News and Views at the Base is a bi-monthly external publication of thePublic Affairs Department of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.

Editor-in-Chief LEILANI B. MACASAET Executive Editor ROY VICTOR R. ROSALES Managing Editor MICHELLE S. SAN JUAN Senior Writer MARICAR S. VILLAMIL Junior Writers/Layout

artists GARRY A. CATIVO Photographer AGEM O. ALFAFARAS Circulation IRAH F. DAVID

Editorial Address: BCDA Corporate Center, 2/F Bonifacio Technology Center, 31st St., Corner Second Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Philippines

Tel.: (632) 816-6666 Fax: (632) 816-1113 e-mail: bcda@bcda.gov.phwww.bcda.gov.ph

ALOYSIUS R. SANTOSChairman

Editorial

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Happenings

GEN. NARCISO L. ABAYAPresident and CEO

In this issue

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August 28-29NATIONAL HEROES’ DAY REGATTASubic Bay WatersSubic Bay Freeport ZoneFollowing the Independence Day Regatta last June, Subic Bay will open its waters tocelebrate the National Heroes’ Day Regatta on August 28-29. Hosted by Subic Bay Yacht Club and the Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen Sailors sailing groups, boats of all sizes are expected to sail the clean waters and the sailing-friendly bay of Subic in this two-day event. souce: www.getwet-asia.com/philippines/?p=262

August 15RUN TO READ FUN RUNBonifacio Global CityTaguig City

Realizing the need for children to be aptly exposed to reading materials not readily available for them, the Run To Read Fun Run was designed to raise funds to build and restore libraries for less fortunate communities in various parts of the Philippines.

source: http://run4change.com/2010/07/run-to-read-august-15/ SCTEX prepares for

La NiñaBCDA to resumeSCTEX greening

Subic emerges aseco-sport haven

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SCTEX ensures safenight driving

CDC seals $30-Mexpansion deal withTaiwanese firm

Locator: Lohas Hotel and New Well Being Spa

SCTEX featured in the 112th Independence Day parade

BCDA awards SCTEX O&M contract to MNTC

Day tours via SCTEX: Quick access to emerging tourist destinations

17 Profile:The visions of the new EVP

18 Icon: The Trees

July 23DRAG FUN RUN & TUNE UP RACESClark International Speedway,Clark Freeport ZoneClark International Speedway is encouraging people to take their drag racing antics off the street and on to a safe and controlled environment with an all-night race and fun run in a purpose-built drag strip. The event is being staged as a fun yet safe alternative to the illegal drag races that are often seen on public streets.source: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/Clark-Speedway-to-hold-all-night-drag-race-this-weekend

August 22MILES FOR SMILESBonifacio Global CityTaguig City

A fun run that aims to raise public awareness that “bingot” or cleft palate and other craniofacial conditions are treatable and that free comprehensive care is available. The event is supported by the Noordhoff Cranofacial Foundations Philippines, Inc. (NCFPI).

source: http://www.pinoyfitness.com/2010/06/miles-for-smiles-run-for-cleft-care-august-22-2010/

It’s the 112th celebration of the Philippine Independence. The event featured the accomplishments of the BEAT THE ODDS program of the Arroyo administration with nine beautiful floats representing the 10 priority programs of PGMA, namely: B-alanced budget; E-ducation for all; A-utomated elections; T-ransportation and digital infrastructure; T-erminate hostilities with the MILF and NPA; H-eal the wounds of EDSAs I, II and III; E-lectricity and water for all; O-pportunities for livelihood and 10 million jobs; D-econgestion of Metro Manila; DS-Develop Subic and Clark.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and its flagship project, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), made history by figuring prominently in float number 10. Being the backbone of developments in the Subic-Clark corridor by linking vital infrastructure in the region such as the Subic seaport and the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark, the SCTEX opened up Central Luzon to more business and investments, tourism, and job opportunities.

This issue of News and Views at the Base focuses on the SCTEX and other developments in the Clark Freeport and Subic Freeport. The big news is that the BCDA awarded to the Manila North Tollways Corporation the right to enter into a contract to lease, manage, operate and maintain the SCTEX for a period of 25 years, renewable for another 8 years.

Also, daytrips in various destinations in Central Luzon are now possible with the speedy, comfortable travel that SCTEX offers. The Journey and the Destination—a section on tourist destinations in Central Luzon which can be reached via SCTEX—features the Lohas Hotel and New Well Being Spa in Clark Freeport and the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan.

Finally, we get to take a peek inside the mind of one of the best and brightest in BCDA, our new executive vice president, Ms. Aileen An. R. Zosa.

Take a dose of your SCTEX updates and plan your next journey to one of Central Luzon’s many wonderful destinations now!

In the News

Designed to conform with global safety standards, the SCTEX handles an average daily traffic of some 30,000 vehicles.

“While driving conditions are ideal at the moment, thanks to the summer weather we continue to enjoy, the situation is expected to change once the rainy season begins,” said Robert C. Gervacio, BCDA program manager for opera tional support services and spokesman. “And, according to PAG-ASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration), that should happen within a couple of weeks.”

One of the first things affected by the change in weather conditions is visibility. Rain greatly reduces visibility and so the BCDA advises drivers to use their wipers and, if necessary, even their headlights.

SCTEX prepares for La Niña

In fact, the BCDA is advising drivers to use their headlights (when they cannot see beyond 100 meters in front of them) even when it is not raining, as in the case of foggy mornings or when thick smoke from burning hay or grass in the nearby ricefields covers portions of the expressway. When this happens, drivers are urged to keep a safe distance from the vehicles ahead of them. If visibility becomes almost zero, they should gradually slow down and park for safety on the shoulder while they keep their vehicles’ hazard lights flashing. Once visibility improves, they may then rejoin the expressway traffic carefully and resume their travel.

When it rains, the road

becomes wet and, as a result, stopping distances should, at least, be twice longer than the distance required for stopping on dry roads. This is due to the fact that tires have less grip or traction on the road and may, in

some occasions, be running on water, a risky condition known as “hydroplaning.” In these conditions, BCDA urges drivers to:

• Keep enough distance between them and the vehicle in front. This will increase their ability to see and plan ahead.

• If the steering wheel becomes unresponsive, it probably means that the water is preventing the tires from gripping the road. The driver

should ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.

• The rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen. Drivers must be extra cautious and make sure that their wipers are working.

Built according to international standards, SCTEX has a number of safety features that include 24/7 mobile patrols with eight relay stations, speed tracking radars, traffic management teams, 24/7 emergency medical services provided by Aeromed Ambulance Transport Inc., and towing services by the Automobile Association of the Philippines.

The tollway also has an ample supply of reflectorized traffic cones, road signs, plastic jersey barriers, and lane closure signs. Through these portable equipment, cat’s eyes and reflectorized road signs, motorists are able to avoid hazards, even at night, and are protected from on-going retrieval

operations whenever there are incidents on the expressway. Complementing these safety features is the strict implementation of Republic Act No. 8750, the Seatbelt Use Act of 1999.

“The SCTEX is definitely one of the motorist-friendly tollways in the Philippines and the BCDA is fully committed to keep it that way,” Gervacio said. “But we also urge our motorists to do their part by strictly following the speed limits within the tollway and driving defensively and safely all the time.”

For the safety and convenience of motorists, security teams are strategically deployed along the tollway to ensure that help is just 20 minutes away at any point along the SCTEX.

Motorists needing roadside assistance can call the following SCTEX hotlines: (0920) 96-SCTEX (72839), (045) 865-2030, (02) 362-9997 and(02) 362-2246.

Safety tips for driving in bad weatherby the BCDA Public Affairs Department

In the News

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The Bases Conversion and Development Authority is all set to plant starting this month an additional 10,000 seedlings of forest trees along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway “as a gesture of returning to nature what we get from its resources.”

MGen. Trifonio Salazar (Ret), SCTEX program manager for support services and greening and environmental project management office head, revealed that they have some 20,000 transplant-ready saplings of some 30 species of native trees at

the company-run nurseries in Morong, Bataan and Clark, Pampanga.

“The remaining 10,000 of these young trees are scheduled for planting along the SCTEX next year,” Salazar said.

He pointed out that the greening project forms part of the

BCDA to resume SCTEX greeningBCDA’s environment-oriented corporate social responsibility program meant to enhance the naturally beautiful landscape along both sides of the 93.7-kilometer toll way.

Salazar also noted that some of the new trees along the SCTEX failed to withstand the protracted dry spell generated by the El Nino weather phenomenon, and have to be replaced.

“Our planting season is from June to December which is normally a wet season and therefore, conducive to the growth of the young

plants,” Salazar said. Under BCDA’s five-year greening program which ends in 2013, a total of 50,000 saplings will take roots on both sides of the SCTEX in support of the government’s overall efforts to help mitigate global warming.

“This undertaking not only enhances the SCTEX’s natural aesthetic value, but more significantly, it helps address the worldwide concern of bringing down greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to global warming,” Salazar stressed.

BCDA program manager for support services and SCTEX spokesman BGen Robert Gervacio (Ret) has also underscored the relevance of the tree-planting program, saying it may set the example for future road projects across the country to emulate.

BCDA officials cited field workers assigned to the Greening Program for their diligence and initiative in sourcing the seedlings for the nurseries from the rainforests of Bataan and neighboring Zambales province.

Among the tree species are the all-season Kamagong, Tangili, and Mulawin, as well as Bitaog, Cupang, Balacat, Cupang, Bignay, Ilang-ilang, Antipolo, Katmon and Bani.

by the BCDA Public Affairs Department

In the News

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SCTEX ensures safe night driving

As the number of vehicles using the SCTEX continues to increase steadily, the BCDA—the tollway’s owner and builder, is stepping up its campaign to keep the SCTEX safe, particularly for motorists driving at night.

“Based on statistics from here and overseas, more vehicle accidents occur during the nighttime,” said Robert Gervacio, SCTEX program manager for operational support services and spokesperson. “We are committed to make sure that the SCTEX has the necessary safety feature to ensure safety while traveling at night, especially now when more and more people are using the tollway.”

“Like all world-class tollways, the SCTEX has a number of safety features, but motorists must also do their part–by strictly keeping within the allowable speed limits and by driving defensively and carefully all the time,” Gervacio pointed out.

In conformity with global standards, lamp posts at the SCTEX are placed 500 to 800 meters before and after each interchange to illuminate entrance ramps, exit ramps, toll plazas and all major bridges (400 meters or longer). “Thus, motorists driving at night are advised that when they approach lighted lamp posts, they should be aware that they are nearing an interchange or entering a major bridge way,” said Gervacio.

The other SCTEX night safety features include ample reflectorized traffic cones and reflectorized road signs. One unique feature is the retroreflective raised pavement markers (RPMs). RPMs are durable, highly reflective markers used for longitudinal lines that serve as a guide when driving. The RPMs or “cat’s eyes” are the primary means to improve wet-night visibility. “Through all these safety features and equipment, motorists will be able to avoid hazards when driving at night,” Gervacio said.

Motorists, he noted, should also remember that, at night, 20/20 vision is reduced to about 20/50, so they must drive at a speed that permits them to stop within their range of vision. “As a rule, the speed limit that is reasonable for daytime is too fast at night,” he continued. “Motorists must observe night driving safety as soon as the sun goes down.”

For the safety and convenience of motorists, security teams are strategically deployed along the tollway to ensure that help is just 20 minutes away at any point along the SCTEX. Motorists needing roadside assistance can call the following SCTEX hotlines: (0920) 96-SCTEX (72839), (045) 865-2030, (02) 362-9997 and (02) 362-2246.

The SCTEX Motorist’s Handbook lists down the following safety tips for night driving: • Never look directly into oncoming headlights; look instead at the right side of the road to stay on course;• Be sure to dim your lights for approaching traffic and for vehicles traveling ahead of you;• Be sure your windshield is clean inside and out, and that the windshield wipers are adequately clean and are in good condition; and• Keep your headlights clean; dirty headlights can reduce visibility by more than 50%.

The handbook also urges motorists to be extra cautious when driving at twilight. “Twilight,” it says, “is one of the most difficult times to drive because your eyes are constantly changing to adapt to the growing darkness. Keep your headlights on. This may not help you to see but you can be seen by other drivers, thereby decreasing the likelihood of an accident.”

Linking the three major economic and industrial zones of Central Luzon–the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the Clark Freeport Zone and the Central Techno Park in Tarlac–the 94-kilometer SCTEX is currently handling an average daily traffic volume of some 30,000 vehicles. With its seamless connection to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), it now offers the fastest route from Metro Manila to the provinces of Central and Northern Luzon.

“Travel time between Manila and Tarlac City, for example, just takes an hour and 25 minutes through the SCTEX and NLEX,” said Gervacio. “And a growing number of motorists are discovering and taking advantage of this fact.”

During this year’s Holy Week, traffic volume on the SCTEX went up sharply, posting a new record high of nearly 40,000 vehicles on Easter Sunday, 15% higher than the total registered on Easter 2009.

by the BCDA Public Affairs Department

Mabalacat Toll Plaza at night

In the News

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CDC elated over DFA response to Clark satellite office assistance

CLARK FREEPORT – Officials of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) expressed elation over the recognition by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the efforts extended by the state-owned firm in the establishment of a satellite office here.

A series of communications sent by top DFA officials in Manila and in Central Luzon expressed gratefulness for the efforts of CDC in opening a satellite office at Clark months after its regional consular office moved to the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

A letter from Jaime Victor Ledda, Office of Consular Affairs assistant secretary, said: “We would like to express our appreciation for the assistance that the Clark Development Corporation has been providing during the conduct of the Mobile Passport Services (MPS)…”

In another letter, DFA Regional Director Asuncion Florentin said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs…wishes to convey its sincerest gratitude for the valuable assistance you have afforded us in the opening of the DFA Clark temporary satellite office. Moreover, we are also thankful for your providing accommodations for the Mobile team from the DFA home office…”

CDC President Benigno N. Ricafort said with the recent opening of satellite office, it is hoped that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), tourists, and business travelers who come from Northern and

CLARK FREEPORT–The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has signed a $30-million contract with a Taiwanese firm for its expansion project inside the Clark Freeport.

CDC President Benigno N. Ricafort signed the lease agreement with Multi-Tek Fasteners, Inc. Chair Paul Chang at the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Corporate Headquarters in Taguig City recently.

Ricafort said Multi-Tek has a total committed investment of $30 million where $12 million will be allotted for the first year and $30 million on the fifth year.

CDC seals $30-M expansion deal with Taiwanese firm

The expansion project, located in a 64,256-square meter area along Panday Pira and Gil Puyat Highway, is expected to employ some 1,000 to 1,500 employees within three years.

Established in 1993, Multi-Tek is into manufacturing, rethreading, quality checking, repairing, surface treatment, repacking, exporting different types of screws, plugs, sockets, pipes, hubs, fasteners, and other related products.

In May 2007, Multi-Tek expanded operations and decided to open a plant inside the Clark Freeport. It currently employs around 150 workers andgenerates sales of about $5 million annually.

by the CDC Public Relations Department | 6/10/2010

by the CDC Public Relations Department

Central Luzon provinces “can now look forward to faster processing of passport applications at the Clark Freeport.” Only recently, Clark-based real estate developer Berthaphil, Inc. has extended the DFA’s rent-free stay inside the Berthaphil III Business Park here untilJune 30, 2010. Ricafort said the state-owned CDC, in a letter to Berthaphil Chief Financial Officer Andrew Schwartz, requested the firm to grant the DFA’s request for the extension of its rent-free stay here. Schwartz responded to the CDC’s request by writing Florentin: “Therefore, I am pleased to notify you that we have received permission to extend the rent-free period to June 30, 2010.” However, Schwartz maintained that the extension must also be maximized by the DFA to secure and process all the necessary lease documents for its stay at the Berthaphil III Business Park. Schwartz also told Florentin that he and Berthaphil’s Peter Hermann had explained to their Board of Directors of the “desire to assist DFA in coming back to Clark and moreover to create a strong relationship between us (Berthaphil, DFA, CDC) that will grow and flourish over many years to come.”

In the News

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SUBIC BAY FREEPORT–More than just being a popular travel destination and a sports “hot spot” in the country today, the Subic Bay Freeport is also emerging as a favorite center for environment-friendly sports activities.

Over the weekend, the Philippine Kayaking Series 2010 kicked off here with the 25-kilometer kayaking marathon from the Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club in Morong, Bataan to this free port.

The marathon, as well as the five-kilometer novice race, was part of the two-day “Kayak Explore Anvaya Cove-Subic Bay” event.

Some 150 paddlers from the Philippines and other Asian countries joined the water sports event that also served as venue in promoting kayaking as a new sports challenge among local residents.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) deputy administrator for business Raul Marcelo described the event as an activity for sports-minded and environment-conscious people who wish to help in protecting the environment and saving planet Earth while indulging in their favorite sports.

“It was not just kayaking per se,” Marcelo said, pointing out that Subic was an ideal location for eco-friendly races like kayaking.

Subic emerges as eco-sports havenby the SBMA Public Relations Department

He added that kayaking participants and their friends enjoyed other activities like the eco-tour, mangrove planting, or watching the “Save the Pawikan” presentations that were held at Brgy. Sabang, a fishing village in Morong.

Meanwhile, more than 200 motorists aboard 50 vehicles joined the “Just Go! Drive Philippines” tour-caravan in the Subic Freeport.

A project of the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP), in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), the caravan showcased some of

the best tourism destinations in the country.

The Subic attractions visited by the caravan included the Bat Kingdom, parts of the Subic Bay Protected Area and the Central Business District, as well as industrial landmarks like Subic’s new container terminals.

Portia Zabala, manager of the SBMA Tourism Department, said that being listed in the itinerary of the DOT project meant that Subic has been considered as one of the best tourism attractions in the country today.

Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club

An hour and a half drive from Manila is the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga where a pad of serenity and calmness can be found. The New Well Being Spa at Lohas Hotel provides a holistic wellness experience away from the busy life in the city.

Built around the former Redwood Villas Clubhouse, Lohas Hotel is a 3-hectare property which is considered as one of the largest spas in the region. The New Well Being Spa is equipped with state-of-the-art spa facilities. Its unique feature is the Jjimjilbang, a Korean version of sauna and steam room that employs detoxification and thermotherapy. Jjimjilbang is the Korean word for “bath house.” It is divided into three rooms with different temperatures, which are: Wood-fired Hot Bulgama, Charcoal Detox and Ice Room. Each room promotes health and wellness through the process of detoxification.

Among the services being offered are the foot and body massage which include Aromatherapy Massage Special that uses highly concentrated plant oils, also known as ‘essential oils,’ mixed in the massage oil or lotion.

This kind of massage is known to be a “stress buster” fit for people who has a very stressful lifestyle. Facial spa treatments like Revitalizing Facial with Sea Botanicals and Galvanic Facial Spa are also rendered which uses non-evasive, non-pricking techniques perfect for sensitive skin. All services are performed by professionally-trained therapists to ensure total customer relaxation.

The Lohas Hotel boasts of 40 plush and spacious rooms that are fully equipped with amenities for that royal treatment you’ve always wanted. Floors are made of wood for elegance and cleanliness. All rooms are outfitted with a state-of-the-art 42inch plasma television set for the ultimate viewing pleasure during your entire stay. Rooms also include a mini-bar and refrigerator.

Among the facilities that can be used are the hot and cold jacuzzi rooms and a large outdoor swimming pool ideal for company outings or family bondings. The place is also perfect for any social events, seminars, conventions and meetings. Café Mu and the Open Cottage are among the function areas that can be used for these events.

Gastronomically speaking, Yummy Restaurant is known for offering a menu of authentic Korean cuisine such as Bibimbap (white rice mixed with meat, vegetables, egg and chili pepper paste) and Bulgogi or “marinated barbecued beef.” The restaurant also serves Filipino and other international dishes.

Type of Business: Hotel, Resort, Leisure, and SpaLocation: Clark Freeport ZoneClarkfield, PampangaOperator:New Well Being Spa City Corp.Start of operations: September 2008No. of employees: 80

Locator

NEW WELL BEING SPA RESORT AND LOHAS HOTEL INFORMATION:

n Lohas Hotel consists of 10 Standard rooms, 20 Deluxe rooms and 10 Suite rooms.

n Room rates are as follows: Standard Room - P3,300.00 Deluze Room - P 3,630.00 Suite Room - P4,950.00 Rates are inclusive of Buffet Breakfast and free use of Jjimjilbang.

n Spa can accommodate up to 25 pax for whole body massage and 15 pax for foot massage.

n Hotel offers two function rooms. Indoor function room can accommodate 80-100 pax while the outdoor function room/open cottage can accommodate 150-200 pax.

n Offers free shuttle service to and from Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) and inside Clark.

n Contact Details: Lohas Hotel and New Well Being Spa Resort E. Aguinaldo St., Former Redwood Clubhouse Redwood Villas, Clark Freeport Zone Clarkfield, Pampanga Tel: (045) 499-0810 to 14 Fax: (045) 499-0813 Email: info@lohashotel.ph Website: www.lohashotel- clarkpampanga.com

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Boldot Bibimbap

Source: New Well Being Spa and Lohas HotelPhoto credits: New Well Being Spa and Lohas Hotel

by: Michelle S. San Juan

New Well Being Spa Resort and Lohas Hotel

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In the News

SCTEX featured in the 112thIndependence Day paradeThe 93.77 kilometers Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) was featured in Float #10 representing “Develop Subic and Clark,” one of the Arroyo administration’s 10-point agenda (“BEAT THE ODDS”) during 112th Independence Day Parade held last June 12, 2010 at the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta Park, Manila. Dubbed “2010 Kalayaan: Tagumpay ng Bayan,” the celebration showcased the completion and full operations of the SCTEX, which now plays a vital role in developing Clark and Subic into centers of excellence in international service and logistics in the Southeast Asian region, one of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s 10-Point Agenda.

Being the country’s longest expressway to date, the toll road is built to interconnect three major economic and industrial zones in Central Luzon–the Subic Freeport Zone, the Clark Freeport Zone and the Central Techno Park in Tarlac. It is the biggest infrastructure undertaking of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

Develop Subic and Clark. The float showcasing the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway as a major infrastructure for the rapid economic development of Central Luzon.

Cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) prepare for the arrival of Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

PMA cadets stand in attention as the President walks by the Luneta grounds towards the Quirino grandstand.

Civic-military parades are one of the major highlights of the event.

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Cover story

BCDA awards SCTEX O&M contract to MNTC

Following the bidding process for the project which started October 2009, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the government agency mandated to convert former military bases in Central Luzon and Metro Manila, has awarded to the Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) the right to enter into the contract to lease, manage, operate and maintain the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).

The SCTEX is a 94-kilometer tollway that interlinks Central Luzon’s three major economic zones–the Clark Freeport Zone, the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and the Central Techno Park in Tarlac. It was built by BCDAusing a concessional loan from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), formerly the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

The MNTC, on the other hand, is the builder and concessionaire of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to which the SCTEX has been seamlessly connected. The firm is a member of the Metro Pacific Group ofCompanies that is headed by businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan.

Under the terms of the contract which was awarded June 9, BCDA shall lease to MNTC the SCTEX andassign to it the concession to manage, operate and maintain the tollway for a period of 25 years, renewable for another 8 years. BCDA also assigns to MNTC its toll operations rights under the Toll Operations Agreement (TOA) which BCDA signed with the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) on June 13, 2007, including the right to collect toll revenues.

In return, MNTC shall pay BCDA a semi-annual lease/concession fee (SAL/CF) amounting to the peso equivalent of the yen-denominated JBIC/JICA debt service requirements for the years 2010 to 2016.

From 2017 to 2043, MNTC will pay, as lease concession fee, 20% of the gross revenues from the SCTEX, with the provision that if the lease concession fee falls short of the JICA debt service requirement, MNTC willadvance the shortfall to BCDA without interest and recover the amount from BCDA’s future 20% share in gross revenues if it exceeds the debt service requirement.

Based on MNTC’s estimates, it will pay BCDA a total of P64.4 billion in lease concession fees for theconcession period. This amount is higher than the minimum requirement of P38 billion which BCDA set under the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the bidding of the operation and management (O&M) contract for the SCTEX.

The bidding for the SCTEX O&M contract began in October 2009. Following the failure of the bidding on February 2010, after BCDA declared MNTC’s financial proposal as “non-complying,” BCDA, in line with the TOR, went into negotiations with MNTC, the lone eligible bidder, and later accepted the improved proposal submitted by the company.

The BCDA and MNTC are now negotiating the details of the draft lease/concession agreement which is expected to be executed in 30 days, subject to obtaining the appropriate approvals of relevant agencies such as the TRB, OGCC and JICA.

As the SCTEX concessionaire, the MNTC will be responsible for, among others, the overall management and supervision of the tollway; management of the toll operations center, toll plazas, and all other related ancillary facilities and equipment and the provision of appropriate resources to run the toll operations;implementation of a traffic safety and security management program for the entire stretch of the tollway on a 24/7 basis; provision of an adequate patrol system for the whole stretch of the tollway on a 24-hour basis; provision of emergency response and incident management on a 24-hour basis in coordination with appropriate law enforcement agency; and maintenance of greenery and landscaping along the tollway.

by: Roy Victor R. Rosales

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SCTEX Features

n 4 Major bridges n 30 Minor bridges n 54 Underpasses n 8 Overpassesn 351 Drainage culverts n 14 Toll plazas n Traffic Control Systems n Assistance Centersn Toll Operations Center Building

Tarlac Interchange

Dinalupihan Interchange

Mabalacat Interchange Clark South Interchange

Concepcion Interchange

Clark North Interchange

Luisita Interchange Dolores Interchange

Porac Interchange

Floridablanca Interchange Tipo Interchange

12 Interchanges

Spur/NLE Interchange

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The Journey

Summer has ended and the new school year has already started. But this does not mean plans for the next family outing must be put on hold until the Christmas break or, worse, until next summer. The seamless connection of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) with the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) has made travel from Metro Manila to Central and North Luzon so fast and convenient that families living in the metropolis can now take day tours to these regions’ many tourist destinations without disrupting their weekday work and schooling schedules. They can simply drive to their favorite R&R (rest and recreation) spot on a Saturday morning, stay there the whole day, take a late afternoon drive back to Metro Manila and be at home in time for dinner. They don’t even have to wait for a three-day weekend to enjoy an out-of-town trip with family and friends.

The 94-kilometer SCTEX, the Philippines’ longest tollroad, plays a particularly key role in making these day tours easily do-able and highly enticing. Built by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to interconnect Central Luzon’s three major economic and industrial zones–the Subic Bay Freeport Zone,

the Clark Freeport Zone and the Central Techno Park in Tarlac–this expressway has not only made these growth hubs more accessible, it has also dramatically shortened travel time from Metro Manila to the region. For instance, the drive from the Manila via the NLEX to the SCTEX Mabalacat Toll Plaza takes some 45 minutes. From there on, it only takes a mere 25 minutes to Tarlac City. Similarly, from the SCTEX Mabalacat Toll Plaza, it just takes some 45 minutes to Subic.

Providing travelers with breathtaking views of verdant fields and majestic mountain ranges, the SCTEX is also widely acclaimed as the country’s most scenic expressway and, thus, has become a tourist attraction in itself. Even more important, it continues to help drive

tourism growth in Central Luzon by making easily and conveniently reachable the region’s established tourist destinations (Subic’s theme parks, Clark’s hotels, resorts and duty-free shops, the pristine beaches of Zambales and Bataan, the famed Mt. “Pinatubo” trek via Capas, Tarlac, the Hundred Islands in Pangansinan, Baguio’s Camp John Hay, and La Union’s Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point) as well as some new ones that are rapidly becoming “must-see” attractions too.

Heading the list of Central Luzon’s emerging tourist destinations are the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan, and the New Well Being Spa of the Lohas Hotel in Clark–two destinations that you can visit in just one day trip via the SCTEX. Just an easy two and a half hours drive from Metro Manila via the SCTEX, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar can perhaps best be described as the Philippine equivalent of Virginia’s Colonial Williamsburg–a “historical” site that allows visitors not only to get a glimpse of the country’s past but to actually experience it. Although the town of Bagac is more commonly associated with the infamous “Death March” of World War II, Las Casas Filipinas brings visitors to an older, more gracious period of Philippine history.

Day tours via SCTEX: Quick access to emerging tourist destinations

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The Destination

Occupying a 400-hectare site surrounded by the Umagol River, the South China Sea and carabao-plowed fields that extend to the Bataan mountains, it is essentially a life-sized replica of a town settlement during the Spanish times. It boasts of authentic 19th century principalia mansions, original bahay na bato (stone houses) and cobblestone plazas and streets that were carefully taken down from different parts of the country and painstakingly rebuilt in Bagac “brick by brick” and “plank by plank.”

These structures, all of them at least 100 years old, have been restored to their former grandeur to create a walk-through—or, for those who would opt to ride in one of Las Casas Filipinas’ caruajes (horse-drawn carriages), a drive-though–museum of Philippine architecture thatcelebrates Filipino ingenuity and craftsmanship.

Las Casas Filipinas also has El Museo, a museum showcasing artifacts from the Spanish times, functions rooms, and two restaurants: Marivent Café serves authentic Filipino-Hispanic dishes cooked the traditional way, while Taberna del Señor Pepe offers a variety of Spanish tapas, deli items, cocktails and hand-rolled cigars.

For those seeking to be pampered after a hard week of work and studies, a day tour to the New WellBeing Spa of the Lohas Hotel in Clark is an ideal weekend treat. Built on a three-hectare property around the former Red Villas Clubhouse, the Lohas Hotel is a 40-room condotel that has the largest spa in the region. The spa offers Swedish, shiatsu, aromatherapy and footmassages, but is best known for Jjimjilbang, a Korean-style sauna. This is a three-step sauna where guests first enter the hot sauna, then go to a warm room to rest, before entering an ice cold room. Guests can also use the spa’s jacuzzi before proceeding with the massage. Facial treatment services that use non-evasive, non-pricking techniques done by professionally-trained therapists are also available. Like all world-class hotels, the Lohas Hotel offers guests with their choice of food and beverage outlets: Café Mu, the Yummy Restaurant which serves Korean specialties, and the Open Cottage which is fast becoming a popular venue for garden-type wedding receptions and birthday parties. Nothing can top the wonderful experience of having had two destinations in two provinces of Central Luzon in one day via the SCTEX.

by the BCDA Public Affairs DepartmentPhotos credits: Agem O Alfafaras

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Profile

PA: When did you join BCDA and what was your position then?ARZ: I joined BCDA in June 1995 as Department Manager of Corporate Planning Department. I remember Mr. Isaac S. Puno III interviewed me and asked which department I would prefer–Planning Department or Subsidiaries Department. I chose the Planning Department because I wanted to first get an overview of BCDA operations. Working in the Corporate Planning Department afforded me familiarity of the scope and span of BCDA authority and BCDA projects.

PA: Did you ever see yourself being Executive Vice President of BCDA?ARZ: I did not think much about being Executive Vice President because I enjoyed my work too much in the Planning and Business Development Department. I’ve always thought of the EVP position as a very pressure-filled job, with a lot paper work, needs a lot of concentration, and entails the incumbent to be a jack-of-all-trades as all the burdens of the organization also fall on your shoulders.

PA: How do you feel now that you are handling another critical position?ARZ: Handling another critical position such as the EVP post is another challenge for me. I am aware that doing well in planning and business development does not automatically mean that you will excel as EVP. It helps that I am very realistic about the position. I take each day as it comes and temper my expectations. My attitude is that if it comes, then I am grateful; if not, then it’s also fine by me. I am also hopeful that if your intention is for the good of the organization, then the majority will realize and appreciate what you do. Of course, one cannot please

The visions of the new EVP

everybody. I will not even try. As long as I believe that I am doingwhat is right, then my decision stands. I try to be resolute but at the same timeopen to ideas, suggestions and sentiments of the personnel.

PA: As EVP, what is your personal goal for BCDA? What is your vision?ARZ: As EVP, I want to help the President/CEO and the BCDA Board gear BCDAfor greater things, more accomplishments, greater efficiency. More particularly,I look forward to working together with BCDA subsidiaries to successfullycomplete the conversion of Clark, Poro Point and John Hay into Freeportand Special Economic Zones which are bustling with economic activity,generating investments, exports, logistics services and employment,thereby spreading development to the host regions. In the course ofthis conversion, an effective relationship with BCDAsubsidiaries will beforged where the objectives of BCDA and the subsidiaries willconverge. There will be differences along the way but if the goalsare the same, it will be easy to agree on a common position. Weshould also trust our subsidiaries and our subsidiaries should alsorealize their responsibility and act accordingly. In short, my goalas EVP of BCDA is to effectively mobilize and harness all of BCDA’sresources to achieve BCDA’s mandate. The contribution ofeverybody is essential and important and it doesn’t matter ifyou are a rank and file employee or a Vice President. I planto work with everybody, whether I like him/her or not. Likingyour colleagues is a plus factor, but obviously it is not possibleto like all of them. I may not like you but I will always be readyto recognize your abilities and accomplishments.

PA: What do you perceive are your greatest challenges?ARZ: In BCDA, I think my greatest challenge is to re-orientthe mindset of people from control for control’s sake topro-activeness; to re-direct efforts from rule-making to“steering” BCDA’s partners, regulators and subsidiaries toundertake and contribute to conversion and developmentthe way these are envisioned. The natural tendency,especially in a government agency, is to set upbureaucratic rules to avoid legal cases. I believe thatthese rules may be necessary to a certain extent but notan end in themselves. For example, the Legal Departmentis there to help the organization do things within the legalframework, not to restrict initiative and new ideas. It mightbe necessary for the Finance Department to establishfinancial controls but this is not the true test of financialmanagement. The agenda of the Finance Departmentis primarily to gear BCDA financially, together with theBusiness Development and Operations Group, for BCDAdo more and better development projects. Thus,

Aileen R. Zosa

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The visions of the new EVPthe focus should be investments and financial viability in the midst of necessary but reasonable controls. For Corporate Services and Human Resources, these departments are support services which should align their activities with the organizational requirements to achieve BCDA’s priorities. The Subsidiaries, Affiliates and Monitoring Department is being strengthened to help identify areas for improvement in the joint venture projects and in the subsidiaries, in the course of their monitoring compliance with the contracts and performance agreements. In short, the overall thrust should be to facilitate better projects, not to stifle and control; to overcome obstacles, not to post hindrances.

PA: In your opinion, what are the strengths of BCDA as an institution?ARZ: The strengths of BCDA as an organization are the BCDA employees, from the lowest-ranking personnel to the BCDA Board (although the Board are not exactly employees, but I can say that the BCDA Board has that understanding and sincere concern for the BCDA employees). I say this because there is a real commitment in BCDA employees and in the BCDA Board to make BCDA an “achiever” as well as the desire to make BCDA a professional organization. I also fervently hope that this commitment stays and is strengthened and that the professionalism will be preserved and respected in the succeeding government administrations.

PA: How different was BCDA then and now?ARZ:BCDA has evolved over the years but I do not think that BCDA, as an organization, is very different then and now. There are more employees, more departments and therefore more bureaucratic layers. But I believe that the difference in the present BCDA from that of the past are the accomplishments. I remember during the anniversary celebration of BCDA this year, one former BCDA Chairman remarked about BCDA’s cash balance was P__ billion (amount purposely not mentioned to preserve confidentiality) during his time. My rejoinder was that the same amount is also BCDA’s cash balance at present. Then, General Abaya remarked that the value of such cash balance 17 years ago was much greater than that of today. Then, I got to thinking–such observation may be true BUT the cash balance 17 years ago was a BCDA where Bonifacio Global City and Newport City were still vacant land, where Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway was but a concept, when Clark Airport was just a runway, when Clark Freeport Zone was undeveloped land, when San Fernando Airport was a make-shift terminal structure with a house at the end of its runway. In short, the difference between BCDA then and now are the completed projects with a lot more value to BCDA’s asset base while maintaining BCDA’s financial viability.

PA: What is your guiding principle in life?ARZ: My guiding principle in life is to stand by what I believe in and do everything the best way I could. Corollarily, this is–to say what I mean and mean what I say. Currently, though, I hope to develop more fully a sense of fairness. I am beginning to realize that the EVP position entails decisions which impact on almost everybody, if not everybody, in the organization. Not like before when I was VP for a specific department, my focus was really just for my department and therefore I single-mindedly pursued an advocacy or objective from only one limited perspective. Now, I have to consider all sides of the issue and, for this, a keen sense of discernment and an open mind are very critical.

PA: How did you start your career? Were you always this successful?ARZ: I started my career with teaching math to Engineering students. I enjoyed it. They did not. Whatever“success” I have attained is always a challenge to do more and do better.

PA: What is the best recognition you’ve received in your life? ARZ: People saying that I am good in my work. I hope they were speaking the truth.

PA: What makes you happy?ARZ: Shopping. Do you need to ask?

PA: What other things keep you busy? ARZ: Shopping also.

PA: What are your hobbies and interests? ARZ: Shopping. Shopping. Shopping. I’m a shop-a-holic.

PA: As the new EVP, what is your message to the BCDA Corporate Family? ARZ:Just do your best.

THE TREESBonifacio Global City

“The Trees” is an artwork of Reynato Paz Contreras that forms part of the public art program of Bonifacio Arts Foundation Inc. (BAFI). Located at the Burgos Circle, the newest dining hotspot in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), this brass work of art is composed of three interlocking trees forming a canopy, symbolizing the circle of life.

About 12 artworks can be found inside BGC that gives a distinctive style and character to this emerging business district. BAFI dedicates to keep the whole city a balanced place–allowing its residents and tenants to “live, work and play.”

source: Bonifacio Arts Foundation Inc. (BAFI)