SBMA ends Pride celebration with 1st LGBTQ+ circle of unity, solidarity

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Gender and Development technical working group (GAD-TWG) spearheaded the ceremonial circle of unity and solidarity among members and supporters of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer (LGBTQ+) community.

Forming a big circle around the LGBTQ+ flag, participants waved their flaglets in the air, dancing to the tune of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” to show equality among all sexual preferences.

“Our objective for this circle of unity and solidarity is to show the world that gender equality exists in Subic Bay Freeport,” said DJ Jepsz Eslava, SBMA Gender and Development (GAD) coordinator.

Eslava said that the event serves as the finale of the month-long celebration of Pride month. Earlier this week, GAD-TWG organized a webinar for SBMA employees and other LGBTQ+ members. It tackled two topics—hypertension and angina, and safe spaces act and anti-bullying.

During the culminating activity, a gallery of photos joining the contest was also judged according to its theme, “Breaking stereotypes.” Entries were judged according to people’s choice and jury’s choice. Both won ₱10,000 cash.

Also, the Pride Eco-wear Challenge, where contestants were challenged to come-up with an attire made out of recycled materials and coherent to this year’s theme, “love and unity for the LGBTQ+ Community 2022.” The champion was given ₱10,000 cash, while consolation prize winners got ₱2,000 cash.

Last but not the least, live Q&A finalists at G’ Morning radio program of GAD, which aired over 89.5 FM Subic Bay Radio, were also judged according to people’s choice and jury’s choice. Winners of both category were given ₱5,000 each. Consolation prize winners received ₱2,000 each.

Meanwhile, SBMA chairman and administrator Rolen C. Paulino, who was attending another important event, expressed his support to the LGBTQ+ community. 

“I support the LGBTQ+ community, and they are very welcome here. Everybody is welcome here. Subic Bay Freeport is open for everybody,” Paulino assured.

Paulino added that this support to the LGBTQ+ community also serves as a welcome to potential investors who is eyeing to make it happen in the Philippines and invest in Subic, because people in Subic are gender sensitive. 

GAD-TWG disclosed that more GAD activities are already lined up for the rest of the year, including Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) and Men Oppose VAW Everywhere (MOVE). (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA opens ₱24.7-M new fire station building

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Fire department early this week inaugurated its ₱24.7-million new Fire Station No. 7 building.

Built on a 3,350 sq.m. lot along Sampson Road corner Dewey Avenue, the Spanish-American inspired building, Fire Station No. 7 serves as the main office of the SBMA Fire department that has jurisdiction over the former Ship Repair Facility (SRF), Naval Ship Depot (NSD), Industrial Parks, and the Central Business District (CBD) area.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, who led a brief inspection of the new building, was amazed at the improvement of the fire station.

“Our fire fighters are well-known, not only in Central Luzon, but in the Asian Region as well. And this milestone only proves that our fire fighters are committed to provide the highest standard of service,” Paulino said.

Paulino added that he is proud to say that the SBMA fire department is also known for its ability to respond to emergencies and provide fire protection services within its jurisdiction in seven minutes or less, as he addressed guests including the Olongapo City Fire Department and the Makati City Fire Department.

He noted that this is part of the agency’s efforts to maintain existing investors and attract more investments, especially foreign direct investments (FDIs) intending to make it happen in the Philippines. He also declared, “Subic Bay is a complete community.”

Meanwhile, Fire Chief Ranny Magno disclosed that apart from the new building, which occupies 593.38 sq.m., the new Fire Station No. 7 has an apparatus floor covering 167.89 sq.m. that can accommodate up to four fire trucks.

Magno admitted that the proposal for the said building was rejected at first because it defies the traditional design of fire stations in the country. Eventually, it was approved when he persisted that the Hispanic aesthetic feature is intended to preserve the institutional memory, rich history and heritage of the Subic Bay Freeport as the former recreation facility of the Spanish Navy, and subsequently, the United States Navy.

“We must have a sense of history. This is a former Spanish-American Naval Base,” he cited, noting that the SBMA has always been a “show-window to the whole world” for being able to provide rescue and retrieval operations even to Japan, Taiwan, Iran and Asian countries.

Magno also said the building was also designed to conform to the Environmental Management System (EMS) standards of the ISO14001 with a water and oil separator engineering design to ensure that fire and rescue operations prevent pollutions and detrimental effect on the environment.

It also promotes Gender and Development (GAD) equality having an all-gender comfort rooms, male and female quarters suitable for breast feeding and hygiene concerns.

It has a mini museum inside the building where old fire and rescue equipment will be displayed to educate students coming to visit the Fire Department during their educational tours inside the Freeport. Some fire and rescue paraphernalia and old apparatus are being displayed at the sodding area of the new fire station.

Coinciding with the program, Paulino commended the fire fighters for exuding outstanding performance as among the Freeport’s main frontliners during the height of the pandemic.

Also, Paulino said that he will propose to the SBMA board of directors to allow sending Fire department personnel to Virginia Beach in USA where they could meet with American counterparts to acquire the newest techniques and approaches to fire suppression.

In 2014, when Paulino was the Olongapo City mayor, he entered into a sisterhood pact with Virginia Beach officials.

The occasion also became a reunion for former and current fire fighters. (MPD-SBMA)

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Japanese manufacturing company eyes ₱4B expansion in Subic

Japanese company Nidec Subic Philippines Corporation, manufacturer of reducer gears for robotic application, is eyeing a P4-billion expansion project inside its manufacturing site at the Subic Techno Park (STEP) in this premier Freeport zone.

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, the expansion will generate employment to some 3,400 skilled workers as the company intends to engage into producing a new product called Flexwave, a middle-sized speed reducer for robots.

Paulino disclosed that the company plans to increase the number of workers from its current 625 to 4,028 once the expansion project has been completed by 2025. This is to fulfill its production target of 350,000 per year, all of which will be exported to the USA, Europe, Japan, Korea, China, India, and Brazil.

“The number of skilled workers in the Freeport’s adjacent communities is certainly in high demand. The SBMA will help in any way it can to provide the company the manpower needed for its expansion operation,” he added.

The SBMA chief lauded Nidec Subic for showing their confidence with the SBMA and pursuing its goal to make it happen in the Philippines, even choosing the Subic Bay Freeport to implement the expansion project.

The said expansion will entail two phases. First phase will be the renovation of two of their buildings, which are expected to be completed by third quarter of 2022. Second phase will be the construction of a new building, which is expected to be completed by November or December of 2022.

During the height of the pandemic, the firm had to cut down on its employees due to the closure of their base production of spindle motors to ensure the financial stability of the company.

As a result, the company retrenched 70 percent of its workforce due to the adverse effect on the global economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The company was forced to give 784 workers their separation pay.

Meanwhile, Chairman Paulino assured Nidec Subic that the SBMA is keen on helping them find skilled workers for the imminent expansion as the SBMA recently signed an agreement with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to establish a skills training and assessment center to train potential workers who will complement workforce requirements of industries in the Freeport. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, TESDA agree to produce more highly skilled, reliable workforce in Subic Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to rekindle its partnership to produce more highly skilled and reliable workforce.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino and TESDA Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña signed the agreement at the Hilton Clark Hotel in Clark Freeport on Thursday during TESDA’s 17th General Directorate Conference.

“Subic Bay Freeport is well-known to be the center of highly skilled and English-speaking workers. That is why a lot foreign investors have been confidently setting up their businesses here,” Paulino said.

He added that even during the height of the pandemic foreign investors remained in the Freeport still hoping to make it happen in the Philippines and help revive the economy.

According to the MOA, building 309 located at Canal Road in Subic Bay Freeport will be utilized as a skills training and assessment center to train potential workers who will complement workforce requirements of industries inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ).

He added that the center also intends to address the training and assessment improvement requirements of the Freeport zone workers, which include the displaced workers due to the pandemic, the indigenous peoples and the disadvantaged sectors in the area. 

Secretary Lapeña said, “For skills and livelihood programs, the training center will offer programs in agriculture, construction, automotive and land transportation related sectors for the displaced workers and others in need of skills training and upgrading of skills or reinskilling.”

The MOA also stated that the SBMA shall provide the training venue or facility including cost of utilities, while TESDA shall ensure that qualified trainers and assessors, as well as appropriate tools, supplies, equipment and materials are available in the conduct of training and assessment.

“TESDA shall also provide free training and assessment and other related services thru available scholarship programs. Both parties shall jointly implement minimum health protocols in the conduct of training and assessment under the new normal,” Lapeña added.

The duration of the MOA is within five years, providing the two agencies a long-term partnership. It also ensures that the appropriate training and assessment programs and services are extended to the intended beneficiaries of the SBFZ.

The training facility is a two-storey building with an area of 2,000 square meters, initially costing P6.5 million allotted by the SBMA for refurbishment. The first phase will include workshop areas in welding, electrical training program, and other support amenities.

The SBMA’s expansion project for the facility includes the creation of workshop areas on electronics and photovoltaic system at the second floor.

Witnessing the event were Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Emmanuel Gaerlan, TESDA Board Members Randy Nonato and Nonita Ortiz, SBMA Labor Manager Atty. Melvin Varias, SBMA Public Relations Manager Armie Llamas, TESDA Region 3 Director Balmyrson Valdez, TESDA Deputy Director General (DDG) Lina Sarmiento, DDG Rosanna Urdaneta, DDG Aniceto Bertiz III, DDG Gabriel Luis Quisumbing, and other officials of the two agencies.

Back in 2018, the SBMA and TESDA also collaborated with a company engaged in trading of motor vehicles here for the training of workers in the automotive industry.

Subictrak International Inc., a Subic-registered enterprise engaged in importation, remanufacture, rebuilding and re-export of motor vehicles and heavy equipment, joined TESDA for an in-plant Dual Training System to help increase standards in truck rebuilding. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport workforce now 145,230-strong

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has recorded a total of 145,230 workers employed in various business sectors inside this premier Freeport zone as of April 2022.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, these workers are currently employed by the 3,689 companies investing in the Freeport. He added that with more companies looking forward to make it happen in the Philippines by investing in Subic Freeport, the number could further increase by the end of the year.

Paulino said that 64,474 of the 145,230 employees came from Olongapo City, citing that this accounts for 44.39 percent of the total workforce. He added that the number of workers who are from Olongapo City increased by 9.35-percent compared to the 58,960 recorded from the same month last year.

He added that workers from the province of Zambales, the second highest contributor to the total workforce, has a total of 27,087 employees, or five percent higher that last year’s 25,798. Next is Bataan with 18,062 employees, which increased by 2.5 percent from last year’s 17,611.

Other areas that contribute to Subic’s workforce include National Capital Region with 5,091 workers; Pampanga with 4,170 workers; Tarlac with 1,900 workers; and various other areas in the country with 24,446 employees.

Currently, the service-related sector has the most number of employees hired with 107,056 workers, followed by the manufacturing sector with 20,677 workers, then by the construction sector with 12,480 workers, and lastly the shipbuilding/maritime-related services with 5,017 workers.

“The agency is looking forward to the next few months as more and more companies are investing here in Subic Bay Freeport. I am quite certain that the numbers will go up, especially now that most of the workers here are fully vaccinated,” Paulino said.

“Right now, the agency is regularly posting job vacancies and conducting job fairs since most of the companies here that were badly affected by the pandemic are now reopening, while some are currently expanding. Our Labor Department under the leadership of Atty. Melvin Varias is busy with sorting out applicants who are looking to land a job from the numerous job vacancies in Subic Freeport,” he further added.

Meanwhile, Paulino also disclosed that one of the companies to look out for is the Japanese company Nidec Subic that manufactures reducer gears for robotic application. He said that the company is eyeing a P4-billion expansion project that will increase its workforce by 84 percent from the current 625 to 4,028 for the next three years. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, gov’t agencies conduct anti-terrorism exercise in Subic Freeport

As part of the national government’s thrust to thwart terrorism in the country, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), along with other government agencies jointly conducted a simulation exercise at the Subic Water Binictican Water Treatment Plant.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, the Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Simulation Exercise 2022 was conducted by the Anti-Terrorism Council – Program Management Center (ATC-PMC) headed by the Project Management Office of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The official added that the inter-agency simulation exercise series (IA Simex Series) included personnel from the DILG, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), ATC-PMC, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Prevention (BFP), Disaster Risk Reduction Management Offices from Bataan and Zambales, Peace and Order Councils of LGUs, CBRN National Team Observers, Subic Water and Sewerage Company, Inc., and the SBMA.

Chairman Paulino further revealed, “The opening scenario during the CBRN Simex was a negotiation between the terrorist group who took over the Subic Water Binictican Water Treatment Plant with plans to contaminate the water supply of Olongapo City. The terrorist group demanded P10 million, along with the release of their comrades. A PNP negotiator then attempted to communicate with the terrorist group.”

“Should negotiations fail, the PNP will cordon off the area while the SBMA Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team conducts a meeting before an insertion operation Following the insertion, SWAT personnel then neutralize the terrorist threat and rescue hostages taken by the terrorists.

“Both the SWAT and the hostages are then thoroughly checked for any chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear contaminations before they are allowed to conduct further operations. Debriefing immediately follows after decontamination,” he said.

The official stated that the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams from the AFP and PNP scout the area for any explosive devices that the terrorist group may have left behind. The SBMA Fire Department and the BFP then carry out extraction of injured victims and live suspects using hazmat suits.

“Medical teams from the SBMA Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD) then immediately attend to the wounded victims, including the terrorists for medical attention,” Paulino said.

 DILG Assistant Secretary Brig. Gen. Alexander Macario lauded the participation of various government agencies at the CBRN Simex 2022, citing that with a bit more polishing, the operation would be seamless. He added that the exercise is designed to meet the needs of the particular area in partnership with stakeholders.

“The exercise should support and develop exercise practitioners’ competency to plan, implement, and evaluate simulation exercises within the terrorist-related CBRN crisis field. This exercise also requires the active participation of representatives from both local and national government agencies, and include non-government units and stakeholders,” he said. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SC reverses CA; reinstates trial court order on P5.5-B SBMA-HCPTI contract

The Supreme Court (SC) has reversed the 2013 decision of the Court of Appeals (CA) as it reinstated the 2012 trial court ruling which ordered the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to award the P5.5 billion contract to Harbour Centre Port Terminal, Inc. (HCPTI) for the development, operation and management of several ports inside the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone.

The 2012 ruling of the Olongapo City regional trial court (RTC) directed SBMA to issue a notice of award (NOA) and notice to proceed (NTP) to HCPTI for the joint venture projects covering the Naval Supply Depot, Boton, Alava, Rivera and Bravo Wharfs/Point.

In reversing the trial court, the CA said that the SBMA has no legal duty to issue the NOA and NTP because “the SBMA has the discretion to either approve or reject the recommendation to award” and that HCPTI “has no vested right to the issuance of the NOA and the NTP.”

The SC, in a decision written by Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda and made public last May 18, said:

“In sum, there is no law justifying the non-issuance of the NOA due to the withdrawal of the NEDA (National Economic Development Authority) endorsement. Petitioner (HCPTI) has complied with all the legal requisites for the issuance of the NOA. As such, a writ of mandamus may issue to compel SBMA to perform its legal duty.

“The Decision dated 12 January 2012 of Branch 72, Regional Trial Court of Olongapo City in Civil Case No. 108-0-2011 is hereby REINSTATED. SO ORDERED.”

On Nov. 16, 2009, SBMA received an unsolicited proposal from HCPTI to enter into an unincorporated joint venture (JV) for the development, operation and management of the ports in the Subic freeport zone. The JV envisioned a consolidation of the break-bulk, bulk and other essential port services to achieve efficiency of port resources.

HCPTI’s proposal was done in line with the 2008 Guidelines and Procedures for entering into JVA between government and private entities issued by NEDA.

However, on July 5, 20211, NEDA withdraw its endorsement of the project based on alleged violation of the 2008 JV guidelines, such as the execution of the agreement as early as stage two of the process and a supposed material change in the project cost from approximately P763 million to P5.37 billion after the competition challenge.

The Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), which had found the agreement between SBMA and HCPTI valid, recommended the suspension of the NTP in view of NEDA’s withdrawal of its endorsement.

Due to SBMA’s failure and refusal to issue the NOA and NTP, HCPTI filed a petition for mandamus before the Olongapo RTC. During the pendency of the petition, NEDA denied SBMA’s motion and reiterated the withdrawal of its endorsement.

“It appears that there is no legal or contractual obstacle to the issuance of the NTP. Hence, the same must also be issued to petitioner in preparation for the implementation of the JVA (joint venture agreement), and so that the parties may start complying with other conditions precedent stipulated therein.

“WHEREFORE, premises considered, the petition is hereby GRANTED. The Decision dated 08 August 2013 and Resolution dated 14 January 2014 of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. SP No. 125330 are REVERSED and SET ASIDE.

“The Decision dated 12 January 2012 of Branch 72, Regional Trial Court of Olongapo City in Civil Case No. 108-0-2011 is hereby REINSTATED. SO ORDERED.”

“In this case, all the requisites for the issuance of the NOA had already been complied with. The existence of these requisites gave rise to a clear legal right in favor of petitioner and correlative ministerial duty upon SBMA,” the SC said. (Manila Bulletin)

Source: https://mb.com.ph/2022/05/23/sc-reverses-ca-reinstates-trial-court-order-on-p5-5-b-sbma-hcpti-contract/

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SBMA conducts inspection of future Agila Subic facility

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), along with local and foreign dignitaries, conducted a site inspection of the future Agila Subic facility last May 15 at the Redondo Peninsula here in this premier Freeport Zone.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino led the delegation along with Olongapo City Mayor Lenj Paulino, and the Philippine Navy.

Paulino said that one of the mandates given to him by President Rodrigo Duterte is to ensure a smooth transition of the company to the former Hanjin shipyard facility, and bring to fruition what the former administration of the agency had started.

Now called Agila Subic, the former Hanjin shipyard will be housing two tenants.

One tenant Vectrus, will be occupying most of the shipbuilding area of the facility, including the quays.  Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy is currently occupying the former Hanjin administrative office, mess hall, and barracks.

Vectrus is a global service solutions provider to the United States government and across the world, which offers facility and base operations, supply chain and logistics services, information technology (IT) mission support, and engineering and digital integration services.

Former Hanjin workers who have been skills-trained will be hired by the company since it will require skilled workers.

29 workers have already been hired and the company hopes to employ more workers who used to work for the shipbuilding company.

Meanwhile, Mayor Lenj Paulino said that the city government plans to provide skills training to its residents as the re-elected official sees a boom in employment in the ship repair industry in the area. He added that companies, who are looking for skilled workers, would only need to contact the city government.

Recently, the Department of Finance stated that the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) has approved the proposed tax perks as endorsed by the SBMA, for the rehabilitation of the ageing shipyard.

The project will be receiving special corporate income tax (SCIT), value-added tax (VAT) exemption from importation, VAT zero-rating on local purchases, and duty exemption on importation.

The total project cost is estimated at Php17 Billion. (MPD-SBMA)

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Coral garden nursery, pawikan preservation site to rise in Subic Bay Freeport

 

A coral garden nursery and pawikan preservation site will soon rise in this premier Freeport.

This is in an effort to preserve the nesting site of marine turtles and launch a coral garden nursery in the waters of Subic Bay, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and other stakeholders inside this premier Freeport signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) at the All Hands Beach Resort on Friday.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, the sea turtle nest preservation and coral garden nursery construction is in partnership with DENR’s Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), PNP Regional Maritime Unit 3, Brighterday Subic Ltd. Inc., and the Sangkalikasan Producer Cooperative.

“The SBMA aims to restore balance in our ecosystem, which will also be beneficial to our tourism industry. We want to preserve the wildlife inside the Subic Bay Freeport while maintaining the area as the number one tourist destination in Central Luzon,” he said.

He said that All Hands Beach Resort is one of the tourist destinations in Subic Freeport that has maintained a good balance between tourism and eco-conservation. The top agency official said that his first mandate was to clean the Boardwalk Area.

“It is not just the responsibility of the agency to clean and preserve the ecosystem of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. This should also be the responsibility of the various stakeholders here,” he cited.

PENRO Zambales Director Marife L. Castillo said that the month of May is the Month of the Ocean and what better way to celebrate the month than to establish a coral garden nursery. The garden is a coral augmentation project that aims to proliferate corals within an area.

She said that the agency will provide assistance in monitoring and managing marine turtle hatcheries, solicit active participation of stakeholders in the project, rehabilitate degraded marine turtle habitats by enhancing recovery of mangroves and coral reefs, and installation of a wildlife enforcement officer.

Brighterday Subic Ltd. Inc., the company that owns and operates the All Hands Beach Resort  has collaborated with the SBMA and the DENR in the implementation of the marine turtle nesting site project inside its resort.

Brighterday Chairman Mark Dayrit said that the resort has already released around 8,000 sea turtle hatchlings since it opened in 2012. Under the MOA, the company will ensure the vigilant monitoring of pawikan sightings and coral augmentations.

Dayrit added that the company will also provide logistical support to the SBMA Harbor Patrol in the conduct of maintenance and protection activities.

Meanwhile, Sangkalikasan Producer Cooperative is set to conduct baseline assessment and monthly monitoring of reef buds. The cooperative will spearhead the actual conduct of monitoring, maintenance and protection of the site of the coral nursery garden.

On the other hand, Regional Maritime Unit 3 chief Police Col. Fernando L. Cunanan Jr. said that aside from their usual mandate as police officers, part of their duty is to protect the environment.

He said that his unit has arrested thousands for illegal poaching, and 30 people involved in the illegal trade of wildlife. The official said they cannot do this without the help of the community, citing that to protect the community needs the involvement of each and every one.

The signing ceremony included the coastal cleanup drive wherein “Scubasureros” pick up trash in the waters near All Hands Beach Resort. (MPD-SBMA)

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DTI, SBMA launch ‘Balik Eskwela Diskwento’ caravan

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), launched on Thursday the Balik Eskwela Diskwento caravan, the first since the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) hit the country two years ago.

DTI officer-in-charge provincial director Enrique Tacbad said the caravan is being held annually before the opening of classes to give students and parents, especially the low-income earners, the opportunity to buy school supplies and uniforms at discounted prices.

 

“This is the first physical Diskwento caravan we (have) held in Subic Freeport since 2019 because of the pandemic. Conducting Diskwento caravans is a challenging role for DTI during the pandemic,” Tacbad said in an interview.

He said the agency had used different strategies to keep on providing discounted goods to areas affected by calamities, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic while assuring the safety of the staff and personnel.

 

Balik-Eskwela Diskwento caravan program is tying up with local small and medium entrepreneurs or suppliers to promote and sell their products at discounted prices normally ranging from 10 percent to 50 percent of the regular prices in the market.

 

Tacbad said with the return of the physical Diskwento caravan, they are expecting to surpass the PHP1.195 million earnings generated during the 2021 caravan in various locations in Zambales.

 

There are 40 SME exhibitors-sellers from Central Luzon and Marikina City that participated in the caravan, selling school supplies, food products and handicrafts.

 

The caravan is being held at the parking lot of Ayala Harbor Point here.

 

Meanwhile, SBMA Deputy Administrator Ruel John Cabigting welcomed the Diskwento caravan in Subic and became part of the project to help the residents to afford school supplies and other commodities.

 

“It is an honor to become a partner with DTI,” said Cabigting, adding that SBMA is fully supporting the small and medium enterprises as this helps provide jobs and income for the residents and the community.

 

The Diskwento caravan in Subic Freeport will run until May 20. (Ruben Veloria, PNA)

Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1174756

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FIRB approves tax perks for Project Agila, supports Hanjin shipyard rehabilitation

The Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB), upon the endorsement of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), has approved the grant of tax incentives to Project AGILA for the redevelopment and operations of the Hanjin shipyard in the Subic Bay freeport zone.

This project is funded by United States (US)-based private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management.

Finance Secretary and FIRB Chairman Carlos Dominguez III supported the approval of the tax perks for Project AGILA with a total project cost of P17 billion as the rehabilitation of the Hanjin shipyard presents economic potential, given its strategic location near the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The project was granted special corporate income tax (SCIT), value-added tax (VAT) exemption from importation, VAT zero-rating on local purchases, and duty exemption on importation.

“We expect the project to create jobs in the adjacent communities, increase economic activity as well as support the national government’s economic recovery efforts,” said Dominguez.

He added, “The resumption of operations in the shipyard will also prompt development and productivity in the area, which can attract more investment opportunities into the country.”

Furthermore, the project will cater to both the Philippine Navy (PN) and potential export locators.

It will be beneficial, specifically to the Navy, as it will involve the safety and efficiency of the Philippine government ships’ performance and, consequently, strengthen national security. (PR)

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SBMA conducts fire response exercises for 40 seaport security, safety officers

As a safety measure to mitigate fire incidents in the port facility, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Seaport department conducted a Port Facility Fire Emergency Response Exercise 2022 at the Marine Terminal Port Facility, Naval Supply Depot (NSD) compound.

The exercise was conducted in coordination with the SBMA Fire department with the participation of Seaport department personnel and some 40 security and safety officers from various locators and stakeholders within the facility.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino said that the Emergency Response Exercise is part of the SBMA’s thrust to strengthen its capabilities to respond quickly to different emergency scenarios that may arise inside the port facility.

Paulino added that the exercise aims to test the existing procedures and contingency plans in case of emergency, namely, the capabilities of the emergency responders, the communication skills and coordination, and the resource availability and response.

Diego Aviles of the Port Operations Division of the SBMA Seaport Department explained that as part of the exercise, a scenario was created wherein a building inside the NSD was caught on fire.

The Shipyard and Field Monitoring Officer then immediately reported the incident to his supervisor and tried to extinguish the fire, but failed. Then the Fire department arrived at the scene.

Aviles explained to participants that the Fire department knew nothing about the scenario they created aside from an on-going training. This is to determine how fast before the fire truck could actually reach the site, which their Citizen’s Charter requires seven minutes.

Aviles called the Fire Station, which is about two kilometers away from the site, and reported a burning building at the NSD, but it was only a drill.

True to is Citizen’s Charter, the responding fire truck arrived in six minutes and 11 seconds.

Aviles further explained that a tiny spark could become destructive with the presence of high temperature and strong wind, which are both present this time of the year especially in areas like a seaport facility.

Most of the participants were security and safety officers from Subic Bay International Terminal Corp., Amerasia International Terminal Services Inc., Subic Consolidated Projects Inc., Mega Subic Terminal Services Inc., which service bulk cargo (grains) and storage handling, which are vulnerable to fire.

The participants were given basic training on fire prevention skills like the use of fire extinguisher and handling of a fire truck hose. (MPD-SBMA)

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BOC Port of Subic acquires 2 patrol boats

In an effort to strengthen its maritime security capabilities in this premier Freeport, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Subic has launched two new water patrol boats.

Port of Subic District Collector Atty. Maritess Martin said that the 12.7-meter patrol boats, which they acquired from the head office, are capable of reaching speeds of over 45 knots and will be used by the BOC in boarding formalities, patrol and water pursuit within the nation’s borders.

Martin also said that these two boats are built to complete demanding missions with absolute reliability. She added that these boats will primarily be deployed for rapid interception of smugglers to foil smuggling activities and other fraudulent activities through consistent patrolling.

The two fast patrol boats will be used for the joint operations of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the BOC Port of Subic in suppressing smuggling activities in our shores, and to carry out customs-related operations.

Martin also expressed her gratitude to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino for supporting the agency’s undertakings in this premier Freeport.

“The Port of Subic is just so excited and privileged to be given the opportunity to continue our service, not only through the collection of lawful revenue, but also by patrolling our waters thus prevent smuggling,” she said.

Chairman Paulino, moreover, lauded the efforts of BOC Port of Subic for protecting the waters of this premier Freeport, citing that this will provide full support in the agency’s endeavor in preventing smuggling.

Meanwhile, BOC Water Patrol Division SP Maj. Danielo S. Gonzales, and ESS-CPD District Commander S/P Capt. Vincent Mark S. Malasmas was also present during the inauguration of the two patrol boats. (MPD-SBMA)

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1st face-to-face job fair kicks off SBMA’s month-long Labor Day 2022 celebration

For the first time after two years of stalled activities due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) kicked off its month-long celebration of Labor Day 2022  with a face-to-face job fair early Monday morning.

Hundreds of job-seekers from Olongapo City and nearby towns trooped to Ayala Mall Harbor Point to grab their opportunity to bounce back from economic difficulties that the pandemic had caused.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino said that more than 3,000 job vacancies from 55 companies in the Subic Freeport and Olongapo City are up for grabs in the said job fair.

“I hope every one of you gets a job today. And when you get hired, always be a good and hardworking employee. Always put your family at the top of your priorities,” Paulino told applicants,  emphasizing the pros and cons of joining labor unions.

“When you have problems with your employers, seek help of our SBMA Labor Center who is always ready to help you resolve your problems. There is nothing that could not be resolved in a peaceful dialogue,” he assured.

Chairman Paulino also reported that the takeover of Cerberus Management Capital and Agila Naval, Inc. of the former Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC) facility, has been finalized.

“That is why, we will be coordinating with TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) for the skills training that maybe needed when Cerberus starts operation any time soon,” he said.

Atty. Melvin Varias, manager of the SBMA Labor Department, noted that locators and investors in the Subic Freeport were very much pleased with the turnout of the job fair after being stalled for two years.

“Subic companies are pleased with today’s job fair because for the first time in two years, they are able to screen applicants face-to-face, which is more convenient in hiring on-the-spot,” Varias said.

Varias reported that the number of companies joining the job fair has increased to 60 with 3,415 job vacancies to offer.

The job fair is in partnership with the Olongapo City Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and is part of the month-long Labor Day 2022 celebration.

Other activities lined-up are Zumbang Pampalakas, Obrerong Matikas, a zumbathon for all Freeport workers at the Boardwalk on May 6; a 3K Fun Run  on May 7 around the Central Business District; Diskwento Caravan at the Harbor Point parking area from May 18 to 20; and Job Fair Part 2 at the Harbor Point on May 18. (MPD-SBMA)

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