SBMA gets upgrade on GOCC Classification

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the upgrade of the classification of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as a Government Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC), pursuant to Executive Order no. 24 series of 2011.

The president also upgraded the classification of two other GOCCs - the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) and the Phividec Industrial Authority (Phividec).

In a Memorandum from Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin to Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, the President has approved the classification upgrade of the SBMA from C to B.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño expressed his gratitude to President Marcos for approving the upgrade of the agency’s classification, and to Finance Secretary Recto for facilitating the request for classification upgrade of the concerned GOCCs.

Chairman Alino also stated that the upgrade will provide better incentives for the Board of Directors as stewards of the SBMA, and as caretakers of the best interests of stakeholders in the Subic Bay Freeport zone.

“Their expertise is very much needed in boosting the development of Subic Bay Freeport, be it infrastructure, revenue collection, operations, or attracting more tourists and investors. I want them to not just be a part of the decision-making body, but also a reliable and dependable source of invaluable ideas and insights,” he said.

The upgrade in classification was cemented by 2023’s collection of operating revenues, amounting to P4.116 billion, the highest recorded in the history of the agency. Aliño said that this is the second year that the SBMA has breached the P4-billion mark in operating revenues, specifically at P4.057 billion.

He added that last year’s P4.116 billion operating revenue is higher than 2022’s operating revenue by P59 million, which is 1.5 percent higher.

According to the said memo that was received by the SBMA on Wednesday, the request for classification upgrade was granted after careful and stringent evaluation based on the provisions contained in Section 6 of EO 24 s.2011 entitled GOCC Classification. The said provision determines the maximum allowable compensation of the members of the Board of Directors/Trustees in GOCCs and government financial institutions.

The same section also provides that, for a GOCC such as the SBMA to be upgraded from C to B, the Agency is required to have assets worth equal or more than P25billion and or less than P100 billion, and revenues  equal or more than P2.5 billion and less than P10 billion.

The classification of the two other GOCCs, namely AFAB and Phividec, was upgraded from D to C after proving to have satisfied the criteria in Section 6 of EO 24, with assets worth more than or equal to P5 billion and less than P25billion, and revenues of more than or equal to P500 million and less than P2.5 billion.

The memo by ES Bersamin was addressed to Finance Secretary Recto, with copies sent to Chairman Aliño, AFAB Chairman Pablo Gangcayco, and Phividec Chairman Jesus Guevarra II. (SNL) 

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Subic-Clark Railway Project endorsed for Luzon Economic Corridor

The Subic-Clark Railway Project (SCRP), expansion of the Clark International Airport, and the Clark National Food Hub are among the high-impact projects offered to American and Japanese investors in the proposed Luzon Economic Corridor, which forms part of the Group of Seven (G7) Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII). 

 

During the trilateral meeting of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington DC early this month, it was unveiled that the G7 countries eye to develop the Luzon Economic Corridor. The Luzon Economic Corridor aims to establish connectivity in economic hubs in Luzon – Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas. 

Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said BCDA is optimistic that the inclusion of SCRP, expansion of Clark International Airport, and the Clark National Food Hub in the proposed Luzon Economic Corridor will help accelerate the implementation of these game-changing infrastructure projects, not just for the country but for the whole Indo-Pacific region. 

SCRP, a joint project with the Department of Transportation, is an integral part of the Philippine National Railways Luzon System Development Framework. Once completed, it will provide initial freight service between the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone, linking Subic Port with Clark International Airport and other major economic hubs in Central Luzon, especially New Clark City. 

BCDA is also embarking on the expansion of Clark International Airport, which includes the construction of a second runway, taxiways, aprons, and landside access roads and utilities, intended to cater to major logistics firms locating in Clark. 

Meanwhile, the BCDA subsidiary Clark International Airport Corporation will also develop the 64-hectare Clark National Food Terminal hub aimed at making the Philippines a leading agricultural resource hub in the region and the world. 

These three high-impact projects are BCDA's contribution to the efforts of Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go to drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the country and make the Philippines a top investment destination. (SNL)

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PH, US, Japan tie up to boost Luzon Economic Corridor, connectivity between Subic Bay, Clark, Manila & Batangas

The Philippines, United States and Japan have partnered on a venture that will boost connectivity between the key economic hubs of Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas comprising the Luzon Economic Corridor.

According to a joint statement of the leaders of the three nations following a trilateral meeting in Washington, D.C., the Luzon Economic Corridor is the latest economic corridor of the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) and the first in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Today we are launching the Luzon Economic Corridor, which will support connectivity between Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas in the Philippines,” the joint statement said.

Through this corridor, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States commit to accelerating coordinated investments in high-impact infrastructure projects.

These projects include rail, ports modernization; clean energy and semiconductor supply chains and deployments, agribusiness and civilian port upgrades at Subic Bay.

Japan has long been supporting connectivity in this area, including rails and roads, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

“We plan to work with multilateral organizations and the private sector to attract quality, transformative investments,” the statement said.

“Together we intend to hold a trilateral event promoting investment in the Luzon Corridor on the margins of the Indo-Pacific Business Forum in Manila in May—the premier U.S. commercial event in the region,” it added.

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation also intends to open a regional office in the Philippines to facilitate further investments across the Philippines.

According to the statement, the Luzon Corridor is a demonstration of the three nations’ enhanced economic cooperation, focused on delivering tangible investments across multiple sectors.

Japan, the Philippines, and the United States are also partnering to expand cooperation and investments in other areas of the Philippines. (SNL)

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SBMA pioneers in workplace reintegration of parolees, probationers

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Parole and Probation Administration (PPA), an attached agency under the Department of Justice (DoJ), recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that supports the reintegration of probationers, parolees, and pardonees into the workplace.

The MOA was signed between SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and Department of Justice-Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA) Administrator Atty. Bienvenido O. Benitez Jr. on Thursday, at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom.

According to Aliño, the workplace reintegration program is a silver lining for those who were deprived of liberty and be part of the social mainstream again.

“If you are a parolee, probationer or pardonee, people will tend to look down on you because of the social stigma from your past actions.  I honestly think though, that they should not be denied their right to work and provide financial support to their families,” he said.

He added that this stigma has hindered most of them from reintegrating into a workplace, as they are usually shunned by companies due to their past records.

Atty. Benitez expressed his gratitude to the SBMA for supporting the PPA’s workplace reintegration program since the agency is the first among the government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) that supported the project.

He lauded the efforts of the SBMA Labor Department led by Atty. Melvin Varias, for being instrumental in the realization of this proposal to reintegrate the parolees, probationers and pardonees (also known as clients) into the workplace,  to create employment opportunities and help rebuild the lives of former persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

According to the general conditions of the agreement, the SBMA and the PPA will jointly develop a workplace reintegration program for these clients that specifies its objectives and includes a register of the knowledge, skills, and competencies that these persons already have or acquired for skills-matching.

The SBMA and the DOJ-PPA will jointly monitor and evaluate the Workplace Reintegration Program.

The agreement also states that the supposed employment shall not constitute an employee-employer relationship between the SBMA and the clients, but shall be a partnership or joint venture between the agency and the DOJ-PPA, even beyond the scope of the agreement.

As the MOA also provides, the clients shall be personally responsible for any and all liabilities, injury to his/ herself or to property/ies or persons attributable to his/ her own fault or negligence while in the employ of employer establishment.

Meanwhile, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Atty. Ramon O. Agregado said that the SBMA is more than willing to help these clients get back into the workplace, adding that providing equal employment opportunities for them would be an honorable undertaking for the agency.

“For our part, we will facilitate the endorsement of potential and qualified clients through a Register of Eligibles (ROEs) to Subic Bay Freeport Zone locator-companies under the Workplace Reintegration Program,” he said.

He added that the SBMA will provide a quarterly update to the DOJ-PPA on the program, and coordinate and work closely with the administration in order to provide the needed support to achieve the MOA's objectives.

According to Atty. Benitez, the DOJ-PPA also plans to propose the program to Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC). (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA reaps ₱2.96-M savings from SPS project in 2023

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) reaped ₱2.96-million savings from using solar power energy from January to December of 2023.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño attributes these savings to the solar power system (SPS) project that the agency has undertaken as early as 2017.

“We are grateful that this renewable energy project saves a lot for the agency. With this, the agency could now just focus on important financial obligations,” he said.

Aliño added that the SBMA is currently reaping benefits from the solar power system projects in six areas, namely: Malawaan Park, Bldg. 229, Bldg. 255, Bldg. 662, Regulatory Bldg., and the Remy Field.

“Especially now that the weather is scorching hot, we need to protect our employees from heat stroke, and it will not cost us a single centavo because we are now harvesting from these solar power system,” Aliño added.

According to Engr. Eddie Ventura, SBMA Telecommunications Department officer-in-charge, this project was established in compliance with Republic Act 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, an act promoting the development, utilization and commercialization of renewable energy resources and for other purposes.

Ventura shared that for Remy Field, which started only in March 2023, and consumed 76,663 KWh at 9.3882/KWh, the SBMA saved ₱719,727.58. Also, in Bldg. 255, which consumed 70,475.55 KWh from January to October 2, savings amounted to ₱661,638.56. However, the system was temporarily shut down to give way for the building’s roofing rehabilitation project.

For the Regulatory Bldg., a savings of ₱652,386.02 was reaped from the 69,490KWh consumption; while the 52,434.43KWh consumption at the Bldg. 662 translates to ₱492,264.92 savings. Also, ₱439,680.76 was also saved from 46,833.34KWh consumption at the administration building.

Ventura recalled that the SPS project started in 2017 as a result of an external seminar on SPS conducted by Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (IECEP)-Zambales Chapter that electronics engineers attended.

Then Telecommunications Department manager, the late Engr. Joey A. Lacanlale, assigned Engr. Jefferson B. Llantada of the department’s Projects and Technical Services Division (PTSD) to do a research and use solar powered lightings in Malawaan Park.

Later on, an experimental 10-Kw Grid Tied SPS at Regulatory Building was done in 2018 and was successful. Hence, the department pursued more SPS projects spearheaded by Engr. Antonio G. Rafanan.

Ventura added that the solar power system project was implemented, primarily, to save on power consumption expenses and sell its excess energy to the Electric Cooperative; to comply with the green initiative, which is an effort to reduce pollution and waste, conserve resources and maintain 

an ecological balance, and the Power Savings Program; and also to promote sustainable development.

Meanwhile, Rafanan explained that with the SPS project, the agency not only reduced the use of non-renewable resources of energy, it is also started selling unused harvested power back to the grid in 2022.

He said that the Grid-Tied and Hybrid systems were also configured and applied to use net-metering, which is another source of savings for the agency aside from consuming harvested solar power.

The SPS project cost amounted to ₱22,643,760.83 in total. This includes ₱400,892.86 Off-Grid system in Malawaan Park, which started in 2017; ₱3,493,000 Grid-Tied in Regulatory Building, which started in 2018 at 10KW, then upgraded to 50KW in March 2022; ₱6,854,000 Grid-Tied in Bldg. 229 and Bldg. 255, as well as ₱3,095,000 Grid-Tied in Bldg. 662, all of which started in March 2022; and ₱8,800,867.97 Hybrid system in Remy Field, which started only in March 2023. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA prepares to hold bigger Subic International Marathon in 2025

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is now preparing to host the much-awaited Subic International Marathon (SIM) 2025 here in January.

Dubbed as “I Run For My Heroes”, the commemorative run will be held in honor of the Special Action Force (SAF) 44 heroes who sacrificed their lives in Maguindanao while neutralizing Malaysian terrorist and bomb-maker Zulkifli Abdhir and other Malaysian terrorists or high-ranking members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) back in 2015.

“It brings me great pleasure to welcome all to this exciting kick-off event. We are thrilled to be hosting the Subic International Marathon and to play a part in bringing this inspiring initiative to life within our community,” SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said. 

 

During its launching ceremony at the Riviera Hotel here, Aliño also recognized the bravery of the SAF 44 heroes for sacrificing their lives in exchange for the safety of the country. 

 

He added that the event also hails everyday heroes such as the police, nurses, firefighters, soldiers, doctors, family and friends who have become heroes to other people in their own rights. 

 

“We hail them for being heroes in our eyes as they provide us inspiration to become better citizens of our country,” he said.

 

Among the other top honchos present during the launching were SBMA Director Raul Marcelo, Tourism Manager Jamelle Camba, SIM Executive Director Gen. Samson Tucay, SIM Director and SAF Director Gen. Bernie Banac, and SIM Director and Extribe Managing Director Rosalyn Domingo Imperio.

 

“The event captures the essence of the motivation and inspiration behind participating in the SIM 2025. Each participant has their own personal heroes, whether they be family members, friends or admired figures, who have influenced and shaped their lives,” Banac said.

 

“By running for their heroes, participants channel their admiration, gratitude, and respect into their running journey, turning each step into a tribute to those who have made a difference,” he added. 

 

As the event is expected to draw around 5,000 runners from all walks of life, Marcelo stated that the SIM would become “the Boston Marathon of the Subic Bay Freeport.” (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA gets IT equipment donation from e-Konek Pilipinas

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) formally received the Information Technology (IT) equipment donated by e-Konek Pilipinas, Inc.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño himself accepted the donation from e-Konek Pilipinas, Inc. Chairman and President Theresita D. Eisma by signing the turnover document at the Seaport Administration Building conference room on Wednesday.

The donation package includes 20 sets of desktop PCs, three Appli iPads, and three large TV monitors, which will be used by the SBMA for services such as the electronic Transit Admission Permit System (eTAPS), Gatepass Management System (GMS), Trade Automation and Facilitation System (TAFS), and Automated Export Documentation System (AEDS).

According to SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Operations Ronnie Yambao, the donation is to support the SBMA in its various initiatives, serving to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the agency’s operations.

For his part, Chairman Aliño expressed his gratitude to e-Konek Pilipinas, Inc. for the donation, citing that these equipment will be beneficial in the shipping sector of the Freeport.

“We are grateful for the donation. Rest assured that these equipment we received will be fully utilized by the SBMA,” he added.

Eisma said that e-Konek Pilipinas, Inc. is a software solutions company niching on providing technology tools for the supply chain industry. The company develops and implements best-in-class computer systems for distribution, transport management, warehouse management, freight forwarding and trade regulatory clearances. (MPD-SBMA)

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Ocean Network Express adds Subic Bay calls on Southeast Asian service

Subic Bay International Terminals (SBITC), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) operation at the Port of Subic, is now part of Ocean Network Express’ (ONE) China-Thailand-Philippines (CTP) service.

The inaugural call of the CTP service to SBITC on 26 March was executed with the 2,741-TEU boxship MARINA ONE. The service links the Port of Subic to East Asia, complementing the existing route between the Philippines and Singapore by further enhancing convenience for customers. 

It also provides a direct link from Thailand to Subic via the Laem Chabang port.

With a turnaround time of 28 days, the service rotates through the following ports: Laem Chabang (Thailand), Cai Mep (Vietnam), Manila (Philippines), Subic (Philippines), Qingdao (China), Pusan (South Korea), Shanghai (China), Laem Chabang.

Operated by a consortium of ONE and Regional Container Lines (RCL), the CTP service utilizes four vessels ranging from 2,400 to 2,700 TEUs.

SBITC sits strategically within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales with access to major intra-Asia shipping routes, and serves as the gateway to northern and central Luzon. (SNL)

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Sanyo Denki opens P2.3-B phase 4 expansion project

Japanese firm Sanyo Denki Philippines, Inc. has formally opened the P2.3-billion phase 4 of its expansion project at the Subic Techno Park (STEP) inside this premier Freeport last March 22. 

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, the P2.3-billion Phase 4 expansion project includes the construction of a fourth factory building. 

He added that the expansion project will require an additional 1,500 workers to manufacture uninterrupted power supplies (UPS), cooling fans, servo amplifiers, and stepping motors. 

Aliño led the blessing and inauguration ceremony held inside the company’s grounds along with Sanyo Denki Philippines, Inc. Chairman Chihiro Nakayama, Director Koichi Uchibori, and President and CEO Hirokazu Takeuchi.

Takeuchi expressed his gratitude to the SBMA for its support in the expansion plans of the Japanese company, citing that the Subic Bay Freeport is the second home of Sanyo Denki as the parent company Sanyo Denki Co. Ltd. is located in Tokyo, Japan.

Currently, Sanyo Denki Philippines, Inc., which was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commision on January 25, 2000, and with the SBMA on March 9, 2000, has three factory buildings, and a technology center they opened in 2019. 

The company manufactures and repairs electric machineries, electric appliances, computer wares, electronic materials, and all parts and accessories, sells scrap materials, and has a workforce that grew to 4,851 employees as of December 2023.

The company became the top Subic locator in exports value in the first quarter of 2021, according to figures from the SBMA Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department with a freight-on-board (FOB) value of $79.5 million or almost 25 percent of the total exports from Subic posted from January to March 2021.

Sanyo Denki was among the very few Subic locators allowed to continuously operate during the Covid-19 pandemic that was under enhanced community quarantine conditions to build cooling fans for the ventilators used for Covid-19 patients. (MPD-SBMA)

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Biggest cruise ship to dock in Subic Bay makes maiden call

MV Serenade of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship yet to dock here, made its maiden call early this week. 

The MV Serenade of the Seas docked at the Leyte Wharf of the Subic Bay Freeport, as an arrival ceremony was held with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño leading the SBMA Board of Directors and agency employees in welcoming the passengers of the said cruise ship.

 

According to Chairman Aliño, the first to arrive this year is the MV Serenade of the Seas. He added that the Radiance-class cruise ship arrived on Monday, March 25. A total of eight cruise ships is set to arrive in this premier Freeport that is expected boost the tourism sector here.

 

“It is certainly a welcome sight to see a cruise ship docking here in Subic Bay. It means that this Freeport is still one of the ideal tourist sites for international cruise ships to visit,” Aliño said.

 

He also cited that the estimated Seaport revenue earned from the arrival of the MV Serenade of the Seas is approximately Php438,000.00. 

2,490 passengers and 891 crew members boarded buses for a tour around the Freeport either to buy souvenirs or immerse themselves in the many tourist attractions here.

 

“We are expecting seven more cruise ships to arrive, including the MV Costa Serena, arriving on November 13. The ship will berth at the Riviera Wharf and will carry around 3,700 passengers and 1,100 crew members on board,” Aliño added.

 

The projected Seaport revenues that the Freeport will earn from cruise ship arrivals this year is expected to amount to P3.3million as the arrival of more cruise ships will open business opportunities for micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to cater to the souvenir requirements and delicacy market of the tourists.

 

Aliño said that the SBMA has already set up safety measures for the passengers of the cruise ship, namely, an ambulance and fire truck on stand-by; law enforcers deployed for traffic and security; seaport personnel monitoring the berthing of the ship; a bus for guests who availed of the tour package; taxis for guests who wish to go around Subic Freeport; directional and safety signages; a waiting area to pickup passengers; and tower lights to illuminate the entire area.

 

In October and November of last year, a total of six cruise ship arrivals were recorded, which generated P789,400.3 in Seaport revenues. The MV Blue Dream Star arrived in Subic Freeport four times in October, and twice in November, with close to 4,000 passengers in total.

 

Aliño said that the cruise ship arrivals are a testament to the popularity of the Subic Bay Freeport to international tourists, indicating the revival of the tourism industry in this Freeport, after the debilitating pandemic during the previous years. (MPD-SBMA)

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$300M convention resort, casino launched in Subic Freeport

Subic Sun Convention Resort and Casino, Inc., a $300-million integrated complex was launched on Thursday to further boost the tourism industry here. 

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, Accor International Group is set to construct a world-class integrated leisure and convention center. 

 

“In a couple of years, the Ibis Styles and Mercure Hotels, which is affiliated with the Accor International Group, will be operating a world class integrated leisure and convention center in Subic Bay, which will be the very first integrated resort casino and hotel complex in the freeport,” Aliño said during the launch. 

 

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Subic International Hotel, Bravo Building Compound, which would soon become the Subic Sun Convention Resort and Casino Inc. 

 

According to Subic Sun Convention Resort and Casino Inc. Chairman and President Pablo Edgardo T. Puyat, “The operations are anticipated to begin in 2025, following the commencement of our $300 million investment commitment.”

 

“Both the Ibis Styles Subic and Mercure Subic are in the company’s economy and midscale segments, respectively. Ibis Styles Subic is set to open in 2026 and is the first internationally branded hotel in Subic,” he said. Ibis Styles Subic will offer 175 rooms and will feature amenities such as a swimming pool, meeting space, and a gym.

 

Ibis Styles is an economy hotel brand focused on in-style stays while the Mercure is a French midscale hotel brand, with both brands owned by ACCOR International Group. The Ibis Styles and Mercure Hotels are just part of the initial phase of the project.

 

Mercure Subic, also set to open in 2026, will offer 250 rooms and be the second internationally branded hotel in the area. It is located adjacent to Ibis Styles Subic. 

 

Puyat added, “A world-class integrated leisure and convention center will be constructed in progressive phases, encompassing a six-hectare property that will feature an integrated resort casino complex and five-star resort hotels.”

 

He said that aside from the convention center/ exhibition hall, the area will also have duty-free shops, dormitels, carpark, hotel and recreation center, Americana complex, Americana seaside clubhouse, American country club and the New Dragon Restaurant. 

 

Meanwhile, Chairman Aliño also remarked that with the additional facilities inside the Freeport, more tourists will now have hotels to stay in, since hotels inside Subic Bay Freeport are fully-booked even months before the start of the peak season. “It provides them with an alternative lodging inside the Freeport,” he added.

 

Accor is a French multinational hospitality company that owns, manages and franchises hotels, resorts and vacation properties. It is the largest hospitality company in Europe, and the sixth largest hospitality company worldwide.

 

Accor operates 5,584 locations in over 110 countries. Its total capacity is approximately 821,518 rooms (end 2023). It owns and operates brands in many segments of hospitality: Luxury (Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel), premium (MGallery, Pullman, Swissôtel), midscale (Novotel, Mercure, Adagio), and economy (ibis, hotelF1). Accor also owns companies specialized in digital hospitality and event organization, such as onefinestay, D-Edge, ResDiary, John Paul, Potel & Chabot and Wojo.

 

The company is headquartered in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France, and is a constituent of the CAC Next 20 index on the Paris stock exchange. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport eyes sisterhood pact with Spanish ports

In its proactive efforts to promote more businesses and marine vessel traffic in the Philippines and Spain, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials are now looking into seeking a sister port agreement with two Spanish ports.

This came after the Federation of Philippine American Chamber of Commerce (FPACC) delegation led by President of Tourism Numeriano V. Bouffard paid a courtesy visit to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño.

During the visit, Bouffard recommended that Subic Bay establish ties with the Ports of Barcelona and Bilbao.

“This is certainly welcome news to both our countries. Both the Ports of Barcelona and Bilbao are gearing towards conducting business in renewable energies, something that the Subic Bay Freeport could learn from,” Aliño said.

Aliño said that this agreement between the Subic Bay Freeport and the Ports of Barcelona and Bilbao will be through the business network of FPACC as part of their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the SBMA to promote mutual business interests, trade, and business.

Bouffard was in Subic Freeport to invite Aliño to be one of the panel speakers in the FPACC Business Event that will be held in Orlando, Florida in the United States of America in June this year.

The SBMA official also cited that the agency will be launching trade missions in Spain this year, particularly during the third quarter, and in June 2025 in Orlando and Mexico to promote Subic ports and target companies engaged in logistics, renewable energy and manufacturing.

Currently, the Port of Barcelona is in the process of establishing a new zero-emission nautical bus service powered by solar panels or hydrogen. The said nautical bus service will also be connected to an electrical grid.

The management board of the Port of Barcelona has also approved the use of six hectares of area in the energy wharf for future green fuels and manufacturing plants.

Meanwhile, the Port Authority of Bilbao is also preparing for the second phase of the central breakwater and the electrification of docks, providing ships with electricity while their engines are turned off. The electrification of these docks would reduce carbon dioxide emissions, sounds and vibrations. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, SEC sign agreement for investor education campaign

The Securities and Exchange Commission formally signed an agreement with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority to reaffirm its commitment to educate and protect the investing public against unauthorized investment schemes and promote financial literacy through investor education. 

SEC commissioner Karlo S. Bello signed the memorandum of agreement with SBMA chairman and administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño on Feb. 27 at the SBMA Administration Building here. 

The agreement named SEC Communication, Advocacy and Network (SEC-CAN!) as a channel for the SEC and SBMA to collaborate on information, education and communication initiatives aimed at raising awareness on business and capital markets, financial literacy, smart and sustainable investing, company registration process and reportorial requirements. 

It shall also undertake activities relative to the implementation of the SEC Anti-Scam and Illegal Taking of Investments Group (SEC-ASTIG) which is focused on raising awareness of and educating the general public on investment scams and other fraudulent schemes. 

“Our partnership represents more than just a contract, it embodies our shared vision, values, and commitment to excellence. Through this agreement, we are forging stronger bonds, fostering innovation, and paving the way toward sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone,” Bello said. 

For his part, Aliño expressed profound gratitude for this collaboration that, he said, will boost economic activities and development in Subic Bay. It will also protect the locators, stakeholders and the whole freeport zone community against illegal investment-taking activities and other predatory practices carried out through the misuse of the corporate vehicle, he added. 

Under the agreement, the SEC and SBMA will work together to design and develop financial literacy programs and investment scam awareness activities, allowing the stakeholders of Subic Bay to gain knowledge on financial and debt management. 

Also present during the signing ceremony were SEC Tarlac Extension Office director Richard R. Laus, SBMA deputy administrator for business group John V. Aquino and SBMA business and investment department for ICT officer-in-charge Panfilo S. Jurilla. (punto.com.ph)

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Sharp eyes Subic Bay for renewable energy hub

Sharp Solar Solution Asia is setting its eyes on transforming Subic Bay Freeport into a renewable energy hub in the region.

This move aligns with the country's broader initiative to embrace green energy solutions, following recent policy shifts that encourage foreign investment in the renewable sector.

During a recent visit to Subic, Sharp's CEO Hideyuki Inada discussed with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Eduardo Aliño the potential for solar energy farm projects within the freeport zone.

 

This initiative is not only a testament to the growing trust and confidence in the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s renewable energy programs but also leverages Japan's favorable foreign exchange rates, enhancing Sharp's competitiveness in the global solar energy market. 

Sharp's successful operation of solar farms across Vietnam, Thailand, Mongolia, and Laos, alongside its existing projects in the Philippines, underscores its capability and commitment to advancing solar energy solutions.

The entry of Sharp into the Subic Bay Freeport signifies a positive shift in the investment climate, promising substantial economic and environmental benefits. 

The partnership is expected to bolster the Philippines' position as a leading destination for green energy investment, spurred by recent legislative changes that allow 100 percent foreign ownership in renewable energy projects. 

These reforms have already led to a surge in investment applications, including offshore wind and floating solar projects, highlighting the country's potential to generate significant employment opportunities in the renewable sector. (bnnbreaking.com)

Source:https://bnnbreaking.com/finance-nav/business/sharp-solar-solution-asia-eyes-subic-bay-for-renewable-energy-hub-boosting-philippines-green-initiatives

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Rescued dolphin undergoes rehabilitation in Subic Bay

A male rough-toothed dolphin named 'Hart' has been rescued and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Ocean Adventure theme park in Subic Bay Freeport, following multiple stranding incidents in Pangasinan. 

Despite several attempts to release him back into the wild, Hart was found to have health issues and is now receiving specialized care, including antibiotics, liver support, and physical therapy to address mild scoliosis.

Hart was initially discovered in Barangay Aloleng, Agno, Pangasinan, on February 13. After multiple re-stranding incidents, it became clear that Hart required specialized care beyond what could be provided in his initial recovery setting. 

Recognizing the severity of his condition, rescuers made the decision to transfer him to Ocean Adventure's dolphin rehabilitation facility on February 20, a move aimed at providing Hart with the best possible chance for recovery. Operated by Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc., Ocean Adventure is equipped to offer comprehensive care for marine mammals in distress.

Hart is receiving an array of treatments designed to address both his immediate health issues and the underlying conditions that contributed to his stranding. This includes antibiotics to fight infections, liver support to aid in his overall health, and electrolytes and supplements to ensure he receives the necessary nutrients.

Additionally, Hart is undergoing physical therapy to correct mild scoliosis in his peduncle, a condition suspected to have developed due to the limited swimming space available during his initial rehabilitation period. 

Subic Bay Ocean Adventure is renowned for its dedication to the rehabilitation of marine mammals, making it the ideal location for Hart's long-term recovery. (bnnbreaking.com)

Source: https://bnnbreaking.com/world/philippines/rescued-rough-toothed-dolphin-hart-undergoes-rehabilitation-in-subic-bay

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