New cargo rail line from Subic to Batangas is flagship project of the Luzon Economic Corridor

The Luzon Economic Corridor steering committee has identified the cargo railway directly connecting Subic Bay in Zambales and Batangas province as the flagship project of the new corridor. 

During the Philippine Economic Briefing at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, Special Adviser to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go called the project the Subic-Cargo-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) railway. 

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista confirmed that the SCMB railway is a new train line aimed at spurring investment opportunities along the corridor. 

This project supersedes the previously stalled 71-km Subic-Clark Railway Project (SCRP) which aimed to link Subic Bay with the Clark International Airport. 

“The only line we approved is only Subic to Clark, but we will extend it to Manila and to Batangas -- one line,” Bautista said. 

Bautista told reporters that the DOTr is preparing a new feasibility study for the SCMB cargo railway.  

“We’re in the process of procuring the consultant who will prepare the feasibility study. Hopefully, in a few weeks or a few months, we will already start the procurement,” Bautista said. 

Meanwhile, Go, who co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the Luzon Economic Corridor steering committee in Manila last week, noted that the SCMB cargo railway will open up significant investment opportunities. 

 

The steering committee consists of United States Senior Advisor to the President for Energy and Investment Amos Hochstein and Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General for International Cooperation Bureau Ishizuki Hideo. 

 

Go said that aside from the United States and Japan, the United Kingdom government also wants to get involved in the development of the Luzon Economic Corridor. 

“The UK just came up to me, from the UK Embassy, they said they been wanting to get in touch because they want to get involved in this Luzon economic growth corridor,” Go said. 

 

“And in fact, we were informed by the United States steering committee that the UK indeed has been calling to ask how they can participate in this Luzon economic growth corridor. It can now be potentially be three countries,” the economic czar said. 

Go also pitched renewable energy projects within the growth corridor to support future requirement in the area. (SNL)

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“Lab for All” caravan goes to Subic Freeport

Lab for All Caravan made its current stop at the Subic Bay Exhibition (SBECC) in this premier Freeport on Tuesday to provide free medical services to more than 3,500 people here, including the first district of Zambales. 

The Lab for All Caravan, a flagship project of the Office of the First Lady, was formally opened by the First Lady herself, Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos. 

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, who welcomed the First Lady during her visit to the Freeport, expressed honor for the agency’s being chosen to host the event. 

“It is an honor for us to hold the Lab for All Caravan here,” Aliño said. 

Araneta-Marcos expressed her gratitude to the national government agencies who participated in the Lab for All Caravan, providing much-needed medical consultations, medicine and surgery for free to almost 4,000 beneficiaries. 

She also thanked the local officials from the provinces of Zambales, Pampanga, and Bataan for showing support to the project, and for also showing unity with their constituents during the event. 

During the opening program, the Lab for All jingle was also introduced, which the guest government elected officials learned to dance to. 

The First Lady, Chairman Aliño, Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda, Pampanga Vice Governor Lilia Pineda, Bataan Representative Geraldine Roman, Zambales First District Representative Jay Khonghun, and other guest government officials took part dancing to the Lab for All jingle.

Meanwhile, the SBMA Board of Directors, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Director Rolen Paulino, and other guest government officials also took part in the activities.

The guest agencies in the event include the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade Industry (DTI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Pag-Ibig, and PhilHealth.

Chairman Aliño said that the SBMA is always ready to support any national government endeavors, especially programs that benefit the masses. “Our doors in Subic Bay Freeport are always open. It is an honor for us to be of service to our people,” Aliño said. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA, DHSUD sign MOU on employee housing in Subic Freeport

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) at the Corporate Boardroom of the Administration Building, for the establishment of employee housing here in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ).

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the MOU on the housing project inside the SBFZ will benefit the employees of the agency. 

Meanwhile, DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar stated that the housing project is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

“This housing project will greatly benefit SBMA employees especially those who fall within the low income bracket, so they can also afford to buy housing units that they can call home. Thank you Secretary Acuzar for this wonderful gift to the SBMA workforce,” Aliño said.

The SBMA official also shared that the Socialized Housing Project will last up to 50 years where the beneficiary will be given a Certificate of Ownership of Leasehold Rights, instead of a title. 

“Those who will qualify as beneficiary shall receive a five percent subsidy on the interest rate from the DHSUD. In addition, while PAG-IBIG's regular interest rate is 6.25 percent, under the 4PH Interest Subsidy Program of DHSUD, it will be just 1.25 percent,” Aliño said.

Secretary Acuzar vowed his full support to the SBMA's shelter provision initiatives for its workers and locators alike, citing that the former US naval base's strategic location and infrastructures that are already in place are ideal for the development of inclusive housing communities under 4PH.

DHSUD Undersecretary Emmanuel Pineda, Regional Office 3 Director Julius Enciso, the SBMA Board of Directors, SBMA officials and other DHSUD officials witnessed the signing ceremony. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic companies briefed by the SBMA, FIRB on amended CREATE Act

Locators in the country’s premier Freeport were briefed on the latest amendments on the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) of the Department of Finance on May 15. 

 According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, the said Locators’ Briefing held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) aims to provide information and updates on the CREATE Act to companies here.

The FIRB delegation is composed of Legal Group OIC and Deputy Executive Director Atty. Michael Ricaza, Legal Group Attorney IV Atty. Brandon L. Berad, Monitoring and Evaluation Group Division Chief Lois Ruth Santiago, Financial Analyst II Atty. Ria Mariz Nadora and Financial Analyst II Jessa Mae Rapisora. 

 

The FIRB is an inter-agency government body authorized by the Philippine law to grant tax incentives to registered business enterprises, whose powers and functions were enhanced under CREATE Act.

 

Meanwhile, Aliño said that the forum participants consisted of company representatives of Subic Freeport companies engaged in general business, logistics, import/ export, and trading. 

 

“The feedback we gather from our locators will provide better insight to the agency on its operations, relative to the CREATE Act,” Aliño added.

 

Last year, Nidec Subic Philippines Corporation gained the unanimous approval of the FIRB, and passed the scrutiny of the eight agency-member FIRB Technical Committee.

 

With the approval of the FIRB en banc, Nidec Subic is now entitled to Income Tax Holiday for six years, Special Corporate Income Tax for ten years, Duty-Exemption on Importation for 16 years, Value-Added Tax (VAT) Exemption on Importation for 16 years, and VAT Zero-Rating on Local Purchase for 16 years. 

 

Nidec’s application for the said incentives is synchronized with the CREATE Act that aims to steer the national economy towards global competitiveness by implementing tax policies that are instrumental in attracting investments. (MPD-SBMA) 

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PBBM welcomes Cerberus, Hyundai tie up in Subic Bay to restore PH shipbuilding glory days

The partnership between US equity firm Cerberus and South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in the strategically located Subic Bay will allow the Philippines to regain its footing in the global shipbuilding industry, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Tuesday. 

During the announcement of the partnership in Malacañang, Marcos welcomed the two global companies to the Philippines and expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact on the country’s economy. 

He said Hyundai's investment would not only open “new doors for our offshore wind industry but will also bring maritime manufacturing back to Subic and eventually restore the glory days of shipbuilding to our shores.” 

“Not only would it generate thousands of jobs, but also enable the transfer of critical skills and improve the Philippines' position in the global market,” he said. 

“The Philippines is also quite excited to see the realization of Cerberus’ plans, including its interest in microelectronics, semiconductors, and critical metals.” 

Hyundai already performs ship repairs and maintenance at the Agila Subic yard, which Cerberus acquired in 2022 after its former owner went bankrupt. 

In his message, Marcos noted that since Cerberus’ takeover of the shipyard, it has been “hard at work to revitalize the shipyard” and even attracted other tenants, including Subcom, the world's leading subsea cable company, and V2X, a global logistics corporation. 

Cerberus is a global alternative investment firm with assets across credit, private equity, and real estate strategies. 

“And you have worked closely with our Philippine Navy while establishing a world-class operating base for our Navy,” he said. 

Currently, the Philippine Navy has a naval operating base in Subic with nearly 1,000 personnel. 

The Chief Executive also acknowledged HG Hyundai, one of the largest producers of ships in the world, saying that its foray into the country would “usher in a new era of shipbuilding” in the Philippines. 

In 2022, according to Marcos, the country was the seventh-largest shipbuilder in the world, contributing almost 400,000 gross tons of newly built sea and ocean-going vessels. 

“This is a far cry from our capacity in the past, and even far behind the output of shipbuilding behemoths like South Korea and Japan,” he said. 

“With this initiative of Cerberus and HG Hyundai, we will have a fresh start and a strong foundation in realizing our vision to be amongst the largest and most consequential shipbuilders in the world.” (PNA)

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500 SBF, Olongapo City workers unite in human cross to support the World Day for Safety & Health at Work

Around 500 participants of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Labor Department’s Zumbathon event gathered at the Remy Field here as an affirmation of their support to the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

Participants of the human cross came from various Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) locators, local government unit (LGU) of Olongapo City, Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital, Allied Care Experts Medical Center-Baypointe, Lab1, Zumba group of Olongapo City, Batang Gapo Riders Club, and the SBMA.

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work, which was slated on April 28, was celebrated on May 3 to coincide with the Labor Day activities prepared by the SBMA Labor Department.

Now in its second year, the formation of the human cross event was organized by Dr. Evelyn Lozano-Natividad, President of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine in partnership with the SBMA Labor Department.

Natividad expressed her heartfelt gratitude not only to the participants but also to the generous sponsors who provided light snacks, freebies, medical samplers, as well as premium items for the Zumbathon winners.

Wearing green shirts, participants of the human cross also enjoyed the Zumbathon, which followed right after the assembly.

Among the sponsors were Adva Shield, Anlene, Bonamine, Flanax, Kalbe, Multicare, OCPLCI, Olongapo City Medical Society, Philippine Academy of Family Physicians, Inc., Polarmarine, Rotary Club of Metro Olongapo, UAP, Westmont, Inova Pharma, and Pocari Sweat.  

Also joining the event were Olongapo City Vice Mayor Jong Cortez, SBMA officials including Chief of Staff Atty. Rodriguez, Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Atty. Ramon Agregado, Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs Atty. Mike Quintos, Dr. Arlene Cesa, Dr. Asean Briones, Dr. Cesar Julius Farin, and Management Information Systems Office manager Vergil Joseph Lansangan. (MPD-SBMA) 

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26 HOTS at Subic Freeport’s annual Labor Day jobs fair

A total of 26 jobseekers were hired on the spot during the jobs fair held at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall on Labor Day, as part of the Labor Day celebration of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). 

21 applicants were hired by Da Tian Subic Shoes Inc., manufacturer of popular shoe brands here; while two of them were hired by YZ Consultancy Services Incorporated, and the other three were hired by Coffee & Tea Connection. 

 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo L. Aliño said that the agency is aggressively attracting more businesses to locate in the Subic Bay Freeport zone and generate not only revenues for the national coffers, the agency and neighboring local government units, but also job opportunities for residents of nearby communities. 

 

Around 71 Freeport locators participated to offer a total of 4,463 job opportunities for the job seekers. 

 

Out of the 4,463 total manpower needs of participating Freeport locators, 2,146 applications were received from 500 applicants. 1,157 were interviewed before the job fair ended. 

 

Earlier that day, a three-kilometer fun run was held to kick-off the Labor Day events prepared by the SBMA Labor Department, where Freeport workers from various locators participated together with their family members. 

 

The Labor department also launched the online Labor Tiktok Dance Challenge, where worker participants filmed themselves at their workplaces. 

 

Last Friday, participants of the Zumbathon formed a human cross in support of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work. 

 

Meanwhile, a Symposium will also be held on May 8 at the Labor Training Room that will tackle the Department of Labor and Employment’s Department Order number 175, series of 2017 for locators engaged in Manpower Services/Agencies (MPD-SBMA)

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World’s top triathletes to compete at the Subic Bay 2024 Asia Triathlon Cup

All roads lead to this premier Freeport as the world’s top triathletes compete at the 2024 Asia Triathlon Cup in Subic Bay on May 4-5, 2024.

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, “Top Filipino triathletes Kim Mangrobang and Fer Casares will go up against the top triathletes of the world this coming 2024 Asia Triathlon Cup Subic Bay elite division.”

He added that six-time Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) gold medalist Mangrobang and 2023 men’s elite champion Casares will compete alongside other fellow Filipino triathletes such as Raven Alcoseba, Erika Burgos, Josh Ramos, veteran John Chicano and Kira Ellis.

“So expect an exciting weekend this May as these top Filipino athletes will compete in the Elite Men and Elite Women of the SUBIT 2024 on its 31st year here,” he added.

The official revealed that 16 countries will take part in the 2024 Asia Triathlon Cup Subic, including from Iceland, Japan, Australia, Taipei, Canada, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, South Africa and the Philippines.

Organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines and in cooperation with the SBMA, Subic Bay Freeport will be the venue for the said event. Aliño mused that Subic Bay Freeport will cheer for the Filipino athletes as they compete against the best contenders in the world. “We want them to feel that we are proud of them representing our country,” he added.

The event is presented by NTT and Asia Triathlon and is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission Asian Center for Insulation, Standard Insurance, Gatorade Philippines, Western Guaranty Corporation and Fitbar, along with hotel partners Subic Grand Harbour Hotel and Subic Travelers Hotel. (MPD/SBMA)

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SBMA gets upgrade on GOCC Classification

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the upgrade of the classification of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as a Government Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC), pursuant to Executive Order no. 24 series of 2011.

The president also upgraded the classification of two other GOCCs - the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) and the Phividec Industrial Authority (Phividec).

In a Memorandum from Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin to Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, the President has approved the classification upgrade of the SBMA from C to B.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño expressed his gratitude to President Marcos for approving the upgrade of the agency’s classification, and to Finance Secretary Recto for facilitating the request for classification upgrade of the concerned GOCCs.

Chairman Alino also stated that the upgrade will provide better incentives for the Board of Directors as stewards of the SBMA, and as caretakers of the best interests of stakeholders in the Subic Bay Freeport zone.

“Their expertise is very much needed in boosting the development of Subic Bay Freeport, be it infrastructure, revenue collection, operations, or attracting more tourists and investors. I want them to not just be a part of the decision-making body, but also a reliable and dependable source of invaluable ideas and insights,” he said.

The upgrade in classification was cemented by 2023’s collection of operating revenues, amounting to P4.116 billion, the highest recorded in the history of the agency. Aliño said that this is the second year that the SBMA has breached the P4-billion mark in operating revenues, specifically at P4.057 billion.

He added that last year’s P4.116 billion operating revenue is higher than 2022’s operating revenue by P59 million, which is 1.5 percent higher.

According to the said memo that was received by the SBMA on Wednesday, the request for classification upgrade was granted after careful and stringent evaluation based on the provisions contained in Section 6 of EO 24 s.2011 entitled GOCC Classification. The said provision determines the maximum allowable compensation of the members of the Board of Directors/Trustees in GOCCs and government financial institutions.

The same section also provides that, for a GOCC such as the SBMA to be upgraded from C to B, the Agency is required to have assets worth equal or more than P25billion and or less than P100 billion, and revenues  equal or more than P2.5 billion and less than P10 billion.

The classification of the two other GOCCs, namely AFAB and Phividec, was upgraded from D to C after proving to have satisfied the criteria in Section 6 of EO 24, with assets worth more than or equal to P5 billion and less than P25billion, and revenues of more than or equal to P500 million and less than P2.5 billion.

The memo by ES Bersamin was addressed to Finance Secretary Recto, with copies sent to Chairman Aliño, AFAB Chairman Pablo Gangcayco, and Phividec Chairman Jesus Guevarra II. (SNL) 

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Subic-Clark Railway Project endorsed for Luzon Economic Corridor

The Subic-Clark Railway Project (SCRP), expansion of the Clark International Airport, and the Clark National Food Hub are among the high-impact projects offered to American and Japanese investors in the proposed Luzon Economic Corridor, which forms part of the Group of Seven (G7) Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII). 

 

During the trilateral meeting of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington DC early this month, it was unveiled that the G7 countries eye to develop the Luzon Economic Corridor. The Luzon Economic Corridor aims to establish connectivity in economic hubs in Luzon – Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas. 

Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said BCDA is optimistic that the inclusion of SCRP, expansion of Clark International Airport, and the Clark National Food Hub in the proposed Luzon Economic Corridor will help accelerate the implementation of these game-changing infrastructure projects, not just for the country but for the whole Indo-Pacific region. 

SCRP, a joint project with the Department of Transportation, is an integral part of the Philippine National Railways Luzon System Development Framework. Once completed, it will provide initial freight service between the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone, linking Subic Port with Clark International Airport and other major economic hubs in Central Luzon, especially New Clark City. 

BCDA is also embarking on the expansion of Clark International Airport, which includes the construction of a second runway, taxiways, aprons, and landside access roads and utilities, intended to cater to major logistics firms locating in Clark. 

Meanwhile, the BCDA subsidiary Clark International Airport Corporation will also develop the 64-hectare Clark National Food Terminal hub aimed at making the Philippines a leading agricultural resource hub in the region and the world. 

These three high-impact projects are BCDA's contribution to the efforts of Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go to drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the country and make the Philippines a top investment destination. (SNL)

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PH, US, Japan tie up to boost Luzon Economic Corridor, connectivity between Subic Bay, Clark, Manila & Batangas

The Philippines, United States and Japan have partnered on a venture that will boost connectivity between the key economic hubs of Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas comprising the Luzon Economic Corridor.

According to a joint statement of the leaders of the three nations following a trilateral meeting in Washington, D.C., the Luzon Economic Corridor is the latest economic corridor of the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) and the first in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Today we are launching the Luzon Economic Corridor, which will support connectivity between Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas in the Philippines,” the joint statement said.

Through this corridor, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States commit to accelerating coordinated investments in high-impact infrastructure projects.

These projects include rail, ports modernization; clean energy and semiconductor supply chains and deployments, agribusiness and civilian port upgrades at Subic Bay.

Japan has long been supporting connectivity in this area, including rails and roads, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

“We plan to work with multilateral organizations and the private sector to attract quality, transformative investments,” the statement said.

“Together we intend to hold a trilateral event promoting investment in the Luzon Corridor on the margins of the Indo-Pacific Business Forum in Manila in May—the premier U.S. commercial event in the region,” it added.

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation also intends to open a regional office in the Philippines to facilitate further investments across the Philippines.

According to the statement, the Luzon Corridor is a demonstration of the three nations’ enhanced economic cooperation, focused on delivering tangible investments across multiple sectors.

Japan, the Philippines, and the United States are also partnering to expand cooperation and investments in other areas of the Philippines. (SNL)

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SBMA pioneers in workplace reintegration of parolees, probationers

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Parole and Probation Administration (PPA), an attached agency under the Department of Justice (DoJ), recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that supports the reintegration of probationers, parolees, and pardonees into the workplace.

The MOA was signed between SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and Department of Justice-Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA) Administrator Atty. Bienvenido O. Benitez Jr. on Thursday, at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom.

According to Aliño, the workplace reintegration program is a silver lining for those who were deprived of liberty and be part of the social mainstream again.

“If you are a parolee, probationer or pardonee, people will tend to look down on you because of the social stigma from your past actions.  I honestly think though, that they should not be denied their right to work and provide financial support to their families,” he said.

He added that this stigma has hindered most of them from reintegrating into a workplace, as they are usually shunned by companies due to their past records.

Atty. Benitez expressed his gratitude to the SBMA for supporting the PPA’s workplace reintegration program since the agency is the first among the government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) that supported the project.

He lauded the efforts of the SBMA Labor Department led by Atty. Melvin Varias, for being instrumental in the realization of this proposal to reintegrate the parolees, probationers and pardonees (also known as clients) into the workplace,  to create employment opportunities and help rebuild the lives of former persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

According to the general conditions of the agreement, the SBMA and the PPA will jointly develop a workplace reintegration program for these clients that specifies its objectives and includes a register of the knowledge, skills, and competencies that these persons already have or acquired for skills-matching.

The SBMA and the DOJ-PPA will jointly monitor and evaluate the Workplace Reintegration Program.

The agreement also states that the supposed employment shall not constitute an employee-employer relationship between the SBMA and the clients, but shall be a partnership or joint venture between the agency and the DOJ-PPA, even beyond the scope of the agreement.

As the MOA also provides, the clients shall be personally responsible for any and all liabilities, injury to his/ herself or to property/ies or persons attributable to his/ her own fault or negligence while in the employ of employer establishment.

Meanwhile, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Atty. Ramon O. Agregado said that the SBMA is more than willing to help these clients get back into the workplace, adding that providing equal employment opportunities for them would be an honorable undertaking for the agency.

“For our part, we will facilitate the endorsement of potential and qualified clients through a Register of Eligibles (ROEs) to Subic Bay Freeport Zone locator-companies under the Workplace Reintegration Program,” he said.

He added that the SBMA will provide a quarterly update to the DOJ-PPA on the program, and coordinate and work closely with the administration in order to provide the needed support to achieve the MOA's objectives.

According to Atty. Benitez, the DOJ-PPA also plans to propose the program to Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC). (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA reaps ₱2.96-M savings from SPS project in 2023

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) reaped ₱2.96-million savings from using solar power energy from January to December of 2023.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño attributes these savings to the solar power system (SPS) project that the agency has undertaken as early as 2017.

“We are grateful that this renewable energy project saves a lot for the agency. With this, the agency could now just focus on important financial obligations,” he said.

Aliño added that the SBMA is currently reaping benefits from the solar power system projects in six areas, namely: Malawaan Park, Bldg. 229, Bldg. 255, Bldg. 662, Regulatory Bldg., and the Remy Field.

“Especially now that the weather is scorching hot, we need to protect our employees from heat stroke, and it will not cost us a single centavo because we are now harvesting from these solar power system,” Aliño added.

According to Engr. Eddie Ventura, SBMA Telecommunications Department officer-in-charge, this project was established in compliance with Republic Act 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, an act promoting the development, utilization and commercialization of renewable energy resources and for other purposes.

Ventura shared that for Remy Field, which started only in March 2023, and consumed 76,663 KWh at 9.3882/KWh, the SBMA saved ₱719,727.58. Also, in Bldg. 255, which consumed 70,475.55 KWh from January to October 2, savings amounted to ₱661,638.56. However, the system was temporarily shut down to give way for the building’s roofing rehabilitation project.

For the Regulatory Bldg., a savings of ₱652,386.02 was reaped from the 69,490KWh consumption; while the 52,434.43KWh consumption at the Bldg. 662 translates to ₱492,264.92 savings. Also, ₱439,680.76 was also saved from 46,833.34KWh consumption at the administration building.

Ventura recalled that the SPS project started in 2017 as a result of an external seminar on SPS conducted by Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (IECEP)-Zambales Chapter that electronics engineers attended.

Then Telecommunications Department manager, the late Engr. Joey A. Lacanlale, assigned Engr. Jefferson B. Llantada of the department’s Projects and Technical Services Division (PTSD) to do a research and use solar powered lightings in Malawaan Park.

Later on, an experimental 10-Kw Grid Tied SPS at Regulatory Building was done in 2018 and was successful. Hence, the department pursued more SPS projects spearheaded by Engr. Antonio G. Rafanan.

Ventura added that the solar power system project was implemented, primarily, to save on power consumption expenses and sell its excess energy to the Electric Cooperative; to comply with the green initiative, which is an effort to reduce pollution and waste, conserve resources and maintain 

an ecological balance, and the Power Savings Program; and also to promote sustainable development.

Meanwhile, Rafanan explained that with the SPS project, the agency not only reduced the use of non-renewable resources of energy, it is also started selling unused harvested power back to the grid in 2022.

He said that the Grid-Tied and Hybrid systems were also configured and applied to use net-metering, which is another source of savings for the agency aside from consuming harvested solar power.

The SPS project cost amounted to ₱22,643,760.83 in total. This includes ₱400,892.86 Off-Grid system in Malawaan Park, which started in 2017; ₱3,493,000 Grid-Tied in Regulatory Building, which started in 2018 at 10KW, then upgraded to 50KW in March 2022; ₱6,854,000 Grid-Tied in Bldg. 229 and Bldg. 255, as well as ₱3,095,000 Grid-Tied in Bldg. 662, all of which started in March 2022; and ₱8,800,867.97 Hybrid system in Remy Field, which started only in March 2023. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA prepares to hold bigger Subic International Marathon in 2025

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is now preparing to host the much-awaited Subic International Marathon (SIM) 2025 here in January.

Dubbed as “I Run For My Heroes”, the commemorative run will be held in honor of the Special Action Force (SAF) 44 heroes who sacrificed their lives in Maguindanao while neutralizing Malaysian terrorist and bomb-maker Zulkifli Abdhir and other Malaysian terrorists or high-ranking members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) back in 2015.

“It brings me great pleasure to welcome all to this exciting kick-off event. We are thrilled to be hosting the Subic International Marathon and to play a part in bringing this inspiring initiative to life within our community,” SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said. 

 

During its launching ceremony at the Riviera Hotel here, Aliño also recognized the bravery of the SAF 44 heroes for sacrificing their lives in exchange for the safety of the country. 

 

He added that the event also hails everyday heroes such as the police, nurses, firefighters, soldiers, doctors, family and friends who have become heroes to other people in their own rights. 

 

“We hail them for being heroes in our eyes as they provide us inspiration to become better citizens of our country,” he said.

 

Among the other top honchos present during the launching were SBMA Director Raul Marcelo, Tourism Manager Jamelle Camba, SIM Executive Director Gen. Samson Tucay, SIM Director and SAF Director Gen. Bernie Banac, and SIM Director and Extribe Managing Director Rosalyn Domingo Imperio.

 

“The event captures the essence of the motivation and inspiration behind participating in the SIM 2025. Each participant has their own personal heroes, whether they be family members, friends or admired figures, who have influenced and shaped their lives,” Banac said.

 

“By running for their heroes, participants channel their admiration, gratitude, and respect into their running journey, turning each step into a tribute to those who have made a difference,” he added. 

 

As the event is expected to draw around 5,000 runners from all walks of life, Marcelo stated that the SIM would become “the Boston Marathon of the Subic Bay Freeport.” (MPD-SBMA)

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