DFA mulling consular office in Subic Bay Freeport

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is now considering the establishment of a permanent consular office in this free port to better serve the public in the Subic Bay area and nearby parts of Central Luzon.

DFA Assistant Secretary Neil Frank Ferrer announced this during the agency’s passport processing project that was held last week at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

“This is our commitment—to bring our services closer to the public, closer to you people. We will not be just an ad hoc passporting on wheels. Our intention is to put up a permanent presence here,” said Ferrer, who joined the DFA team here to coordinate and look for a possible location for an office.

The DFA official added that with a permanent consular office in Subic, the agency will also be able to provide services like document authentication, assistance to nationals, and delayed registration of birth, marriage or death for Filipinos abroad.

“It will be a complete service, like a mini-DFA,” Ferrer said. “We are excited in having that office put up here soon.”

In January last year, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said she has requested the DFA to conduct passport processing here at least twice a year and, later on, to establish full consular services at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Eisma made the request after noting the huge number of passport applicants who queue for processing each time a passport-on-wheels team arrived in Subic.

Ferrer said the DFA has already established 34 consular offices across the country.

Recently, it opened seven new consular offices in Malolos, Bulacan; Ilocos Norte; Isabela; San Pablo, Laguna; Antipolo, Rizal; Tagum City, Davao del Norte; and Clarin, Misamis Occidental, he said.

SBMA deputy administrator for administration Ruel John T. Kabigting, who welcomed the DFA group during the passport processing project, said that he has been receiving positive feedback on passport processing events here.

“Applying for a passport in Subic became very convenient for the people because there is no need for them to travel to the regional office or to Manila. And they are thankful for this project,” Kabigting said.

A total of 818 passport applications were processed here in the March 29 project at the Harbor Point, according to the SBMA technical working group for corporate social responsibility (TWG for CSR), which is the prime-mover of the mobile passport processing project.

This was the third passport processing project of the SBMA TWG for CSR that was held in cooperation with the DFA, Harbor Point Ayala Mall, and Converge ICT.

The TWG for CSR consists of about 50 SBMA employee-volunteers who render public service to the public through projects like passport on wheels, firearms licensing, and civil registration. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

H1undreds of applicants queue for the processing of their passport during the DFA-SBMA Passport on Wheels project at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall on March 29, ample proof that a consular office is needed to serve the public in the Subic Bay Freeport area. (MPD-SBMA)

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Japanese steel firm invests P392.5-M for Subic factory

A Japanese steel company is set to invest P392.5 million in this premier free port to produce gear parts for industrial robots and specialty steel products for other companies here and abroad.

Taiyo Subic Philippines Corporation, a subsidiary of Japanese integrated special steel trading firm Taiyo Shoji Co., Ltd., was established here in February and has leased a 6,200-square meter facility at the Subic Techno Park (STP) here.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said Taiyo Subic has initially subleased a property with Nidec Subic Philippine Corp., another Japanese company at the STP, which manufactures spindle motors for hard disk drives.

“But Taiyo Subic has committed to construct its own factory here within this year at the cost of P142.5 million,” Eisma said during a media briefing here on Friday.

“This only goes to show the continuing confidence among Japanese investor-companies in Subic,” she added.

The new company has located in Subic to engage in the business of importation and exportation of special steel materials, and manufacturing of parts for use in the automobile industry, industrial machineries, plant machineries, and information technology.

It plans to set up a manufacturing facility that will manufacture and supply specialized gear parts for industrial robots both in the Philippines and abroad.

According to its business plan, Taiyo Subic will import materials from Taiyo Japan and Daido Steel Co., one of the world’s largest specialty steel manufacturers, refine these materials, and thereafter supply precision materials and gear parts to to other companies here and abroad.

Specifically, Taiyo Subic will supply speed reducers for Subic Nidec, using the special materials and parts that were developed by Taiyo Japan and Daido Steel.

The firm plans to supply Nidec Subic with 100,000 units of speed reducers per month by March 2020.

The entry of another Japanese manufacturer here heralds a resurgence of Japanese investments in the Subic Bay Freeport, noted Chairman Eisma.

Just this January, Nidec Shimpo, a sister company of Nidec Subic, launched in Subic an entirely new product line for super-silent speed reducers that has not been manufactured elsewhere in the world.

This was followed in March by the opening of a research and product development facility by Japanese technology firm Sanyo Denki Philippines, Inc. also at the Subic Techno Park.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda, who graced the Nidec Shimpo inauguration, said the new projects show “the continuing Japanese investor confidence in the Philippines’ business potential.” (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

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SBITC installs reach stackers to enhance Subic port operations

The Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation (SBITC) has added four reach stackers to ensure efficient port operations and optimize container yard space of the Subic port terminal.

The installation of reach stackers is part of the terminal operator’s initiative to further enhance its capacity in handling unladen containers from the surge of imports, after being assigned as an empty evacuation center last year.

“Our investments in global standard port equipment and systems help in maintaining robust operations in NCT 1 & 2 to meet the needs and demands of our partners. These firm up our position as a competitive international gateway for industries in the freeport area and the North and Central Luzon region,” said SBITC.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma welcomed the private terminal operator’s efforts in boosting the capacity of Subic as a major transhipment hub.

She said the SBMA has also started last year the rehabilitation of roads leading to the Subic Container Terminal and other major piers in the Subic Freeport in order to increase port-related activities here.

“Together with SBITC and the Bureau of Customs, we have also set up One-Stop-Shop document processing in the terminal to further enhance efficiency and customer service in the port,” Eisma added.

SBITC said the reach stackers which arrived at the terminal this month will be fully operational by April. Each stacker will have a load capacity of 45,000 kg and can stack up to five containers high.

The port currently has seven reach stackers for yard and vessel operations. SBITC said that there will be two more improvements within the first half of 2019.

“We are expecting two more equipment to arrive in the coming months. This is only the first leg of the improvements planned for the year,” SBITC said.

Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation is one of the leading port operators in the world which leverages on fast, reliable, and cost-efficient system. It is the container port operator of the Subic Freeport Area in Subic, Zambales, and serves the industries in Northern and Central Luzon. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

INCREASED EFFICIENCY. The reach stacker, which can lift, shift and stack empty containers, will augment port’s ability to securely and efficiently pile containers to optimize container yard space. (MPD-SBMA)

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SuBIT gets added prestige

The 2019 NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) Asian Cup slated on April 27 and 28 gained more prestige as it ushers in the 2019 One Belt One Road Triathlon series.

This arrangement highlights the enduring relationship for decades between the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP), the Chinese Taipei Triathlon Association (CTTA) and the China Triathlon Sports Association (CTSA).

Further, CTSA, for this year, will dispatch the Chinese national team to compete in the SuBIT with TRAP reciprocating with a team of triathletes seeing action in the 2019 Lianyungang ASTC Triathlon Asian Cup and 2019 Jiayuguan ASTC Triathlon Asian Cup. The latter events serve as the second and third legs of the One Belt One Road Triathlon series.

“For the past years, TRAP and CTSA have been keeping a good relationship and communication. Thanks for the invitation and help from TRAP, Chinese National Triathlon Teams participated in Subic Bay ASTC Triathlon Asian Cups for many times and got good results. Meanwhile, our two national federations have always been supporting each other during ASTC Congress elections and other international activities,” CTSA Secretary General Chen Xiaoran said.

For its part, the CTTA is sending the Chinese Taipei national team and a good number of age-groupers to the SuBIT.

Registration for the SuBIT is ongoing with entry fees now set at P5,500 per participant for Standard Distance, P5,000 for Sprint Distance, P4,000 for Super Sprint Distance and P9,000 for Team Relay.

List-up ends on March 31 or earlier when all slots have been filled up. Online registration can be done at https://regonline.activeglobal.com/subit2019

Organized by the TRAP in cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department, the 2019 NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) Asian Cup is supported by Philippine Sports Commission, NTT, Philippine Olympic Committee, Standard Insurance, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines and Gatorade. (Manila Times)

https://www.manilatimes.net/subit-gets-added-prestige/532060/

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Subic shoe factory to hire 1,500 more workers

Datian Subic Shoes, Inc., the manufacturer of popular shoe brands like Vans and Keds, has committed some USD6 million to expand its operations in this Freeport.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Wilma T. Eisma welcomed the development, noting that the company plans to hire an additional 1,500 employees.

“Although we have experienced a downturn in employment last year because of the layoffs at Hanjin shipyard, we believe that Subic can easily make a rebound because a lot of companies like Datian Subic have been expanding and hiring more skilled workers,” she said.

Eisma said that the company has leased a 29,400-square meter property to extend its existing 42,749-square meter facility at the Subic Bay Gateway Park (SBGP) Phase II.

“The company plans to use half of the USD6-milllion expansion investment to build another factory building in two years,” she said.

Datian Subic initially invested USD10 million in 2017 for its first manufacturing facility at the Gateway Park.

As of February, this year, the company already employs 3,698 workers.

Datian Subic Shoes, Inc. produces shoes under global brands like Keds, Converse, Sperry, and Vans for the American market, as well as Hugo Boss and Dr. Martens for the European market.

Its Subic factory integrates assembly lines for stitching, rubber compounding, outsoles molding, insoles and arches sponging, rubber gluing, as well as foxing operations.

Company officials said the existing factory produces an average of 350,000 pairs of shoes per month.

Eisma also said the SBMA expects more expansion projects among Subic business locators, following the current shift in production from China to other countries in Southeast Asia because of the ongoing trade war between China and the United States.

“The current tax incentives being offered by the SBMA to foreign manufacturing companies is another factor for this expansion surge,” she said.

Eisma pointed out that the expansion projects last year amounted to a whopping PHP25 billion in committed investments from existing business locators. (Malou Dungog, PNA)

PHOTO:

The manufacturing facility of Datian Subic Shoes, Inc., located at the Subic Gateway Park.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065111

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SBMA’s P530-M road rehab program underway

Several road rehabilitation projects are either on-going or in the initial stages of preparation here as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) began implementing a P530-million infrastructure program to repair roads and related facilities built when Subic was still a military base.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the Subic authority recently completed the P9.3-million El Kabayo road rehabilitation project and has now started the P18-million Argonaut Highway-George Dewey Complex road and drainage improvement project, as well as parts of the P369.7-million road rehabilitation package.

“More projects will be underway soon, so I ask Subic stakeholders, as well as visitors to the Freeport, to please bear with us the temporary inconveniences like traffic jams, and a little noise and dust pollution because of the on-going road projects,” she said.

“We’re doing this to improve the core business infrastructure here and to sustain the attractiveness of the Subic Bay Freeport as a globally-competitive trade and tourism center,” she added.

According to the SBMA chief, most of the road rehabilitation projects today are funded under the national government’s Build-Build-Build program. This was the first time that a massive road rehabilitation program is undertaken ever since Subic became a free port zone in 1992, she said.

Eisma said the agency was able to first secure from the national government a P500-million fund for the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) rehabilitation program in 2017 and this was followed in 2018 by a P530-million fund for road rehabilitation.

As of now, the SBMA Board of Directors has approved and awarded two new major rehabilitation projects: the P76-million road rehabilitation project proposed in 2016, and the P18-million drainage improvement project along Argonaut Highway-George Dewey Complex.

Meanwhile, three other major projects are now up for bidding: Naval Supply Depot (NSD) Road Rehabilitation Project Phase 2, Road Rehabilitation Project 2018, and Road Rehabilitation Project 2019.

The 2018 road rehabilitation package is budgeted at P299 million and will include improvements at the Malawaan Park parking area, road ramp along Dewey Avenue, as well as repair of Waterfront Road, road to the New Container Terminal, Rizal Highway and Maritan Highway, as well as several roads in residential areas.

Meanwhile, the 2019 road rehabilitation package has a budget of P253 million and will consist of repairs along main roads like Argonaut Highway, San Bernardino Road, roads to Leyte Wharf and Sattler Pier duct banks, Rizal Highway, Boton Highway, Binictican Drive, and the approaches to Kalaklan Bridge and 14th Street Bridge.

On the other hand, the NSD Road Rehabilitation Project Phase 2, with a budget of P85 million, consists of repairs of roads leading to the NSD Compound where most of grain and bulk shipments are done. These areas have been battered by heavy trucks that carry tons of grain shipment coming from ships.

Eisma said repair projects are necessary because the US Navy-built roads have deteriorated over the years. “When I came back in 2017 as administrator, the first question that came to my mind was how come it seemed like there has not been any road repair in Subic, only to find out that there was no budget for that because the SBMA doesn’t have any assistance from the national government and we had to rely on our internal funds,” she said.

“Thus, I had to seek the assistance of Senator Richard Gordon, the first SBMA chairman, to get some funding for Subic included in the national budget,” she said. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma inspects road rehabilitation projects in the Subic Bay Freeport along El Kabayo Road (photo 1) and Argonaut Highway (photo 2) with Deputy Administrator for Public Works Marco Estabillo and Engineering Department head Gary Fernandez

[3] Workers construct an embankment for the Argonaut Highway-George Dewey Complex drainage improvement project in the Subic Bay Freeport.

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Japanese tech firm opens Subic R&D center

JAPANESE technology firm Sanyo Denki Philippines, Inc. has opened a research and product development center in Subic Bay Freeport.

The firm, which produces cooling, power and servo systems at its factories in the Subic Techno Park here inaugurated the Sanyo Denki Technology Center (SDP-TC) last week, an expansion project for the company that was established here in 2000.

Wilma Eisma, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator, graced the inauguration, remarked that Sanyo Denki’s new project that “will bring the future to Subic.”

“The technology transfer would again put the Filipino workers on top of their game, so aside from the fact that Sanyo Denki would be hiring more locals, Subic would also benefit a lot from this undertaking,” she added.

Sanyo Denki Philippines (SDP) chief executive officer and president Koichi Uchibori said SDP-TC will serve as the hub of product development for the Sanyo Denki Group of Companies here in the Philippines.

“From now on, Sanyo Denki Philippines, will be developing high performance and high quality products- the much needed parts of the costumers around the world,” he continued.

SDP senior executive operating officer Kauro Tamura said the SDP-TC will consolidate the technology development base for its three design departments.

Sanyo Denki Philippines, Inc. is the production site for cooling, power, and servo systems of Sanyo Denki Co. Ltd., a global technology company that started out in Tokyo in 1932 with a factory for the production of small AC/DC generators and power units for communications equipment.

Its Subic operations include highly efficient automated production lines such as the surface mount technology (SMT), and a department for developing and designing cooling fans.

SDP design division supervisor Michiro Watanabe explained that Sanyo Denki’s efforts to enhance its operations in Subic has resulted in the establishment of the SDP-TC, which is the third building it has put up since 2000.

He said that the new facility will now house the consolidated design department for fan design, servo design, and power design.

“This comfortable work space will allow us to go on with the business, with the combined efforts of the Japanese management and the Filipino staff, to deliver world-class products with higher performance and higher quality,” Watanabe also said. (Ric Sapnu, Sun Star)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairman & Administrator Wilma T. Eisma (center) and company officials opened the new technology center of Sanyo Denki in Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (photo from SBMA Chair & Administrator Facebook page)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1796920

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Subic-Clark roadshow highlights CL infra projects, investment areas

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), along with its partner agencies, gathered local government officials and business leaders here on Tuesday to present updates on infrastructure projects under the government’s Build Build Build program.

The Subic-Clark Roadshow was part of a series of roadshows launched in 2016 to highlight the importance of cooperation among national, provincial, and local governments, as well as business leaders, to achieve the bold vision of President Rodrigo Duterte to bring the “golden age” of infrastructure.

This year, the roadshow was expanded to cover Subic and Bataan.

Heads of BCDA, Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), and the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) briefed key stakeholders on major projects that seek to improve connectivity within the region, attract investments, create jobs, and push economic growth further.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma introduced the exciting projects lined up for Subic in the coming years, including the Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal, Redondo Industrial Park Development, and the SBMA Waterfront Reclamation Project.

Eisma also urged businessmen to invest in new ports in Subic. “We need new ports. It doesn’t even have to be a cruise ship terminal. Ngayon pa lang, we are already experiencing congestion. Manila is congested. We have to have that foresight in place. Build a port somewhere,” she said.

CDC President and CEO Noel Manankil cited Clark and Subic’s cooperation in working together to promote tourism and attract investments in Central Luzon. “Thanks to the SBMA leadership, they are sending us a lot of tourists,” said Manankil.

Clark’s tourism assets include the Marriott Hotel, the first five-star hotel in Pampanga; the Sun Valley Golf Course; and the Aqua Planet theme park. Several projects soon to open within the Clark Freeport Zone are the Hilton Hotel, The Sharp condominium units, Mirej Clark, Mimosa Plus, and the Clark Safari.

Clark is also expected to attract more domestic and international tourists with the ongoing expansion of the Clark International Airport. Jaime Alberto Melo, CIAC acting president and CEO, said the new terminal building will be operational by the second quarter of 2020. Upon full development, the Clark International Airport will be able to accommodate 80 million passengers per annum.

BCDA President and CEO Vivencio Dizon showed updates on the construction of the National Government Administrative Center (NGAC) in New Clark City. The NGAC project involves the development of back-up government offices to ensure continuous business operations in case of disaster or national calamities, and world-class facilities to be used for the Philippines’ hosting of the 30th South East Asian Games.

“Under the leadership of President Duterte, we are not just planning it; we are making it,” said Dizon. The construction of NGAC Phase 1A is ahead of schedule at 55 percent.

AFAB Chairman and Administrator Emmanuel Pineda meanwhile urged business leaders to invest at the Bataan Freeport as he emphasized efforts to improve accessibility and develop more investment areas. “We want to make the Freeport a work-and-play destination,” said Pineda.

Mr. Aurelio “Bong” Pineda, former president of the Metro Olongapo Chamber of Commerce, committed the support of the private sector. Speaking for the business community, Pineda said: “We accept the challenge that was given to us and we feel that it can be done, and the dreams can be realized.” (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma expounds on the SBMA Waterfront Reclamation Project and calls on the business community to invest in Subic development projects. (MPD-SBMA)

[2] Heads of government agencies pledge to work together for Central Luzon development. From left: CIAC Acting President and CEO Jaime Alberto Melo, BCDA President and CEO Vivencio Dizon, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, AFAB Chairman and Administrator Emmanuel Pineda, and CDC President and CEO Noel Manankil. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport firm builds PH coastal defense boats

A Filipino-owned boat building company based in this Freeport is now producing high-speed patrol boats to boost the Philippine military’s littoral combat force.

Wilma Eisma, chairperson and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), said on Friday that Safehull Marine Technologies, Inc., which occupies a factory and warehouse at Subic’s Global Industrial Park, has delivered 21 high-speed tactical watercraft (HSTW) for deployment by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Mindanao this year.

“These are sleek, good-looking boats that you would mistake for pleasure yachts, but they’re really fast and stable and could be mounted with guns for tactical missions,” Eisma said.

“It makes us proud that these vessels are made in Subic, and that they are a product of a Filipino company,” she said.

The 40-foot long HSTWs were commissioned by the PNP for patrolling the country’s exclusive economic zone, law enforcement and peace and order, as well as for humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Each equipped with three Honda outboard motors, the fiberglass-hulled boats can reach a top speed of 45 knots and are intended to operate approximately 200 miles from shore under slight to moderate sea conditions.

Safehull company officials said they were able to make a breakthrough in production after perfecting the vacuum infusion process, which shortened the period of hull construction from three weeks to one day.

Safehull Marine, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manila-based Propmech Corporation, is engaged in the fabrication of ship and its components, ship repair, and engineering services for design and installation of parts and modules.

Thirty percent of the boats built here in Subic are for clients in the defense industry, including the United States military.

The boats are designed, assembled and outfitted in Subic by Safehull and Propmech by means of local naval architects and workers, and in partnership with foreign technology companies like the Damen Group of Netherlands, Saab Group of Sweden, Taiwan’s Lung Teh Shipbuilding Co., and Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense System

The Propmech and Safehull joint venture has also built three multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC) that were delivered to the Philippine Navy in 2009, 2012 and 2017; a 15-meter landing craft vehicle personnel (LCVP) for the Philippine Navy; as well as 136 units of 50-horsepower rubber boats for the PNP.

This year, it is scheduled to build another unit of MPAC that the Philippine Navy is outfitting with short-range surface-to-surface missile.

Aside from the defense projects, Safehull and Propmech also build 21-meter passenger/cargo boats; multi-purpose patrol boats for the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; and aluminum rescue boats for the Philippine Coast Guard. (Malou Dungog, PNA)

PHOTO:

A high-speed tactical watercraft being produced by Safehull Marine Technologies Inc. inside a warehouse at the Subic’s Global Industrial Park. (Malou Dungog, PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064059

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SBMA bares record-breaking 2018 corporate performance

With a seven-year high investment figure of P29.6 billion, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on Wednesday announced a record-breaking corporate performance last year in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma declared in her State of the Freeport Address (SOFA) on Wednesday that the agency hit the highest level of annual committed investment in the last seven years with P29.6 billion in 2018, or an increase of 1,066% over the P2.5 billion generated in 2017.

She said the SBMA also posted record-breaking outputs in the 26-year history of the agency: the highest revenue ever at P3.45 billion; the highest net income at P1.45 billion; and the biggest EBITDA, or earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, at P1.84 billion.

The revenue level in 2018 represented a 12% increase over the P3.08 billion in 2017; the net income a 60% surge from P907.9 million in 2017, and also the first time to breach the P1-billion mark; and for EBITDA, an 18.98% growth over the P1.55 billion in 2017.

Eisma also pointed out that the growth in expansion projects in Subic, which exponentially jumped from P926.6 million in 2017 to P25.05 billion in 2018 for an overwhelming year-on-year increase of 2,603%, was the more telling sign of investor confidence on Subic.

“This means that (investors) who are already here in Subic remain to be committed, and trust that good things will happen again this year,” she told members of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, which is hosting the annual SOFA presentation.

The biggest fresh infusions last year were for a five-star hotel, industrial parks, warehouses, and a golf course and retirement community, she said.

As a portent of continuing favorable business climate in the Subic Bay Freeport, the SBMA also drew a strong import and export performance in 2018, signifying Subic’s progressive role as an engine of growth.

Eisma said that Subic’s import value increased by 3.6% from P1.77 billion in 2017 to P1.84 billion in 2018, while export value rose by 8.2% from P2.3 billion to P2.5 billion.

Meanwhile, total debt decreased by 1.7% from P6.2 billion to P6.1 billion due to the volatile exchange rate in 2018.

Subic made another record-breaking performance in port operations when it handled 212,103 TEUs in containerized cargo volume and 7,052 metric tons of bulk and non-containerized cargo in 2018. Subic seaport’s robust growth last year, which was up 50% from the 2017 level, brought in total revenue of P1.23 billion.

The local tourism industry, on the other hand, continued with its impressive performance with an 8.2% increase in walk-in visitor arrivals from 8.5 million to 9.2 million, and a 2.2% rise in overnight tourist arrivals from 1.68 million to P1.72 million. The tourist arrivals also increased hotel occupancy to 68.46%.

Eisma added that the 19 cruise ship arrivals in 2018—compared to a single arrival in 2017—ignited a whole new tourism niche for Subic, which also made a huge P129-million economic impact in the Central Luzon region.

With the continuous growth in Subic, SBMA’s contributions to the national treasury in the form of tax collections, customs duties, and government dividends also went up by 27% from P19.9 billion in 2017 to P25.3 billion in 2018, Eisma also said during the SOFA. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma reports on the record-breaking 2018 performance of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone during her State of the Freeport Address on Wednesday, March 6. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic prepares to host 17 SEAG events

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will soon start preparing facilities and other infrastructure needed to host a total of 17 events in the forthcoming 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) that the Philippines will host from November 30 until December 11, 2019.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Ramon Agregado said the SBMA expects to start project construction in the first week of March to upgrade existing facilities here and turn them into world-class sports accommodations.

“The centerpiece of Subic’s infrastructure development project for the 2019 SEA Games will be the Remy Field. Its present six-lane track will be turned into a nine-lane oval complemented by three practice lanes, as well as shower rooms, dressing rooms and a new, bigger grand stand,” Agregado said.

He added that three other sports venues are scheduled for rehabilitation, as well: Subic Gymnasium, SBMA Tennis Court, and Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

“In the meantime that these facilities will be undergoing rehabilitation, they will be temporarily closed to the public,” the SBMA officials said.

For Subic’s SEA Games preparation, Agregado said the national government has set aside P170 million, although the SBMA was expecting twice that amount for all the required development.

Lately the national government has cut the SEA Games budget from P7.5 billion to P5 billion, but Agregado said that the SBMA is “still hoping the budget for Subic will be increased.”

The official logo of the 30th SEA Games

The SEA Games committee has initially assigned 17 events to the Subic Bay Freeport: duathlon, triathlon, pencak silat, sepak takraw, chess, table tennis, muay thai, karatedo, vovinam, obstacle sports, modern-date pentathlon, beach volleyball, beach handball, weightlifting, and all water sports: sailing, wind surfing, and traditional boat race.

“We will be hosting 17 events, and we are lucky because we will have a lot of medal events like triathlon and weightlifting, as well as spectator-friendly sports, so Subic’s hosting will really be exciting ” Agregado said.

He noted that the Philippines won two gold and two silver medals in triathlon for both men and women divisions in the 2017 SEA Games held in Malaysia, while Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz snatched a gold medal in the 2018 Asian Games and took home silver from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio De Janeiro.

“After hosting this year’s SEA Games, our next target will be the ASEAN Games. We will try to level up,” Agregado also said.

The Philippines will be hosting the Sea Games after it hosted the biennial multi-sports event 14 years ago. Subic also hosted several events when the Philippines last hosted the SEAG in 2005.

For the 2019 SEA Games, Subic, along with New Clark City, Metro Manila, and the Batangas, La Union and Tagaytay cluster, will be the venue for some 56 sports and 523 events to be held in the country in a span of 12 days. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

Subic’s Remy Field, shown here as a transition area during the 2018 Full Ironman, will be the centerpiece of Subic’s development as a SEA Games venue.

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Centennial III crowned regatta king in Subic to Verde race

Defending champion George Hill’s Antipodes claimed line honors in the 2nd Subic Bay around Verde Island Passage Race, but Centennial III skippered by veteran sailor Judes Echauz nosed out the Hong Kong entry in the corrected time.

Despite many wind direction and speed changes over the 200nm course, Antipodes made 13: 28:18, with an elapsed time of 25:28:18 in the IRC I Racing Class.

Last year, the record time set by Antipodes was a total sailing time of 22:54:9.

Never out of sight of each other, Centennial III finished at 13:53:53 and eclipsed Antipodes in the IRC I stakes by 13 minutes.

Centennial III led the way down to the Verde Passage, but Antipodes came out on top and held on for the long run back home.

Ray Ordoveza’s Excel 53 Karakoa crossed the finish line with 29:23:40 for third place in the 2nd SBVIP, presented by Standard Insurance Inc., and supported by Tanduay Rum, Broadwater Marine, Nano Fixit and Lighthouse Marina Resort.

“It was very tiring and technical race in close company with Antipodes. But we held on and happy to take the overall IRC I title,” said Echauz.

Despite having to anchor for a while, George Hackett’s Mills 43 custom Misty Mountain came third in the IRC overall stakes and claimed first place in the IRC II class.

Bobby Benares’ Beneteau 44.7 Sabad came second place, while Albert Altura’s Beneteau First 40 Hurricane Hunter retired on its first outing.

In the absence of an IRC certificate, Jun Avecilla’s Beneteau First 36.7 Selma Star and Michael Raueber’s Swan 65.1 Emocean 1 have joined Stephen Wu Shifu’s Oceanis 45 Asia Pacific Sailing in the Cruising class. After the arbitrary handicaps were applied, they ended up in that respective order.

Verde Island Passage is a strait that separates the islands of Luzon and Mindoro, connecting the South China Sea with the Tayabas Bay in Quezon province and the Sibuyan Sea in Romblon, beyond.

This is the eighth-point scoring regatta on the annual AsianYachting Grand Prix, where all the skippers and yachts are awarded points based on their overall placings at the end of the regatta.

The scores are included in the race for the 2018-19 AYGP Skipper and Yacht of the Year title at the end of the season. (Manila Standard)

PHOTO:

Participants in the 2nd Subic Bay around Verde Island Passage Race try to outwit each other.

http://manilastandard.net/sports/sports-plus/288765/centennial-iii-crowned-regatta-king.html

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Community pays respect to Olongapo’s founding father

Local residents and officials gathered here on Wednesday to commemorate the 52nd death anniversary of former Olongapo Mayor James Leonard Tagle Gordon, who was considered the founding father of the city.

Senator Richard J. Gordon led the ceremony by laying a wreath of flowers before the monument of his father, which was erected at Tappan Park here, the former public plaza of the old Olongapo community where the elder Gordon was born.

Guests at the ceremony included senatorial contenders like former Special Assistant to the President Bong Go and former Interior Secretary Rafael Alunan III.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Wilma T. Eisma, who also graced the ceremony, said the old Olongapo community used to occupy what is now the central business district of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone until it was moved to its present location when the U.S. Navy built a military base here.

“A good part of the history of Subic Bay was made when Olongapo was still here,” she added.

Senator Gordon, who was the first chairman and administrator of the SBMA, said in an emotional tribute that his father James has been instrumental in the move for the independence of Olongapo, since the area had remained under the jurisdiction of the United States government until 1946.

He recalled that the late mayor was well-respected by U.S. Navy officials and had many friends among the Americans on base, “but he could not stomach the military regulations that limited the movements of people in Olongapo.”

In a series of articles published in the Manila Chronicle on July 3 to 7, 1955, the elder Gordon exposed the abuses and harassments suffered by Olongapo residents under U.S. military rule.

James Leonard Gordon went on to become the first elected mayor of Olongapo City on December 30, 1963 and remained so until he was felled by an assassin’s bullet on February 20, 1967.

Recently, President Rodrigo Duterte signed a law declaring January 17, the birthday of the former mayor, as James Leonard Tagle Gordon Day, which will be a special non-working holiday in Olongapo City and the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The holiday was declared in recognition of the achievements, contributions, and heroism of the late politician. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1-2] Senator Richard Gordon, who is the first SBMA chairman, pays tribute to his later father James Leonard Tagle Gordon during the 52nd death anniversary of the founding father of Olongapo City.

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ACTSI eyes Subic as business aviation hub inking deal with SBMA

Aviation Concepts Technical Services Inc. (ACTSI) – a business aviation services provider based in the Philippines – signed lease agreement with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to transform the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA), a former United States Navy Base, into a hub for business aviation in the Asia Pacific region.

Under a 25-year partnership with the SBMA, ACTSI is committed to providing hangar parking, corporate jet Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) services and aircraft corrosion preventive solutions at SBIA, to ease the congested hangar parking and maintenance burdens in the region. Close to 18,000 square-meter ACTSI hangar facility is targeted to complete its premiere upgrade in the third quarter of 2019.

At the signing ceremony, SBMA’s Chairperson & Administrator Atty. Wilma “Amy” T. Eisma commented, “This is very exciting for SBIA and SBMA. With the added push coming from government, we will be able to jointly launch ACTSI’s services this year together with Subic Airport’s 24/7 capability.” ACTSI’s General Manger Mr. John O’Meara also said, “We are very delighted and optimistic in our partnership with the SBMA, helping it realize SBIA’s potential as a premiere hub for business aviation in Asia — servicing business jets around the region.”

The newly refurbished MRO hangar facility is set to meet standards of aircraft Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and clients’ expectations. As the former US Navy base, SBIA allows ACTSI’s large-sized aircraft users to enjoy the extensive runway length at 9,000 feet for easy take-offs and landings. The ACTSI Subic hangar facility has Part 145 approvals from Civil Aviation Authority of Cayman Islands and Bermuda, it is currently working towards expanding its capabilities to include an FAA 145 approval.

Based in the Philippines, ACTSI is led by Mr. John O’Meara, a former Gulfstream Test Pilot with over 40 years aviation experience and a team of certified engineers, dedicating their efforts to providing hangar parking, corporate jet maintenance services and aircraft corrosion solutions to clients within the Asia Pacific region. (Aviationpros.com)

PHOTO:

ACTSI hangar at the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA)

https://www.aviationpros.com/aircraft/maintenance-providers/mro/press-release/21069524/aviation-concepts-technical-services-inc-actsi-actsi-eyes-subic-as-business-aviation-hub-inking-deal-with-subic-bay-metropolitan-authority

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