Biggest supplier of Japanese heavy machinery partners with Subic dealer

One of the world’s biggest suppliers of used heavy machinery has partnered with a company inside this premier free port to provide necessary equipment for development projects in the countryside.

Japanese used machinery supplier AA Japan formally joined forces with Filanka Subic Corporation here on Friday, aiming to help address the country’s development requirements in the fields of infrastructure, agriculture, and energy by providing heavy-duty trucks and machinery.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Director Julius Escalona, who welcomed the two companies during the office inauguration, said the partnership will also provide local entrepreneurs with with much-needed heavy equipment units and related services.

AA Japan President and CEO Hameed Ramzan said the Japanese supplier teamed up with Filanka because they “believe in Filanka’s proven track record in this industry.”

He said the partnership “will allow us to adapt our services and products to a broad customer base and develop multiple service offerings.”

“We aim to boost our network here, which may, in turn, strengthen the industry in this part of the country, as well as provide livelihood opportunities to nearby communities,” Ramzan added.

With a $15-million investment, the partnership is gunning for an expansion and provision of full service in the country, officials said. This would mean hiring 200 employees skilled in conversion, painting, engine maintenance, and bodyworks, as well as leasing additional spaces for their stock and service yards.

“Every year, we deal with more than 10,000 customers throughout the world and our reputation of quality has never faltered. We strive, and we will always strive, to offer our customers quality vehicles at a low price, and to provide them with the best customer service,” Ramzan said.

He said that since 1996, AA Japan has provided quality vehicles, equipment, and machinery to contractors and procurers worldwide and has developed a global network of branches and exclusive partners that allow car sales throughout the world. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Director Julius Escalona (left) joins AA Japan CEO Hameed Ramzan, AA Japan COO Kogawa Teruyuki, and former Sto. Tomas, Pampanga mayor Romy Ronquillo in cutting the ceremonial ribbon to launch the business partnership between AA Japan and Filanka Subic Corp.

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SBMA, Subic firms send P70k donation to Orion fire victims

Employees of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as well business locators in the Subic Bay Freeport sent in more than P70,000 worth of donations to victims of the fire that razed more than 600 houses in Orion, Bataan late last month.

SBMA Public Relations Department manager Armie Llamas said the Subic agency mounted a donation drive for the fire victims and collected some 25 boxes of assorted supplies from various SBMA departments and companies operating in the Freeport.

The donations consisted of sleeping mats, water pails, plates and drinking cups, various toiletry items, blankets, pillows, canned goods, and used clothes. These were turned over last week to Orion, Bataan Mayor Antonio Raymundo, Jr.

In a separate project, the SBMA’s 89.5-FM Subic Bay Radio also collected a significant volume of donations as it asked listeners to contribute in the aftermath of the Orion fire.

Acting station manager Menandro Magcale said that good Samaritans from the Subic Bay Freeport and Olongapo City provided 5 cavans of rice, 6 boxes of canned goods, 4 boxes of noodles, 3 boxes of bread and biscuits, 2 boxes of assorted packed food, 3 boxes of hygiene products, assorted kitchen and house ware, and beddings and mattresses.

The station likewise collected some 100 pairs of shoes and slippers, as well as a dozen huge plastic bags of used clothes.

The radio station staff, along with volunteer students from Aura College in the Freeport, delivered the donations on Feb. 8 to social welfare workers at the main evacuation center in the Bataan School of Fisheries in Orion.

SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma, meanwhile, lauded the SBMA employees, business locators and other stakeholders in the Subic community for showing concern for other people who are in need.

“Your gesture of love and kindness for others, especially our neighbors in Bataan, best exemplifies the culture of benevolence and malasakit that we are cultivating in this community,” Eisma added.

Reports said that more than 1 6,000 individuals fled to temporary evacuation centers after a fire broke out at Sitio Depensa in Barangay Capunitan, Orion on January 29.

Abetted by strong winds, the fire razed down more than 600 houses made of light materials that were home to mostly fishermen and informal settlers. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Public Relations Department head Armie Llamas (center) and PRD Community Relations Officer Malou Dungog lead the turnover of goods donated by SBMA employees and business locators in the Subic Bay Freeport for Orion fire victims.

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BOC orders transfer of empty containers in Manila ports to Batangas, Subic

In an attempt to solve port congestion, the Bureau of Customs has ordered the transfer of all empty containers in Port of Manila and Manila International Container Port to the ports in Batangas and Subic.

Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero directed the district collectors of Port of Manila (POM) and Manila International Container Port (MICP), which are both located in Manila, to transfer all empty containers to the Asian Terminals Inc. in Port of Batangas and Manila International Container Terminal in Subic Bay Freeport.

The two ports, under Executive No. 172, series of 2014, were declared as extensions of the POM and MICP “during port congestion and other emergency cases.”

District collectors of Port of Batangas and Subic Bay Freeport, according to Guerrero, shall exercise authority over the containers to be transferred.

The district collectors of POM and MICP, on the other hand, shall “immediately transmit all pertinent documents relative to the subject containers for immediate processing and disposal.”

Port congestion experienced in 2014 also prompted former Customs Chief Alberto Lina to order the transfer of cargo containers to the container terminals in Batangas and Subic.

According to the bureau, the jurisdiction of the transferred cargoes remained on the district collectors of the POM and MICP, however, in November 2015, the jurisdiction of the cargoes was transferred to the district collectors of the extension ports in Batangas and Subic.

The need for immediate disposition of the transferred cargo container then, the bureau said, prompted them to likewise transfer the jurisdiction of the containers. (Betheena Unite, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:

Unloading at the New Container Terminal of the Port of Subic.


https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/02/21/boc-orders-transfer-of-empty-containers-in-manila-ports-to-batangas-subic/

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Blue Wolves retain title in 9th SBMA mini-Olympics

The Blue Wolves emerged as back-to-back champion, keeping their title in the recently-concluded 9th Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Mini-Olympic games held recently.

The champion team, which consisted of 11 departments anchored by the Office of the Chairman and Administrator, easily held the commanding lead with 23 gold medals, 21 silvers, and 16 bronze medals.

The Blue Wolves beat three other teams in signature events that included basketball, volleyball, street dance competition, track and field, swimming, fun run, duathlon, and obstacle course race.

Meanwhile, first runner-up Green Cobras, a 12-department team that was led by the Office of the Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations, went home with 12 golds, 9 silvers, and 9 bronze medals.

The second runner-up title went to Yellow Eagles, a team headed by the Office of the Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment, which won 7 golds, 9 silvers, and 12 bronze medals.

The team of Red Boars led by the Office of the Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services ended up last with 6 golds, 6 silvers, and 8 bronze medals.

SBMA SDA for Support Services Ramon Agregado handed the medals to the winners during the awarding ceremony that capped the three-day games and congratulated all the teams for their efforts and sportsmanship.

Winners of team and individual events received cash prizes.

Agregado also praised the organizers and the various committees for handling the mini-Olympics well.

An award for “biggest delegation” was also given to the Blue Wolves for garnering a total of 141.6 points. Yellow Eagles came second with 75.7 points, while Green Cobras and Red Boars received 71.1 and 41 points, respectively.

This was the eighth iteration of the SBMA mini-Olympics, which aimed to foster sportsmanship and camaraderie among employees. The annual games were organized by the SBMA Human Resources Management Department.

SBMA Deputy Administrator for Public Works and Technical Services Group Marco Estabillo, who is mini-Olympics committee chairperson, said that while the previous mini-Olympics was held barely five months ago, the 2019 games had to be held early to make way for the renovation of sports facilities here in time for the SEA Games.

At least 16 events in the 30th Southeast Asian Games were scheduled to be played in Subic when the Philippines hosts the biennial regional multi-sport event from November 30 to December 11, 2019. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma positions a jump-ball during the game between the Blue Wolves and Red Boars in the 9th SBMA mini-Olympics

[2] Members of the Blue Wolves strain their muscles and vocal cords during a rope tug-o-war against the Yellow Eagles in the 9th SBMA mini-Olympics

[3] Competitors from various teams race to the finish line while weighted with tires during the obstacle course race in the 9th SBMA mini-Olympics.

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SBMA pushes for Subic Freeport expansion

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is pressing for the expansion of Subic Bay Freeport boundaries with vigorous legislative help from its first chief executive, Senator Richard Gordon.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said that Gordon, who was SBMA chairman from 1992 to 1998, had filed Senate Bill 2207 the other week to expand the area of the Subic Bay Freeport, as well as that of the neighboring Clark Freeport.

Under the proposed measure, some parts of Zambales and Bataan provinces, along with areas in Olongapo City, will be made an adjunct of the Subic Bay Freeport under a phased expansion program.

Eisma said that in consultation with neighboring local government units last year, the SBMA has gotten pledges of about 21,000 hectares of expansion areas for future investment projects.

These included 9,000 hectares in San Antonio; 10,000 hectares in San Marcelino; 500-600 hectares in Subic; 500 hectares in Castillejos; and 900 hectares in Olongapo City, all in Zambales; as well as 505 hectares in Hermosa, Bataan.

“We want these areas to be utilized as economic zones because we’re already running out of space in the Subic Bay Freeport,” Eisma said.

The proposed expansion, she added, “will sustain the growth of the Subic Freeport, attract more investments, and generate jobs for residents from nearby communities and other areas.”

In filing the bill, Senator Gordon said that there was a need to update Republic Act 7227, otherwise known as the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, in order to further strengthen the Subic and Clark free ports.

He said that once enacted, the proposed measure will also give the expanded territories the same tax incentives as those in Subic Freeport and Clark Freeport so that they can attract investments projects.

Senate Bill 2207 also seeks to increase the area of the Clark Special Economic Zone from the current 4,400 hectares to 35,400 hectares and mandates Subic and Clark authorities to frame some master plan for the phased expansion. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

Senator Richard J. Gordon confers with SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma and other agency officials after sponsoring Senate Bill 2207 on Feb. 4.

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186 applicants hired on-the-spot in Subic job fair

A total of 186 applicants were hired on the spot during the Build, Build, Build= Jobs, Jobs, Jobs Caravan held in Subic Bay Freeport on Saturday, February 9, to help provide alternative employment to workers who were laid off recently at the Hanjin shipyard.

The Build, Build, Build team of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Transportation (DOTr,) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) organized the job fair in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and other agencies.

Around 25,000 jobs were opened to displaced Hanjin workers, as well as walk-in applicants, by 103 participating firms, mostly locators in the Subic Bay Freeport and contractors of government projects.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma thanked the organizers and participating firms during the fair and cited the collaboration between public and private sectors in maintaining a strong workforce to sustain the economic growth of the Central Luzon region.

“We acknowledge the efforts of the government through the BBB Team to come up with an immediate program to address the plight of displaced Hanjin workers,” Eisma said.

“This is only the second Jobs, Jobs, Jobs caravan of President Duterte, and Subic was chosen to be the venue. With all your support, industries here in the Subic Bay Freeport will continue to flourish,” Eisma added.

Villar said President Duterte ordered the conduct of a jobs caravan upon hearing about the problem facing Hanjin workers. “Ang pangarap n’ya sa Pilipinas ay lahat po ng ating kababayan ay magkakaroon ng trabaho, kaya po may Build Build Build program tayo,” he added.

The inter-agency project was held with the cooperation of the DOLE, Department of Finance, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Trade and Industry, National Economic and Development Authority, and Clark Development Corporation.

The jobs fair was also graced by Senator Richard Gordon, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, BCDA President Vince Dizon, and Zambales First District Rep. Jeffrey Khonghun.

The day-long jobs caravan held at the SBMA Gymnasium drew out 4,051 job applicants, said Rommel Aquino, manager of the SBMA Labor Department’s Manpower Services Division. These included 2,464 former Hanjin shipyard workers who comprised 60.8% of the registered participants.

Meanwhile, out of the 186 applicants hired on the spot (HOTS), 99 were former Hanjin workers. The HOTS were hired as welders, electricians, masons, fitters, engineers, drivers, painters, scaffolders, riggers, admin assistants, clerks, and sales and marketing staff, among others.

Aquino added that applicants who lacked some requirements like trade test certificate and medical certificate may be accepted upon submission of the needed documents.

During the fair, Chairman Eisma also stressed that the SBMA has never failed to fulfil its mandate of generating employment and that it has done so by regularly organizing job fairs every year.

Despite the current financial difficulties hounding Hanjin, Eisma said she is still hopeful that Subic Freeport businesses and industries will continue to flourish, provide jobs to residents, and help in the economic growth of nearby communities.

The Subic jobs caravan was the second leg of the Build, Build, Build=Jobs, Jobs, Jobs project. The first was held in Manila while the third and fourth will be in Cebu and Davao, respectively. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1-2] Job applicants submit requirements to recruiters from various companies that participated in the Build, Build, Build=Jobs, Jobs, Jobs Caravan held in the Subic Bay Freeport on February 9. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[3] Build, Build, Build=Jobs, Jobs, Jobs Caravan organizers and guests do a “Duterte fist” during the jobs fair held at the SBMA Gym, from left: Trade Undersecretary Rowel Barba, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Senator Richard Gordon, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma Eisma, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, and Zambales 1st District Rep. Jeffrey Khonghun. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA turns over P4.9-M community facilities to Subic Ayta tribe

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently turned over community facilities worth P4.9 million to the Pastolan Ayta tribe here as part of the agency’s commitment to promote the welfare of the indigenous community in this free port.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma formally handed over the donations consisting of a schoolhouse and a healthcare clinic to officials of the Ambala Ayta Tribe of Pastolan, whose ancestral lands form part of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Eisma said the donated infrastructures are part of the agency’s commitment under a Joint Management Agreement signed by the SBMA, the Ayta tribe, and the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) that provides compensation for the use of part of the Ayta ancestral domain.

The health clinic is expected to serve the 330 families living in the Ayta village, while the school building will be used by students in Grades 4 to 6.

“I will do everything I can to give what is rightfully yours under the agreement,” Eisma told the Ayta community led by Chieftain Conrado Frenilla during the turnover. “There may be times when I cannot grant other favors that you ask, but I assure you that if it’s within my power, I would,” she added.

Former Hermosa, Bataan town mayor Gaudencio Ferrer, who was present in the turnover, lauded the efforts of the SBMA in providing facilities to Ayta residents, whose village falls under the political jurisdiction of Hermosa.

“Madam Chairman, thank you for giving us this wonderful school building,” Ferrer said. “It is not just a simple school that was given to you,” he told the residents, “but you received the most beautiful classroom in Bataan.”

According to Armie Llamas, manager of the SBMA Public Relations Department, barangay health workers will man the clinic, but the SBMA will also provide a medical doctor to regularly see patients at the clinic. Consultations with the doctor will be held during Saturdays, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Llamas added.

Meanwhile, school principal Jake Bautista said the new school building will be converted into rooms for Mathematics and Science classes, aside from serving as additional classrooms for pupils in Grades 4 to 6 who shared just one room previously.

Teachers added that the new school building will be more conducive to learning, and hence would encourage more local children to go to school. (CMC/MPD-SBMA))

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, along with former Hermosa Mayor Gaudencio Ferrer and Pastolan Chieftain Conrado Frenilla, formally opens the health clinic donated by the SBMA to the Pastolan Ayta tribe. (MPD-SBMA)

[2] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma turns over the symbolic key to the Pastolan health clinic to Ayta elder Bonifacio Florentino. (MPD-SBMA)

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Foreign shipbuilders eye Hanjin takeover

MANILA - Shipbuilders from the United States, Japan, South Korean, Indonesia, Australia and Turkey have expressed interest in taking over the operations of cash-strapped Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Philippines (HHIC-Phil), Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday.

Lorenzana was reacting to a question regarding the government's plans on HHIC-Philippines during the National Defense College of the Philippines Alumni Forum, "The National Security Outlook for the Philippines in 2019", at the NDCP Compound, Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

"There are several shipyards, ship companies around the world, (which have expressed interest in taking over HHIC-Phil's operations), some US, Japanese, (South) Korean, Indonesian and also Australian, I think lately, I also heard some Turkish or some European shipyards are already interested," Lorenzana said.

But if worse comes to worse, Lorenzana said the government could take over as the Senate has already set aside some money for such eventualities.

"Hanjin shipyard (has) not actually filed for bankruptcy it is just asking for rehabilitation, because the problem is cash flow. It is still building some ships here in the Philippines but it needs money to keep operating (on a) day-to-day basis so it’s still being in the works," he said.

HHIC-Phil earlier revealed that it has a total of USD1.3 billion outstanding loans -- USD400 million from Philippine banks and USD900 million from South Korean lenders.

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, HHIC-Phil filed on January 8 a petition at the Regional Trial Court in Olongapo City "to initiate voluntary rehabilitation under Republic Act 10142, otherwise known as An Act Providing for the Rehabilitation or Liquidation of Financially Distressed Enterprises and Individuals".

The shipbuilder also sought help from the government to find investors that can take over the operation of its shipyard in Subic, as well as to help its employees, who have taken the brunt of the company's financial woes.

In December 2018, the company laid off more than 7,000 workers. (PNA)

PHOTO:

Large carrier ships being built at Hanjin shipyard in Subic Bay Freeport.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060952

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‘Build Build Build’ team sets Subic job fair for displaced Hanjin workers

The “Build Build Build” team composed of various government agencies will gather around 70 employers from different contractors involved in the government’s infrastructure program, and companies within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone for a Jobs Caravan on February 9, Saturday.

To be held at the SBMA Gym in the Subic Bay Freeport, the Build Build Build = Jobs Jobs Jobs Caravan was initiated to provide employment to the displaced workers of Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC) Philippines.

Wilma Eisma, chairperson and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), said the Authority is committed to find jobs for the displaced Hanjin workers.

“Subic is happy to be part of this project to bring greater positive social impact to our people. We are committed to find every opportunity for the SBMA to make more jobs available and catalyse greater growth in Central Luzon and the rest of the country,” Eisma said.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III assured that there will be no job-skill mismatch after DOLE conducted a profiling activity on 2,779 Hanjin workers.

“Around 65 percent or 1,801 of the 2,779 profiled Hanjin workers are skilled in carpentry, 24 percent or 661 on the other hand have skills in vulcanizing and welding, hence there will be no problem with job-skill mismatch if they work in the construction industry,” Bello said.

“We are bringing job opportunities closer to the people. The available jobs guarantee decent domestic employment for our highly skilled workers. They need not sacrifice being away to provide for their families because local productive work abounds,” Bello added.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, for his part, urged jobseekers to explore employment opportunities in nearby Clark.

“We believe there are enough jobs available at Clark Ecozone alone for the displaced workers of Hanjin Philippines. According to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), a lot of jobs for skilled workers are needed at Clark as it shifts to high gear its program to transform New Clark City into the country’s first smart and green metropolis,” Dominguez said.

The Jobs Caravan is spearheaded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), BCDA, SBMA, and the Clark Development Corporation.

“This is an opportunity for us to aid those who lost or will lose their jobs in Hanjin, and at the same time complement the manpower requirement of the BBB program of the government,” said DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, noting the need for additional labor force to match the yearly additional budget in infrastructure projects.

“The Build, Build, Build program remains a priority of President Rodrigo Duterte’s government. This program, which is expected to generate thousands, even millions of jobs nationwide will be able to provide options for our displaced workers,” said Villar.

According to DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, at least a thousand jobs will be available at the Caravan which include vacancies for construction workers, welders, carpenters, engineers, and administrative staff.

DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez noted that opportunities in the country are booming.

"Tuloy po ang paghandog ng oportunidad, at paggaling ng abilidad, para lahat ay umunlad," Lopez said.

Jobseekers may already pre-register for the Job Caravan at the SBMA Gym. Pre-registration will be open on January 30 to 31, February 4, and February 6 to 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

Former Hanjin workers pre-register with the SBMA Labor Department for a jobs fair on February 8 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

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SBMA chief cites ‘corps of heroes’

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma congratulated on Friday the finalists and winner of the agency’s 2018 Employee of the Year (EOY award, saying it was her pride to lead a “corps of heroes” in the Subic agency.

“There’s no better way to celebrate heroism than by getting together and cheering them on, and making sure they are appreciated,” Eisma said during the awarding rites.

“They are here right now being feted because it is also a celebration of each and every one of us. We are the corps of heroes. You are the corps of heroes of the SBMA,” she added.

The SBMA chief also praised the agency’s employees for giving more than what they can give without expecting anything in return.

“That’s what makes me so proud to lead this organization. Because we have employees who exemplify what malasakit is, who exemplify integrity, character, passion, and love in every day that they come in for work,” Eisma also said.

The awarding, which took place at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on Jan. 25, named Nida Linda C. Rojo as the agency’s 2018 EOY.

Rojo was nominated for excellence in supervising the tourism linkages and VIP services unit of the SBMA Tourism Department, and for delivering results above expectations.

Tourism manager Mary Jamelle Camba added that Rojo adapts well in both office and field activities, a trait that was key to representing Subic Bay in travel fairs and expositions locally and internationally.

Aside from Rojo, who was also awarded EOY of the Chairman and Administrator’s Group, five other finalists were named EOYs of their respective strategic business units (SBUs).

They are: Karren Balajadia of the Land Asset Development Department (LADD), who was named EOY of the Business and Investment Group; Christine Joy Robrico of Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department, EOY of the Operations Group; Alexander Canlas of Law Enforcement Department, EOY of the Public Services Group; Helen Castillones of the Ecology Center, EOY of the Regulatory Group; Ronald Rondez of Labor Department, EOY of the Support Services Group.

The winners were cited for their excellent performance beyond the call of duty and for various innovations in the workplace.

The SBMA Employee of the Year Awards is a project of the SBMA Human Resources Management Department to recognize and reward exemplary services rendered by employees in line with the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

The finalists were selected according to the following criteria: industriousness and productivity, 50 percent; quality customer service, 30 percent; and malasakit and honesty, 20 percent.

Chairman Eisma said that some of the winners of the SBMA EOY awards had gone on to win Pagasa awards, the Civil Service Commission’s honor awards program for outstanding government workers. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA 2018 Employee of the Year Nida Linda C. Rojo accepts the torch passed onto her by the previous EOY (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma (4th from left) congratulates SBMA 2018 Employee of the Year Nida Linda C. Rojo, along with (L-R) SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Support Services Ramon Agregado, CSC-Zambales Dir. Jose Gea, SBMA tourism manager Jamelle Camba, SBMA Dir. Ma. Cecilia Bitare, SDA for Regulatory Amethya dela Llana, and SDA for Business and Investment Renato Lee. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Japanese firm launches new line of robotic parts in Subic Freeport

Nidec-Shimpo Corporation (Japan), a leading innovator of precision-gearing solutions for robotics and industrial automation, formally launched its operations here on Wednesday, aiming to mass produce in its Subic factory a new line of robot components developed in Japan.

Nidec-Shimpo First Senior Vice President Hitoshi Inoue said the wholly-owned company of Japan’s Nidec Corp. and sister-company of Nidec Subic Philippine Corp. will initially build speed reducers for high-precision motion control applications at the rate of 10,000 to 25,000 units per month.

But the plant’s target production is expected to increase to 100,000 units per month at the end of this year, and to 120,000 units per month by March 2020, he added.

Inoue stressed that the gearless component parts to be produced in Subic are an entirely new product line that has not been manufactured elsewhere in the world. He described them as “super silent, and with zero backlash and smooth rotation.”

The Subic-made products will be exported to Spain, the United States and Germany, he added.

The launch of Nidec-Shimpo operations here was attended by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda, Senator Richard Gordon, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, and Assistant Secretary Rafaelita Aldaba of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Haneda said Nidec’s expansion “demonstrates the continuing Japanese investor confidence in the Philippines’ business potential (and) shows the rigorous effort of Nidec to take advantage of opportunities and take on challenges to break new ground.”

He also cited the company for its skills development activities that make its workers “industry-ready and technology-capable.”

Meanwhile, Gordon said Nidec’s new project “shows the trust and confidence of companies like Nidec in the capacity of the Filipino workers, and in our government’s consistency in our rules and regulations.”

“We should have more companies like Nidec in Subic,” he added.

On the other hand, SBMA Chairman Eisma noted that Nidec-Shimpo’s operation here “will further promote Subic’s stature in high-end manufacturing, improve the proficiency of local workers in technology, and, of course, bolster the local economy by increasing exports.”

Eisma also praised Nidec-Shimpo for sending local workers to Japan for training.

According to Inoue, the firm had sent a total of 100 Filipino workers to Japan as the first batch of trainees to learn the technology involved in producing precision motors and speed reducers. Of these, 70 had finished the course, and Nidec had again sent another 46 trainees for the second batch.

Inoue added that Nidec intends to hire more personnel at the Subic plant on top of the 100 workers it will employ in the first year of operation.

He pointed out that the Subic factory’s monthly product capacity of P120,000 units is greater than the combined capacity of Nidec’s plants in Kyoto, which was at 30,000 units in 2018, and in Ueda, which is expected to reach 50,000 units in 2019. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] Nidec-Shimpo Senior Vice President Hitoshi Inoue (left) explains how a high-precision speed reducer works to Sen. Richard Gordon and SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma during the opening of the Nidec-Shimpo manufacturing plant at the Subic Bay Freeport on Wednesday. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] Sen. Richard Gordon, along with SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma and other guests, views precision products manufactured by Nidec-Shimpo during the opening of the company’s manufacturing plant at the Subic Bay Freeport on Wednesday. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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ICTSI Subic hits 200,000-TEU target

International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI)’s subsidiary Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC) has expected that container volume will further grow this year, after hitting its milestone 200,000th twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) move last December.

SBITC President Roberto Locsin said SBITC, which operates the New Container Terminals 1 and 2 at the Subic Bay Freeport, capped 2018 with a milestone after reaching its 200,000th TEU move last December 23.

“We are proud of reaching this latest milestone. More than hitting our targets, this new record highlights Subic Bay International Terminal’s capability to continuously outpace market growth, and readiness to serve the vibrant Subic Freeport market,” he said.

The event was marked by the offloading of a milestone CMA CGM steel box from MV Sinar Sangir.

He said this achievement was made possible through their customers, the collaboration of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and other stakeholders, and more especially through their passionate, humble and committed workforce.

“Along with further investments in port equipment and systems, we continue to work hand-in-hand with our customers to improve the efficiency of our operations and processes, and inevitably make their experience a more pleasant one,” he added.

Subic Bay International Terminal, one of the country’s most technologically-advanced box terminals, has an annual capacity of 600,000 TEUs.

The increasing volumes at the Subic Bay Freeport have enabled ICTSI to streamline and interface the operations of New Container Terminal (NCT) 1 and 2.

The merged operations were ready to serve an improving local economy in Central and Northern Luzon regions, alongside with its continued support to facilitate the box market of Metro Manila.

In 2007, under the Subic Port Development Project, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) awarded ICTSI subsidiary SBITC the concession for NCT 1, with commercial operations commencing in 2008.

In 2011, under the Subic Port Project’s second phase, SBMA awarded ICTSI Subic Inc. the concession to operate NCT 2. (Manila Times)

PHOTO:

The event was marked by the offloading of a milestone CMA CGM steel box from MV Sinar Sangir. (photo from ICTSI)

https://www.manilatimes.net/ictsi-subic-hits-200000-teu-target/499980/

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Cruise ship tourism in Subic makes good start

This Freeport is becoming the newest cruise ship destination and top anchor tourist attraction in the country with the influx of vessels here this month.

The latest is the cruise ship, World Dream, the flagship of the Chinese premium brand Dream Cruises owned by Genting Hong Kong, which arrived here Wednesday.

This is the third time for World Dream to dock in this freeport this year and it is set to return here on January 30.

Another Subic regular, the Italian-flagged Costa Atlantica owned by Costa Crociere, has booked arrivals on January 15 and 29.

“Right now we’re experiencing a phenomenal influx of cruise ships, and this is really a strong start for Subic, which recorded 17 arrivals last year,” said Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Wilma T. Eisma, who was among those who welcomed World Dream at the Alava Wharf here.

“We are very happy that our cruise ship program is really picking up, and this is just the start. By next month, we hope to see more cruise ships coming in and some of them would be staying here in Subic overnight,” she added.

Jem Camba, manager of SBMA Tourism Department, said an average of 3,000 tourists disembark in Subic from each visiting cruise ship and then go on tours of various attractions in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo City, Clark Freeport Zone, and the nearby provinces of Zambales and Bataan.

Camba said the favorite destinations of cruise ship passengers include the nature theme parks in Subic and historical places in Bataan and Pampanga.

Last year, the Central Luzon Regional Development Council cited the SBMA for developing Subic into a premier cruise ship destination in the country and noted that cruise ship arrivals in Subic had generated more than PHP85-million worth of economic activity in the first eight months alone.

Eisma said she expects a better record this year because of Executive Order (EO) No. 72 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last December. The new EO amended EO 271 signed in 1995.

Calling it a “game-changer for Subic and Region 3 (Central Luzon),” Eisma said EO 72 is expected to bring in more visitors because it eased the entry of foreign nationals via the Subic sea ports and extended them a visa-free stay of 14 days, similar to those entering through the Subic airport.

“This arrangement is less complicated, and thus, we foresee that the resulting ease of travel would make Subic Bay an even bigger tourist magnet and anchor destination in Central Luzon,” she added.

Eisma also said the new measure would encourage the development of more tourism establishments in nearby parts of Central Luzon, which could make use of Subic as anchor destination and gateway.

“The EO, as well as all the support measures we get from the national government, dovetails with our strategy to develop Subic into an anchor destination that will help catalyze inclusive growth in the region,” she said.

“Subic and its neighboring areas are now coming up with curated experiences that they can commonly sell to tourists, specifically cruise ship passengers, so this way they can complement each other’s’ strong points,” Eisma added. (Malou Dungog, PNA)

PHOTO:

The cruise ship World Dream treated its well-wishers with its signature light show for the third time as it leaves the Port of Subic. (photo from Subic Bay Freeport facebook page)

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RTC grants Hanjin petition for rehabilitation

The Olongapo City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 72 on Monday (January 14) granted Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines’ petition for receivership and put the Korean shipbuilding firm under corporate rehabilitation.

On Jan. 8, Hanjin sought relief from the Philippine government, filing a petition with the Olongapo RTC to initiate voluntary rehabilitation under Republic Act 10142 or the “Act Providing for the Rehabilitation or Liquidation of Financially Distressed Enterprises and Individuals.”

Hanjin, the fifth largest shipbuilder in the world and biggest investor at the Subic Freeport with $2.3 billion, revealed recently it owes some $400 million in outstanding loans from Philippine banks on top of another $900 million in debt with lenders in South Korea.

Stefani Saño, a former member of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) board as well former senior deputy administrator for investment and business group of SBMA, was appointed by the court as the rehabilitation receiver.

The financial losses allegedly stemmed from a slump in the shipbuilding industry.

Pursuant to RA 10142, Olongapo RTC Branch 72 Presiding Judge Richard Paradeza declared Hanjin under rehabilitation and asked the company to publish the Jan. 14 commencement order in a newspaper of general circulation for two consecutive weeks.

It also ordered the shipbuilding giant to serve a copy of the petition to its creditors – the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Securities and Exchange Commission, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Insurance Commission, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, Department of Trade and Industry and SBMA.

The court also tasked the company to serve a copy of the commencement order to its foreign creditors and ensure that they receive a copy within 15 days before the initial hearing set on Feb. 8.

In its order, the court said Hanjin’s creditors must file verified claims within five days before Feb. 8 or they will not be entitled to participate in the proceedings.

But the creditors may be entitled to receive distributions arising from the proceedings if recommended and approved by the rehabilitation receiver and the court itself.

The court also ordered creditors, government agencies and all interested parties to file and serve to Hanjin a verified comment/opposition to the petition, together with their supporting affidavits and documents within 15 days before the initial hearing on Feb. 8.

The court also prohibited the company’s supplier of goods and services from withholding their supplies and services in the ordinary course of business for as long as Hanjin makes payment from the issuance of the commencement order.

The court also authorized the company to pay for its administrative expenses as they become due.

It said contracts not confirmed in writing by Hanjin within 90 days following issuance of the commencement order will be considered terminated. (Bebot Sison Jr. with Sheila Crisostomo, Philippine Star)


https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/01/16/1885490/rtc-grants-hanjin-petition-rehabilitation#0ezcQ5IYvTgXVUm0.99

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