LOOK: SBMA Chairman inspects Magsaysay Bridge construction; Clean-up drive at the NSD compound

 [1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino (in white polo shirt) inspects the on-going construction of Magsaysay Bridge which links the city of Olongapo and the Subic Bay Freeport zone on Friday, March 25. He urged the contractors to expedite the construction of the said bridge as it delays the development of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

[2-3] Various employees from different Freeport companies join a clean-up drive at the Naval Supply Depot (NSD) Compound on Friday March 25. The said activity was initiated by the SBMA Seaport Department to ensure a clean environment in this part of the Subic Freeport zone.

(Photos by MPD-SBMA)

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“Tourism is back in Subic” – SBMA chief

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Rolen C. Paulino has confirmed the return of tourism activities in the country’s premier freeport.

“First, Ironman was here two weeks ago. This is the second international sporting event after my appointment as SBMA chairman. And this goes to show that tourism is back in Subic,” Paulino said.

Paulino welcomed guests and participants of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, the second international sporting event to happen here, after the Inter-Agency Task Force for Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IAFT-MEID) placed Central Luzon under alert level 1, among most areas in the country.

The Clipper Race is a yacht race that goes around the world, facing one of the biggest challenges of the natural world and an endurance test like no other. Each fleet of yacht has a fully qualified skipper and first mate to safely guide the crew.

Now on its 12^th edition, the Clipper Race 2019-2020 took off from London, UK in September 2019; made way to Portimāo, Portugal in September 2019; then Punta del Este, Uruguay in October 2019, Cape Town, South Africa in November 2019, Fremantle, Australia in December 2019 and Whitsundays, Australia in January 2020.

Each host port offers a unique opportunity to be immersed in its culture and explore the city’s highlights.

The race has restarted in Subic Bay, having been on-hold for two years since the Covid-19 pandemic restricted the movement of people to prevent the spread of the disease.

After leaving the waters of Subic Bay, the fleet of 11 yachts and about 250 crew members are heading to Seattle, USA and leave by April 2022; then to Panama and leave by June 2022; Bermuda by June 2022; New York, USA by June 2022; Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland by July 2022, and London, UK by July 30, 2022.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, co-founder and chairman of the Clipper Ventures, expressed appreciation to one of the host ports, Subic Bay. He also thanked the chairman and Tourism manager Jem Camba, “whose teams have worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of Clipper Race stopover in Subic Bay.”

Knox-Johnston, himself, was the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world in June 1968. He was one of the nine sailors to compete in the Times Golden Globe Race, who set off on a voyage that lasted ten months, securing his place in the history books after he arrived back in Falmouth, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom in 312 days at sea in April 1969.

Meanwhile, Camba disclosed upcoming tourism events for the rest of the first semester.

She mentioned there will be fun run, trail run, and cycling events. Holy Week activities will also resume, which is the peak season of Subic Bay, as well as other religious and non-religious events.

For the Holy Week, which will start on Palm Sunday and will end on Easter Sunday, she said that there would be nightly activities at the Boardwalk area, as well as entertainment from Holy Wednesday to Black Saturday.

Also, there will be three concessionaires in different areas—weekend night market at San Roque chapel, as well as concessionaires at the Boardwalk, and a Banchetto (banquet) at the mini-golf.

Paulino, who was appointed new SBMA chairman and administrator on March 1, said that he plans to bring back the “old glory days” of Subic Bay by making it attractive again to more tourists and visitors.

“Come to Subic! It is still the one of the most beautiful destinations in the country, and the number 1 in Region 3. We have fast, flexible and friendly people in Subic,” Paulino said. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, MARINA hold Maritime Development Forum in Subic Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), in partnership with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) conducted a two-day forum that discussed various programs intended to develop the maritime industry in the country.

According to MARINA Administrator Robert Empedrad, the event, which is dubbed the “Philippine Maritime Industry Strategic Overview Forum, Stakeholders’ Orientation and Mobile Registration,” aims to discuss plans to bring its services closer to the Filipino seafarers.

Empedrad also disclosed that part of this forum is to enhance capabilities of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) as a transshipment hub, and urged stakeholders to unite their efforts for the realization of its goals.

“Today, we would like to share the vision of moving the maritime industry with the SBMA, the local government of Olongapo, maritime academe and private stakeholders, as we believed that our united efforts would contribute to the realization of the plans under the ten-year Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP),” he said.

During the forum, officials from MARINA discussed the overview of the MIDP, Philippine ship registry and overseas shipping, shipyard and ship repair, maritime safety functions, rules on the registration, licensing and operation of recreational boats, domestic shipping functions, and seafarers’ documentation, licensing and certification.

“We want to open an extension office here in Subic Bay Freeport Zone that will cater to the 21,305 seafarers from Bataan, Olongapo, Zambales, and the SBFZ. MARINA cannot do it alone but with our united efforts, the dream may become a reality,” he said.

Realizing the huge portion of seafarers and maritime stakeholders in the area, the forum also aims to lay down the plan of the MARINA in establishing an extension office in Subic through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with SBMA.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino welcomed the MARINA’s proposal, citing that the extension office will certainly benefit the seafarers of Central Luzon. He committed to provide any assistance needed in the plan to develop the maritime industry of the Freeport.

Paulino expressed his gratitude over the MARINA’s plan to help the SBMA in the maritime industry, as the maritime group expresses its readiness to explore possible areas of collaboration particularly in terms of shipyard capabilities, ship registry, capacity building, as well as relevant maritime-related projects and programs.

During the opening of the forum, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao said the Subic Bay Freeport Zone received 1,973 ship calls in 2021, with a total of 23,505,520.26 Gross Register Tonnage.

He added that for the months of January and February of this year, the SBMA received 144 and 186 ship calls, respectively. These ships include motor tankers, motor vessels, military vessels, container vessels and other ships. (MPD-SBMA)

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US Marine contingent arrives in Subic Bay ahead of the Balikatan exercises

A contingent of the US Marine Corps arrived at the Subic Bay International Airport in preparation for Balikatan 2022 to begin next week.

Approximately 8,900 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the U.S. Military are teaming up for Balikatan 2022, one of the largest-ever iterations of the Philippine-led annual exercise taking place across Luzon from March 28 to April 8.

The 3,800 AFP members and 5,100 U.S. military personnel will train shoulder-to-shoulder focusing on maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. 

“Balikatan is a critical opportunity to work shoulder-to-shoulder with our Philippine allies toward a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific that is more connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient,’ as our Indo-Pacific Strategy calls for.  The U.S. is proud to continue our participation in this long-standing exercise,” said U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava. 

“During Balikatan, the U.S. military and AFP will train together to expand and advance shared tactics, techniques, and procedures that strengthen our response capabilities and readiness for real-world challenges,” said Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron, 3rd Marine Division Commanding General.  “The friendship and trust between our forces will enable us to accomplish any mission across the spectrum of military operations.” 

The exercise also includes a command post exercise that tests the AFP and U.S. forces’ ability to plan, command, and communicate with each other in a simulated environment.  This training will bolster the collective security and defensive capabilities of the alliance. 

“Exercise Balikatan is a testament to the strength of the Philippines and United States’ security relationship,” said Maj. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan, AFP Exercise Director for Balikatan 22.  “The experience gained in the exercise complements our security cooperation endeavors and will help to enhance existing mutual security efforts.” 

The AFP and U.S. military will also conduct multiple humanitarian and civic assistance projects during this year’s Balikatan, including the renovation of four elementary schools, multiple community health engagements, and the exchange of advanced emergency rescue and lifesaving techniques. 

These construction projects, health engagements and community relations events improve local infrastructure, facilitate the exchange of lifesaving medical skills, and strengthen ties between Philippine communities and Philippine and American military forces. 

COVID-19 mitigation remains a priority for both nations. U.S. forces will comply with all Philippine government COVID-19 travel regulations and will maintain social distancing and wear face masks during exercises as operationally feasible. 

“Balikatan” is a Tagalog term that means “shoulder-to-shoulder” or “sharing the load together,” which characterizes the spirit of the exercise and represents the alliance between the Philippines and the United States. 

“Balikatan 22 coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation and a shared commitment to promoting peace,” said Maj. Gen. Bargeron.  “Our alliance remains a key source of strength and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.” 

Exercises like Balikatan strengthen international partnerships and the participating militaries’ abilities to rapidly respond to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region.  The United States is proud to participate in this Philippine-led exercise to improve both nations’ capabilities across a wide range of military operations.  (SNL)

https://ph.usembassy.gov/37th-iteration-of-balikatan-exercise-set-to-begin-in-the-philippines/

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SBMA launches 1st Quarter Offshore Clean-up in Subic Bay

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), along with other authorities in the Port of Subic launched the 1^st Quarter Off Shore Clean Up 2022 in response to the call for a cleaner and safer freeport.

Newly installed SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen Paulino lauded personnel from SBMA Seaport Department, Philippine Coast Guard, PNP Maritime Group, and Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) who participated in the activity.

Earlier this month, in his first appearance as SBMA Chairman, Paulino appealed to employees, locators, residents and stakeholders to help in maintaining cleanliness and safety in the freeport to attract more tourists and investors.

As part of the strategic measures to revitalize the business climate, the SBMA Seaport Department launched the off-shore clean-up drive which kicked off on Friday, March 18.

“The objective of this off shore clean-up is to engage people to remove trash and debris from beaches, waterways and other waterbodies,” said Jerome Martinez, manager of the Seaport Department.

The project also aims to identify the sources of litter that come to the bay, to change behaviors that cause pollution and raise awareness on the extent of the marine debris problem.

Meanwhile, Diego Aviles, chief of Maritime Safety Branch of the Seaport Department, said the SBMA has launched several activities that have safeguarded and protected Subic Bay’s marine and coastal resources such as information and education campaigns, oil spill and fire exercises, and off shore clean-ups.

Using three SBMA watercrafts and two PNP Maritime patrol boats, the group cruised off shore and scooped plastics and other non-biodegradable litter from the water.

An hour into the clean up activity, the group proudly shared that only a few plastic trash and soda bottles and were collected. “This is the result of our regular clean ups around water bodies of the bay,” Aviles said.

“This activity will serve only as an exercise for the group. We expect that the real work will come during the rainy days when bulks of trash will be directed to areas surrounding the ports by strong winds and waves,” Aviles added.

Aviles explained that the offshore clean-up drive will be held every quarter, and may extend farther offshore with the added participation of more individuals and organizations who may wish to join in this environmental protection campaign. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA chief vows to bring back Subic Bay’s glory days, gets business stakeholders’ cooperation

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Rolen C. Paulino met with a group of business stakeholders at the Central Business District (CBD) of this premier freeport zone.

The meeting, and courtesy call at the same time, is part of the series of his re-familiarization of the Freeport after he was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte on March 1.

“I am not that good. So I will need your support,” Paulino told the businessmen.

During the meeting, Paulino reiterated his plan to bring back the “old glory days” of Subic Bay by making it attractive again to more tourists and visitors, which will be a lot possible after the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) eased up restrictions to alert level 1 in most parts of the country.

He asked them to cooperate with the agency by religiously cleaning the vicinity of their establishments and “make it the most beautiful part of Subic, especially near Boardwalk. The earlier, the better. Because it is a favorite spot of beach walkers.”

To this, business stakeholders agreed with the chairman, and pledged their support to his call to maintain clean surroundings all the time.

“If there are things you need to tell me, please don’t hesitate to do so. We will do our best to help you,” Paulino encouraged.

He said that he believes that mutual understanding with the stakeholders will allow him to carry out his plans better.

In the first few days after his appointment, Paulino also made rounds along the Boardwalk Area and Remy Field to see where and what needs to be improved.

He also inspected the ongoing road project, urged the contractors to fast-track the construction, and lessen the traffic especially in the main thoroughfares.

Currently, the new administration is restarting from the traces of the pandemic and helping the Subic Freeport community bounce back to being among the top tourist destinations in Central Luzon.

From 2014 to 2019, Subic Bay has maintained its reputation as the best tourist destination in the region in the last six years based on the number of local and foreign tourist arrivals.

Also in 2019, Subic Bay was named “Destination of Year” for 2016 and 2017 by the Philippine Sports Tourism Awards. (MPD-SBMA)

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DOLE, SBMA resumes educational assistance to Freeport stakeholders

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), has resumed offering assistance to students who wish to continue their education while working part-time in this premier Freeport.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino expressed appreciation for this program knowing that it will help less privileged but deserving college students see them through their dream of acquiring a college degree while working.

According to SBMA Labor Department manager Atty. Melvin Varias, the two agencies are offering the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) to students here who intend to pursue their education by giving financial assistance thru employment.

SPES is DOLE’s youth employment-bridging program that aims to provide temporary employment to poor but deserving students, out-of-school youth, and dependents of displaced or would-be displaced workers during summer or Christmas vacation.

The program was halted for some time when restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic prevented face-to-face interaction, and education went online.

Paulino urged Subic Bay Freeport investors to take part in the said program by providing income or augmenting their income by encouraging the beneficiaries’ employment.

“This will develop the intellectual capacities of children who came from poor families, and harness their potential, not just for the Subic Bay Freeport, but for the country’s well-being as well,” the chief added.

The SPES program stipulates that the company employing the students will only pay 60 percent of their salaries or wages, while the DOLE will pay 40 percent of their wages via education vouchers.

Participating companies here include First Subic Bay Food Ventures, Eddie and Julie G Food Corp, Yahu Uno G Food Corp, Kewen Industry Inc, and Tokiwa Subic Corp. who have already joined the program, with most of these companies under the fast food sector.

Varias said that there were 18 SPES beneficiaries in 2021. Seven of them already received their check voucher; while there are 53 SPES pledges for 2022, and three more companies joining the program.

Deadline for submission of SPES application is March 18.

Requirements for the SPES application include: a resume with 2x2 picture; birth/ baptismal certificate; form 138 for the third grading period for high school students; report of grades or academic class card and enrollment registration form for higher education or college.

The SPES also requires applicants to present their parents’ income tax returns or Bureau of Internal Revenues (BIR) form 2316 duly stamped and received by the agency, and the certificate of indigency or low income issued by the barangay or social welfare and development office of their respective local government units. (MPD-SBMA)

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Eisma turns over SBMA reins to Paulino

Atty. Wilma T. Eisma handed over her position as chairman and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in a formal turnover ceremony on Monday (March 7) in front of the agency’s administration building, formally signaling the start of former Olongapo Mayor Rolen Paulino Sr.’s leadership.

Paulino, who became mayor of Olongapo City, also served as one of the volunteers of the SBMA during the transition of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) from being a United States Naval Base.

During his acceptance speech as chairman and administrator, Paulino said that his first priority is the beautification of the Subic Bay Freeport, now that most parts of the country are placed under alert level 1, particularly citing that he intends to make the area “greener” by planting more flora in tourism spots.

The new chief cited that he also wants to drum up the sports tourism scene of the SBFZ since the area is conducive to become the sports mecca of the country, while making the Freeport more appealing and investor-friendly. 

“Let us make Subic Bay Freeport attractive to all. And let us make each other’s lives easy,” Paulino said.

He also added, that the Covid-19 pandemic has seen a lot of closure from companies, and that he hopes that the easing up of restrictions would allow companies to look into locating into the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

On the matter of the employees of the agency, he said that former chairman Eisma has left him to their care, citing that he could not accomplish his task as chairman without their help. “I can’t do this alone, so I need each and everyone’s help,” he said.

He also urged the help of businessmen, locators, directors, stakeholders, and especially those in the ground to help him do what needs to be done to accomplish the mandate entrusted to him by President Duterte.

Meanwhile, former chairman Eisma said, “This job is not for the faint-hearted, and it really takes a village. I know Kuya Rolen (Paulino) has the chops to make it, but with your help, he can do so much more.”

She added that the new chairman’s success is the success of every employee of the SBMA.

“It is in the best interest of the Freeport community (not in your best interest) that Kuya Rolen succeeds, and he cannot do that without all of you,” she said, citing that regardless of who the chairman is, the love for Subic Freeport should always prevail.

President Duterte appointed Paulino to the top post on March 1 in Malacañan Palace, where Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea swore him in. Paulino said that the President appointed him as chairman and administrator of the SBMA for six years.

The appointment of Paulino came after the president accommodated the resignation of Eisma due to health reasons. President Duterte reappointed Eisma as a director of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) on March 1. (MPD-SBMA)

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Former Olongapo mayor Paulino takes over as SBMA chairman

A new head of agency took over the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) today after being appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday.

Former Olongapo City mayor Rolen Paulino Jr., one of the historic SBMA volunteers who propelled the Subic Bay Freeport’s economic miracle in 1992, became the eighth SBMA chairman and administrator, replacing Wilma T. Eisma who resigned on Tuesday.

Paulino took his oath of office in Malacañang before Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea also on Tuesday.

The new SBMA chief is expected to usher in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone into normalcy in face of the waning Covid-19 pandemic.

In his first day at work, Paulino met with department managers of the Subic agency, as well as officials of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce—marking his priority as the sustainability of business operations here.

“We need to chart a new course for Subic post-pandemic,” Paulino said on Wednesday. “As we all know, the Covid-19 health crisis also made a deep impact on business and productivity in this Freeport, so a lot of corrective measures need to be in place.” 

“I intend to tap the cooperation and support of all stakeholders in the Freeport and in the surrounding communities so that we can attract more business, employ more people, and make full economic recovery as soon as possible,” he added.

He added that he would pursue an inclusive policy so that SBMA programs and facilities would benefit more residents in nearby communities.

Paulino on Wednesday asked the SBMA board of directors to cancel the entrance fee to Remy Field, a popular sports venue here, so that residents, especially athletes and health enthusiasts, can use it freely. The SBMA previously charged an entrance fee of P20 for the upkeep of the facility.

“’Yung konting paglalaro ng mga bata, h’wag na nating singilin pa. Maliit na halaga ang entrance fee, kumpara sa mararamdaman nila na sa kanila ang Subic Bay Freeport,” Paulino said.

Paulino was first elected mayor of Olongapo City in 2013 and later on won another two successive terms. His son Rolen Jr., who is the incumbent mayor, succeeded him in 2019. (MPD-SBMA)

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Statement of Atty. Wilma T. Eisma on her resignation as SBMA Chairman & Administrator

 

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SBMA posts historic P387-M income in January

Boosted by a resurging seaport trade, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recorded an income of P387 million last January, the highest monthly revenue ever recorded in the Subic agency’s almost 30 years of history.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the operating revenue posted in January 2022 was higher by 92 million, or 31%, compared to that in the same period last year.

The highest monthly revenue previously recorded by the SBMA was P358 million in “pre-pandemic” June 2019. The other record highs were P343 million in December 2021; P337 million in October 2020; P324 million in October 2018; and P298 million in July 2017.

This record-breaking income in January, Eisma said, was accompanied by other positive indicators: an 11% increase in operating expense that was higher by P10 million; a 41% growth in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA); and a 20% increase in net income before tax with subsidy, which at P222 million was higher by P38 million.

Eisma pointed out that SBMA’s seaport operations alone contributed P221.4 million, with P91.62 million from cargo charges; P75.32 million in SBMA share from terminal income; P34.17 million in leases and rentals; and P12.28 million in vessel charges.

“We are hoping that this January record will be a foretaste of what’s to come in the succeeding months, as we ease down into normalcy with the waning Covid-19 pandemic,” said Eisma.

The SBMA, she added, “has really set its sights higher this year, especially with seaborne trade, after realizing an actual increase in container cargo traffic even at the height of the pandemic in 2021.”

According to a profit and loss statement from the SBMA Financial Planning and Budget Department, other than the P221 million from seaport operations, the agency’s January 2022 revenue of P387 million was enhanced by P111 million in land and building leases; P28 million in regulatory income; P8 million in housing leases; P6 million in airport operations; P.67 million in tourism collections; and P12 million in miscellaneous income.

Although land and building leases suffered a 1.8% decrease from its 2020 level of P113 million, it still contributed P64.73 million in land leases and P45.98 million in building leases this year, said SBMA budget officer Edith Marzal.

The slight decline in land and building leases was easily offset by a 65% increase in seaport income, a 35% rise in housing leases, and a 20% growth in miscellaneous income, Marzal added. 

She also said that SBMA airport operations income likewise showed a 6% increase in January 2022 compared to last year’s record, while regulatory fees grew by 8%, and tourism income by 48%.

Meanwhile, the SBMA reported an aggregate 11% increase in its expense accounts with P67 million in manpower payroll services; P12 million in debt servicing; P10 million in occupancy costs; P1 million in repair and maintenance; P.07 million in advertising and promotion; and P14 million in various services.

The single biggest item in SBMA expenses was manpower cost for regular employees, which stood at P64.7 million, followed by contractual services at P14 million. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA bullish over Subic seaborne trade with MSC maiden call

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is expecting a stronger position in regional seaborne trade this year following the maiden port call here last Wednesday of the shipping giant Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), as well as the revived port visit of the Taiwanese shipping line Wan Hai.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the weekly port calls here of MSC, the world’s largest shipping company in terms of capacity, will further boost Subic’s trade capacity, which already generated US$1.58 billion in imports and US$1.03 billion in exports last year.

“My dream for the Subic Bay Freeport is for it to be among the top 50 biggest ports like Shanghai or Singapore. The fact that MSC, which is now the world’s largest container shipping line, chose Subic to be in its trade route not only gives Subic access to the world and vice versa, but also brings us one more step closer to that goal,” Eisma said.

She added that this year, the SBMA aims to generate an import value of US$1.77 billion and export value of US$1.42 billion, as the global economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic begin easing down.

MSC, which operates in all major ports in the world, began its Subic schedule to expand its Seahorse Service loop in Southeast Asia with the voyage of the MSC Sotiria III to Subic on Feb. 23. The 2,475-TEU container ship arrived at Subic’s New Container Terminal after a swing to the port of Manila on Feb. 21.

The maiden port call was attended by MSC general manager Pankaj Patki, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao, Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC) CEO Justin C. Tolentino, and representatives of various shipping and logistics agencies and clientele.

Patki said the MSC Seahorse Service trade loop will call on Subic on a weekly basis with three container ships on rotation to provide comprehensive port coverage within Asia.

“MSC feels that there is a huge potential for growth, and we would like to cater to customers in this region who currently have had to travel all the way to Manila to load their cargoes,” Patki said, adding that more ship calls in Subic will be established in the near future.

The MSC Seahorse Service trade loop includes Tanjung Pelepas, Singapore, Manila, Subic, Kaohsiung, Vung Tau and then back to Tanjung Pelepas. Singapore and Tanjung Pelepas in Malaysia both serve as major transshipment hubs for the Swiss shipping line and connect the rest of the Asian trade loop to Western and European trade services.

SBMA’s Yambao, meanwhile, pointed out that MSC is the 25th shipping line to service the port of Subic.

“This is an important milestone for Subic Bay and the shipping industry in general because it is an opportunity for the Freeport to be known globally in terms of logistics capability,” he said.

Yambao added the MSC is expected to service the needs of business locators not only in Subic, but also in Clark, Bataan and the rest of the economic zones in north Luzon.

MSC’s arrival came after the return of Wan Hai Lines, a Taiwanese company which previously cancelled its port rotation here due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It recently reopened its Subic Express Service (SES) route that includes Shekou, Subic, Batangas, Manila, Cebu, Taichung, Kaohsiung, and Hong Kong.

The port of Subic currently has a container cargo capacity to 600,000 TEUs and also caters to different types of cargo like grain, dry bulk, and oil and petroleum.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) 2021 report indicated the “predominance of Asia as a leading maritime freight area.” It said that in 2020, Asian ports loaded around 4.4 billion tons of goods, or over 41.3% of total goods loaded in ports worldwide, and received 7.0 billion tons, or 65.5% of total goods discharged worldwide. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic spurs investor interests in Dubai trade mission

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has successfully pushed the Subic Bay Freeport Zone as a sustainable and competitive business and industrial center in the Philippines during a recent trade mission in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

As a result, Subic has sparked strong investor interest in the fields of cargo logistics, renewable energy, aviation, vaccine manufacturing, and compliance solutions during business meetings held in the emirate city of Dubai on February 9 to 14, said SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma in a report to President Duterte.

Among the groups that Eisma discussed business potentials in Subic with are the Abu Dhabi Ports, a logistics operator and manager of industrial zones and ports in the UAE, and the Philippine Business Council of Dubai and Northern Emirates, which promotes cooperation among business communities in Dubai, the Northern Emirates and the Philippines.

Eisma also offered the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) as an alternative hub for the UAE flag-carrier Emirates during a meeting with Orhan Abbas, the firm’s senior vice president for the Far East. “This might increase the number of commercial flights from Dubai to the Philippines and from the Philippines to Dubai,” she added.

During the Dubai sojourn, Eisma likewise attended the Philippine Country Business Briefing headed by Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez on Feb. 11, and participated the following day in the Philippine National Day, which was attended by thousands of Filipinos in Dubai.

“We have high hopes that Subic got the attention of major industry members in the UAE, especially with the endorsement we received from the Philippine Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates,” Eisma said on Tuesday.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao, who joined Eisma in Dubai, said the Subic team briefed businessmen and venture capitalists on trade opportunities in Subic during the weeklong mission and promoted it as a premier investment destination in the Southeast Asian Region.

On Feb. 9, Eisma’s team had a productive meeting with Suchit Kapoor, business director of the Abu Dhabi Ports Company, and Dogus Durhan, business manager of the Abu Dhabi Ports Group, and discussed cargo expansion, integrated technology, and a business model design through partnership.

Next, Eisma met with Jon Salazar, founder and president of Gazelle Wind Power, a Dublin-based producer of hybrid floating offshore wind platform, for a possible project to drive Subic’s renewable energy program.

Eisma then went on to talk with Stephan Thomas, senior director and CFO of Group 42 (G42), an artificial intelligence and cloud computing company with interests in healthcare, finance, oil and gas, aviation, and hospitality. G42 was looking for partners for a joint venture to manufacture and distribute Covid-19 vaccines in the Philippine and the Southeast Asian region.

Following that, the SBMA team met with Angeline Rivera, sales and marketing manager of Prime Group, a leading quality and compliance solutions provider in Asia, Middle East and Africa. Rivera said their company is considering Subic for its expansion program.

Lastly, Eisma coordinated promotion of the Subic Bay Freeport in the UAE with Prof. Gau G. Raganit, chairman of the Philippine Business Council of Dubai and Northern Emirates, which promotes trade among business communities in Dubai, the Northern Emirates and the Philippines. (MPD-SBMA)

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