Anti-graft court clears top SBMA officials of Diño raps

The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed three other cases filed by then Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Martin Diño against two other senior officials amidst the leadership row in the Subic agency two years ago.

In a consolidated joint resolution approved by Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires last June and released by his office on October 23, the graft court cleared now SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma and SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Ramon O. Agregado of falsification, usurpation of authority, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.

The charges filed by Diño were dismissed for lack of probable cause and lack of substantial evidence.

Diño, who is now undersecretary at the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), filed the cases in August and September 2017 at the height of his squabble for leadership with Eisma, who was then SBMA administrator and CEO.

Diño alleged that Eisma usurped the power of the SBMA Board of Directors when she authorized Agregado to sign on her behalf term sheets for Management Approved Proposals (MAPs).  He also claimed that Eisma thereafter issued an office order to cover up Agregado’s purported usurpation.

In its ruling, however, the Ombudsman said it found no probable cause to indict the respondents for any of the complaints filed by the former SBMA official.

“As such, it cannot be said that respondent Eisma usurped the authority of the Board when she designated respondent Agregado to sign the subject MAPs in her behalf,” the Ombudsman ruled. “It cannot likewise be said that respondent Agregado usurped the authority of respondent Eisma,” it added.

As to the charge of falsification, the Ombudsman said the office order issued by Eisma to authorize Agregado to sign the MAPs “was genuine and validly issued” and that even if the order was numbered much later due to errors in assignment, “it does not affect the truthfulness of the contents thereof.”

The Ombudsman also quashed charges of grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and serious dishonesty, and pointed out that the complainant failed to establish that respondents violated any law, or tarnished the image or integrity of their office.
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Diño also “failed to submit any other compelling evidence to effectively assail the genuineness and due execution of (Eisma’s) office order,” the resolution stated.

This was the second time that the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed charges filed by Diño against officials of the Subic agency.

Last July, the anti-graft court also ruled against Diño in a complaint he filed two years ago against five senior SBMA officials in connection with his claim for salary as SBMA chairman. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

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Japan pledges assistance for Subic Bay master plan

Japan has pledged to extend technical assistance for the development of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and its surrounding areas, according to the Department of Finance (DOF).

In a statement, the DOF said Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has conveyed Japan’s commitment to provide assistance in crafting a master plan for the regional development of Subic Bay.

This happened during their bilateral meeting on Monday on the sidelines of the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.

“The two leaders affirmed that the Japanese assistance is a testament to the deepening strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines,” the DOF said.

According to the DOF, the proposed master plan would outline possible projects in Subic Bay and its surrounding areas, particularly in the fields of road network development, logistics terminal development, disaster risk management and other public utilities development.

Japan remains to be the top provider of official development assistance (ODA) loans and grants to the Philippines, totaling $8.26 billion as of December 2018. This accounts for 46 percent of the country’s total ODA loan portfolio.

Since 2016, the DOF said Manila and Tokyo have signed 10 loan agreements, which provide Japanese funding support for big-ticket infrastructure projects under the Duterte administration’s Build Build Build program. (Mary Grace Padin, Philippine Star)

PHOTO:

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.


https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/11/08/1966831/japan-pledges-assistance-subic-bay-master-plan

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Subic is new marathon SEAG venue

The flat roads inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone will serve as the new venue of the marathon event of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

An ocular inspection has started this week after technical officials made a survey on the undulating course in Capas, Tarlac, which was earlier presented by organizers.

Philippine SEA Games organizing committee executive Tom Carrasco said the layout of the original course in Tarlac was rejected.

“The options for the new race will be submitted to the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association after the November holidays,” said Carrasco.

In the proposed layout, the last 10 kilometers of the race will end up in a 2.4-kilometer route around the parade grounds.

Competition manager Jeannette Obiena will help the PATAFA evaluate the proposed route.

The last part of the route, according to Carrasco, is expected to attract a large number of spectators.

The men’s and women’s marathon events are scheduled on Dec. 6.

Two-time marathon champion Soh Rui Yong of Singapore won’t be defending the men’s crown for the third time. (Peter Atencio, Manila Standard)

http://www.manilastandard.net/sports/active/309178/subic-is-new-marathon-seag-venue.html

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SBMA takes back 240 hectares from Marine Park

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) took back more than 240 hectares of property that remained undeveloped despite being leased to a marine theme park company 12 years ago.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma Eisma said her men closed down three separate areas at the 505-hectare property of Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc. (SBMEI) because of failure to honor its development commitment under a lease and management agreement. SBMEI is the operator of popular tourism facilities Ocean Adventure, Camayan Beach Resort and Adventure Beach Waterpark here.

Eisma said the takeover of the properties proceeded smoothly and without any untoward incident.

The 240 hectares of repossessed property were 92 hectares tagged as Area B, 97 hectares at Area C and 51 hectares at Area E, all located at the Ilanin Forest of Subic Bay Freeport.

Twenty-two former ammunition bunkers, warehouses and other US Navy-era structures connected by tar-paved roads, which are in various states of disrepair were found in the three properties, the SBMA said, adding these indicate that the government-owned properties were not maintained through the years by the lessor.

Eisma expressed gratitude to the SBMEI management for cooperating in the repossession despite it having filed a case against the SBMA on October 18 to thwart the implementation of the agency’s pre-termination order issued on September 27.

“I can only thank the SBMEI management for cooperating in the takeover, which proceeded smoothly and without any untoward incident,” Eisma said.

“We also welcome the filing by SBMEI of a case in court because this move brings us one step closer to the resolution of this problem. Whatever the final decision of the court will be, you can count on the SBMA to honor it,” she added. (Patrick Roxas, Manila Times)

https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/10/31/news/regions/sbma-takes-back-240-hectares-from-marine-park/652201/

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Taiwanese firm to develop P15-B techno-eco park in Subic Freeport

The first eco-friendly industrial park will be up soon in this free port to house light industrial factories, commercial facilities, residential buildings, and a nature park.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the project to be called the Tipo Hightech Eco Park (THEP) will be located in a 200-hectare property atop the gently rolling hills of Tipo, which is also the site of an expressway leading to this free port.

Eisma said the development will be undertaken by Xantheng Subic International Corp., a Taiwanese company which committed an investment of P15 billion for the project. The firm is also behind the development of a high-end condominium complex at Triboa Bay here.

According to THEP Project Manager Jeff Lin, Xantheng Subic’s project will generate a workforce demand of over 500 during the development period alone. More employees will be hired when factories and business start operating, he added.

Meanwhile, the project is also expected to deliver to the SBMA some P5 million monthly in land rentals alone.

During the launch of the THEP project held at Peninsular Hotel here last week, Chairman Eisma elicited a promise from the investors to give priority hiring to qualified upland farmers of Tipo and Mabiga villages, who were part of a “social fencing” project of the SBMA which started in 2002. The 136.59 hectares they occupied under the SBMA program will be part of the THEP.

“I want you to promise me that when the factories and business are up, you will give priority to hiring these families or their children,” Eisma said, referring to the 65 families who were part of the social fencing program.

The SBMA official also thanked the farmers for their cooperation, and for allowing a very smooth and pleasant negotiation and turn-over.

Lin said the THEP was conceived to accommodate the growing population of Taiwanese investors in the Subic Bay Freeport. However, the management does not discount giving room for other nationalities, he said.

“The business atmosphere in here is very conducive and attractive, especially with the on-going road and infrastructure projects of the SBMA. Many Taiwanese companies and investors from other countries, too, are interested to locate here,” Lin said.

According to the master plan submitted by THEP to SBMA, the development will include 101.47 hectares for light industries, 17.99 hectares for a commercial complex, 7.11 hectares for mixed use, 23.16 hectares for residential buildings, and 23.16 for a nature and environment conservation park.

There will also be a reserved area for utilities use and other purposes for a total development area of 209.27 hectares.

Eisma also congratulated Xantheng for coming up with the idea of an industrial park which will incorporate environmental conservation.

Eisma said this will be a first of its kind to be implemented in the Subic Bay Freeport. (CAE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[2] THEP Project Manager Jeff Lin explains the benefits of the project during the launching of the Tipo Hightech Eco Park (THEP) on October 9.

[1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma asks investors to employ Subic upland farmers during the development of the Tipo Hightech Eco Park (THEP).

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Indonesian Navy ships dock in Subic Bay (photos)

[1] The Indonesian Navy’s Sigma-class corvette KRI Frans Kaisiepo (368) is guided by a tugboat upon arrival with the Bung Tomo-class corvette John Lie (358) on Tuesday (Oct. 15) at the Alava Wharf in the Subic Bay Freeport.

The Indonesian sailors are here for a four-day goodwill visit to engage Filipino counterparts in various maritime activities like shipboard tours and friendly games to enhance cooperation between the neighboring navies.

[2] Philippine Navy Commodore Toribio Adaci Jr. (center) and First Admiral Rahmat Eko Raharjo (5th from left), commander of the Indonesian Sea Combat Group, join Philippine and Indonesian navy officers in a ceremonial pose during the arrival on Tuesday (Oct. 15) of the Indonesian Navy ships KRI Frans Kaisiepo (368) and KRI John Lie (358) at the Alava Wharf in the Subic Bay Freeport.

[3] Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma receives a memento from First Admiral Rahmat Eko Raharjo, commander of the Indonesian Sea Combat Group, following the arrival of the Indonesian Navy ships KRI Frans Kaisiepo (368) and KRI John Lie (358) in the Subic Bay Freeport on Tuesday, Oct. 15.

MPD-SBMA

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Subic Bay Yacht Club Christmas Display (photos)

Crowds gather at the Subic Bay Yacht Club frontage after Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma “Amy” T. Eisma switched on the SBYC Christmas Trees display on Tuesday night.

The lights display, which has a carnival theme this year, is an annual holiday project of SBYC employees with the support of some sponsors.

Crowds gather at the Subic Bay Yacht Club frontage after Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma “Amy” T. Eisma switched on the SBYC Christmas Trees display on Tuesday night.

MPD-SBMA

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Innovative lifting solution enhances ICTSI Subic operation

Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC), a unit of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) operating at the Subic Bay Freeport, successfully handled the first Flat Rail operation in the Philippines with the loading of a brand-new catamaran on a CMA CGM vessel.

SBITC, operator of the New Container Terminals 1 and 2 at Cubi Point, performed the carefully planned operation in collaboration with Peters & May, an international freight forwarder and yacht transport specialist, and Bespoke Load Solutions, patent owner of the Flat Rail System used to load the cargo onto the ship.

The Flat Rail System uses a simple and innovative solution that enables the shipping of out-of-gauge cargo with dimensions that exceed the specifications of 40-foot flat racks.

“The Flat Rail System consists of two beams which are secured to the flat rack with twist-locks. With lifting points at the end of each beam, the complete unit load can then be loaded using slings attached to the spreader of the container gantry crane,” explained Chris Steibelt, Bespoke Load Solutions Development Manager.

He adds: “Typically, a Flat Rail shipment will be in the range of 12 to 15.5 meters long and the width blocks the corner castings. The system can safely accommodate payloads of up to 44 tons.”

Using Flat Rails, the catamaran was loaded onto a single 40-foot flat rack. The process was simplified into two moves–first, sea to berth, and second, berth to vessel after the cargo is lashed to the flat rack and Flat Rail. Traditionally, without the rails, the shipment would require at least six flat racks. The catamaran would be loaded as breakbulk and lashing would be done on board the vessel. This method is significantly less efficient and more costly for the shipper because of the larger vessel space occupied by the cargo, and longer port stay as a result of extended loading time.

“SBITC has demonstrated its capability and flexibility to safely and efficiently handle complex shipments such as this. We have eight more catamarans on the way, and we are confident that we could further improve our process and deepen our partnerships with other businesses that require customized service to expand their markets,” said Roberto Locsin, SBITC President and General Manager.

Built by full-service yacht agent Asia Pacific Marine – Subic, the 14.3-meter, twin hull vessel is export-bound for the Maldives. The shipment is the first of 10 catamarans commissioned by an exclusive resort group operating in six continents.

“We intended to deliver the catamaran in brand-new condition. With the guarantee by SBITC that they can safely handle our cargo, we know it is the best option for us,” said Miguel Ramirez, Asia Pacific Marine Managing Director.

Yacht shipping remains an uncommon service in the Philippines with importers and exporters opting to discharge and load their boats in nearby countries before sailing them directly to and from the Philippines. SBITC hopes the success of this particular project would eventually pave the way for yachts to be transported using Philippine ports. (SNL)

PHOTO:

Innovation. The 14.3-meter long catamaran is loaded onto a 40-foot flat rack fitted with a pair of Flat Rails at both ends.

https://www.ictsi.com/press-releases/innovative-lifting-solution-enhances-ictsi-subic-operation

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SBMA steps up Subic infra rehab program

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is stepping up the rehabilitation of roads and other public infrastructures in this premier Freeport with a P1.6-billion budget that would be used mostly for the repair of major thoroughfares, key drainage systems, and critical eroded slopes.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, the Subic agency is now simultaneously undertaking four road repair projects, two slope rehabilitation projects, and one drainage system improvement project to fix ageing facilities constructed when Subic was still an American naval base.

“We have a lot to catch up on because there wasn’t much rehabilitation projects done since Subic became a free port in 1992,” Eisma said. “We are doing several projects concurrently, not only because we are hosting the upcoming Southeast Asian Games, but more so because we need to redevelop Subic and keep it sustainable as an area for investments.”

According to a project status report from the SBMA Engineering Department, there are 13 construction projects worth a total of P733.4 million that are in various stages of implementation. These include the repair of the El Kabayo Road and a slope rehabilitation project in the same area that were completed early this year.

The biggest chunk of the budget went to the 2018 road rehabilitation package which costs a total of P274.54 million and covers areas such as the Malawaan Park parking area, road ramp along Dewey Avenue, Waterfront Road, road to the New Container Terminal, Rizal Highway, Maritan Highway, as well as several roads in residential areas.

Eisma said 2018 road project, which has a completion date of December 21, 2019, is expected to ease the traffic in some of the busiest roads in the Freeport.

Another major undertaking is the implementation of the P225.48-million 2019 Road Rehabilitation Project 2019, which is currently in the mobilization and as-stake survey stage.

Eisma said this project 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.

Meanwhile, Naval Supply Depot (NSD) Road Rehabilitation Network Phase 2, which has a budget of P85.26 million, is expected to be completed by December 27 this year. The project consists of repairs of roads leading to the NSD Compound where most of grain and bulk shipments are handled.

“This is an area that has been battered by heavy trucks that carry tons of shipment from ships,” Eisma said, referring to the NSD Compound. “We are now rebuilding the U.S. Navy-era roads to take in more cargo traffic because of the growing transshipment operations here in Subic.”

Other on-going projects included some building renovation, construction of a fitness center and sentry kiosks, and rehabilitation of rubble mound for barrette light at the Subic airport.

Eisma also said that the SBMA has scheduled other upcoming projects worth P908.7 million. These include the P442.7-million Magsaysay Bridge project, which will replace the span leading to the Subic Bay Freeport’s main gate. The contract for the project is about to be issued, she added.

Other upcoming projects still under the agency’s Bids and Awards Committee are the P320-million NSD Road Rehabilitation Network Phase 3 project; a P3.6-million drainage and flood control project near the SBMA Dispensary; slope rehabilitation at Aparri Road worth P81.4 million; the P7-million construction of perimeter fence from Kalaklan to Kalayaan; and the P54-million Perimeter Road rehabilitation project.

Eisma said the SBMA has also engaged consultancy services for detailed engineering designs for various sea port projects and a drainage master plan for a total cost of P23.2 million. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

Workers pour concrete to pave the Waterfront Road under the SBMA’s infrastructure rehabilitation program. (MPD-SBMA)

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Mx Provider ACTSI opens at Subic Bay Airport

MRO provider Aviation Concepts Technical Services Inc. (ACTSI) has opened a business jet service center at Subic Bay International Airport (SFS) in the Philippines. The opening of an 18,000-sq-m/193,750-sq-ft hangar is the first phase of the company’s facility upgrade project at SFS.

“With the opening of ACTSI’s facility, business jet owners and operators will have the confidence of knowing that a world-class facility, complemented with a team of certified engineers, can handle parking and maintenance of their aircraft,” said ACTSI general manager John O’Meara.

SFS officials hope the ACTSI facility at the former U.S. Navy base serves to become a business aviation hub in the region. “We are banking on the strategic location of Subic in the Asia-Pacific region to boost SBIA’s chances to become a regional player in the MRO business,” said Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman and administrator Wilma Eisma.

The airport features a 9,000-foot runway, no slot restrictions, and is within 90 minutes flying time of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Owned by Razon & Co., ACTSI has Cayman and Bermuda repair station approvals and is working toward obtaining FAA Part 145 approval. (ainonline.com)

PHOTO:

A Gulfstream G550 (photo from ACTSI facebook page)

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2019-10-03/mx-provider-actsi-opens-subic-bay-airport

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SBMA padlocks cigarette maker for tax evasion

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) closed down a cigarette manufacturer in this Freeport for tax evasion amidst a crackdown on companies here that fail to pay appropriate taxes and follow government regulations.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma identified the company as Qiu Tobacco Industrial Co. Ltd. Corp., which is engaged in the transshipment, packaging and repacking of tobacco products.

Eisma and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Region 3 Director Ed Tolentino led a joint SBMA-BIR team on Friday in inspecting the facilities of six cigarette manufacturers at the Gateway Park here to flush out those involved in the circulation of untaxed and fake cigarette products in the country.

During the inspection, it was found out that Qiu Tobacco, which produces cigarette brands like Belmont, Navy and D&B, did not have excise tax stamps on their soft packs.

A Chinese national who was caretaker at the facility said the cigarette brands were sold outside the country. But the joint SBMA-BIR team noted that the cigarettes had markings indicating they were intended for Philippine market.

Tolentino said this was a violation of Sec. 263 of the National Internal Revenue Code, which prohibits the possession or removal of articles subject to excise tax without payment of tax. Excise tax is a duty on manufactured goods which is levied at the moment of manufacture, rather than at sale.

The BIR official added that the lack of stamps meant the firm was not paying the proper tax for each pack that was manufactured and sold.

At the same time, the Qiu representative at the facility was not able to present a copy of the firm’s Certificate of Registration and Tax Exemption (CRTE). Eisma said this was a violation of an SBMA requirement to display the CRTE in company facilities.

A check with the SBMA Business and Investment Group indicated that Qiu Tobacco was issued a CRTE on December 5 last year. The permit was good until May 31, 2021.

Eisma said, however, that because of its failure to pay excise taxes, the company will be closed until further notice from the BIR.

The SBMA chief also reiterated that it was the agency’s mandate to ensure that all companies inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone are paying their taxes properly.

She added that if a company complies with the law and the rules and regulations of the agency, the SBMA will protect that company. “If not, we will prosecute to the full extent of the law,” Eisma said. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma and BIR Regional Investigation team member Gene Bragais (left) through an interpreter question the caretaker of the Qiu Tobacco Industrial Co. Ltd. Corp. (right) during inspection of the firm’s cigarette-manufacturing facility on Sept. 27. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA to foreclose Ocean Adventure Park

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is set to repossess the popular marine theme park Ocean Adventure and related facilities due to multiple contract violations and failure to fulfill development commitments.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the agency on Friday served a notice of pre-termination of contract to the Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc. (SBMEI), which operates the marine theme park complex under a lease agreement signed in 2007.

Aside from its failure to comply with its lease contract, the SBMEI also committed violations like illegal subleasing of property, constructing without permits, improper storing of waste, and closing public roads.

The company also has arrears of about P25 million on their payment scheme, as well as P7 million on its current billing, SBMA records showed.

“This is actually sad news for us, because Ocean Adventure Park is the pioneer theme park in the Subic Freeport and is a hugely popular tourist destination. However, its multiple contract violations have been a long-festering problem that must be addressed now,” Eisma said.

She explained that the SBMA has notified SBMEI of its violations as early as July and assiduously provided guidance to cure the problems, but the company did not submit a satisfactory proposal to correct the violations.

“We wanted them to stay, of course, but there was not much concrete action from their side,” Eisma said. “So after months of negotiation and attempts to help SBMEI keep its lease, there is no longer any other recourse but to apply the law and pre-terminate the company’s lease agreement.”

The SBMA official also stressed that SBMEI’s failure to deliver its development commitments not only constituted violations of its contract, “but also prejudiced the SBMA’s financial interest because it curtailed the agency’s earning potential.”

She added that even as the SBMA was willing to reconsider SBMEI's decades-old breach of contract, the park operator along with two other locators came out with a story accusing the Subic agency of not adhering to “ease of doing business” law.

Eisma said that the news report only served as a further irritant between the parties, since the SBMA has already put in place various measures to further ease business in the Freeport, including putting up a one-stop shop for permits and extending the validity of the Certificate of Registration and Tax Exemption (CRTE) from one to three years.

“We’re firm but fair,” Eisma said. “We agree that the SBMA should adhere to the ‘ease of doing business’ law, but that doesn’t mean we’d relax our rules to the detriment of the government.”

Under the pre-termination order, the SBMA will repossess all of the SBMEI’s 493.16 hectares of undeveloped property upon the lapse of the 30-day reckoning period. Then it will give the SBMEI 24 months to slow down its activities at the 11.6-hectare developed area that includes the Ocean Adventure Park, the Camayan Beach, and the newly-opened Adventure Water Park.

“We’re giving them sufficient time to wind down their operations at the marine park, remove all their animals and movable property, and vacate the premises. We are also concerned about the disruption and stress this would cause to the animals, hence the two-year leeway,” Eisma said.

The Ocean Adventure Park started operations in 2000 under a contract that covered only the marine park. In 2007 the SBMEI entered into a new agreement for the lease of a total of 436.89 hectares of land, and 67.87 hectares of bay area with a commitment to develop 101.71 hectares for more tourism.

Eisma said the SBMA has already informed the Office of the President of its decision to foreclose the SBMEI, but added that the agency has not yet closed the door to renegotiation. (MPD/SBMA)

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SBMA: Measures promoting ‘ease of doing business’ already in place

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) clarified on Friday that it has put in place significant measures to improve locator services in the Subic Bay Freeport in line with President Duterte’s directive for agencies to simplify business procedures and expedite transactions.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said among the measures already implemented by the Subic agency are extending the validity of business permits from one to three years, and establishing one-stop shops to automate the processing of permit renewals.

“We have operationalized these measures last year, which was also the time when President Duterte approved Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018,” Eisma pointed out.

“In fact, we established the One-Stop Shop Business Processing Center (OSSBPC) in February 2018 and then released the first batch of the three-year Certificates of Registration and Tax Exemption (CRTEs) in June last year. RA 11032 was approved in May,” she said.

“Then following the issuance this July of the implementing rules and regulations for RA 11032, we formed our anti-red tape unit with key officials as members, and also created three technical working groups to oversee compliance with the law,” she added.

The SBMA official cited these initiatives in the wake of a report that some businessmen here were urging the Subic agency to “adhere to the ‘ease of doing business’ law.” (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA honors 161 employees in 5th Loyalty Awards

A total of 161 employees who have rendered continuous service to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) from 10 to 25 years received well-deserved honor from the Subic agency recently.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma led the tribute at the 5th SBMA Loyalty Awards rites held at the Travelers Hotel here on September 13 and expressed gratitude for the workers’ dedication and loyalty.

“Today we honor all of you who have given their dedication, their faithful work, and even devotion to the agency. You have worked so hard for the SBMA, and we recognize that without you, this agency would not be where it is today,” Eisma said.

Twenty-two awardees with 10 years of service to the agency marched down the aisle of the event center, followed by 70 with 15 years of work, and 64 who have served for 20 years.

But those who received a standing ovation from their SBMA colleagues were the five employees who have completed 25 years of service. They were Armila Alviz, Emilia Canonizado, and Leonor Dulcero of Accounting Department, Renato Gayondato of Law Enforcement Department, and Alfredo Planea of Treasury Department.

In her inspirational message, Chairman Eisma defined what the loyalty award is all about, pointing out that the service award was not meant simply as a measure of the years spent with the agency.

“Loyalty should not be measured by just because you showed up for work; it should be measured because you showed up and worked hard. You showed up and showed the world that you are working and making a difference. And we are very lucky you did all that for SBMA,” she told the awardees.

Eisma also said that loyalty meant “looking after each other, looking after the SBMA every time, and making sure that every step we make for SBMA will bring us to a better future.”

In response, 20-year service awardee Severo Pastor Jr., who is manager of the SBMA Labor Department, said that SBMA employees had always been forward-looking workers.

“In my 20 years of service, I served six administrations with different thrusts, survived different economic situations, and welcomed several waves of multi-nationals, but in all these years I can proudly say that we have developed programs that promote relevance among the Subic Freeport work force,” Pastor said.

He added that in the last 10 years, his department has streamlined 16 processes, nine of which are in compliance with the Anti-Red Tape Act, while others are for various frontline services.

Pastor also took the opportunity to bid farewell to the SBMA, ending his speech with a song that he wrote as a parting message to SBMA colleagues.

The SBMA loyalty awards, sanctioned by the Civil Service Commission through the SBMA Human Resource Management Department, is being given to employees with permanent status who have rendered from 10 to 25 years of continuous and satisfactory service in the government.

The accolades given to the service awardees included plaques of recognition, certificates of service, and monetary reward. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA 25-year service awardees, accompanied by family members, receive recognition from senior agency officials led by SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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