Subic flounders; an achievement is documented

The column today discusses two situations – one where definite direction is lacking thus benefits are not optimized, while the other is an example of clear direction and focused implementation leading to record achievements.

Quo vadis Subic?

Should Subic be an eco-tourism site or an industrial hub? This question remains a burning issue that needs chewing on.

After featuring the views of those supporting industrialization of Subic, below is an input from George U. Lorenzana who introduces himself as the private sector representative and co-chairman of the tourism committee of the Region III Development Council.

Tourism at Subic lagging behind

“Lately, tourism in Subic has lagged behind. Part of the many reasons behind this is the virtual abandonment of the Subic International Airport as a gateway; the closure of a big casino/hotel; the slow redevelopment of the golf course; the corporate problem that the yacht club is undergoing; loss of duty-free shopping advantages; and many more.

“There are also lost opportunities, i.e., rainforest ecotourism and Subic Bay activities, tours to include Bataan and Zambales, Clark Airport departing and arriving passengers, development of Taiwan (the closest country with Kaohshung just 40 minutes by air travel) as a tourist market, etc.

No budget, plan for tourism

“We were also informed that there is no specific budget allocated for further development of tourism assets, i.e., the convention center, Pamulaklakin (an ideal tourism site), mangrove areas in Subic/SBMA, neglect of shipwreck diving sites, etc.

“There is also no cohesive tourism development plan that should include contiguous areas around Subic Bay and the rainforest.

“We feel both tourism and light industries still have very strong potentials in the Subic area, i.e., Clark International Airport, developed seaport, the best Philippine road system, safety, peace and order, the inherent advantages of a freeport, and many others.

“While it has been decided to go after the convention market, clearer direction to be a convention center outside of Metro Manila is needed.

Subic as a convention site

“As a convention site, there are several advantages that Subic has over Manila, i.e., ambience, bonding effect on participants (no distractions), ease of traffic, community focus, much cleaner air (effects of the rainforest and Subic Bay), the presence of good attractions, adequate and reasonable hotel and restaurant prices, lure of Subic as a microcosm of an “American” community, gated (safe), and duty free shopping (two malls that opened recently added to the lifestyle and tourism impact on the community).

“What will help is a clear plan to include environs and highlight the advantages of going to Subic for a convention cum vacation. This is not to belittle that age-old advantage of Subic as a weekend (holiday) vacation haven and company outing destination for Metro Manila residents and businesses.

“A review of the SBMA and local governance structure is suggested, i.e., a common tourism development authority for SBMA, Olongapo, Subic town and Morong, and separate budgets for tourism and industrial development.

“Note that Subic tourism assets mentioned pose as a bonus for investors in the area. On the other hand, most tourism enterprises consider the daily needs of business enterprises also as a boon, i.e., restaurants, spas, night entertainment, long term leases on hotel rooms, place to stay for their visitors, etc.

Stakeholders’ summit

“A stakeholders’ summit can and should include a comprehensive strategy for both objectives.

“Last but not least, the area is big enough for both objectives, especially if one includes areas along SCTEX, Bataan and the town of Subic.

Lorenzana’s suggestion of holding a stakeholders’ summit is a good idea not just to map out a comprehensive strategy for both objectives, but also to determine just how much focus should be given to Subic in terms of eco-tourism and industrial development.

If the stakeholders’ meeting will help government draw up a more definitive policy about Subic and its environs, then by all means, let’s do it.

5: A Tribute to Excellence

A concrete program implemented with single-minded determination and focus leading to historic achievements need to be documented so lessons learned are not easily forgotten. With this objective, Arben Santos, a well-known personality in the shipping industry and unquestionably an Ateneo fanatic, organized a team to initiate the publication of such document with the support of the Ateneo de Manila University 61/65/69 Foundation.

The group is coming out with the book, “5: A Tribute to Excellence,” a detailed narrative with a comprehensive photo selection on the phenomenal rise of the AdMU’s Blue Eagles basketball team culminating in the historic “five-peat” wins in UAAP Season 75.

This documentation of the five consecutive championships of the Blue Eagles from 2008 to 2012 is a remarkable feat that should inspire future generations of Ateneans, apart from instilling invaluable lessons on the value of hard work and determination.

Arben emphasized that “Student first, athlete second” was the motto followed when AdMU’s model basketball program as initiated in 1999. The five-peat win reflects the glory that not only rewards the discipline and devotion required of athletes, but also affirms the principle of striving for excellence that is ingrained in all Ateneans, Arben added.

The book will narrate in detail how the refreshed Ateneo basketball program started in 1999 and resulted in the 2002 championship, which was then followed by stumbling blocks, setbacks, and frustrations encountered along the way until that crowning glory of five consecutive UAAP championships.

The book is written by popular sports blogger Rick Olivares, an Atenean, and Ateneo English professor and multi-awarded author Alfred “Krip” Yuson. It features over 200 photos from the files of the official Atenean photographer Philip Sison who covered practically all the Ateneo games. The book designer is distinguished Atenean graphic artist Franco Sevilla.

“5: A Tribute to Excellence” will be launched at Ayala Museum on June 7, 5:30 p.m. Those who wish to make advance orders may call Cherry at 521-5596  or Gemma at 892-7182.

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