P1.6-billion deal signed for expansion of Subic Freeport Expressway

A plan to expand the capacity of the Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) by building new expressway lanes, bridges, and tunnel has been finalized.

This, after the NLEX Corporation and Sta. Clara International Corporation recently signed the agreement for the P1.6-billion SFEX capacity expansion project, marking the start of realizing the expansion.

Under the P1.6-billion project fund, construction of two additional expressway lanes, two new bridges at Jadjad and Argonaut, and a tunnel will be implemented.

These additional infrastructure projects aim to better accommodate the growing number of vehicles going in and out of the Subic Bay Freeport.

The officials said expressway-standard LED lights will be installed to keep the SFEX safe and convenient for motorists, particularly for those driving at night.

They further said that the SFEX capacity expansion will improve traffic in the area and promote road safety as the new lanes will segregate northbound and southbound motorists along separate carriageways.

It will also complement the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s (SBMA) infrastructure development program which includes the improvement of airport and seaport, the widening of roads, and the construction of an SBMA Corporate Center.

The contract signing was spearheaded by NLEX Corporation president and general manager Luigi Bautista, NLEX Corporation chief operating officer Raul Ignacio and Sta. Clara International Corporation chairman and managing director Nicandro Linao.

Other signatories to the contract are NLEX Corporation chief finance officer Ma. Theresa Wells and Sta. Clara International Corporation deputy managing director Fernando Delgado, with Transportation consultant Alberto Suansing as witness. (Betheena Unite, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:

The familiar Tipo tunnel at the Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEx) also known as the Subic-Tipo Expressway.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/05/21/p1-6-billion-deal-signed-for-expansion-of-subic-freeport-expressway/

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Royal Thai Navy vessels, Japanese destroyer in Subic for goodwill visit

Two vessels of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) docked at this premier Freeport on Wednesday as part of a goodwill visit to the Philippines until Saturday.

These are His Thai Majesty’s Ship (HTMS) Taksin (FFG-422), a Naresuan-class frigate, and the HTMS Krabi (OPV-551), a modified river-class patrol vessel.

Philippine Navy’s Fleet-Marine Ready Force chief Commodore Toribio Adaci Jr., who welcomed the foreign naval force headed by Rear Admiral Sompong Poowiang, said the RTN, with 500 of its finest naval crew, will conduct training with the Philippine Navy during the visit.

Poowiang and Commander Archarigaruth Noichinda also made a courtesy call at the office of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on Thursday.

SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma said the naval visit “is not only an opportunity for the Philippine government to further strengthen maritime relations with the government of Thailand, (but) is also a manifestation of the critical role that the Subic Bay Freeport plays in enhancing maritime cooperation between the Philippines and its allies.”

Adaci also underscored the significance of the visit as a “continuing effort to strengthen the relationship between our governments and navies.”

Poowiang conveyed his appreciation for the warm welcome and expressed his keenness in the scheduled engagements between the two navies during their stay.

Meanwhile, The JS Samidare (DD-106), a Murasame-class destroyer of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), will dock at Subic Bay's Alava Wharf for a goodwill visit from Friday to Sunday.

Captain Jonathan Zata, Philippine Navy spokesperson, said the ship will be dropping its anchor around 9 a.m. Friday (May 18).

JS Samidare will coming along with two SH-60K patrol helicopters and 200 officers and enlisted personnel.

This is the second visit of the JSMDF in the Philippines this year. The first one was when JS Ikazuchi (DD-107), another Murasame-class destroyer, came in late January.
sbm
The Murasame-class destroyer is the first class of the second-generation general-purpose destroyers of the JMSDF. (JRR/MPD-SBMA with report from PNA)

PHOTOS:

[1] The Royal Thai Navy’s frigate HTMS Taksin (FFG-422) and offshore patrol vessel HTMS Krabi (OPV-551) dock side by side at the Alava Wharf in the Subic Bay Freeport upon arrival on Wednesday for a goodwill visit in the Philippines until Saturday (MPD-SBMA)

[2] The Philippine Navy brass band welcomes officials and crew of the Royal Thai Navy’s frigate HTMS Taksin (FFG-422) and offshore patrol vessel HTMS Krabi (OPV-551) upon arrival at the Alava Wharf in the Subic Bay Freeport upon arrival on Wednesday for a goodwill visit in the Philippines until Saturday (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic bags PHL sports tourism ‘destination of the year’ award

Subic Bay was named “Destination of the Year” for 2016 and 2017 by the Philippine Sports Tourism Awards (PSTA), a Cebu-based awards body that honors organizers and groups that help position the Philippines as a competitive sports tourism destination worldwide.

PSTA chairman Charles Lim, who visited Subic last week, presented a 14-inch gold trophy to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma to signify Subic’s recognition as a top sports tourism site for two consecutive years.

Lim said that Subic received the PSTA’s nod after the panel of judges took into consideration the consistency with which sports activities were held in the Freeport.

“There’s a variety of sports events held in Subic almost every month, and that’s really a plus factor,” Lim said, noting that Subic has also hosted major events like the Ironman and Alaska races, as well as the annual regatta.

“I hope Subic will continue to keep up the momentum, and we look forward to the nomination again of Subic for 2018,” Lim also said.

SBMA Chairman Eisma, meanwhile, said the new award only shows that Subic remains the sports destination in the country most preferred by local and international sports organizers.

“The award speaks well of the natural beauty and the unspoiled environment of Subic amidst continuous economic development,” Eisma said. “It means that Subic had successfully harnessed the synergy of sports and tourism to make it to Number 1 for two consecutive years.”

The SBMA chief also pointed out that Subic won the gold award for best sports tourism destination in the 2017 Sports Industries Awards and Conference Asia (SPIA Asia) held in Thailand, and brought home the bronze award for the same category last year.

Eisma added that Subic will continue to join competitions in order to improve its tourism services and facilities further.

During the meeting with the SBMA chairman, Lim said that sports tourism is now the fastest-growing component of the travel and sports industry, especially with the current boom in medical tourism, agri-tourism, and eco-tourism.

He said that with Subic’s hosting some of the SEA Games events in November, the estimated 5,000 participants and officials that will join sports events here may bring along an average of three family members or friends, relatives or supporters with them.

“So the number could reach about 15,000 visitors. That means they will need at least 7,000 rooms, which would be a tremendous boost for the Subic economy,” Lim said.

The PSTA was organized in 2015 by the Philippine Sports Commission, Department of Tourism, Philippine Tourism Promotions Board, and Selrahco Management and Consultancy Services, as the lead private group. It is now managed by Selrahco-Primetime headed by Lim.

Lim explained that the PSTA was actually conceived in 2004 as a result of many years of encouraging sports events organizers to promote sports, recognize and professionalize the organizing management skills of organizers, and urging volunteers to be involved in the organization of sports events.

“As we went along, we found that it was a good gesture to start recognizing the people who organize, who take the trouble of travelling to organize the sports events,” Lim said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

PSTA Chairman Charles Lim presents the 2016-2017 “Destination of the Year” award to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma. The Subic Bay Freeport received the recognition for consistently hosting sports events that position the Philippines as a competitive sports tourism destination worldwide.

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Subic port operator gets new container handlers

The Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation (SBITC) has procured two new container handlers from international cargo handling firm Kalmar to further improve port operations in the Subic Freeport Zone this year.

The Kalmar empty container handlers will be utilized for the Subic port’s container depot that will serve the transport of cargo goods in the region.

“Our new containers are part of this year’s port improvement plan and will be used in our empty container depot. In fact, our terminal has increased its mobile stacker fleet by 100% compared to January this year,” the SBITC management said in a statement on Wednesday.

The two new container handlers are expected to be operational by June while other equipment are set to arrive within the year.

“We’re looking forward to the arrival of more cranes later this year to complete our 2019 port improvement plan. We will continue to invest in improving our facilities as a world-class freeport for the benefit of our locators and port users,” the port operator stated.

Empty container handlers are specialized forklifts designed to efficiently stack empty containers and handle fully loaded containers in the Freeport.

Each handler has a lifting capacity of 9 metric tons and can stack empty containers up to 60 feet high, which is essential for port operators to fully maximize space to load and unload containers.

The SBITC is the container port operator of the Subic Freeport Area in Subic, Zambales, and serves the industries in Northern and Central Luzon. (SNL)

PHOTO:

A container ship docked at the New Container Terminal operated by SBITC in Subic Bay Freeport Zone

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More Taiwan investors eyeing Subic Bay Freeport

More Taiwan-based companies are now setting their sights on this premier free port, with eight firms expressing interest to invest here after talks with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials in the recent Philippine Investment Forum held in Taipei.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, who presented investment and business opportunities in the Subic Bay Freeport during the forum, said two Taiwanese companies had so far committed a total of $9 million in investments right away.

These are FTI Holdings Group (Milagros International Inc.), which plans to invest $6 million in Subic and to hire 600 workers within the year, and Grey Matter Industries Group, which had committed to invest $3 million and hire 200 workers.

FTI Group designs, manufactures and sells luggage, fashion handbags and backpacks, apparel and apparel accessories, outdoor products and pet products and accessories which are sold in the United States.

Eisma said FTI’s chief auditor, Paul Lee, already inspected a prospective factory site in Subic’s Tipo area on April 30, and will conduct another inspection with other company officials next month to finalize the new business venture.

Meanwhile, Grey Matter Industries Group, which is engaged in the manufacture of PET bottles, plastic films and other plastic products, has already sent the SBMA a letter of intent on April 29, Eisma added.

More than 250 Taiwanese investors attended the April 24-26 Taipei trade roadshow organized by the Philippine Investment Promotion Plan (PIPP) in coordination with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Taipei, the commercial affairs section of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO).

The forum showcased investment and business opportunities for Taiwanese industry players who are repositioning their strategy in light of the recent global trade and economic developments and conflicts between major global markets.

Eisma said that in the Taipei trade roadshow, six other Taiwanese firms expressed interest to locate in the Subic Bay Freeport and the Subic agency is now in touch with them to firm up investment plans here.

Among the prospective investors are Rong Shin Industrial Co., Ltd., which is recognized as the world’s leading manufacturer of lawn and garden power tool muffler system; Catcher Technology Co., Ltd., which is a major supplier of Taiwanese computer giant Wistron; Primax Electronic Ltd., which manufactures computer peripherals and accessories for the Taiwan, China and the United States markets; CDStar Co., Ltd., manufacturer of Skechers, Keen, Clarks, Asics, Salomon and Novi shoes; and Ya Horng Electronics Co., Ltd., producer of electrical appliances and audio-visual electronic products for the US, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, and France.

Another prospective investor is Sagittarius Sporting Good Co., Ltd., (Xiamen Feipeng Industry Co. Ltd.), a manufacturer of sports and protective equipment, which said it intends to produce fishing and sports inflatable boats in Subic.

Eisma said most of the incoming Taiwanese investors will locate at the Tipo area, which is being developed by the SBMA as a major industrial site. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma presents investment and business opportunities in the Subic Bay Freeport during the 2019 Philippine Business Forum in Taipei on March 26.

[2] More than 250 Taiwanese investors attended the Philippine Investment Forum organized by the Philippine Investment Promotion Plan (PIPP) in coordination with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Taipei.

[3] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma discusses Subic business opportunities with CEO Eric Lin and COO Adu Wu of Grey Matter Industries Group, a prospective Subic investor, during the 2019 Philippine Business Forum in Taipei.

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Subic workers, managers mark festive Labor Day

They ran, sang, danced and had fun together. On Labor Day, members of the Subic Bay Freeport workforce, as well as management personnel investor-firms here, made a collective effort to promote employees welfare and sound labor-management relations.

With a whole-day program to bolster bonding among workers and employers, delegations from various companies in the Freeport, together with their families, gathered here on May 1 for various Freeport Games and Sports (FGS) activities.

Investor-companies, meanwhile, offered a total of 3,793 job openings in a job fair held as part of the Labor Day program.

As early as 5:00 a.m., hundreds of workers and management staff turned up at the Ayala Harbor Point parking area for a 3-kilometer fun run that kicked off the Labor Day celebration at exactly 6:30 a.m.

Just 30 minutes later, winners started to trickle back in: For the Kids’ Division, the fastest runner was Ryza Joyce Rodriguez, daughter of a worker from Brighterday Subic, Ltd., operator of All Hands Beach. She was followed by Raniesha Quintana, daughter of a worker from DJ Aerospace Inc.; and Prince Gavbriel M. Ilefo, son of a worker from Koryo Subic, Inc.

In the Women’s Division, the winners were: Melicent Quintana of DJ Aerospace (champion); Angeline Centino of Subic Aviary and Bird Park (1st runner-up); and Cindy Obsena of Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal Services, Inc. (2nd runner-up).

The Men’s Division was dominated by Christian Denotua of Subic Aviary (champion); Robert John Concepcion of FFP Concept Panning Solutions Corp. (1st runner-up); and Jay Ar Orpilla of Cresc, Inc. (2nd runner-up).

Meanwhile, of the nine entries in the Float Competition, the “best float” award was presented to Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation, while the “best in uniform” award was given to FBM Systems and Electronics, Inc., which bested 18 other companies for the title.

The second part of the Labor Day program brought the competitions inside the Ayala Harbor Point Mall, which was also the site of a job fair organized by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Labor Department.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma and SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato Lee III visited the fair and lauded the participating companies that offered new positions to local jobseekers.

SBMA Labor Department manager Severo Pastor Jr. said 53 companies in the Subic Freeport joined the Labor Day fair and offered a total of 3,793 job openings.

He added that from the 3,495 applications processed during the job fair, 13 applicants were hired on the spot by various companies. Four of them were taken in by Datian Subic Shoes, Inc.; three by DBA Global Shared Services, Inc.; another three by Sanyo Denki Phils. Inc.; two by Prime Power Manpower Services; and one by United Teleplan Corp.

Meanwhile, the contests held in the afternoon of May 1 yielded more contestants from among the Subic-registered investor companies. Aryan Realon of Datian Subic Shoes, Inc. emerged champion in the singing contest while the Koryo Dance Group topped the dance contest.

The highlight of the festivity was the search for Mr. and Ms. FGS 2019, which drew nine male contestants and 10 lady competitors. In the end, Joshua Pangilinan of Subic Ray Corporation and Jonah Myrll Gocela of Global Architectural Fabrication Subic, Inc. bagged the prestigious titles. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] Runners from all age groups break out at the start of the Labor Day fun run in the Subic Bay Freeport (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma greets participants in the Labor Day program involving workers and employers in the Subic Bay Freeport (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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More business locators join SBMA ‘war on waste’

The country’s premier free port maintains its reputation as home to booming industries and businesses amidst a thriving natural environment due to the collective effort of stakeholders here to minimize waste.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Ecology Center manager Amethya Dela Llana said more Subic Freeport companies have joined the agency’s “War on Waste” program since the start of the Recyclable Collection Event (RCE) project in 2016.

“Our business locators now see the benefits of properly disposing trash: it’s orderly and more efficient, as well as economical,” Dela Llana said on Thursday during the 6th RCE held at the former mini-golf course along Waterfront Road here.

The participating companies brought to the collection event various recyclable items like used car batteries, cardboard and paper scraps, and light bulbs.

“It has been our company’s initiative to properly dispose of our hazardous wastes, being a company that conducts inspection, verification and tests on various products such as gas, oil and other chemicals,” said Marge Lingad, the administrative officer of SGS Subic.

Lingad said the firm used to outsource treatment of wastes generated by their operation. “But now we have found an economical way to dispose of these and at the same time, help raise funds for the environment,” she added.

Recyclable items generated through the SBMA project are sold to recyclers, and proceeds are donated to the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, which funds the Bantay Kalikasan, an organization that promotes healthy environment for local communities.

In the recently concluded 6th RCE, the SBMA Ecology Center recognized Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co., Ltd. for religiously donating recyclable trash since the pilot collection event three years ago, as well as for donating recyclable trash worth P32,160 during the previous RCE.

Apart from Hanjin, the companies recognized for their contributions to the recycling project include Subic Truckboy, SGS (Subic Bay) Inc., Broadband Broadcast Services, Nidec Subic Philippines, Sanyo Denki Phils. Inc., Koryo Subic, Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC), Wistron Infocomm Phils., Mateen Tokyo Intl. Inc., and Apollo Subic International Trading Corp.

Among the SBMA departments, meanwhile, the Procurement and Property Management Department (PPMD) was recognized for turning in recyclables worth P297,380 at the 5th RCE in November 2018.

In a short program that kicked off the 6th RCE, Dela Llana pointed out that when astronauts go to outer space, they experience the “overview effect” where they feel how fragile the earth is.

“I hope we do not have to go to outer space just to realize how fragile the earth is. With the series of earthquakes and aftershocks, let us help our environment adapt to the changes by doing environmentally-sound practices,” she added.

Dela Llana also announced that recyclable items like old tires, expired medicines, rubber shoes/slippers, and used clothes will also be accepted in the next collection event.

The RCE is part of the SBMA’s “War on Waste” program that also included an anti-littering drive, regulated use of plastic straws and plastic bags for wet products, and ban of single-use plastics. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] Companies located at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone bring recyclable items to the 6th SBMA Recyclable Collection Event on Thursday. (MPD-SBMA)

[2] Volunteers teach the art of turning recyclable items into reusable or alternative-use products during the 6th SBMA Recyclable Collection Event on Thursday. (MPD.SBMA)

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Subic remains top tourist magnet in Region 3

This premier commercial and industrial center has maintained its hold as the best tourist destination in Central Luzon in the last six years based on the number of local and foreign tourist arrivals.

According to the Department of Tourism (DoT) in Region 3 in its 2018 Report on the Regional Distribution of Travelers, the Subic Bay Freeport recorded a total of 1,729,435 guest arrivals last year out of the total 4,144,130 posted in the region.

This represented 41.73% of the total guest arrivals recorded the seven provinces of Central Luzon and the two economic zones of Subic and Clark Freeport in Pampanga.

Of these nine destinations, Zambales followed as second best destination with 674,359 arrivals, while Clark was a distant third with 473,162.

The rest performed as follows: Bulacan, 451,426; Nueva Ecija, 305,603; Pampanga, 266,612; Aurora, 176,818; Bataan, 53,339; and Tarlac, 13,376.

The DoT report indicated that most of the guests that arrived in Central Luzon were domestic tourists, with a total count of 3,798,848. Foreign arrivals were recorded at 338,305 while overseas guests numbered 6,977.

Subic recorded the most number of guest arrivals in December last year with 182,885, followed by 166,799 in April and 163,384 in May.

Central Luzon’s top tourist markets, the DoT also said, were Korea at 107,247 arrivals; Unites States of America, 52,249; China, 26,497; Japan, 12,686; and Australia, 9,823.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma took pride in the DoT findings and said that SBMA efforts to surpass its own tourism performance in the last few years were paying off.

“This is the result not only of the SBMA, or of the tourism establishments in Subic to draw more tourists, but of the whole Freeport community to make our place cleaner, safer, more secure and providing more memorable experiences,” Eisma said.

“The SBMA, the residents of the Freeport, and the companies, schools and other institutions that operate in the Subic Bay Freeport have been working hard together to maintain this outstanding tourism rating, and I’m so glad that we’re getting outstanding results,” she added.

The Subic Bay Freeport Zone has registered that highest number of local and foreign tourists in Central Luzon since 2013, according to figures compiled by the Department of Tourism.

In 2012, the DoT also named Subic the “Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon.”

Subic has also been variously referred to as “Triathlon Capital” and “Theme Park Capital” of the country in recognition of its drawing power in sports and adventure tourism.

Chairman Eisma also noted that Subic has been named the fifth “hottest” destination in the Philippines today by Traveloka, which is Southeast Asia’s leading online booking platform for hotels.

This was after Subic recorded a +95% in tourist arrivals from 2018 to 2019, which was higher than the average 74% increase for the top 12 local destinations that Traveloka has monitored for the same period.

As the fifth hottest destination in terms of visitors count, Subic only came after Basco in Batanes, which was at the top slot with +386% arrivals; Legazpi City, +197%; General Santos City, +174%; and Laoag City, +160%. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

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NLEX spending P1.6b to expand toll road in Subic

NLEX Corp. said it is spending P1.6 billion to expand the capacity of Subic Freeport Expressway, or SFEx, amid growing vehicle traffic.

NLEX vice president for project management Nemesio Castillo said SFEx, or the Tipo section of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, would be expanded by one lane in each direction.

The Subic-Tipo Tunnel of the Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEx)

The project is expected to be completed in 16 months starting this month.

Castillo said a new tunnel and two new bridges—Jadjad Bridge and Argonaut Bridge—would also be constructed while expressway-standard LED lights would be installed to keep the expressway safe for motorists, especially for those driving at night.

SFEx, which was constructed in time for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Subic in 1996, is now a part of SCTEx.

NLEX holds the concession to manage, operate and maintain SCTEx, a 93.77-km four-lane highway, traversing the provinces of Bataan, Pampanga and Tarlac.

The management, operation, and maintenance of SCTEX was turned over by BCDA to the NLEX in 2015.

NLEX said last week it allotted P400 million this year to expand the capacity of SCTEX.

The company, which operates SCTEX, said more lanes would be built in Clark South A and South B exits; Clark North entry and exit; San Miguel northbound entry and exit; and Tarlac entry and exit.

NLEX said the construction would start on July 1 this year and be completed by November this year.

The construction of the Bamban Interchange, which will link the expressway to New Clark City, is also ongoing in time for country’s hosting of the Southeast Asian Games.

Data show since the SCTEx was opened in 2008, the average daily traffic grew by close to 600 percent from just 9,302 to 62,643 in 2018. (Darwin G. Amojelar, Manila Standard)


http://manilastandard.net/business/corporate/292969/nlex-spending-p1-6b-to-expand-toll-road-in-subic.html

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SBMA calls for SEA Games volunteers

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma has called for the participation of volunteers from the Subic Bay area in the 30th Southeast Asian Games that the Philippines will host late this year.

Once more tapping the wellspring of volunteerism that helped make Subic a model for military base conversion, Eisma urged local youths to take the opportunity to serve and be part of history.

“Make a difference and be a hero,” Eisma said in a call broadcast over social media.

“Come show your malasakit once again. Be a SEA Games volunteer and give yourself the chance to serve the country and be part of history,” she added.

Eisma made the call for volunteers after the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) announced the need for some 12,000 volunteers for the regional sports spectacle that will be held in November 30 to December 10.

PHISGOC chief operating officer Ramon Suzara said that volunteers will be mobilized for the Games in Metro Manila, Subic, Clark Freeport, and other venues to help run the country’s hosting of the 56 sports and 529 events in this year’s sports meet.

Eisma said she has called for volunteers to show their malasakit for Subic in so many occasions in the past. “Today, I am calling on you again to join the SBMA team and help make the 30th SEA Games successful,” she said.

Out of the 56 sports slated in the 2019 SEA Games, 16 will be hosted in Subic. These are duathlon, triathlon, pencak silat, sepak takraw, chess, table tennis, muay thai, karatedo, vovinam, obstacle sports, modern-date pentathlon, beach volleyball, beach handball, and all water sports: sailing, wind surfing, and traditional boat race.

PHISGOC said around P100 million to P150 million will be allotted to the volunteer program from the P5-billion SEA Games budget of the national government.

The volunteers will be provided with uniforms, transportation, allowance and meals for an eight-hour shift.

Eisma said that those interested to join the SEA Games volunteer program in Subic may apply online at www.mysubicbay.com.ph. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Recruitment of volunteers will be conducted from April to July, with the online registration starting on May 15. Training of volunteers will be held from August to October. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

With the monument honoring Subic’s original volunteers in the background, SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma renews the call for volunteers, this time for the upcoming SEA Games events to be held in the Subic Bay Freeport. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA’s Eisma urges Subic graduates: ‘Be extraordinary’

“Don’t be afraid that you are ordinary, because ordinary does not make you less; it only means you can still work to be extraordinary.”

With these words, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma urged this year’s graduating senior students at the Subic National High School in Subic, Zambales to go out of their comfort zone and take chances in life.

Eisma, who was invited to inspire the students with her success as a government executive and career woman, said noted that while some people become extraordinarily successful, some tend to become too confident that their careers become stagnant.

“On the other hand, the so-called ordinary people have so much time to work and improve themselves and become more successful. The ordinary could become extraordinary. So, being ordinary should not be something to be worried about,” she said.

Eisma also told the students about the lifelong lessons she has learned since being a schoolgirl in Olongapo City. “Follow your parents; do not be afraid to take chances; and do not be afraid to fail,” she said.

Eisma revealed how she learned to cope with the rules her parents had imposed on what to wear or not wear in going out of the house, on the 5 o’clock curfew, and on having a boyfriend.

“It took me 50 years to realize that my mother will always know best, that my father knows best,” Eisma related. “Believe me, those rules are there for a reason. And I highly recommend that you follow your parents because they have nothing but your best interest in mind.”

The SBMA executive also challenged the graduating students to take chances, as she observed that many graduates preferred to content themselves with what was easy and safe.

“You will never know what is in store for you until you take the chance,” she said. “It is in taking those risks that you find greatness. It is in taking risks that you find success,” she added.

As a former senior officer of the multimillion-peso corporation Philip Morris (Philippines) International, Eisma said she earned more than what she is receiving today. But she took the chance and accepted the offer of President Duterte to become administrator of SBMA, and later as chairman too, she added.

“I long wanted to be home with my parents, to go back to the place I grew up in. So, when the President offered me the job, I took my chances,” she told the students. “Today, I’m happier with my work where I feel I belong and can do a lot to help other people. These are things you cannot buy anywhere in the world.”

Lastly, the SBMA chairman also asked the youngsters to not be afraid to fail and get hurt. “What is important is not the fact that you failed, but how you dealt with failure. Because failure will only win if you let it.”

“I, too, had failures in life. And of course I cried, but I asked myself, ‘Will I just cry my whole life? So, the next day I moved on and tried my luck again, and I soon I found success,” she said.

In closing, Eisma challenged every graduating student “to become Amy Eisma” and try to become extraordinary.

“I am you,” she told them. “I went through the same experience as you do. So, I challenge you to take chances. I challenge you to become me. For all you know, 25 years from now, one of you will be the chairman and administrator of SBMA.”

Meanwhile, faculty members and students gave Eisma a standing ovation for her extraordinary speech. “That was really a most inspiring and energizing speech we heard,” they said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma engages graduating students of the Subic National High School with her advice on how to take chances and be extraordinary and successful. (MPD-SBMA)

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Weeklong Lenten program set in Subic Bay Freeport

Subic is not only ready for the crowd of vacationers this summer, but also for throngs of the faithful who are expected to observe the Christian traditions of praying, fasting and reconciling with their Maker during the Lenten season.

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, the Subic agency, in partnership with various stakeholder groups, has prepared a weeklong religious program, as well as some cultural presentations for the Holy Week.

2019 Holy Week schedule of activities in Subic Bay 

The Holy Week, according to Christian tradition, is the culmination of the hallowed forty-day period of sacrifice leading up to Jesus' death and resurrection. Christians observe the 40 days of Lent that begins on Ash Wednesday to replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.

Eisma said that because of its relative quiet and its peaceful atmosphere, the Subic Bay Freeport has become a favorite spot for religious reflection and meditation.

Subic’s Holy Week presentation starts at 8:30 a.m. on April 14, Palm Sunday, with the re-enactment of the entry of Jesus to Jerusalem and the blessing of palms, locally known as “palaspas.” This will be held at the San Roque Chapel, which was built in the 1800s for Spanish sailors and Filipino converts.

The San Roque Chapel

“Pabasa sa Freeport,” which is the chanting of the life, passion and death of Jesus Christ, starts at 9:00 a.m. on Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday also at San Roque Chapel.

On Maundy Thursday, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and Washing of the Feet will be held at 5:00 p.m., to be followed by Visita Iglesia at 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight.

Slarted on Good Friday are the Stations of the Cross, 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, San Roque Chapel; Guided Way of the Cross Meditation, 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Holy Land Subic Sanctuary, which is located at the Tipo area; and Liturgy of the Word and Veneration of the Cross, 3:00 p.m. at San Roque Chapel.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to join the religious procession on Holy Wednesday and the grand procession on Good Friday at 6:00 p.m. Both will go around Subic’s Central Business District and end at the San Roque Chapel.

The grand event that will end the Holy Week here will be the Easter Sunday procession or “Salubong” that will start at 4:00 a.m. on April 21 and proceed along the Manila and Dewey Avenues, pass by the Spanish Gate area, and end at San Roque Chapel.

Meanwhile, SBMA Tourism Department manager Mary Jamelle Camba said that aside from religious activities, the public may also enjoy for free the live musical entertainment program that will start at 7:00 p.m. from April 18 to April 20 at the Boardwalk Event Center.

These musical presentations will showcase the bests of local bands in the Subic Bay area, as well as a gospel healing concert featuring the drama group Centurion’s Servant, the Bethesda Springs of Hope Healing Ministry, as well as singers Julie San Jose, Yael and Karylle Yuzon, and Ku Aquino.

The Holy Mass at 6:00 a.m. on Easter Sunday at San Roque Chapel will be followed by the “Agape Breakfast For All” and the Easter egg hunt for children.

Camba said that in preparation for the expected influx of visitors to Subic, the SBMA Tourism Department has established satellite information offices in four strategic locations in the Freeport to help motorists on their way.

These information centers can be found at the Tipo Toll Plaza, the front of San Roque Chapel, the Total Gas Station in front of Subic Yacht Club, and the Starbucks coffeehouse along Argonaut Hiway.

Camba said these info centers will open from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. during the entire Holy Week and will also be manned by medical personnel with ambulances on stand-by, police officers, and auto mechanics. (MPD-SBMA)

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PLDT-Subic donates police outposts to SBMA

Seven new police outposts were turned over by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company-Subic (PLDT Subic) to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as part of the company’s contribution to promote safety and security in this Freeport.

PLDT Subictel Chairman Eric Alberto formally presented the donation to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma after unveiling an outpost located on Rizal Highway corner Aguinaldo St. near the Subic main gate recently.

The seven outposts, which cost more than P1 million, sported a brand-new look with its bold black theme and vibrant SBMA emergency hotlines painted on walls.

Four new outposts are located at Subic’s Central Business District: Rizal Highway corner Argonaut Highway; Rizal Highway corner Burgos Street; Rizal Highway corner Aguinaldo Street; and Rizal Highway corner Manila Avenue.

Three others are at the Binictican housing area: one at the Binictican main sentry station; one more at the sentry near Pamulaklakin Village; and the third at the sentry gate going to El Kabayo.

PLDT Subictel officials said this corporate social responsibility (CSR) project includes the repair and repainting of the existing security outpost at the Kalayaan main sentry station.

They added that the company would also put emergency phone numbers for the Binictican and Kalayaan housing areas on the police outposts located therein.

Meanwhile, Chairman Eisma expressed the agency’s appreciation for Subictel’s continued support in the SBMA’s safety and security program for the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

She reiterated that the PLDT-Subictel CSR project is a testament to the company’s “malasakit” for this premier free port.

The Subic Telecommunications Co., or Subictel, is a subsidiary of PLDT and operates the telephone system in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairman Wilma Eisma (center) with PLDT-Subictel Chairman Eric Alberto and other officials of the SBMA and Subictel during the turnover ceremony for the new police outposts donated by PLDT.

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LOOK: Subic Bay Fire Olympics

[1] A fire brigade member from Pure Petroleum Corp. unrolls a fire hose during a Subic Fire Olympics 2019 competition held at the Subic Bay Gateway Park on March 29.

The participants competed in industrial/commercial fire-fighting and rescue scenario competition.





[2] A rescue team from the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corp. carries a “victim” during a rescue scenario in the Subic Fire Olympics 2019 held at the Subic Bay Gateway Park on March 29.

[3] SBMA Chairman and CEO Wilma T. Eisma joins members of fire brigades from various locator-companies in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone during the Subic Fire Olympics 2019 held at the Subic Bay Gateway Park on March 29.

(MPD-SBMA)

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