SBMA, SBF stakeholders hold 2nd Prayer Breakfast

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) gathered stakeholders to hold its 2nd Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) Prayer Breakfast with leaders of various religious sectors from surrounding localities at the Mini Golf Course on January 6, 2026.

 “This Prayer Breakfast is our humble acknowledgement that every plan, every decision, and every success must begin with faith and surrender to His will,” SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said. 

“Amid our responsibilities and challenges, we pause to seek God’s wisdom, strength, and guidance. We come together as one community, different in roles and beliefs, yet united in our trust in the One who leads, protects, and provides,” he added.

San Roque Chaplain Father Emmanuel Montes, Saalam Advocacy Group Chapter President Ustadz Sam Maharum, and Bishop Noel Pantoja of the Evangelical Church were among the religious leaders who led the ecumenical mass during the said Prayer Breakfast.

The SBF Prayer Breakfast is patterned after the Philippine National Prayer Breakfast, an annual event where leaders from government, business, and faith communities gather at the Malacañang Palace grounds to pray for the nation, emphasizing faith, unity, integrity, and service.

Inspired by the U.S. National Prayer Breakfast and founded by Gil Puyat and Francisco Ortigas Jr. in 1975, the most recent event was held on November 18, 2024, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The SBF Prayer Breakfast serves as a platform for leaders and local governments to set aside political and ideological differences and come together in prayer and seek guidance for the nation’s progress.

Chairman Aliño further said, “As we move forward into the year ahead, may God bless the work in our hands, guide the leaders of this Freeport Zone, and grant us clarity in every decision we make. May this time of prayer renew our commitment to the greater good; not only for the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, but for the people and communities we are called to serve.”

The 1st SBF Prayer Breakfast was held last January 13, 2025, and will continue to be held annually in Subic Bay Freeport, as a time out from political and ideological differences, and come together in prayer to seek guidance for the nation’s progress. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Ret. US Navy educates SBF stakeholders on Box Jellyfish Awareness and Treatment

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Public Health and Safety Group (PHSD) has tapped the expertise of United States Navy retired Chief Petty Officer Michael Walls to educate stakeholders here on Box Jellyfish Awareness and Treatment.

 

Around 218 participants, mostly SBMA employees, locators, residents, guests, and other SBF stakeholders, Association of Ambulance Operators in Olongapo and Zambales, and other medical responders, especially locators in the beach resort business, took part in the seminar held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on May 9, 2025.

 

"We are seeing more jellyfish now than in previous years," Wells said.

 

“Stings from the box jellyfish can be fatal, especially in children," Walls added. He expounded further by imparting ways on how to avoid incidents of jellyfish stings, as well as immediate treatment when subjected to such.

 

According to the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman-College of Science, the box jellyfish is known for its distinctive box-like appearance and potent venom that can cause potentially systemic effects, which if not immediately addressed, could be fatal.

 

The Chironex yamaguchii, a dangerous species of box jellyfish known to originate from Japan, is also present in Philippine waters, as well as in the Indo-Pacific and Western Pacific regions. Their tentacles can inflict extreme pain, cause skin injuries with welts, and even trigger heart attacks and death.

 

The Box Jellyfish Awareness and Treatment seminar, which aims to promote critical knowledge that could help save lives in case of a box jellyfish sting, is part of the SBMA’s Public Health and Safety Group’s Health and Wellness Caravan. (MPD-SBMA)

 

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SBMA, SubicWater sign 20-yr. franchise agreement anew

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Subic Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (SubicWater) have extended their franchise agreement (FA) for another 20 years.

 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño welcomed this development as their partnership with the agency has been harmonious since they started here.

 

The 3rd Amendment to the franchise agreement and the 4th Amendment to the SBMA-SubicWater Lease Agreement were signed yesterday at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom at Building 229, extending their FA term until March 31, 2047.

 

The agreements were signed by Chairman Aliño, SubicWater Chairman Engr. Apollo C. Tiglao, and witnessed by Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr. and SubicWater CEO and General Manager Benjamin Antonio III.

 

Chairman Tiglao said that under the amendment, “The SubicWater shall conduct its operation aiming to achieve 100 percent wastewater coverage including combined sewerage and sanitation services for Subic Bay Freeport and Olongapo City.”

 

He also said that this endeavor would be more beneficial to SubicWater’s customers as Olongapo City will now have wastewater services and sewer lines.

 

Additionally, SubicWater can now expand its services to far-flung areas of Subic Freeport such as Redondo Peninsula and Tipo area as a result of the amendment.

 

Meanwhile, Mayor Paulino also expressed his gratitude to the SBMA and SubicWater for the continued services of the water company. “We wanted SubicWater to expand their services, we have been clamoring for the wastewater coverage in Olongapo City,” he added.

 

“We really appreciate that we are involved in the process. Special thanks to SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Atty. Ramon Agregado for advocating for the benefit of Olongapo City and all other constituents,” he added. (MPD-SBMA)

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P1.1B dormitory complex to open in Subic Freeport

 A P1.1-billion dormitory complex is set to be constructed soon to become the site for a "home away from home" for some 6,000 employees working here. 

 

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño on March 19, 2025 led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a five-storey building.

 

"This is why I cannot hide how overjoyed I am today,"  SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said about the realization of his dreams for SBF workers. 

 

The chairman was elated over the start of the realization of his dream of providing housing facilities to the workers of this premier Freeport. 

 

“To me, this is the first step towards the realization of a strong, comfortable and peaceful way of life for our Freeport workers, the same as the dream of our dear President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for every Filipino in the country,” he added.

 

“In fact, this dormitory project is in response to the President’s instructions in connection with his Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino, or 4PH program,” he continued.

 

Isuzu Gencars Inc. General Manager Edgard Cabangon said that the collaboration between his company, the SBMA, and RDBT Construction Corporation has identified several worker dormitories as priority projects that recognize the need for affordable, accessible, and decent housing within the Freeport.

 

He said that by building these dormitories close to factories, industrial areas, and technoparks, it not only improves the workers' efficiency, but also helps companies and employees reduce the cost of living.

He also cited that this initiative will also ease traffic congestion by reducing the number of vehicles and commuters on the road, contributing to a greener and more sustainable environment. 

 

According to Cabangon, this proposal is the first of its kind in the Freeport zone, which offers large-scale accommodations catering to workers, employees, and even students of nearby schools and colleges. 

 

RDBT Construction Corporation will be constructing the five buildings, which includes four dormitory blocks and an administrative building, all of which are rising at five storeys, on a one-hectare parcel of land. 

Architect Rafael Demacio Tecson, RDBT Construction Corp. CEO said that each dormitory block will have 188 units, with an approximate bed capacity of 1,500, which is 6,000 beds in total. 

 

Tecson said that the common areas will be designed to allow natural ventilation, which is key for the green structure development. This does not only improve indoor air quality, but also promotes the health and well-being of everyone using the space. 

 

Each dormitory is designed for eight occupants, shared by four people at a time. The layout shows smooth traffic flow, allowing residents to take turns using the shared bath, toilet and lavatories without overcrowding.

 

The ground floor will be used as commercial spaces including laundry services, 24/7 convenience store, a cafeteria, coffee shops, and restaurants, providing essential services for the workers throughout their stay. 

 

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Group Renato Lee III said that the dormitory complex is a testament of both investor confidence in the SBMA and our readiness for the influx of jobs in the zone. 

“We are very optimistic in the investment attractiveness of the country because of the benefits of CREATE MORE or RA 12066, the government's efficiency and accountability brought about by the strict implementation of the EASE of Doing Business Act or RA 11032 and the overall reduction in the cost of doing business here in the Philippines,” Lee said.

 

“I have no doubt that we will be able to generate more investments in the coming years. When you generate investments, you generate jobs. But what is crucial here is not just Subic Freeport being investment-ready, but employment-ready as well,” he added.

 

Lee added that it is where the project plays a crucial role in the overall direction of the SBMA by making sure that the Freeport workers are also taken care of. (MPD-SBMA)

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91 Cagayan Valley students troop to SBF for Fire Dept educ’l tour

Some 91 students from the University of Cagayan Valley (UCV) visited the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)-Fire Department (FD) as part of their educational tour last March 5 and 12, 2025.

 

SBMA Fire Chief Ranny D. Magno states, "This group of UCV Criminology interns is the second batch of learners. The first batch was here last March 5. The educational tour is part of the Open Fire House Program for the 2025 Fire Prevention Month." 

 

“We chose to practice fire safety in the family and the community. The theme is for us to be aware of fire safety”, he added.

 

Fire Officer Kevin Cerezo provided a briefer on the importance of fire prevention month. Meanwhile, Magno, who supervised the activity, gave a lecture on fire prevention and protection.

 

During the demonstration, four participants experienced wearing firefighting equipment which consisted of bunker gear, boots, helmets, gloves, masks, and breathing apparatus.

 

To break the ice and add a little hype to the tour, the official mascot of the SBMA Fire Department, Sparky, challenged two female participants wearing firefighting equipment to a dance contest.

 

The students shared their appreciation from the learnings and new experiences they received, adding that their respect for firefighters and the sacrifices they make further heightened their admiration for the profession.  They also cited the nobility of being a firefighter owing to the life-threatening risks that are entailed each time they respond to a fire call.

 

Jermaine Flores, a UCV instructor, commended the SBMA Fire Department as a perfect training venue for fire prevention and protection for succeeding UCV on-the-job training students.

The SBMA Fire Department is the key firefighting and emergency response force within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.  It is popular for its quick response time and commitment to fire prevention, rescue operations, and customer service. (MPD-SBMA)

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Neighboring LGUs around SBF receive ₱143M revenue shares

Neighboring local government units (LGUs) around this premier free port received their revenue share of ₱143 million from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño explained that the revenue shares accorded to neighboring LGUs are given to seven municipalities and a city surrounding Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) to supplement their development funds in communities and enhance LGU projects in tourism, infrastructure, education, peace and order, health, and livelihood generation.

 

Aliño also shared that the amount is determined according to 50 percent population, 25 percent land area, and 25 percent equal sharing. 

 

Olongapo City received the significant chunk with ₱33.48 million as the most populated LGU, followed by Subic, Zambales at ₱21.48 million; Dinalupihan, Bataan at ₱17.83 million; and San Marcelino, Zambales at ₱17.19 million.

 

Meanwhile, Hermosa, Bataan received ₱15.33 million; Castillejos, Zambales at ₱13.02 million; Morong, Bataan at ₱12.66 million; and San Antonio, Zambales at ₱12.17 million.

 

According to the SBMA Accounting Department, the amount released accounted for two percent of the five percent tax on gross income paid by freeport locators from July to December 2024. The other three percent of the taxes paid are remitted directly to the national government. 

 

The LGU shares are released bi-annually. The first-semester collection is released in August, while the second-semester collection is released in February of the following year. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA enjoins SBF investors to Yuletide contests

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is enjoining companies and stakeholders inside this premier Freeport to participate in the competitions this Christmas season. 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño announced that the first contest called “Paskong Pinoy Parol Making Contest” is open to all Subic Bay stakeholders and locators, an idea he came up with during a meeting with the Hospitality Alliance of Subic Bay, a local tourism organization here, during a meeting last month. 

“As a sign of unity amongst our stakeholders, can we have a single motif this year? I want it to be Paskong Pinoy to commemorate our Filipino heritage. I want you all to decorate your establishments with the traditional red, white and green colors of Christmas,” he instructed. 

The chairman said that the Paskong Pinoy Parol Making Contest aims to enliven the Christmas spirit here with a unified front, adding that the parol-making contest also provides employees of locators here with a platform to show their creativity. 

“Bellenisimo in Tarlac has been a great example of a community coming together and showing the Christmas spirit in their home town, and I want to do the same here in Subic where 162,891 freeport workers consider this place as their second home,” he added.

The Paskong Pinoy Parol Making Contest is open to all Subic Bay Freeport stakeholders, individual or group of ten. The Christmas lantern must embody the spirit of Filipino Christmas traditions. 

The size of the Christmas lantern should be ten feet by ten feet, with materials that conform to the agency’s thrust of sustainable tourism, by incorporating at least 70 to 80 percent recycled or biodegradable materials. 

The parol should have proper illumination, preferably LED lights, solar-powered lights, or other low-energy consuming lighting, and must avoid combustible materials or electrical systems.

For more details, visit tinyurl.com/SBParolMakingContest2024. (MPD-SBMA)

 

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Subic tourism stakeholders bare collaborative plans for ber months

The resident tourism stakeholders here presented various activities that will add boost to the tourist arrivals inside this premier Freeport for the rest of the ber months. 

The presentation of activities was made during the Talakayan sa Freeport media forum held at the Weltz Bar of the Terrace Hotel on Monday by Hospitality Alliance of Subic (HAS) President of Corporate Affairs Pamela Khonghun, who bared their plans for October, November and December here. 

“This coming October, we are promoting the Subic Bay Hauntfest 2.0, since the first one was launched last year. To recap, we held the hauntfest at the Rotonda Food Park of the Moonbay Marina with our members having their stalls and presentations,” she said.

The event was held on October 31, 2023, which included a Trick or Treat, Magic Show, Halloween Costume Competition, and a Block Party. Khonghun mentioned Luke Mijares, DJ Arhiz Picache, Sweet Patatas, Ultimasia, and 8oz as their featured performers during the Block Party.

Last year’s celebration also held the Halloween Skele-bration wherein tourists participated in the costume contest at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall. She said that tourists were able to Trick or Treat at various hotels inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“This year, we are planning to hold the Subic Bay Hauntfest 2.0 at the Boardwalk Area. There will be many activities, with most of last year’s activities to be held again this year. It will be as grandiose as last year’s celebration,” she said.

Khonghun also disclosed the newest project in collaboration with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), which is Paskuhan sa Boardwalk that will feature the “12 Days of Christmas” Food Fair, a Parol Making Competition, and a Caroling Competition. 

The HAS will collaborate with other tourism stakeholders here and create uniform Christmas lanterns to will be displayed, lighted up and featured at the Boardwalk Area and make the area lively during the Yuletide season. The group aims to boost the number of visitors in the area where most hotels are situated within a stone’s throw. 

Khonghun said that the alliance is opening its doors to local media practitioners to further promote their endeavors. 

She also expressed her gratitude to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño for continuously collaborating and supporting the endeavors of the HAS in promoting this premier Freeport as a tourist destination. (MPD-SBMA)

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2 e-PUVs roam the streets of SBF on test run for 2 weeks

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) inaugurated its public transportation project with the test run of two fully electric public utility vehicles (e-PUVs) around the central business district (CBD) here from September 13 to 27. 

In collaboration with the Basic Energy Corporation, the company behind the Green Energy E-Transport Program (GEEP), this project was conceptualized primarily to provide free or low-cost transportation services to Subic Freeport stakeholders, as part of the wellness program of SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño to improve the quality of life of the local populace.

Aliño lauded the hard work of the SBMA’s committee on public transportation, chaired by Deputy Administrator for Finance Antonietta Sanqui, for the expeditious formulation and pursuance of a roadmap and action plan geared towards achieving a more accessible and affordable yet sustainable and energy-efficient transportation for residents, employees, tourists, and all other stakeholders of the free port. 

The Agency chief added that the e-PUVs on test run will be used to ferry commuters from CBD-A bus stop situated at the Golden Dragon Restaurant parking area, and CBD-B bus stop at the Kalaklan Terminal.

The ePUVs made its inaugural run here during the second Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) for its ecotour on Wednesday and Thursday. 

“These ePUVs that were used to take tourism summit participants to their designated ecotours here and in Zambales aim to reduce carbon emissions in Subic Bay,” he said.

Basic Energy Corporation is a publicly listed holding company in the Philippines that has business interests in various fields of renewable energy and alternative fuels, and oil and gas exploration and development.

The renewable energy company continues to fuel the Philippines’ vibrant energy sector with the breadth and depth of its projects and technical knowledge. It aims to be the leading developer of alternative and renewable energy, oil and allied products and services in the country. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA, Subic companies augment equipment to control oil spill in Bataan

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Subic Freeport community have mobilized additional equipment to control the oil spill in Bataan.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the SBMA has allowed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to use its 160-meter spill boom last Friday to help contain the oil spill from the MT Terra Nova that sank off the waters of Limay town on Thursday.

Aliño said that the SBMA is willing to provide any assistance to the PCG by lending equipment from the agency’s Seaport Department. The SBMA helped the PCG provide the needed equipment at the Subic Bay Yacht Club (SBYC).

“We hope that they would also use it not just for the MT Terra Nova incident, but also for the MTKR Jason Bradley that sank on the coastal waters of Mariveles,” he added.

The SBMA conducted an emergency meeting thru Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao last week to discuss the deployment of the oil spill boom using the PCG’s BRP Suluan.

Meanwhile, two towage companies were also tapped to assist in containing the oil spill from MT Terra Nova using their expertise, equipment, and tugboats. Yambao identified the companies as Harbor Star Shipping Services Inc. and Malayan Towage and Salvage Corp.

“The two companies have requested from the Operations Branch of the Seaport Department to exit the Port of Subic to respond to the oil spill in Limay,” he added.

Harbor Star Shipping Services Inc. mobilized siphoning equipment to extract at least 300,000 liters of industrial fuel oil (IFO). At least 50,000 liters of IFO are targeted to be siphoned per day.

Recently, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) held a joint meeting with the national and regional disaster risk reduction committee to address the Bataan oil spill incident.

DILG Sec. Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. led the meeting along with the National at Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils.

Bataan Gov. Joet Garcia, Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda, and other government agencies were also present to discuss possible actions to avert massive oil spill in the region. (MPD-SBMA)

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“Lab for All” caravan goes to Subic Freeport

Lab for All Caravan made its current stop at the Subic Bay Exhibition (SBECC) in this premier Freeport on Tuesday to provide free medical services to more than 3,500 people here, including the first district of Zambales. 

The Lab for All Caravan, a flagship project of the Office of the First Lady, was formally opened by the First Lady herself, Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos. 

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, who welcomed the First Lady during her visit to the Freeport, expressed honor for the agency’s being chosen to host the event. 

“It is an honor for us to hold the Lab for All Caravan here,” Aliño said. 

Araneta-Marcos expressed her gratitude to the national government agencies who participated in the Lab for All Caravan, providing much-needed medical consultations, medicine and surgery for free to almost 4,000 beneficiaries. 

She also thanked the local officials from the provinces of Zambales, Pampanga, and Bataan for showing support to the project, and for also showing unity with their constituents during the event. 

During the opening program, the Lab for All jingle was also introduced, which the guest government elected officials learned to dance to. 

The First Lady, Chairman Aliño, Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda, Pampanga Vice Governor Lilia Pineda, Bataan Representative Geraldine Roman, Zambales First District Representative Jay Khonghun, and other guest government officials took part dancing to the Lab for All jingle.

Meanwhile, the SBMA Board of Directors, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Director Rolen Paulino, and other guest government officials also took part in the activities.

The guest agencies in the event include the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade Industry (DTI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Pag-Ibig, and PhilHealth.

Chairman Aliño said that the SBMA is always ready to support any national government endeavors, especially programs that benefit the masses. “Our doors in Subic Bay Freeport are always open. It is an honor for us to be of service to our people,” Aliño said. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA, DHSUD sign MOU on employee housing in Subic Freeport

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) at the Corporate Boardroom of the Administration Building, for the establishment of employee housing here in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ).

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the MOU on the housing project inside the SBFZ will benefit the employees of the agency. 

Meanwhile, DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar stated that the housing project is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

“This housing project will greatly benefit SBMA employees especially those who fall within the low income bracket, so they can also afford to buy housing units that they can call home. Thank you Secretary Acuzar for this wonderful gift to the SBMA workforce,” Aliño said.

The SBMA official also shared that the Socialized Housing Project will last up to 50 years where the beneficiary will be given a Certificate of Ownership of Leasehold Rights, instead of a title. 

“Those who will qualify as beneficiary shall receive a five percent subsidy on the interest rate from the DHSUD. In addition, while PAG-IBIG's regular interest rate is 6.25 percent, under the 4PH Interest Subsidy Program of DHSUD, it will be just 1.25 percent,” Aliño said.

Secretary Acuzar vowed his full support to the SBMA's shelter provision initiatives for its workers and locators alike, citing that the former US naval base's strategic location and infrastructures that are already in place are ideal for the development of inclusive housing communities under 4PH.

DHSUD Undersecretary Emmanuel Pineda, Regional Office 3 Director Julius Enciso, the SBMA Board of Directors, SBMA officials and other DHSUD officials witnessed the signing ceremony. (MPD-SBMA)

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500 SBF, Olongapo City workers unite in human cross to support the World Day for Safety & Health at Work

Around 500 participants of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Labor Department’s Zumbathon event gathered at the Remy Field here as an affirmation of their support to the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

Participants of the human cross came from various Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) locators, local government unit (LGU) of Olongapo City, Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital, Allied Care Experts Medical Center-Baypointe, Lab1, Zumba group of Olongapo City, Batang Gapo Riders Club, and the SBMA.

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work, which was slated on April 28, was celebrated on May 3 to coincide with the Labor Day activities prepared by the SBMA Labor Department.

Now in its second year, the formation of the human cross event was organized by Dr. Evelyn Lozano-Natividad, President of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine in partnership with the SBMA Labor Department.

Natividad expressed her heartfelt gratitude not only to the participants but also to the generous sponsors who provided light snacks, freebies, medical samplers, as well as premium items for the Zumbathon winners.

Wearing green shirts, participants of the human cross also enjoyed the Zumbathon, which followed right after the assembly.

Among the sponsors were Adva Shield, Anlene, Bonamine, Flanax, Kalbe, Multicare, OCPLCI, Olongapo City Medical Society, Philippine Academy of Family Physicians, Inc., Polarmarine, Rotary Club of Metro Olongapo, UAP, Westmont, Inova Pharma, and Pocari Sweat.  

Also joining the event were Olongapo City Vice Mayor Jong Cortez, SBMA officials including Chief of Staff Atty. Rodriguez, Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Atty. Ramon Agregado, Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs Atty. Mike Quintos, Dr. Arlene Cesa, Dr. Asean Briones, Dr. Cesar Julius Farin, and Management Information Systems Office manager Vergil Joseph Lansangan. (MPD-SBMA) 

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MV Doulos Hope formally opens in Subic Bay on Valentine's day

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño graced the formal opening of the MV Doulos Hope at the Riviera Wharf on Tuesday as the renowned floating bookstore docks in this premier Freeport. 

MV Doulos Hope Captain Tom Dyer and Director Nathan Schmutz assisted Aliño during the opening of the former cruise ship, as Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr. and Zambales Board Member Jun Rundstedt Ebdane took part in the ceremony.

“Not everyone is fortunate to experience the surreal feeling of being immersed into a sea of literature that suits everyone. As I took my first step aboard MV Doulos Hope, I immediately felt that warm sense of belonging,” Aliño said.

“This rare visit is an ideal opportunity to spread God’s love and goodness through shared knowledge, community engagement and by simply participating in spiritual-enhancing activities, which aim to bring hope to the world amidst cultural and religious differences,” he said.

The chairman also shared that during the visit of sister ship MV Logos Hope in Subic Bay in 2015 with 400 crewmembers coming from across the globe, thousands of visitors from all walks of life were able to browse thru, marvel at and buy literature at a fraction of its cost.

Aliño said that the moniker Doulos Hope, which means servant of hope, is befitting of the title of this new ship. He added that the former cruise ship, the MV Doulos Hope is now a floating library owned by the faith-based organization Gute Bücher für Alle or Good Books for All (GBA) that will be open to the public starting February 13, will stay in Subic Bay until March 3 before sailing on to San Fernando, La Union.

Zambales Board Member Ebdane, who attended for Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., said, “A book is a special gift like no other, because you can open it again and again. It’s a portable magic tool that uplifts your spirit once you start reading it.”

He encouraged everyone to take advantage of the limited opportunities Doulos Hope brings, adding that anyone can explore a wide range of books for low prices, while also having a chance to meet, connect and engage with the international crew.

Captain Dryer expressed his gratitude to the officials, citing that their cooperation provides assistance in promoting the MV Doulos Hope to the people in their localities. He also acknowledged the SBMA personnel for their warm welcome during their arrival here. 

MV Doulos Hope ended her final cruise in Singapore in late 2009. The ship was turned over to its new owners on March 18, 2010 and was converted into a luxury hotel, which opened in Indonesia in June 2019. 

In late 2022, MV Doulos Hope was repurposed from being a cruise ship owned by the German charity Gute Bücher für Alle (Good Books for All), into a floating library.

After completion of a refit, Doulos Hope will be based in a Southeast Asian port from 2023 to provide a floating library service to complement its sister ship, the MV Logos Hope. (30) 

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SBMA to release ₱178-M revenue shares to contiguous LGUs

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is set to release a total of ₱178-million revenue shares to a city and seven municipalities contiguous to the country’s premier Freeport. 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the shares given to local government units (LGUs) are intended to augment local resources and enable stakeholder communities to benefit from the operations of Freeport businesses by augmenting the LGUs’ funds for development projects in health, education, peace and order, and livelihood generation. 

“These revenue shares that the agency received from the locators’ gross income, are intended to create a parallel development between the Freeport and its nearby LGUs. SBMA is highly committed to support our neighboring localities by helping them improve the living conditions of their residents’,” Aliño explained. 

The LGUs include Olongapo City, which will receive a net share worth ₱41.62 million; while the Zambales towns of Subic will receive ₱26.7 million; Castillejos, ₱16.18 million; San Marcelino, ₱21.37 million; and San Antonio, ₱15.13 million.

Meanwhile, in Bataan, Morong town will receive ₱15.73 million, Hermosa ₱19.06 million, and Dinalupihan ₱22.17 million.

Per the SBMA Accounting department, the shares to be released accounted for two per cent of the five per cent tax on gross income paid for by free port locators for the period July to December 2023. The other three per cent of the taxes paid are remitted directly to the national government. 

The LGU share is determined according to population (50 per cent), land area (25 per cent), and equal sharing (25 per cent). 

Aliño said the shares given by the SBMA to the neighboring communities would benefit almost 750,000 residents in the said areas. 

Over the period of ten years, LGU shares significantly increased by 118.94% from ₱81.3 million in 2014. This is attributed to the growing number of locators who continue to trust in the services accorded to them by the agency. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA releases ₱203-M revenue shares; new chief forges strong partnerships with neighboring LGUs

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan and mayors of the eight local government units (LGUs) adjacent to this free port forged strong partnerships as the Subic agency formally turned over revenue shares for localities contiguous to and affected by the operations of this premier freeport.

 

LGU shares are derived from the 2% of the 5% corporate taxes paid by Subic Bay Freeport-registered enterprises from January to June 2023, which amounted to ₱207.65 million.

 

Less net retention amount of Php4.62 million, LGU shares in the amount of ₱203 million were turned over by Tan for the first time during a simple ceremony at the Subic Bay Travelers Hotel.

 

Grateful for the positive turnout of LGU officials, Tan gave a briefing of the future development projects that the agency will be undertaking during the next few years of his term.

 

“These development projects will surely add value to the agency as it makes an effort to attract more investments; and with more investments, more jobs will be created not only for the residents of the neighboring towns of Subic, but also for the residents of neighboring provinces,” Tan assured.

 

With this, Tan also asked the beneficiary-LGUs for their help and cooperation in promoting Subic Bay Freeport to prospective investors.

 

“The more investments we get, the more jobs we create. The more revenues we generate, the more shares the LGUs get,” he added.

 

For the province of Zambales, Olongapo City mayor Rolen Paulino, Jr. received the highest share in the amount of ₱47.46 million; Subic mayor Jon Khonghun received ₱30.5 million; a representative of Castillejos mayor Jeff Khonghun received ₱18.5 million; San Marcelino mayor Elmer Soria received ₱24.38 million; and San Antonio mayor Edzel Lonzanida received ₱17.27 million.

 

Meanwhile, for the province of Bataan, Dinalupihan mayor German Santos, Jr. received ₱25.28 million; Hermosa mayor Joseph Inton received P21.7 million; and last but not the least, Morong mayor Cynthia Estanislao received ₱17.9 million.

 

The ₱207.65-million revenue share covers the first semester of 2023, with ₱16.14 million retention from the first semester 2021 collection, less ₱20.76 million for the current collection’s ten percent retention. 

 

These revenue shares are intended to supplement development projects in health, education, peace and order, and livelihood generation of the contiguous LGUs.

 

The SBMA started releasing the shares directly to LGUs in August 2010 to ensure their prompt remittance to the local communities. The LGU share is determined according to population (50 per cent), land area (25 per cent), and equal sharing (25 per cent), which are then released periodically in August, for the first semester, and February the following year, for the second semester. (MPD-SBMA)

 

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