreplaceable asset that entails a construction costs worth billions of dollars, can serve as an International General Aviation Hub and can be a backup for Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia airports which have reached either its full or nearly full capacity in terms of Aircraft Management, Interior and Painting Facilities and Maintenance and Repair facilities;

WHEREAS, an article by Aviation Industry Newspaper (AIN), published by Aviation Industry 6,000 plus participants in China and 100,000 in the US and Europe, says that Subic Bay is an excellent “alternative to Hong Kong hassles” thereby creating new aviation careers for the Philippines with jobs providing long-term growth and high income potential;

WHEREAS, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority has expressed its plan to demolish and destroy SBIA and convert the billion-dollar asset into a commercial zone for future leasable areas for the development of what they termed as an “Integrated Family-Oriented Tourist Destination”;

WHEREAS, the City Government believes that we retain the runway vis-à-vis the plan commercialization of SBMA;

WHEREAS, while the City Government of Olongapo supports the business expansion at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, it, however, found its proposed plan untenable due to the following reasons:

1)      The planned conversion is ill-advised as it forfeits the use of an international airport and demolish a billion-dollar investment which can be utilized for the benefits of both local and national interest;

2)      Converting and demolishing billions-worth of infrastructure to make way for a 200-hectare leasable area for prospective investors is economically and financially unsound, especially if a 3,000-hectare area at the Redondo Peninsula is available for expansion and development;

3)      The proposal of SBMA to cram in one contiguous area all kinds of projects of various categories is technically and environmentally unsound; and

4)      It shall diminish the viability of the Philippines, in general and Subic Bay, in particular as a Cooperative Security Location (CSL) especially in terms of aerial operations and logistical requirements of allied countries.

WHEREAS, the planned expansion of the SBMA can be established at Redondo Peninsula which has been described in the official portals of the Department of Tourism (www.visitmyphilippines.com) as scenic 3,800-hectare area earmarked for the development of subdivisions, golf courses, resort hotels and restaurants. Part of Redondo Peninsula is being reserved for the Green Beach One Project for both tourism and industrial based developments which may include an eco-village development, a resort, marina and entertainment complex are some of the possible tourism-based projects suitable in the area and ship-building facility, container port, specialized industrial park and institutional research center are some of the industrial-based developments;

WHEREAS, with both the airport and seaport intact, the capability of Subic Bay as Cooperative Security Location (CSL) shall be greatly enhanced and the national government, the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the City of Olongapo and outlying LGUs shall benefit from the lease-rentals of the two facilities;

NOW, THEREFORE, on motion of City Councilor Eduardo J. Piano, with the unanimous accord of the Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod present;

RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the Sangguniang Panlungsod in session assembled to express, as it hereby express opposition to the plan of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to convert Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) into a commercial zone, instead, supporting SBIA’s retention and full utilization.

Let copies for this Resolution be furnished the Office of the President, the Office of the Executive Secretary, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of the National Defense, the National Economic Development Authority, the Department of Transportation and Communication, the Department of Tourism and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY, May 09, 2012.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

2012 R - 50 - EXPRESSING OPPOSITIONS TO THE PLAN OF THE SUBIC BAY METROPOLITAN AUTHORITY (SBMA) TO COVERT SUBIC BAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SBIA) INTO A COMMERCIAL ZONE, INSTEAD, SUPPORTING SBIA’S RETENTION AND FULL UTILIZATION

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON MAY 09, 2012 AT THE CITY HALL.

PRESENT:

Hon. Rolen C. Paulino - - City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer

Hon. Eyrma Yvette Marzan-Estrella - - City Councilor

Hon. Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr. - - - “        “

Hon. James G. Delos Reyes -  “        “

Hon. Gina Gulanes-Perez - - “        “

Hon. Elena C. Dabu -   “        “

Hon. Eduardo J. Piano - “        “

Hon. Edna A. Elane - -    “        “

Hon. Noel Y. Atienza - -  “        “

Hon. Sarah Lugerna Lipumano-Garcia - -“        “

Hon. Carlito A. Baloy -  President, Liga ng mga Barangay           

Hon. Dolly Mae M. Ramos -  SK Federation President   

ABSENT:

Hon. Rodel S. Cerezo - -  City Councilor (On Official Business)

RESOLUTION NO. 50

(Series of 2012)

A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING OPPOSITIONS TO THE PLAN OF THE SUBIC BAY METROPOLITAN AUTHORITY (SBMA) TO COVERT SUBIC BAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SBIA) INTO A COMMERCIAL ZONE, INSTEAD, SUPPORTING SBIA’S RETENTION AND FULL UTILIZATION

WHEREAS, the Naval Air Station Cubi Point now known as Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA), was constructed October 2, 1951 and befits all the requirements of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) as a Historical site, symbolizing the lasting friendship and cooperation between the people of the Philippines in general, the Olongapo constituents in particular, and the American People;

WHEREAS, the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA), which lies strategically at the center of the Asia-Pacific heartland, serves as a secondary and main diversion airport for Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA);

WHEREAS, while NAIA is now over-its-capacity limit and Clark International Airport (CIA) is expected to duffer the same fate as the Manila airports in the next five to ten years, the SBIA is capable of international and domestic flight operations which complements the general aviation requirements of Luzon;

WHEREAS, SBIA, an irreplaceable asset that entails a construction costs worth billions of dollars, can serve as an International General Aviation Hub and can be a backup for Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia airports which have reached either its full or nearly full capacity in terms of Aircraft Management, Interior and Painting Facilities and Maintenance and Repair facilities;

WHEREAS, an article by Aviation Industry Newspaper (AIN), published by Aviation Industry 6,000 plus participants in China and 100,000 in the US and Europe, says that Subic Bay is an excellent “alternative to Hong Kong hassles” thereby creating new aviation careers for the Philippines with jobs providing long-term growth and high income potential;

WHEREAS, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority has expressed its plan to demolish and destroy SBIA and convert the billion-dollar asset into a commercial zone for future leasable areas for the development of what they termed as an “Integrated Family-Oriented Tourist Destination”;

WHEREAS, the City Government believes that we retain the runway vis-à-vis the plan commercialization of SBMA;

WHEREAS, while the City Government of Olongapo supports the business expansion at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, it, however, found its proposed plan untenable due to the following reasons:

1)      The planned conversion is ill-advised as it forfeits the use of an international airport and demolish a billion-dollar investment which can be utilized for the benefits of both local and national interest;

2)      Converting and demolishing billions-worth of infrastructure to make way for a 200-hectare leasable area for prospective investors is economically and financially unsound, especially if a 3,000-hectare area at the Redondo Peninsula is available for expansion and development;

3)      The proposal of SBMA to cram in one contiguous area all kinds of projects of various categories is technically and environmentally unsound; and

4)      It shall diminish the viability of the Philippines, in general and Subic Bay, in particular as a Cooperative Security Location (CSL) especially in terms of aerial operations and logistical requirements of allied countries.

WHEREAS, the planned expansion of the SBMA can be established at Redondo Peninsula which has been described in the official portals of the Department of Tourism (www.visitmyphilippines.com) as scenic 3,800-hectare area earmarked for the development of subdivisions, golf courses, resort hotels and restaurants. Part of Redondo Peninsula is being reserved for the Green Beach One Project for both tourism and industrial based developments which may include an eco-village development, a resort, marina and entertainment complex are some of the possible tourism-based projects suitable in the area and ship-building facility, container port, specialized industrial park and institutional research center are some of the industrial-based developments;

WHEREAS, with both the airport and seaport intact, the capability of Subic Bay as Cooperative Security Location (CSL) shall be greatly enhanced and the national government, the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the City of Olongapo and outlying LGUs shall benefit from the lease-rentals of the two facilities;

NOW, THEREFORE, on motion of City Councilor Eduardo J. Piano, with the unanimous accord of the Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod present;

RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the Sangguniang Panlungsod in session assembled to express, as it hereby express opposition to the plan of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to convert Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) into a commercial zone, instead, supporting SBIA’s retention and full utilization.

Let copies for this Resolution be furnished the Office of the President, the Office of the Executive Secretary, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of the National Defense, the National Economic Development Authority, the Department of Transportation and Communication, the Department of Tourism and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY, May 09, 2012.