SBMA names engineer, foreman as agency’s 2021 Employees of the Year

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has conferred the 2021 Employee of the Year (EOY) award to an Engineer and a Foreman. 

Bagging the most prestigious award of the agency were Engr. Jomel Libut of the Regulatory Group for Category 2 and Peter Moneda of the Public Services Group for Category 1. 

“I am so proud to be heading the best GOCC (Government-Owned and –Controlled Corporation) in the country called the SBMA, and to be working with the best team whose work ethics exude excellence, I am beyond blessed,” said SBMA chairman and administrator Rolen C. Paulino.  

The awarding ceremony transpired during the agency’s anniversary program where Paulino recalled the time when volunteers started rebuilding the former US military bases after the Americans had pulled out. He lauded all employees for the efforts throughout the agency’s existence.

Libut, who is from the Building Permit and Safety Department (BPSD) stood out among five other EOY finalists for Catergory 2 for his hands-on supervision of the implementation of major pipeline projects of the SBMA, which includes seven road rehabilitation projects and the perimeter fence rehabilitation from Kalaklan to Kalayaan.

Libut is a Project Evaluation Officer V and the Employee of the Quarter (EOQ) of the Regulatory Group for the first quarter of 2021, and the division chief of the Utilities Department, at the same time. 

Meanwhile, Moneda outshone his fellow EOY finalists for Category 1 being known for having offered SBMA offices in need of solutions to cooling problems by salvaging A/C parts from old unserviceable units to rehabilitate and repair five units of 7.5 tonnes split-type A/C, two units of split-type evaporators, and a window-type A/C. This made the agency save a total of ₱110,000 for the same period he was nominated for. 

Moneda is a Foreman B of the Maintenance and Transportation Department (MTD) and the Employee of the Quarter (EOQ) of the Public Services Group for the second quarter of 2021. 

Other contenders for the Category 2 were Lolita Bondoc of the Chairman and Administrator Group, Sheryll Rose Santiago of the Business and Investments Group, Jess Cipriano of the Operations Group, Engr. Janet Pasoot of the Public Services Group, and Genie Rose Vicente of the Support Services Group.  

Finalists vying for the Category 1 title were Jean Marie Pescador of the Business and Investments Group, June Rainer Roxas of the Operations Group, John Dela Cruz of the Regulatory Group, and Emily Abuan of the Support Services Group. 

All finalists received a plaque of appreciation for being selected the EOY of their respective Strategic Business Units (SBUs), and ₱20,000 cash.

The EOYs for both categories each received another sash as overall EOY of their respective category, another plaque of appreciation as overall EOY of their respective category, a collar pin, additional ₱25,000 cash, and a gift certificate worth ₱5,000. 

The remaining finalists still received additional cash incentive worth ₱3,000.

The employee of the year program was established in 2006 to recognize outstanding men and women for their excellent service, as such, 50 percent industriousness and productivity, 30 percent quality customer service, and 20 percent malasakit and honesty. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, PNP inaugurates vessel operations training center in Subic Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MG) inaugurated the Vessel Operations Training Center inside this premier Freeport on Friday.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, the creation of the training center was thru the efforts of the agency and the PNP-MG via a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The newly constructed center is located at Bldg. 696 of the Global Industrial Park.

Paulino said that according to the MOA, the SBMA will provide a facility for the PNP-MG that will help in training police officers in operating seagoing vessels of the agency. He added that the agency will also provide additional amenities and equipment that will help in training police officers operate SBMA ships.

Currently, PNP-MG personnel operate the vessels of the SBMA, including MV Kalayaan, MV Binictican, MV Redondo, MV Ilanin, MV Triboa, MV Cubi, and MV Maritan. Paulino and PNP-MG Director Police Brigadier General Harold B. Tuzon signed the MOA at the administration building on March this year.

Paulino and Tuzon, along with Regional Maritime Unit 3 chief Police Col. Oliver Tanseco and assistant chief Police Lt. Col. Sami B. Lorenzo, led the inauguration of the new facility near the Alava Pier. Reverend Father Orlando Correa led the blessing of the facility.

The facility boasted of a gym, mess hall, offices, rooms, shower areas for men and women, and other areas needed for the training of personnel.

Tuzon expressed his gratitude to Paulino for the unwavering support given to his unit, citing that the SBMA chief has gone above and beyond what was stipulated in the MOA.

According to the MOA, the PNP-MG will conduct security operations for the waters of Subic Bay, while providing trained and licensed personnel to man the seven patrol boats of the agency. These boats include three multi-purpose patrol boats, a search and rescue vessel, a garbage collection/ firefighting vessel, an oil skimmer/ firefighting vessel, and a line handling and utility boat.

“The operation tasking will be under our Seaport Department, and these vessels can only be used with the SBMA’s prescribed authority and within the vessels’ operational requirement,” Paulino said, adding that the PNP Maritime will use, maintain, and occupy the facility for the use it is intended.

“They will shoulder the repair and maintenance of the facility for the entire duration of the agreement,” he said.

PNP MG chief Tuzon said that aside from manning the boats, the group will provide technical, mechanical and physical vessel services for the repair of the patrol boats at their own expense. He added that they will provide operation trip reports.

“In case of emergency or natural disaster or as maybe needed by the SBMA, the PNP-MG shall provide assistance and services upon request of the SBMA,” he added.

“With that said, we will provide security and other support and assistance, which shall promote the development, conservation, management, protection, and utilization of resources in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and its surrounding areas,” he cited. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA chief lauds SBF company advocating reduction of global food wastes

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino recently expressed praises towards a company in this premier Freeport that distributes a machine that converts earth friendly water from food wastes.

During his tour of Dunbrae Philippines Inc. showroom facility located inside the Subic Gateway Park, Paulino was shown the ORCA Machine being distributed by the company. The ORCA Machine turns food waste into earth friendly water.

 

According to Dunbrae Philippines Inc. General Manager Reida Ibabao, the company is the sole distributor of these machines made in Canada. She said that companies in the Philippines have already purchased these waste disposers and are currently utilizing it as part of their sustainability efforts.

 

Ibabao cited that natural microorganisms, combined with the action of the ORCA technology digests food wastes and turns into earth-friendly water in 24 hours. “It’s compact, efficient, clean and undeniably green,” the company added.

 

Paulino lauded the company’s efforts in reducing the food waste in the environment, citing that if every company, not only food-related ones, in the Subic Freeport would utilize this machine, a drastic reduction in the food wastes hauled here could be expected.

 

“The ORCA machine is being utilized in dozens of countries, why can’t we use it here? Since Subic Bay Freeport is Central Luzon’s number one tourism destination, the area produces a lot of food wastes that need to be addressed,” he stated.

 

He added that if there is an ORCA machine in every major restaurants here, these would drastically reduce the overall tonnage of waste disposal that will be taken to the landfill, also reducing the labor required to haul trash bags to the garbage.

 

Ibabao stated that the earth-friendly water that the ORCA machine produces could be safely repurposed or returned to the environment once treated.

 

“Our technology creates meaningful cost savings for customers while diverting food waste from landfills. Landfill diversion reduces both carbon dioxide and methane gas emissions.  ORCA also helps to increase labor efficiency by keeping employees in the kitchen and reducing the number of strains and sprains,” she added.

 

With four different model sizes, ORCA can accommodate any kitchen’s food waste volumes and space limitations.

 

All ORCA models are equipped with onboard scales that will track the weight of every piece of food waste put into it. The scales connect to the Dunbrae’s proprietary ORCA Portal, a personalized dashboard that will allow users to analyze real-time data, create customized reports, and look at the amount of food waste diverted over time. (MPD-SBMA)

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Tanghalang Maliksi bags Best Stage Play in 1st-ever SBMA GAD theatre fest 2022

Tanghalang Maliksi of Sta. Rita High School in Olongapo City was awarded  “Best Stage Play” during the recently concluded first-ever Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Theatre Festival 2022 held here. 

Their entry entitled “Magda,” depicted various facets of violence against women and children in a musical stage play with Eraserhead songs in their repertoire. 

In her welcome speech, SBMA Gender Focal Point System (GFPS) Executive Committee Head Amethya Dela Llana challenged the stage actors to engage, not just in joining the contest, but also in spreading the word to the entire society, thru acting on stage, about the reality of violence that is happening to women and children everywhere. 

“Theatre Fest 2022 was conceptualized to amplify awareness through entertainment, involving the youth and exposing them early to issues surrounding women and children as we move towards our goal to have a VAW-free Philippines,” Dela Llana said.

Dela Llana also said that Theatre Fest 2022 is a project of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Gender and Development (GAD) and is part of the 18-day campaign to end violence against women with its theme, “UNiTEd for a VAW-free Philippines,” which kicked-off last November 25 and will end on December 12. 

Also participating in the Theatre Fest were Sta. Rita High School Artistic Repertory Theatrical Expression (ARTE) and Association of Barangay VAWC Officers of Olongapo City. 

ARTE, also comprised of students from Sta. Rita High School, staged “Iba’t-ibang Karanasan sa Iisang Mukha” and bagged 2^nd Best Stage Play. They also got Best Director award for Manuel Gabriel, and Best Actress award for Gweneth Ignacio. 

The Association of Barangay VAWC Officers was awarded 3^rdBest Stage Play for “Bumangon ka Juana, Laban Lang!” 

Apart from the Best Stage Play, Tanghalang Maliksi also got the Best Actor award for Chance Arpilleda, Best Production Design and Best Technical Design. 

Awardees received a trophy and a cash prize for each award. 

Meanwhile, SBMA GAD coordinator DJ Jepsz Eslava disclosed that the SBMA GAD activities in store for next year will be bigger and better.  

The Anti-VAWC Theatre Fest 2022 was in partnership between the SBMA, the SBMA GAD-Technical Working Group, SBMA GAD representatives, the SBMA Employee Welfare Multi-Purpose Cooperative, the SBMA Employees’ Association, 89.5 Subic Bay Radio, Association of Barangay VAWC Officers, Olongapo City, and the Rotary Club of Subic Pearl. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA celebrates 30th anniversary with modest, employee-centered ceremonies

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently celebrated its 30^th founding anniversary honoring the men and women who have worked hard to make the agency what it is today, a self-sustaining government agency.

During the all-employee anniversary program, Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino recalled the time when volunteers started rebuilding the former US military bases after the Americans had pulled out. He lauded all employees for the efforts throughout the agency’s existence.

“It has been 30 years since the 12 senators rejected the extension of the bases treaty in 1991. We didn’t know what was in store for us then. What we didn’t know was something bigger was bound to happen—for me to be working with the best government-owned and –controlled corporation (GOCC) employees in the country, the SBMA employees,” Paulino proudly said.

The anniversary celebration continued until the evening for the kick-off ceremony of combined celebration between the SBMA and the City Government of Olongapo, as well as a reunion with former SBMA Chairmen and Administrators, and the lighting of the Christmas tree, officially launching the Yuletide season at the Boardwalk Event Center.

During the evening program, the former Chairmen and Administrators were honored through an audio-visual presentation entitled, “Hailing the Captains and First Mates of the Economic Flagship of the Philippines.”

Former Chairman and Administrator Roberto Garcia, former Administrator Armand Arreza, and Atty. Marvin Diño on behalf of former Chairman Martin Diño partook in the celebration, all of them thanking employees for a job well done, and wishing the best for the SBMA.

“I think this is really the spirit of SBMA, the volunteerism, the willingness to help, and do good everything for the success of SBMA. I want to thank all of the past chairman and administrators, all of the board of directors, all of the management and staff, you have done a wonderful job in bringing SBMA to where it is today—the largest and the most progressive free port in the country today,” Garcia said.

Earlier that day, Paulino led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Volunteers’ Shrine, together with the top management officials and the Board of Directors. It was followed by a motorcade en route to the administration building 229, where the awarding of the 2021 Employee of the Year highlighted the anniversary program.

Emerging from the ranks of Employees of the Year of their respective Strategic Business Units (SBUs) were Peter Moneda of the Public Services Group for Category 1 and Engr. Jomel Libut of the Regulatory Group for Category 2.

Moneda is known for having offered SBMA offices in need of solutions to cooling problems by salvaging A/C parts from old unserviceable units to rehabilitate and repair five units of 7.5 tonnes split-type A/C, two units of split-type evaporators, and a window-type A/C. This made the agency save a total of 110,000 pesos for the period that he became Employee of the Quarter of his SBU.

Meanwhile, Engr. Libut is hands-on in overseeing the implementation of major pipeline projects of the SBMA including seven road rehabilitation projects and the perimeter fence rehabilitation from Kalaklan to Kalayaan. All that, and at the same time, being the division chief of the utilities department all year-round.

The raffle draw for all the employees capped off the morning ceremonies, where 60 bags of rice, 3 rice cookers, a window-type A/C, a personal refrigerator, an electric fan, 2 mountain bikes, a 43” and 55” LED televisions, and some cash prizes were given away.

However, before the raffle draw took place, a flash mob interrupted the program and surprised Paulino as he also celebrated his birthday on the same day.

Still earlier on Monday, the SBMA also honored 238 awardees who have achieved ten years, or more, of continuous and satisfactory service in the government during the 8^th SBMA Loyalty Awards Ceremony at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC). 17 awardees were honored for their 10 years of service; 10 awardees for 15 years of service, 35 awardees for 20 years of service, and 176 awardees for 25 years of service.

Awardees were given commemorative items according to their length of service, sash, certificates or plaques of recognition, and cash incentives.

On Wednesday, the Port Operations Group staged a gift-giving activity dubbed as "Give Love on SBMA Day," where ten children with special needs were beneficiaries of gifts and a familiarization tour of the BRP Hydrographer Presbitero, a research and survey vessel docked at the Riviera Pier of the Ship Repair Facility (SRF).

“I wish for more wisdom, so that I could lead the SBMA, most of all, in generating more employment opportunities to residents of Olongapo City, Zambales and Bataan provinces,” Paulino said, also mentioning the biggest Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training center will soon rise in the Subic Bay Freeport to augment skill requirements of industries coming in.

Lastly, he attributed to the former Chairmen and Administrators the ease of leading the SBMA now for they have done a good job establishing the agency then. (MPD-SBMA)

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Paulino cites pivotal role of Subic Bay in US-Phils friendship during Ambassador Carlson’s visit

The former United States Naval Base plays a pivotal role in the relationship between the Philippines and the US, such that a rich cultural history between the two countries is deeply ingrained in Subic Bay Freeport. 

This was the statement made by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino during US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay L. Carlson’s visit to the Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) on Wednesday, November 9.  The SBMA chief accommodated Carlson during her visit to the SBF for an ocular inspection of the area.

Carlson cited that Subic Bay, being once a former US naval base, is a sterling testament of the long history of partnership between the United States and the Philippines. 

The US official also added that the SBF has been a favorite go-to area for US retirees, with many expats spending the rest of their lives here.

Paulino said that the Subic Special Economic Zone is a viable option in case the United States is currently eyeing to relocate some of its companies to the Philippines, due to the freeport's logistical advantage and hardworking people.

He further disclosed that there are almost 170,000 employees working in various companies inside the SBF, adding that there are 47 American locators that have chosen to build their equities here.  This is mostly due to English-speaking employees accounting for ease of communication, resulting in a better, more efficient, and effective workforce, and higher productivity. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA chief expects rise in tourist arrivals after EO No. 7 issuance

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is expecting a rise in tourist arrivals in the Subic Bay Freeport following the issuance of Executive Order 7 (EO 7) on October 28 by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks in indoor and outdoor settings. 

“This is good news! With this sound decision from President Marcos, we could expect more tourists here in Subic Bay Freeport,” said SBMA Chairman & Administrator Rolen C Paulino. 

“Currently, hotels and resorts inside the Subic Bay Freeport are almost fully-booked. With the issuance of EO7, we will be anticipating a spill-over of tourists to other areas near Subic Bay due to the anticipated rise in the number of arrivals,” Paulino added. 

The official cited that many of the resorts and theme parks here have already began to go on full blast, citing that theme parks such as Zoobic Safari, is now offering their annual Night Safari which will run on all Saturday nights of November up to December.

“Aside from these theme parks, many companies have also opened their restaurants as they expect the number of tourist arrivals to increase during the holiday season. Tourism-related establishments that commenced operations this year included the VSNRY Coffee Shop and the En Izakaya & Global Cuisine by Sakura, providing tourists more areas to visit here,” he said.

The official added that the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) is available to companies for the conduct of their Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) in Subic Bay Freeport. SBECC can accommodate large events, with the recent holding of the Alveo 5150 Ironman. The event place will also be in full house starting with Philippine College of Physicians Annual Congress this month. 

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said during a cabinet meeting that President Marcos would ease up on wearing of facemasks indoors as the country shifts towards a more lenient approach towards the end of the pandemic.

Frasco said that the executive order issued by the President was based on the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force stating that the wearing of facemasks indoors will be optional but certain exceptions such as the wearing of facemasks in public transportations and medical facilities.

The President also urged non-vaccinated Filipinos from Covid-19 to continue wearing facemasks, especially those with comorbidities and senior citizens.

 Frasco added that non-vaccinated foreigners could now enter the country as long as they can present a negative antigen test result 24 hours before their flight to the Philippines, or have their antigen tests upon arriving in the country.

“An RT-PCR test is no longer needed before going out of the country," Frasco said.

“The aim of the President is to keep up with other countries in Asia that have eased up on their travel restrictions to encourage more tourists to visit them”, the official further remarked. (MPD-SBMA)

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400 Subic Bay Freeport, Olongapo City stakeholders join Pink Run 2022 for breast cancer awareness

Close to 400 Subic Bay Freeport and Olongapo City stakeholders joined the Pink Run 2022 to show support to breast cancer awareness, which happened last October 21, Friday. 

Dubbed as “The Pink Run 2022–D’Feeting Breast Cancer,” the event was organized by the Philippine Society of General Surgeons (PSGS)-Central Luzon Chapter, the Olongapo City Medical Society (OCMS), Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM), and the Subic-Olongapo Cancer Foundation (SOCFI) in collaboration with the SBMA Gender and Development. 

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) Executive Committee Head Amethya Dela Llana was hands-on in welcoming the organizers, participants and event partners on behalf of the SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino. 

“On behalf of Chairman Paulino, we would like to thank the organizers and participants for having the breast cancer awareness activity here. And we have agreed that from here on out, the breast cancer awareness event will be hosted here in the Subic Bay Freeport.  This said signature project will be included in the Tourism and GAD calendars annually,” Dela Llana announced. 

Men and women participants in the Pink Run 2022 either wore pink shirts, pink bandanas, pink face masks, pink caps, pink pants, or pink shoes. They represented various Freeport locators such as Lindberg, Sanyo Denki Philippines, Wistron Infocomm Philippines, Nidec Subic Philippines Corporation, Brookes Aesthetic and Wellness Center, and Victory Gym. SBMA employees and Subic Bay Multipurpose Cooperative members also joined. 

Olongapo City contingents included Batang ‘Gapo Riders Club (BGRC), Metro Subic Colleges, Philippine Dental Association (PDA), Ridon St. Jude Medical Center, Sunlife, James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital (JLGMC), Olongapo City National High School (OCNHS) Batch 75, Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO), Lion’s Club District 301, Rotary Club of Downtown Olongapo (RCDO), Rotary Club of Subic Pearl (RCSP), and National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).

PSGS-Luzon chapter vice president Dr. RJ Manzo, who was in the forefront of the event organizing committee, recalled that breast cancer awareness was last held in 2019 before Covid-19 pandemic broke. 

He added that before pandemic, it was celebrated with a unity walk then forming a human pink ribbon.

“So now that we are coming back to the new normal, playing safe. But we are trying to ease back the activities that we used to do. So this year, after a two-year absence, we are back,” Dr. Manzo said. 

He reminded that October is breast cancer awareness month, and that the Pink Run 2022 brought them all together to celebrate breast cancer patients, cancer survivors, and all womenfolk suffering from the big C, because women are more prone to breast cancer. 

“But truth be told nowadays, cancer is beatable. We can prevent cancer with early screening,” he assured. 

Hosted by DJ Tommy G of 89.5 Subic Bay radio and Dr. Karl Edejer, a pain management specialist, the program was highlighted by the warm-up stretching led by Victory Gym coaches. 

Meanwhile, the coaches and athletes of Crossfit Olongapo City spearheaded the first wave of runners, leading the participants around the Remy Field oval track.

Capping the event was the iconic forming of the human pink ribbon. 

In other parts of the country, Pink Run 2022 was also celebrated in Bacolod, General Santos City and Dasmariñas, Cavite with a lap run. 

In Bohol, a non-profit organization launched a long distance run in various distances as a fund-raising campaign for the benefit of breast cancer patients and other indigent beneficiaries. Participants were given the choice to run in 3, 5, 10 and 16 kilometers. 

The Pink Run is a project of the PSGS, a national event celebrated annual in October in observance of the Breast Cancer Awareness month. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Subic Bay Yacht Club's Christmas tree lighting ushers in Yuletide Season

Subic Bay Yacht Club (SBYC) has officially ushered in the Yuletide season with its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the SBYC front driveway.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino and SBYC Commodore Eduardo Aliño spearheaded the ceremonial switching of the light.  

 

Paulino said that the lighting of the Christmas tree along the half-a-block long decorations in front of the SBYC is a Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) tradition to kick off the Yuletide season here, which the SBYC has been known for—making the biggest Christmas decorations in the entire SBF.

The lighting ceremony was also graced by SBYC Vice Commodore Ronnie Del Rosario, and was celebrated by Bishop Most Revered Bartolome Santos from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Iba, with hundreds of SBYC staff, guests, and tourists flocking the event.

The Olongapo City National High School Performing Arts sang Christmas carols during the event, as hundreds of on-lookers gathered at the façade of the SBYC.

 

This year, all departments of the SBYC presented their own Christmas decor concepts, ranging from the classic are the Nativity Scene, huge Santa Claus, a Winter Forest, a Christmas train coming out of large boxes adorned with polar bears, a snow globe with a life-sized Santa Claus, and a Frozen themed boat.

During his message, Paulino said that the only time people around the world observe ceasefires from conflicts is during the Christmas season. He said he is hopeful that everyone would forget their personal differences and become one with God during this season.

Meanwhile, Commodore Aliño expressed his gratitude to the chief executive for supporting the event, citing that the agency has always been on board and provides the necessary assistance in its endeavors, which helps in the promotion and development of companies inside the SBF.

The display, which is an annual project of SBYC employees, is supported by certain Freeport corporate sponsors, and is lighted up each day at 6:00 p.m.  This is also open for public viewing. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport residents to welcome trick or treaters after a 2-yr. hiatus

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has finally allowed trick or treaters to go around the residential areas inside this premier Freeport to celebrate Halloween on the last day of October once again, after a two year-long hiatus due to the restrictions of Covid-19 pandemic.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, the celebration of All Hallow’s Eve has long been a tradition inside the Subic Bay Freeport dating back when the area was still a United States naval base.

He said that the said activity will only be allowed as long as trick or treaters strictly comply with the minimum health and safety protocols such as wearing of facemasks, avoiding overcrowding, immediate washing of hands after the activity, and the use of alcohol spray after contact.

Public Relations Office manager Armie Llamas assured that the agency is all set to provide security in areas to control the flow of people going to the residential areas during the celebration of Halloween.

“This is a fun activity that has been long overdue since the start of the pandemic. We want people to know that the agency is, and will always be, looking out for the welfare of residents and visitors inside the Freeport,” she said.

The word “Halloween” is a contraction of All Hallows' Eve, which is observed on October 31, the evening before All Saints' (or All Hallows') Day. The celebration marks the day before the Western Christian feast of All Saints and initiates the season of Allhallowtide, which lasts three days to be concluded on All Souls' Day.

Trick or treating is a traditional Halloween custom for children and adults in some countries.

In the eve before All Saints' Day, children, and adults alike, in spooky costumes supposedly to scare homeowners when they go house-to-house, ask the homeowner, "Trick or treat?" to ask for treats.

The "treat" is usually some form of candy, although in some cultures money is given instead. The "trick" refers to a threat, usually idle, to perform mischief on the homeowner or their property if no treat is given.

Some homeowners signal that they are willing to hand out treats by putting up Halloween decorations outside their doors; others simply leave treats available on their porches for the children to take freely. Houses may also leave their porch light on as a universal indicator that they have candies. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Port thrives as revenues up by 14 percent from Jan.-Sept. 2022

Port revenues for this premier Freeport is up with figures from January to September of 2022 recording ₱1,146,055,192.99, an increase of 14 percent compared to the same period last year.

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, the current port revenue increase is in relation to the previous year’s record of ₱1,000,929,260.85, with a difference of ₱145,125,932.14.

“The record increase of port revenues this year compared to last year shows that the port sector of the Subic Bay Freeport is thriving, so we are expecting more ship calls here as we gradually ease out from the effects and restrictions of the pandemic,” Paulino said. 

Seaport revenues were derived from vessel charges, cargo charges, processing fee, SBMA share, lease/rental of facilities, and other charges. 

The SBMA Seaport department’s periodical report submitted by General Manager Jerome Martinez indicated the revenues collected from the first until the third quarter has already achieved 81 percent of their 2022 revenue forecast. 

Martinez disclosed that the department has pegged its 2022 revenue forecast at ₱1,413,602,940, and it only needs to earn ₱267,547,747 until December to achieve its revenue forecast.

During the same period, Martinez said that the SBMA received 1,810 ship calls this year up until September, an increase of 350 ships or 24 percent from the same period last year of 1,460 ship calls.

He added that of the 1,810 ship calls, 1,087 of them were foreign ship calls. The recorded 1,087 foreign ship calls has an increase of 18 percent from last year’s 921 foreign ship calls.

He also cited that 723 were domestic ship calls, with an increase of 184 domestic ship calls or an increment of 34 percent from last year, which recorded only 539.

The report also indicated that the Port of Subic has also recorded an increase in Gross Registered Tonnage (GT) by 30 percent, recording 22,852,265 GT for the period of January to September this year, an increase of 5,328,361 GT from last year’s same period of 17,523,904 GT.

Meanwhile, Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao cited that the increase of Gross Tonnage is due to the increase in foreign vessels, recording 22,240,369 GT for the said period. He added that this is higher by 31 percent or 5,205,914 GT from last year’s 17,034,455 GT.

Yambao also cited an increase in Gross Registered Tonnage from the 611,896 GT derived from domestic vessels that came into Subic Freeport. This figure is higher by 25 percent or 122,447 GT than last year’s 489,449 GT of the same period.

Moreover, Yambao also mentioned an increase in non-containerized cargo volume for this quarter with 5,536.171 MT as compared to last year’s 4,863,697 MT. A 14 percent increase was registered, recording a difference of 672,474 MT.

The official, however, cited a negligible decline in the containerized cargo volume for this year, adding that there number of containers that utilized the Port of Subic were 190,168 twenty-footer equivalent units (TEUs) as compared to last year’s 192,217 TEUs, a one percent decline from 2,049 TEUs last year.

Chairman Paulino said that despite this “little hiccup,” the outlook for the Port of Subic is gaining momentum, and would likely trample last year’s records. 

“The hit rate for our key performance indicators are around 90 percent, with only containerized cargo volume lagging, but I am sure that the agency will hit the mark before the year ends,” he said. (MPD-SBMA) 

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151 participants attend 1st- ever MOVE campaign 2022 in SBF

A total of 151 participants attended the first Men Opposed to Violence Against Women (VAW) Everywhere (MOVE) campaign recently held in Subic Bay Freeport.

Themed “Kalalakihan laban sa Karahasan sa kababaihan,” the campaign was primarily organized to involve more men to help end VAW.  

 

According to Amethya Dela Llana, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Gender Focal Point System (GFPS) Executive Committee Head, the staging of the MOVE campaign 2022 is in support of the national government’s call to make Philippines VAW-free by encouraging men to recognize and respect women by protecting them and eliminating violence.

 

Dela Llana disclosed that MOVE 2022 also drew attendees from Olongapo City, aside from SBMA employees. Out of the 151 participants who attended, 63 percent (or 96 participants) were male.

 

“We are glad that there were more males than females in attendance because this campaign is really intended for them. Because to eliminate VAW in our society, we need their help,” Dela Llana said.

 

“We all envision a society where everyone has the right to live in a gender-equal and violence-free society,” she added.

 As part of the MOVE campaign program, Rey de Guia, MOVE National President, discussed the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law) or  Republic Act No. 11313, which covers all forms of gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH) committed in public spaces, educational or training institutions, workplaces and online spaces.

 

Also as a refresher, Pastor Francis Mercado, MOVE Vice President for Luzon, discussed RA 9262 or the Anti-VAWC law. Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC) was also discussed with Glenn de Guzman of the Local Activation and Partnerships-International Justice Mission as resource person.

 

Olongapo City Coucilor Lugie Lipumano and Olongapo City VAWC Association President also imparted their insights about protecting women and children against violence.

 

As the program ended, de Guia led the participants into pledging their commitment to end VAW, and thereafter launched a signature campaign.

 

Meanwhile, DJ Jepsz Eslava, SBMA GAD coordinator said that there will be a unique anti-VAWC campaign come November as the technical working group continues to raise awareness about VAWC.

He added that the upcoming anti-VAWC campaign would be in of the form a theater festival. (MPD-SBMA)   

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