Taiwan business mission eyes more economic activities in Subic Bay Freeport

Top honchos of the Taiwanese business community are eyeing new investments inside this premier Freeport during their visit here recently thru the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) of Taipei. 

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato Lee III, the Taiwanese businessmen came to the Freeport for the Integrated Investment Campaign: New Southbound PH Taiwan Delegation to the Philippines. 

Lee said that the business mission here is an offshoot of the Integrated Investment Promotion Campaign in Taiwan back in October 2022 where the SBMA participated. 

The group led by Terry Lin, Investment Officer of PTIC-Taipei was welcomed by Lee and other SBMA officials at the Formosa Hall of the Subic Bay Development and Management Corp. (SBDMC) admin building where the delegation was given a presentation of the Subic Bay Freeport business climate as well as advantages of investing here.

Manager of the Business and Investment Department (BID) for Manufacturing and Maritime Karen Magno facilitated the presentation for the Taiwanese delegation, providing insights on the many perks that this premier Freeport has to offer.

Magno cited that there are two Taiwanese industrial parks situated here, the Subic Bay Gateway Park and the Tipo Hightech Eco Park (THEP). She said that both industrial areas are conducive for businesses that intend to make it happen in the Philippines because both are good for businesses dealing in manufacturing various items such as packaging materials and appliances.

Also present in the event was Subic Taiwan Chamber of Commerce President Andy Liu who gave his welcome message to the delegation, sharing that the number of Taiwanese investments in the Freeport is among the biggest in terms of nationality.

Delegates representing ten Taiwanese companies came to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone to conduct an ocular inspection of the area. The group was welcomed by fellow Taiwanese businessmen who located here including SBDMC Inc. President Willy Wang, Wistron Infocomm Philippines Corp. Director Wallice Wang, Subic Technic Inc. EVP Louis Kuo, and Limech Manufacturing and Trading Corp. President Sammy Chou.

Meanwhile, Taiwan investors here also boasted of a diligent and capable workforce who are proficient in English, logistical advantages for having an airport and a seaport, tax incentives due to being an economic zone, capable utilities, electricity and telecommunications.

In his closing remarks, Deputy Administrator for Business Group Atty. John Aquino said that Subic Bay Freeport is not just an industrial and manufacturing area but Freeport also an ideal destination of tourism amenities that will provide rest and relaxation to Taiwanese businessmen who plan to live here with their family.

He also added that Subic Freeport is the number one tourist destination of the region since there are numerous beach resorts, theme parks, and other tourism-related businesses here. (MPD-SBMA)

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Gov’t agencies seize shipment of ₱190-M misdeclared items at Subic Port

Coordinated efforts by government agencies have led to the seizure of misdeclared items worth a total of ₱190-million at the Port of Subic.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino revealed that the BOC Port of Subic, thru information from the Department of Agriculture (DA), discovered 58 containers loaded with 30,000 sacks of misdeclared refined sugar worth ₱150-million. 

Following the issuance of Pre-Lodgement Control Orders and Alert Orders by District Collector Maritess Martin, Paulino, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, and DA Assistant Secretary James Layug conducted an examination of the shipment on Thursday.

Aside from the 58 containers, two more containers of misdeclared assorted frozen meat products were seized which cost around ₱40 million. 

Martin said that the agency is set to issue a warrant of seizure and detention (WSD) against the subject containers for violation of Section 1400, in relation to Section 1113 (f) of the Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and Sugar Regulatory Authority and BOC Joint Memorandum Order No. 04-2002.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio lauded the vigilance of the pertinent agencies, citing, “the BOC continues to maximize its intelligence resources and intensify enforcement measures to thwart all attempts of smuggling, especially those involving agricultural products that negatively impact our local farmers and businesses.”

“It has always been a priority of the BOC to protect local consumers against the health hazards posed by these illegally imported goods,” he added.

SBMA Chairman Paulino lauded the personnel of the agency, together with the BOC and the DA for foiling the attempt to smuggle ₱150-million worth of misdeclared sugar, along with the P40-million worth of misdeclared frozen products.

“We will follow President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s thrust in ensuring that Subic Freeport will not be an entry point for smuggled items. The SBMA, BOC Port of Subic, and the DA are working hand-in-hand to thwart any illegal trade happening in Subic Freeport,” he said. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBF committed investments and expansion projects skyrocket in 2022

Committed investments infused by new investors and expansion projects in the Subic Bay Freeport have surged dramatically in 2022 following the easing of pandemic restrictions in the country. 

The Business and Investment Group of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), in its yearend report, said that committed investments in 2022 accrued to ₱50,408,031,828.06, which is 2,128 percent more than committed investments in 2021 of ₱2,262,774,109.78.

The report said that the number of new investors has increased from 115 companies in 2021, to 133 in 2022 whose committed investment amounted to ₱14,063,061,938.70.

These 133 new companies aim to employ 1,874 new workers that will add to the workforce of this premier Freeport.

Northern Palawan Power Generation Corporation tops the list of new investors, committing a total of Php7-billion in new investments. the company will locate at Cawag, Redondo Peninsula to engage in real estate development for power generation and other energy sources. 

This was followed by UNCO United Oil and Gas Philippines with ₱1,948,096,000 and Tawi Tawian Petroleum Trading Corporation with ₱1,500,000,000. Both companies are engaged in petroleum importation and trading.

On the other hand, expansion projects of existing SBF locators committed in 2022 has accrued to ₱36,344,969,889.30, which is 6,040 percent more than 2021’s ₱591,914,600.00.

Existing locators with the biggest committed investments in expansion projects include Vectrus Subic Corporation with ₱14,522,658,219.30, Agila South Inc. with ₱10,737,616,537, Agila NY Naval Inc. with ₱6,283,079,863, and Nidec Subic Philippines Corporation, which was recently signed during President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s official visit to Japan, with ₱4,200,000,000. 

The number of investors who plan to implement expansion projects have increased from 24 in 2021 to 38 in 2022. The expansion projects of these 38 investors will hire 2,832 additional workers.

“This proves that my appointment as SBMA Chairman and Administrator is indeed a very big blessing. I am so blessed to be working with a team of hard-working men and women; equally blessed to be appointed at a time when pandemic restrictions started to ease up,” SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino said.

This manifestation of investor confidence, he said, makes the Subic Bay Freeport Zone more attractive to foreign and local investments who want to make it happen in the Philippines by doing it in Subic Bay.

Meanwhile, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato Lee III said that the operating expenses of the agency recorded as of November 2022 is at 4.14 percent, citing that the agency was able to generate ₱24.17 in revenues for every ₱1 spent.

He added that the revenue from January to November has reached ₱1,690,541,578.00, which is 134.81 percent higher than the target ₱719,949,783.68, resulting in a difference of ₱970,591,794.33.

Lee also said that the number of Certificates of Registration and Tax Exemption (CRTEs) that were processed almost doubled from the target CRTEs, disclosing an increase of 84.91 percent. He added that the target this year was pegged at 464, while the actual number of processed CRTEs have a total of 858.

The official also revealed that the 879 term sheets processed by the SBMA’s Business and Investment Departments (BIDs) has surpassed the target of 448, a discrepancy of 431 term sheets, or 96.21 percent surplus.

Paulino said that the agency will continue to follow the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. aiming to make this premier Freeport into the country's bastion of economic prowess. He added that with President Marcos at the helm, foreign investor confidence in Subic Freeport will remain strong. (SNL)

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Pacific Ace, IWG to introduce hybrid workspace in Subic Freeport

Pacific Ace Subic Bay Corp. has partnered with International Workplace Group (IWG) for the establishment of the first-ever hybrid workspace in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in anticipation of the strong demand for flexible office spaces. 

The partnership was sealed in a simple contract signing ceremony between IWG Country Manager Lars B. Wittig and Pacific Ace President Virginia S. Dio on Thursday, Feb. 16 at the latter’s headquarters in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. 

“It’s a match made in heaven,” according to Dio citing IWG’s established global leader in hybrid work solutions and workspace brands and Pacific Ace’s Green Building advocacy to lessen the negative impact of carbon footprint to environment and to human health. 

Under the contract, IWG and Pacific Ace will utilize the 2nd floor of The Gardens by Pacific Ace and is set open the shared workplace on August 2023 with a number of co working desks, meeting rooms, and private offices. 

IWG’s unrivaled network coverage includes 3,500 locations across more than 120 countries and 83 percent of Fortune 500 companies amongst their growing customer base. 

“Through our brands including Regus, Spaces, HQ and Signature, we help millions of people and their businesses to work more productively. We do so by providing the world’s leading hybrid work platform with professional, inspiring and collaborative workspaces and digital services all available via the IWG application,” Wittig said. 

“Subic has been ready for this business concept for at least 8 years and we’re now ready for Subic,” Wittig said. 

He added that Subic is a strategic location that they have targeted for expansion since the opening of Regus in Clark Freeport Zone in 2015. And since the business is well proven in Clark, Subic is a logical extension for it offers excellent logistics, free port, and development zones. 

According to Renato W. Lee III, Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment, he is certain that the new business concept in the Freeport is set to bring business to a whole new level. (SNL)

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Dugo para sa Puso, a Valentine's Day blood drive

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) OIC-Deputy Administrator for Corporate Communications Armie Llamas joins personnel of the Regional Maritime Unit-3 led by PLtCol Sami Lorenzo RMU3 and Olongapo Maritime Police Station chief Police Lt. Mariel Cuizon for a photo souvenir during a bloodletting activity held on Valentine’s Day, February 14 at the Subic Gym of Subic Bay Freeport.

The SBMA and the Philippine Red Cross-Olongapo Chapter spearheaded the bloodletting drive dubbed "Dugo para sa Puso”, which aims to augment the blood requirements in the City of Olongapo and nearby areas in the Freeport.

 

Other organizations such as the Rotary Club of Subic Pearl, Philippine Navy, Batas Eagles Club, and different SBMA departments supported the said activity. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA lauds PBBM signing of ₱4.2-B Nidec Subic’s new venture

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) lauded the signing of Nidec Subic Philippines Corporation’s venture into a new product, which will infuse an additional ₱4.2 billion.

In his recent official visit to Japan, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. signed the contract with Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who invited him to Japan during the UN General Assembly meeting in New York back in September.

“We are very thankful for President Marcos’ successful official trip to Japan where he signed another blessing for us in the Subic Bay Freeport because this will create more jobs for our community, and bring better industrial peace,” SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino said.

Paulino added that the President's five-day trip to Japan entailed reaffirming the strong and vibrant relations between the two countries, as well as maximizing its partnership thru defense, security, political, economic, and people-to-people ties.

“This new venture by Nidec Subic is a validation of the foreign investors’ strong confidence in the leadership of President Marcos, and in the Subic Bay Freeport, especially now that we have adopted a Fast, Friendly and Flexible customer service. Because of that, we are now expecting to draw more foreign investments to make it happen in the Philippines, particularly in Subic,” he said.

According to the SBMA Business and Investment Department for Manufacturing and Maritime, Nidec Subic will be producing precision gearboxes that ensure smooth and efficient gear operation in a wide range of applications such as robotics, aerospace and solar tracking. It will initially require 1,074 workers.  

Nidec is the world’s top manufacturer of small precision motors, and currently maintains the largest market share in the world for spindle motors, which rotate disks and are at the heart of hard disk drives used in personal computers.

In 2019, Nidec Subic launched their expansion program to produce industrial robotic gears with an actual investment worth US$250 million, generating additional employment of 632.

The company ventured into manufacturing reduction gears which are considered vital in controlling the speed and traction of electronic equipment.

Nidec Subic was named among the top ten exporters of 2022 with an export value totaling to US$49.43 million. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA joins PH humanitarian contingent to Türkiye

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority's multi-awarded Search and Rescue team joins the Philippine contingent deployed to help victims of the Feb. 6 magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Türkiye.

SBMA's 9-man SAR team headed by Fire Department Chief Ranny D. Magno is part of the Filipino Search and Rescue contingent that arrived in Istanbul on Thursday noon (February 9).

"Our response team just confirmed that they landed at Istanbul. Our OCD (Office of Civil Defense) representative messaged at 12:08 p.m. (PST) that they landed," said OCD joint information center head Diego Agustin Mariano in a message to reporters.

He added that the Philippine contingent departed from Manila for Istanbul around midnight.

These personnel were aboard Turkish Airlines Flight TK 85.

The Filipino contingent consisted of 85 personnel, of which 33 are from the Armed Forces of the Philippines; 21 from the Army's 525th Engineer Combat Battalion, 51st Engineer Brigade; and 12 from the Air Force 505th Search and Rescue Group.

Other contingent members are as follows, two from the OCD, 10 from the Metro Manila Development Authority, nine from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, and 31 emergency medical technicians (EMTs) from the Department of Health.

Earlier, Defense officer-in-charge Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said they aimed for this team to rely on their own and not be a burden to the host country.

The contingent will also bring goods to be donated to the quake victims. These goods include clothing and sleeping kits for winter, and hygiene and sanitary kits, which will be provided by the OCD, together with the private sector and local government units.

"This is our contribution to humanity, and the President ordered us for the response teams to prepare for deployment, for the people of Türkiye," Galvez said.  (SNL/PNA)

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EU Ambassadors to the Ph explore SBF for trade opportunities and employment generation

Ambassadors of member-states of the European Union recently visited the Subic Bay Freeport Zone to look into its potential as a growth area for more trade and investments, as well as a prospective site for the creation of future job opportunities for the residents of its neighboring towns and provinces.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman & Administrator Rolen C. Paulino led officials in welcoming the EU Ambassadors to Subic Bay Thursday (February 2) as part of the delegation's official visit to the Philippines.

“As we all are getting out of pandemic restrictions, the SBMA has become eager to fulfill its mandate to attract investments and create employment, and bounce back from the losses we obtained during the pandemic,” Paulino said.

“Knowing that our country has excellent ties with EU member countries, this visit from our European friends is very much a welcome gesture. I am highly confident with my team, and I am proud that I am now part of their team,” he added, encouraging the delegates to make it happen in the Philippines, better yet, make it happen in Subic Bay Freeport.

Back in 2019, the EU became the country’s fourth largest trading partner, while the Philippines was EU’s sixth largest trading partner among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The EU delegation headed by HE Luc Véron came in Subic from Clark. A working lunch ensued while the SBMA team gives a briefing on the business climate in Subic Bay Freeport as a strategic location, its milestones, as well as its future plans.

Ambassador Véron has served as EU career official for over 30 years, joining the European Commission since 1989. During his stint in the Union, he witnessed its growth from 12 members to now 27 nations.

The delegation was also given a guided tour of the viable locations for various types of businesses, including a tour of the former Hanjin facility where Agila Subic will rise.

Meanwhile, in August 2022, Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen De La Vega brought Australian business owners to Subic for the same purpose and to be apprised with experiences from current businessmen who have located here. (SNL/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA releases ₱178.7-M revenue shares to neighboring LGUs

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials met with the local chief executives and representatives of this premier Freeport’s neighboring local government units (LGUs) to distribute a total of ₱178.7-million revenue shares due them.

During the event, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino welcomed the mayors and their finance officials at the Terrace Hotel for a short program.

“This is the second time we are doing it face to face since restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic eased up. And as we slowly go back to our usual activities, I hope that these revenue shares would greatly help augment developments in their respective communities,” Paulino said.

“Because the SBMA and LGUs support one another, extending to them their share of our revenue is just appropriate. After all, we all are committed to protect the Freeport for our future generations,” Paulino stressed.

Meanwhile, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Atty. Ramon Agregado disclosed that the SBMA performance has improved in 2022—with higher revenues generated, and more business projects in the pipeline.

“The higher the revenue, the higher the tax payments, and that will be good for the LGUs,” Agregado assured as he mentioned a few projects in the pipeline that will generate a better outlook for the Freeport for the rest of the year.

Periodical figures show that the second semester revenue shares increased from ₱140,602,568.18 to ₱178,705,824.54 for the second semester of 2021 and 2022, respectively, by 27.1 percent. 

Paulino explained that the increase may have been largely attributed to the Fast, Friendly, Flexible service implemented when he assumed his post as chairman and administrator.

He further said that the shares are derived from the five-percent corporate taxes paid by business locators in the Freeport,  to promote parallel development in our neighboring communities and enhance LGU projects in tourism, infrastructure, education, peace and order, health, and livelihood generation.

All the mayors and finance officials expressed gratitude for the revenue shares, especially since they received larger amounts for their first tranche this year.

“Castillejos, Zambales is a third class municipality. A very small community and the revenue we generate is not enough. I am grateful to the SBMA for this revenue share, which is a big help for our finances, and more so because of the ₱4-million increase from last year,” Mayor Jeffrey Khonghun said.

“Our youth, our students in Dinalupihan, Bataan are thankful to the Freeport workers for their benefit from the tax they pay. We pray for good health for everyone so we can all serve our constituents,” Mayor Herman Santos, Jr. said.

During the pandemic, distribution of LGU shares was done on appointment basis to avoid crowding, in compliance with health protocols being enforced in the SBF.

For the collection period of January to December 2022, the SBMA has released a total of ₱319.3 million revenue shares, which is computed according to population (50%), land area (25%), and equal sharing (25%).

As such, the biggest LGU beneficiary for this period is Olongapo City, which received a total of ₱41,779,273.37. It is followed by Subic, Zambales with ₱26,842,905.77; Dinalupihan, Bataan with ₱22,257,027.69; San Marcelino, Zambales with ₱21,461,412.26; Hermosa, Bataan with ₱19,103,262.77; Castillejos, Zambales with ₱16,277,249.93; Morong, Bataan with ₱15,780,896.32; and San Antonio, Zambales with ₱15,203,796.43.

Revenue shares are released twice a year—August for the first semester, and February of the following year for second semester. (MPD-SBMA)

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Casares, Alcoseba rule NAGT 2023 in Subic Bay

Filipino-Spanish Fernando Jose Casares displayed his awesome form to claim victory in the sprint men's elite category of the National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) Series in Subic Bay Freeport Sunday.

Casares, born in Madrid to a Spanish father and a Filipino mother, clocked 57 minutes and 16 seconds to prevail over Cebu City's Matthew Justine Hermosa (57:34) and Andrew Kim Remolino (59:12) in the swim (750m)-bike (20km)-run (5km) event.

"The competition was tough. My rivals are strong. But I am determined to win," said the 26-year-old Casares, who also ruled the same category at the National Duathlon Championships at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac last December.

Casares earned the standard distance swim (1.5km)-bike (40km)-run(10km) gold medal at the 2022 Vietnam SEA Games. He pocketed the mixed relay gold medal with Chicano, Kim Mangrobang and Clair Adorna at the 2019 Manila SEA Games.

Cebu City's Raven Faith Alcoseba topped the women's category in 1:04:36, beating Erika Nicole Burgos (1:08:03) and Karen Manayon (1:08:25).

Alcoseba, who hails from Talisay City, also won the sprint gold medal the duathlon competition in New Clark City last year.

Meanwhile, Dayshaun Ramos and Kira Ellis were crowned champions in the junior elite division of the tournament organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) headed by Tom Carrasco Jr.

Ramos won the men's category in 1:01.56 while Akio Habana (1:03:43) and Aidanreed Mercado (1:03:51) finished second and third, respectively.

In the women's category, Ellis posted 1:05:51 to grab the gold medal. Gene Heart Quiambao (1:06:15) took the silver medal and Lady Samantha Jhunace Corpuz (1:07:18) settled for the bronze medal.

"This tournament is part of our national athletes' preparation for the Cambodia SEA Games in May," Carrasco said after the awarding ceremony.

Other tune-up events lined up for the team are the National Aquathlon Championships at Vermosa (Cavite) in March and the Subic International Triathlon in April. (PNA)

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Subic hosts season 98 NCAA beach volleyball tournament

This premier Freeport again plays host to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Beach Volleyball Tournament after a long hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, who was represented by the Chief of Staff and Deputy Administrator for Business Atty. John Aquino, the hosting of the NCAA’s Season 98 Beach Volleyball Tournament is among the first of many sporting events that will be held in Subic Freeport.

Paulino cited that the hosting of the NCAA Beach Volleyball Tournament is also a grassroots thrust of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in molding the youth to become the country’s representative in the Olympics.

Around 150 delegations, including players, coaches and game officials from participating schools are currently in Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) to take part in the tournament. Paulino reminded the participants to keep the SBF clean as they go around and visit various places and establishments. 

NCAA Season 98 Management Committee Chairman Estefanio Boquiron Jr. expressed elation over the venue of the tournament, citing that if the court is good for the Southeast Asian Games, it is certainly good for the NCAA.

“We started playing in Subic Bay Freeport several years back, using the sands at the Boardwalk area. After the first tournament held here, we just fell in love with the place because of the friendliness of the people and the cleanliness of the area,” Vice-chairman Paul Supan of the Jose Rizal University said.

Supan added that the Subic Bay Freeport is certainly the home of the NCAA’s Beach Volleyball Tournament, adding that the association aims to hold all of their beach volleyball tournaments in this premier Freeport.

Supan also said that the San Beda University Women’s team and the Emilio Aguinaldo College men’s team will defend their title in their respective divisions. He added that due to the long hiatus, teams from various schools are raring to show off their game.

The NCAA tournament will be held from January 17 to 21 at the Subic Bay Sand Courts.

In December last year, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation held its Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour at the Subic Bay Sand Courts. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA chair lauds employees for apprehension of smuggling try in Subic

"Not on my watch!"

This was the statement made by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino during a media briefing here on Tuesday to warn those attempting to smuggle goods through the freeport. 

Paulino was reacting to reports that the Subic Bay Freeport “should be closed” to prevent smuggling. He cited that the apprehension of smugglers should be commended instead, citing that the SBMA is working closely with other government agencies in preventing smuggling in the country. 

The Freeport has been under fire from Albay Congressman Joey Salceda after the representative cited that the Subic Freeport should be closed due to the alleged “rampant smuggling” here. The chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means said that they will probe the Freeport for the supposed smuggling.

Chairman Paulino cited that prior to the docking of the ship, the SBMA conducts a Ship Pre-Arrival Meeting (SPAM) to verify the shipments and see if there were any misdeclaration, misclassification or undervaluation in their cargoes. 

Suspicious shipments will be held for investigation by corresponding government agency and will be charged accordingly. 

He said that the entry of items inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone is not smuggling in itself. It is still subject for joint inspection by the SBMA seaport department, together with the Bureau of Customs (BoC), the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for verification of documents before they issue a pass. 

“If these items got out of the Subic Freeport gates without the proper documents, then that would be considered smuggling,” Paulino stressed. 

Moreover, he said that the seizure of smuggled items in the Subic Bay Freeport before it gains entry into Philippine territory is a sign that the SBMA and other government agencies tasked to guard the entry points are doing their job. 

“We believe that Representative Salceda is only looking out for the good of the country, but closing the Subic Bay Freeport is not the answer to stop the smuggling, especially of agricultural products,” Paulino said. 

The chairman said that, consequently, hundreds of thousands of workers here would lose their jobs, the billion-dollar transshipment businesses here would closed, billions of pesos in revenues would not be collected ergo will not be turned over to the national government.

“Closing the Freeport would mean that hundreds of foreign and local companies will relocate, some of the biggest tourism sites will close, and military presence in the area will have no direct support from other government agencies,” he said. (MPD-SBMA)  

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Paulino welcomes appointment of new SBMA directors

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino welcomed the appointment of new members of the Board of Directors in a statement released by the agency here on Tuesday.

Paulino cited that the appointment of the new members would mean the continuity in the operations of the SBMA, citing that more companies are now gearing towards investing inside this premier Freeport Zone.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently appointed six new directors, reappointing two others in an appointment letter sent by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on December 27.

Among those who were appointed as members of the SBMA’s Board of Directors included Honorio Cabaguio Allado III, Jose Mari Balandra Ponce, Kenneth Lemuel Go Rementilla, and Amable Bancod Tolentino, all representing the private sector.

The President also appointed Allan Troy Dandan Baquir and Edelberto Salgo Mozo to represent the National Government and the Business and Investment Sectors, respectively. The president also reappointed Tomas Fausto Lahom III and Maria Cecilia Bobadilla-Bitare to continue their work as SBMA directors.

“The SBMA is pleased and honored over the appointment of the members of the SBMA Board of Directors. With that, we can now continue with the development of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone,” Chairman Paulino said.

Currently, the agency has approved foreign direct investments worth P32.98 billion, which accounted for 71.34 percent of the total P46.23 billion approved by all Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) in the country during the second quarter of 2022.

Paulino attributed the big leap from P20.5 million approved investments in the same period last year to the aggressive efforts of the SBMA business group in attracting investors in Subic Bay.

The Subic Bay Freeport workforce is at 146,711 working for 3,731 companies here. Paulino cited that Olongapo has the biggest number of workers with 65,363 employees, followed by Zambales with 27,027.

The official also said that most of the workers are males at 102,070 against the 44,641 female workers, mostly working in the service providing companies. The service sector makes up 74.25 percent of the workforce, followed by the manufacturing sector with 13.76 percent.

The two categories are followed by the construction sector with 8.38 percent, and marine-related services with 3.61 percent. (MPD-SBMA) 

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PBBM names new SBMA board members

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed eight new members of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) board of directors.

According to Palace press briefer Daphne Paez, the following are the latest appointees to the Board of Directors of the SBMA:

• Allan Troy Dandan Baquir - member representing the national government;
• Edilberto Salgo Mozo - member representing business and investment sectors;
• Tomas Fausto Lahom III - member representing business and investment sectors;
• Honorario Cabaguio Allado III - acting member representing the private sector;
• Jose Mari Balandra Ponce - acting member representing private sector;
• Kenneth Lemuel Go Ramentilla - acting member representing the private sector;
• Amable Bancod Tolentino - acting member representing private sector; and 
• Maria Cecilia Bobadilla-Bitare - acting member representing the private sector

Under Sec. 13 (c) of Republic Act (RA) No. 7227, or the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, the SBMA Board of Directors must be composed of 15 members from different sectors.

There must be two representatives from the national government; five representatives from the private sector coming from the present naval stations, public works center, ship repair facility, naval supply depot and naval air stations; and the remaining must be composed of representatives from the business and investment sectors.

The SBMA is the operating and implementing arm of the Philippine government for the development of the 670 square kilometer area of Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) into a self-sustaining tourism, industrial, commercial, financial and investment center to generate employment opportunities. (SNL)

Read related story here- https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1191662 

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