SBMA urges LGUs to start developing industrial parks as extension of the Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has urged local government units (LGUs) surrounding the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) to start developing industrial parks due to increasing demand for bigger land areas from new investors.

In a meeting with municipal mayors and other officials and members of the SBMA Board of Directors, SBMA Administrator Wilma Amy Eisma suggested that each contiguous LGU should start developing industrial parks to accommodate local and foreign investors.

 Eisma said there is practically no more land space available for new investors who are looking for large areas for their new facilities inside the fenced areas, compelling the SBMA to endorse them to other areas in Clark or Bataan and lose supposedly additional revenue for Subic. Fenced areas refer to vicinities formerly occupied by the US Naval Base.

The proposal to extend the fenced area to contiguous LGUs is contained in Executive Order 675 which took effect as early as November 2007, amending EO97-A allowing local government unit officials, through the approval of the Sangguniang Panglungsod or Pambayan, to declare any parts of their jurisdiction as additional secured areas or additional areas of the Subic Bay Special Economic and Freeport Zone (SSEFPZ) which shall be organized, administered, managed and operated directly by the SBMA.

“Unless the LGUs start planning for the extension of the fenced areas now, LGU shares from SBMA may be affected. If we could not accept new investors, the LGU shares from SBMA would not improve and may even diminish,” she noted.

She stated that the extension of the fenced areas may not be implemented during her term, but it would be beneficial if the LGUs start drafting their respective master plans.

The SBMA Administrator urged the local officials not to wait for SBMA to act on it. “Please do not wait for us to act. The initiatives must start from the LGUs and we, in SBMA, are here to help and assist in planning,” she said.

Eisma lauded San Antonio Mayor Estela Antipolo who already started planning for the development of some 10,000 hectares of land and water areas which are to be converted into the San Antonio Economic Development Area that will form part of the extension of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Through the San Antonio Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 13-080 which was passed in November 2013, parts of Sitio Silangin, Nagsasa and Talisayin, all located at the Redondo Peninsula will be granted tax and duty free privileges being an extension of the Subic Freeport.

SBMA is also expecting the same initiatives from the city of Olongapo, and the municipalities of Subic, Castillejos and San Marcelino in Zambales, and Morong, Dinalupihan and Hermosa in Bataan.

Earlier, SBMA distributed among the eight contiguous LGUs a total of P150. 47 Million in revenue shares for the second semester of 2016 which is 6.414% higher than the P141.397 million of first semester of 2015.

The LGU shares were derived from the five per cent (5%) of gross revenue paid to SBMA by locators and investors operating inside Subic Freeport. From the five percent GRT, three per cent goes to the national treasury, while the two per cent (2%) are distributed by SBMA among the eight LGUs for their community development projects including health, education, peace and order, and livelihood programs to enable these communities keep pace with developments in the special economic zone.

For the said semester, Olongapo City remains the highest recipient of the revenue share with P35.1 million, followed by the municipality of Subic with P22.96 million and Dinalupihan with P18.73 million.

Other municipalities were San Marcelino, P18.05M; Hermosa, P15.65M; Castillejos, P14M; Morong, P13.07M, and San Antonio, P12.92M. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA releases P150.5-M revenue shares to neighboring LGUs

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has released a total of P150.5 million in revenue shares for the second semester of 2016 to eight local government units adjacent to the Freeport.

SBMA Administrator Atty. Wilma Eisma said the total revenue shares for the second semester of 2016 distributed among eight LGUs is 6.4% higher than the P141.4 million of first semester of 2015; and 30.6% higher than the P115.23 million for the second semester of 2015.

“We are proud to turnover to you the result of the hard work of our SBMA workers who made everything possible for the agency they serve as we continue to attract more investors and create more jobs,” Eisma told the local officials.

Municipal and city executives who attended the LGU share turnover ceremony held at the SBMA Boardroom include Vice Mayor Jong Cortez (Olongapo City), Mayor Joseph Inton (Hermosa, Bataan); and from Zambales were Mayors Jefferson Khonghun (Subic), Dr. Estela Antipolo (San Antonio), Jose Angelo Dominguez (Castillejos) and Elvis Soria (San Marcelino).

Dinalupihan and Morong in Bataan were represented by each of its respective treasurers.

The shares handed over to LGUs were derived from the five per cent (5%) of gross revenue taxes paid to SBMA by locators and investors operating inside Subic Freeport.

From the five percent GRT, three per cent goes to the national treasury, while the two per cent (2%) were distributed by SBMA among the eight LGUs.

The share each LGU receives is based on the following criteria: population (50%), land area (25%), and equal sharing (25%).

Based on SBMA records, this semester, Olongapo City remains the highest recipient of the revenue share with P35.1 million, followed by the municipality of Subic with P22.96 million and Dinalupihan with P18.73 million.

Other municipalities were San Marcelino, P18.05M; Hermosa, P15.65M; Castillejos, P14M; Morong, P13.07M, and San Antonio, P12.92M.

The revenue shares are to be used to finance community development projects including those for health, education, peace and order, as well as livelihood programs to enable communities near the Subic Bay Freeport to keep pace with the developments in the special economic zone.

In response, Hermosa Mayor Inton thanked the SBMA for its continuous effort in improving the investment climate in the Freeport which generates employment opportunities for the residents.

“These revenue shares will be used for improving the basic services the local government units are providing for their constituents, since these services were already devolved in the discretion of the LGUs such as health, education and peace and order,” he said.

Meanwhile, Eisma urged LGU officials to start looking for possible areas to be developed as industrial parks as the SBMA eyes to extend the fenced areas of the Freeport to its neighboring communities to meet the land area requirements of new investors.

“We need more lands to be developed as industrial parks for our new investors. We should start making our master plan now. Currently, Subic Freeport has not enough land it could offer to new investors,” she said, adding that the SBMA is willing to help on the technical side of the planning.

She noted that the soonest these industrial parks are created, the SBMA would be able to accept big investment proposals, and would mean more jobs and bigger LGU shares. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Administrator Wilma Eisma (7th from left) meets with officials of the neighboring local government units (LGUs) of the Subic Bay Freeport during the turnover ceremony of their revenue shares. Also present during the said event were members of the SBMA Board of Directors. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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‘Superbods’ in Ironman 70.3 returns to Subic Bay

The Century Tuna Superbods: The Underpants Run returns to SUBIC BAY for its THIRD year on March 11, 2017.

Inspired by the tradition at Kona, home of the renowned Ironman World Championship, Century Tuna continues with its own local tradition with the Superbods Underpants Run that it started in 2015 as a pre-race activity for the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3

This year, Century Tuna opens its extra fun pre-race tradition to EVERYONE and registration is for FREE. Individual runners can get the chance to win up to Php 15,000, while teams of four can win up to Php 20,000. Come in inspired costumes and you could bring home up to Php 15,000 or Php 20,000 if you’re a group.

Interested to join Century Tuna Superbods: The Underpants Run can register for free at the Century Tuna Booth at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on March 10 or right before the race at the Subic Bay Yacht Club.

Kick off starts at 9:30 AM on March 11 at the Subic Bay Yacht Club and will take participants through a scenic route along the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Meanwhile, some of the world’s top-ranked and rising Ironmen brace for the CT Ironman 70.3 on March 12, also in Subic, with defending male champion Craig Alexander eyeing a second straight championship in the 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run event organized and produced by Sunrise Events, Inc.

But Alexander faces a formidable set of rivals, headed by former 2015 champion Tim Reed, along with Tin Van Berkel, Dan Brown, David Mainwaring and Sam Betten of Australia.

https://www.facebook.com/IM703Subic/

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Perpetual outlasts Lyceum for first NCAA beach volleyball title in Subic

Brothers Relan and Rey Taneo, Jr. of Perpetual Help went to the 92nd NCAA beach volleyball in Subic Bay seeking to make up from their heartbreaking defeat to St. Benilde in the finals of indoor volleyball early in the month.

They went home redeemed.

Showing nerves of steel, the Taneos needed an extra finals game and a nail-biting 21-16, 20-22, 17-15 win over Lyceum of the Philippines University's Jhonel Badua and Joeward Presnede to clinch their very first men's beach volley title at the Moon Bay Marina Area in SBMA over the weekend.

Nevermind that they blew a twice-to-beat advantage they gained for sweeping the elimination round in nine games or taking the opening set to start their championship series and then dropping the next two to allow LPU to steal the match, 15-21, 21-16, 15-13, and force a do-or-die game.

All the Taneos want is the title, nothing more, nothing less.

"We just want to get the championship whether or its a sweep or not," said Rey, Jr. in Filipino.

When it was over, the Taneos were relieved to finally erase the ghost of last year when they lost to last season's champion Mapua in a showdown the former were heavily favored to win.

It also came a soothing balm for Perpetual Help's failure to claim the indoor volley crown.

"The team and the school are redeemed in so many ways after what happened last year in this event and in indoor volleyball this year," said Relan. "Somehow, the pain of those losses are gone now."
(Philippine Star)

PHOTO:
Taneo brothers of the University of Perpetual Help bagged their first NCAA beach volley crown after defeating Lyceum of the Philippines University's Jhonel Badua and Joeward Presnede 21-16, 20-22, 17-15 at the Moon Bay Marina Area in SBMA over the weekend.

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2017/02/27/1676262/perpetual-outlasts-lyceum-first-ncaa-beach-volleyball-title

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Aeta "warriors" show marksmanship in sports fest

Subic Bay Freeport -- More than 100 “warriors” from six Aeta tribes trooped to a “battleground” in Hermosa, Bataan, to join this year’s "Haribol Katutubo," a sports festival using indigenous weapons.

Wearing only G-strings, locally known as bahag, the all-male participants arrived in batches from the Aeta tribal community in Iram, Old Cabalan, New Cabalan and Mampueng in Olongapo City; Tribong Ayta in Angeles City, and Pastolan in Hermosa, Bataan, the host tribe.

Col. Jeff Tamayo, president of the National College Athletic Association (NCAA), said the event is similar to the World Indigenous Games, the indigenous peoples’ sports festival held in Brazil last year.

Tamayo said aside from Pastolan, there will also be other Haribol Katutubo, Protecting the Natural Heritage games to be held in other areas.

Tamayo explained that the primary purpose of holding the event is to gather all the tribal groups in an event like this, the Haribol Katutubo, so that the young generations could blend with the adults for them to see their natural traditions.

“They, the young and the adults in the tribes, could have a common area to transfer the heritage from the adults, such as the protection of the forests,” he said.

Tamayo cited the need for the young generations to see what their ancestors did to protect the traditional heritage.

Included in the sportsfest are bow and arrow competitions that require the participant to hit the target in different distances while, standing, sitting, squatting; while standing bull’s eye. on the branch of a tree, and while running. There are also competitions on blowgun, spear throwing.

Winners from the competition will also join in UP Diliman in Quezon City with participants from indigenous communities from the North Luzon and other parts of the country. This is in preparation for the WIG to be held this year in Colombia.

When people saw a man carrying a bow and arrow, the impression is aggressiveness. However, for me, bow and arrow is part of a culture.

When you enable an Ayta boy to participate this kind of sports, he is not only joining the game but also learning what his ancestors did to hunt for food. Then we, also taking care of those heritage,” Tamayo explained. (Ruben Veloria, Peoples Tonight)

PHOTO:
Aeta tribesmen show their skill in using the bow and arrow as they compete in the tribal games held at the Pastolan Aeta village in Hermosa, Bataan Saturday (Feb. 25). Aeta tribes from Zambales, Bataan and Olongapo took part in the games which aim to promote camaraderie and the preservation of their culture. The project is sponsored by the National College Athletics Association, the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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NCAA kicks off beach volleyball tourney in Subic

The NCAA Season 92 Beach Volleyball Tournament kicked off on Wednesday inside this premier Freeport making it one of the most sought after beach sports venue in the country.

According to the organizers of the event, this is the second time that they are holding the beach volleyball tournament here just to give “due diligence” to the sport, stating that where else would they hold a beach volleyball tourney aside from Subic Freeport which is known for its lush beaches.

“The tournament is geared towards the promotion of the sport in the country, but it also promotes the area where the tournament is held. We want people to know that the tournament and the tourism aspect of the sport go hand in hand,” Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Manager Jem Camba said.

Aside from making the area a staple for the beach volleyball tournament in the country, organizers have also introduced a new system that would reduce the weather factor that will affect the sport here. According to them, they have introduced a modular bleacher system that is easily built and stored, adding that it also blocks the wind that has been a bane of the game.

“These bleachers will hamper the gusts of wind that obstruct a great game of volleyball. These bleachers will also be able to seat the spectators so they can see the game,” they said.

The tournament also showcases star athletes such as San Sebastian’s Grethcel Soltones and Alyssa Eroa, San Beda’s Viray twins Maria Jeziela and Maria Nieza, Mapua’s Shaira Mhae Hermano, Kimberly Joy Luzon and Danielle Marie Ramiro.

San Sebastian won the tournament last year, besting San Beda with a 14-21, 21-9, 15-6 score in the finals match. Other star athletes from indoor volleyball like Arellano University’s Joviely Prado, Regine Arocha and Jenicalynne Tan will also showcase their talents.

The men’s category also features last year’s winners Rey Arth Andaya, Sam Damian and Alfredo Pagulong of Mapua. They will be up against JRU's Ronaldo Dampitan, Jr., Jethro Ferwelo and John Michael Flor, Letran's Christopher Cistina, Bobby Gatdula and Zecharia Sison and San Sebastian's Christian Calonia, Jahir Ebrahim and James Christian Eugenio.

With summer approaching the horizon, this premier Freeport is geared to tackle any summer sports activities. Officials of the SBMA are positive that the influx of tourists will double in the coming summer months. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
MARIA Jeziela and Maria Nieza Viray of San Beda came up with twin wins on Thursday in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament in Subic. The Viray twins bested St. Benilde's Ma. Angela Enginco and Ma. Kaila Selena Mendoza, 21-11, 25-23 then scored a 21-6, 21-15 victory over Mapua's Shaira Mahe Hermano and Kimberly Joy Luzon. (Spin.Ph)

http://www.spin.ph/volleyball/news/jeziela-viray-nieza-viray-san-beda-ncaa-volleyball-relan-rey-taneo-perpetual-help-emilio-aguinaldo-college

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SBMA STATEMENT RE: PEACE AND ORDER SITUATION IN THE SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is advising its locators, stakeholders, workers and the public at large that the Subic Bay Freeport Zone continues to be peaceful and there is no threat of any kind that will endanger law and order in the Freeport.

The SBMA regrets the fact that reports about the February 13 incident at the Ocean Adventure facility were not reflective of the true state of matters thereat, causing unnecessary worry and concern.

In truth, what happened at the facility was a result of an intra-corporate dispute which is in the process of being resolved by the ownership and management of the Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium, Inc. (SBMEI) which runs Ocean Adventure.

In fact, the Department of Labor and Employment conducted its own impartial inspection of the facility yesterday, and confirmed that all operations at Ocean Adventure continue to run normally and peacefully, taking due note of the large number of young students enjoying their trip to the facility.

Again, we are informing the public that everything is normal, and that the security and safety that is expected within the Freeport Zone is and will always be there.

The SBMA continues and will always strictly enforce the rule of law in the Freeport and we assure our stakeholders and the community that the SBFZ is safe from any security threat.

We enjoin the public to put this issue to rest and move forward as we continue to make Subic Bay Freeport the best investment and tourist destination in the Philippines.

ATTY. WILMA AMY T. EISMA
Administrator

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Official statement of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority: clarification re: Takeover of Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium (SBMEI-Ocean Adventure)

Official statement of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority: clarification re: Takeover of Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium (SBMEI-Ocean Adventure)

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Increase in Subic Freeport investments push workforce to 112,653

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) revealed that an increase in the number of investments inside this premier Freeport has led to the increase of job opportunities for Filipinos as the current number of the workforce here rose to 112,653.

SBMA Administrator Atty. Wilma Amy T. Eisma said that the 112,653 total active workers inside the Freeport shows a significant increase of 11 percent from 2015 due to a 12.76 percent increase in the number of locators.

A welder works at the Hanjin Shipyard, one of the top employers in Subic Bay Freeport (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Currently, the Subic Bay Freeport has 1,536 companies investing compared to 1,340 companies that were recorded in 2015. Eisma said there are 1,093 new accounts that are now being processed by the SBMA.

Eisma commended the top five employers of the SBMA, namely: Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines with 33,296 employees; Nidec Subic Phils Corp. with 5,240 employees; Sanyo Denki Phils. Inc. with 4,011; Tong Lung Phils Metal Industry Co. Inc. with 2,900; and Nicera Phils Inc. with 2,294.

The administrator said one of the main reasons why companies chose to invest in Subic Bay Freeport Zone is that the area is accessible by land, air and sea, pointing out that it is conducive to both tourists and the movement of goods. Eisma added that the Freeport has a high quality of air and ambience since it is gifted with natural resources, mountains, and water and nature parks.

“We also pride ourselves with the safety and security provided by our law enforcers here. The Freeport has gated entry and exit points,” she said, adding that there are zoning guidelines and restrictions that are strictly enforced.

The Freeport is also an area that has tax incentives and duty-free importation of raw materials and capital equipment. Along with these is the unrestricted entry of foreign investments,” Eisma said.

But aside from being chosen as an area to invest, Eisma also pointed out that there are many reasons why investors have focused their businesses here. She pointed out that the area is profitable for business, share values were increased, there is low business risk, capital expenditure is in place, the quality of life inside the Freeport is high and there is ease of doing business here.

“These factors are what we should maintain to provide investors the much needed help they deserve while providing employment to our fellow countrymen,” Eisma said. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

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‘Centennial III’ reigns in Subic to Boracay race

Boracay — For the first time, TP 52 Davidson Centennial III of Judes Echauz trounced top contender and veteran campaigner Jelik, skippered by Hong Kong’s steel magnate Frank Pong to win the 8th Standard Insurance Subic Bay to Boracay Race (SBBR) started at the Freeport last Saturday noon.

Jun Avecilla, chairman of the organizing committee, announced that Centennial III, with all Filipino-crew arrived in this pristine white beach resort with 11:33:14 nosing out Jelik with 11:50: 02 or difference of 16: 48.

TP 52 Centennial III (center) bags the 8th Standard Insurance Subic to Boracay Race

“This is the first that Centennial III beats Jelik on the line in the SBBR since the competition started seven years ago,” according to Avecilla adding that Centennial III placing second to Jelik for the past five years.

Geoff Hill’s Smith 72 Customs Atipodes placed third with12: 02: 46 in annual regatta grand prix sanctioned by the Philippine Sailing Association the Asian Yachting Grand Prix and fully backed by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Watercraft Venture Corp., the Lighthouse Marina Resort and Subic Sailing Club.

Other local contenders in the Racing Class I (RCI) are Excel 53 Karakoa helmed by businessman Ray Ordoveza and regular campaigner Black Baza captained by Anthony Root and Steve Manning, wherein the organizers are computer their time of arrival as of press time.

From Subic, the race will pass through the Bataan Peninsula, Batangas beaches, Mindoro, Tablas and Carabao Island in Romblon before reaching the tip of Boracay Island.

However, Scallywag, the highly fancied 100-footer of Malaysian-born Seng Huang Leng, failed to erase their previous time record arriving 9:26:31, according to Avecilla.

Scallywag is the former Ragamuffin 100, the same boat that holds the record in the Subic Bay to Boracay Race in 14 hours, 23 minutes, 17 seconds set in 2015.

The four-day regatta, a combination of point-to-point and windward/leeward courses, is part of the Asian Yachting Grand Prix season. Captain Tom Sheppard is the main judge.

The Boracay Regatta Cup also offers precious points for the coveted Asian Yachting Skipper and Yacht of the Year awards.

Overall winners in each three class of the combined Subic Bay to Boracay Race and the Boracay Cup Regatta series will bring home the impressive hand crafted solid brass trophy replicas by Fernando Cacnio, a multiawarded Filipino visual artist.

The Philippine Coast Guard will provide escorts for the participants during the race for safety and security. (BusinessMirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/centennial-iii-reigns-in-subic-to-boracay-race/

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Subic to Boracay race unfolds

All eyes were on reigning overall champion Centennial III as the eighth Standard Insurance Subic Bay to Boracay Race and the Boracay Cup Regatta flagged off in the waters off the world-class Subic Sailing Club Saturday (Feb 18).

Skippered by Philippine Sailing Association president Judes Echauz, the 52-foot Centennial III is out to make it three in a row as the event’s overall champion.

The Subic Centennial III sails off from Subic Bay

But Centennial III, a first-generation TP52-class yacht that was built in 2002, is expected to be crowded at the top by perennial rival Jelik of Hong Kong magnate Frank Pong, and Scallywag, the highly fancied 100-footer of Malaysian-born billionaire Seng Huang Leng.

Scallywag is the former Ragamuffin 100, the same boat that holds the record in the Subic Bay to Boracay Race in 14 hours, 23 minutes, 17 seconds set in 2015.

Sailboats over the waters of Subic Bay

While Scallywag is tipped to break the existing record, Centennial III is expected to finish not too far behind. Last year, Centennial III finished second to Jelik in the SBBR but held on in Boracay by winning three of the six races.

The three top finishes in the famous island paradise and a decision by the jury to overturn a late protest by Freefire enabled Centennial III to retain the overall crown.

“I hope we can do it again. It will be three straight if ever,” said the 69-year-old Echauz.

Around 15 yachts from Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines will see action in this annual event beginning today and ending on Feb. 24 in Boracay.

The event is fully supported by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Watercraft Venture Corp., the Lighthouse Marina Resort and Subic Sailing Club. (Abac Cordero, Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2017/02/18/1673469/subic-boracay-race-unfolds

More photos courtesy of SAGS Subic Sailing

Opening party on the eve of the Regatta at the Subic Lighthouse Marina

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SBMA reveals 10-point Agenda for the next six years

The new management team of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) revealed its 10-Point Agenda which defines the direction of the agency in the next six years.

“The Ten-Point Agenda is a set of priorities we would like to achieve. It is a direction that would guide us where we want to go and that is revitalizing the Subic Freeport,” SBMA Administrator Atty.Wilma Amy T. Eisma said.

The Agenda she said focuses on Locator Service Excellence, the Green Initiative, Safety and Security, Build, Build, Build, Subic Freeport as the Gateway, Community Engagement, Policy Reforms and Good Governance Program, FDIs and MSMEs, the Freeport Expansion, and Tourism Star.

Under the Locator Service Excellence, the SBMA will create a Non-Stop Shop which is a 24/7 on-line customer service and virtual complaint desk, and One-Stop Shop that would receive suggestions and complaints of the visiting public to Subic Bay thru Dial 888 Hotline or personal appearance.

Along with this, the SBMA is institutionalizing the Red Carpet Treatment to all locators and investors by implementing the Cut the Red Tape Project which will shorten to three days the releasing of certificates of registration and tax exemptions (CR/CRTE), building permit, Environmental Compliance Certificate, among others.

For the Green Initiative, this Administration will commence its improved climate change adaptation program thru broader coastal clean-up drives and tree planting activities and the use of renewable energy to mitigate any negative effect of the agency’s operations on the environment and, possibly, to secure ISO 14000 Certificate compliance before the end of the year.

SBMA will institutionalize safety programs across the Freeport by improving its safety and security capabilities in land, sea and forest with the acquisition of new equipment such as speed boats, motorcycles, patrol cars, as well as the prohibition of walk-in vendors and mendicants. These also include the establishment of security protocols, like using the SBMA website and the radio station, and the intensified campaign to make the Freeport drug-free area.

“The Agenda focuses on SBMA’s investment campaign to meet our vision of becoming a highly-urbanized Freeport in the near future. We must immediately start building and improving our facilities,” Eisma said.

The Administrator also said that under the national government’s “Build, Build, Build” program, agency’s engineering department will be able to finalize the feasibility study on Subic’s port development plan, Tipo Road expansion, bulk terminal expansion for PPP, improvement of access roads to Morong and surrounding municipalities, and the construction of SBMA’s corporate center that will house all of the agency’s offices and departments.

Meanwhile, Subic Freeport will be promoted as the Gateway to Southeast Asia and the world by intensifying marketing campaigns for its airport and seaport with the former reviving domestic and international flight operations, regaining status as an international airport and settling pending issues with CAAP; and the latter by introducing more competitive port-related tariffs and fees and promoting ship-to-ship business model to increase container traffic by at least five percent annually.
Complementing its infrastructure development programs, SBMA will step-up promotion the of high technology industries prioritizing research and development (R&D), creative, BPO and ICT while maintaining Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and USA as key sources of foreign direct investments (FDIs).

In the area of the Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the agency will push for the signing of an agreement with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to provide MSME-investors easy access to their respective investment–related programs. On top of this, SBMA will allocate a marketing budget to launch an aggressive marketing campaign to promote SBFZ, especially in the new frontiers like Russia and China.

Moreover, the SBMA will also drum beat its tourism industry thru Tourism Star programs by organizing an aggressive marketing campaign to promote Subic Bay as the next cruise ship playground, launching several landmark events such as hosting a one-week festival or conference featuring science and engineering design of modern world watercrafts to be dubbed Ultra High Speed Watercraft Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival, music fest, Christmas fest, grand Subic sale, and the like.

To address the shrinking available land for new investments, SBMA will identify areas for possible expansion outside the Freeport and sign a memorandum of understanding with local government units (LGU) as prescribed under the Presidential Proclamation 532 before a master plan will be developed.
For the Community Engagement, SBMA will develop capability building programs with indigenous peoples (IPs) and volunteers in the contiguous LGUs to increase competencies and generate more quality jobs; institutionalize an employment program for Subic Bay volunteers and an educational assistance plan in close coordination with TESDA and DOLE.

“The very important part of the Agenda is the policy reforms and good governance program the SBMA will be initiating that will guarantee the realization of all other initiatives in the agenda,” Eisma explained.

First under this agenda is the filing in Congress the amendment of RA 7227 which will seek to allocate for SBMA the use the one percent (1%) of the five percent (5%) gross income collected in the Subic Freeport; implementation of the moratorium on expansion of leased areas by locators engaged in trading of used trucks and construction equipment; expansion of the Integrity Pledge Program by including port users and other customers.

Also included are an intensified campaign against corruption, smuggling and illicit trade; improved incentive package of investors thru modernizing the Philippine Incentive Regime, and institutionalized programs under the “End Contractualization Initiative.” (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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Toyota dealership breaks ground in Subic Bay

Toyota Subic Inc. (TSI) will start construction of its P150-million multi-level showroom and service center following the groundbreaking of its 10,000 square-meter facility in this premier freeport.

“If there is anything that we can help you even more, don’t hesitate. There are a lot of other business opportunities, and we hope to do more business with you.” Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Administrator Wilma T. Eisma told TSI during the ceremony held Monday (Feb. 13) at the Subic Gateway District where the facility will soon rise.

For his part, TSI Chairman Dr. David Go said he is confident that with SBMA as partner, their new endeavor in Subic will be able to sail progressively against any tide.

“Opening a new facility is always paved with many difficulties. Nothing really is ever easy at the start, even with a product with key competitive advantages of quality, affordability, and worry free ownership,” Go said.

“It is still backed up with required huge capital funding, strategic location, state-of-the-art facilities, and exemplary employees,” he added.

TSI, a joint partnership between GT Capital Auto Dealership Holdings Inc. (GTCAD) and JBT Global Holdings Inc. together with its automotive subsidiary, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp, is expected to be fully operational on or before December of this year.

Jose B. Tan Jr., President of TSI said Toyota is the top selling brand for passenger and commercial vehicles in the country since 2002.

“Toyota holds 40% share of the Philippine market as of December 2016, with a unique and distinguished dealership personality that they enjoy exploring,” he said.

TSI is the seventh dealership facility with the ongoing construction of the sixth dealership facility in the City of Tuguegarao. (NBM/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Administrator Wilma T. Eisma (center) joins Toyota Motors executives (from left) Jose B. Tan, President, Toyota Subic, Inc.; Kei Mizugushi, Executive Vice-President, Toyota Motor Philippines, Marketing Division; Dr. David Go, Chairman. Toyota Subic, Inc. and Carmelo Maria Bautista, President GT Capital Holdings, Inc and Director of Toyota Subic, Inc, during the groundbreaking ceremony at the Subic Bay Gateway district in Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (AMD/NBM/MPD-SBMA)

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USS Louisville arrives in Subic Bay

The Los Angeles-class submarine USS Louisville (SSN 724) arrived in Subic Bay Tuesday (Feb. 14) for a brief port call that highlights the strong community and military connections between the Philippines and the United States.

The Louisville crew will participate in a series of community service projects and sporting events during the crew’s visit to the Philippines.

The ship will also use the stop to conduct some minor maintenance with the assistance of Filipino companies.

This is the second time Louisville visited the free port. It made its first port call in Subic Bay in 2012.

The Philippines is a longstanding treaty ally of the United States with a history of partnership of more than 70 years. The American and Philippine militaries have worked closely together on areas of mutual interest such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter terrorism, cybersecurity and maritime security.

Louisville is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

According to the official US Navy web site, the Louisville’s mission is to “seek out and destroy enemy ships and submarines, and to protect our naval interests.”

Like 31 of the 51 Los Angeles types in the US Navy’s submarine fleet, the Louisville is equipped with 12 vertical US launch system tubes for firing Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles. It also carries Harpoon anti-surface ship missiles with a range of 70 nautical miles (130 km) and has mine-laying capabilities.

As an attack submarine, the Louisville has received awards for its role in the Navy’s Middle East campaign. It reportedly carried out the first war patrol conducted by an American submarine since World War II as Operation: Desert Storm began in January 1991, and also earned the distinction of being the first to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles against targets in Iraq, as well as having fired the first war shot of Desert Storm. (SNL)

PHOTO:
A tugboat guides the USS Louisville (SSN-724), a Los Angeles-class attack submarine, as she approaches the Alava Pier of Subic Bay Freeport Tuesday (February 14) for a routine port visit. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Huge field gears up for CT Ironman 70.3 in Subic

Over 800 athletes, including 22 professionals, make up the early roster in the 2017 Century Tuna Ironman 70.3, which fires off next month in Subic Bay.

Organizers expect the international field to hit over 1,000, when the third staging of the premier swim-bike-run event is held on March 12.

The inaugural run drew 902 participants, while 823 competitors took part in last year's edition of the event.

Craig Alexander of Australia and Swiss Caroline Steffen will return to defend their title, but the duo are in for a tough challenge as other competitors are out to foil their bids for back-to-back crowns.

Among the contenders are: inaugural champion Tim Reed, Sam Betten, Jason Hall and Dan Wilson of Australia, South African Johan Stofberg, Till Schramm of Germany and Eric Watson of Bahrain.

The CT Ironman 70.3 caps a three-day weekend that includes a 2GO Bike Service and Expo on March 10, and the Alaska Ironkids and Century Tuna Superbods: The Underpants Run on March 11.

Great Britain, the US and Australia are fielding in 23, 22 and 20 entries, respectively. Singapore has 16, Guam 14, Japan 12, Germany 11, while Switzerland has 10, guaranteeing a spirited battle for top honors in various age-group divisions.

Other countries participating are Argentina, American Samoa, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Spain, France, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Monaco, Mexico, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Thailand, Uruguay and Vietnam.

Aside from the centerpiece pro and Asian Elite, other titles to be disputed are the 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and the 70-and-above age categories.

Also on tap is the relay competition featuring the mixed and the all male and all female classes, according to the organizing SEI.

The 1.9-kilometer swim will start and end at the Acea Beach in Subic Bay with the 90-km bike course also to fire off at the Acea Subic Bay to the Floridablanca interchange via Tipo Tollgate and back.

The 21-km run will start at the Subic Bay Convention Center (SBECC) and transit the SBMA en route to the turnaround at Acea Beach with the finish line at SBECC. (ABS-CBN News)

http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/02/12/17/huge-field-gears-up-for-ct-ironman-703

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Joven tops stage four in Subic Bay, Roque holds on to overall Ronda lead

KINETIX Lab-Army's Cris Joven outsprinted defending champion Jan Paul Morales of Navy-Standard Insurance and Ryan Serapio of Ilocos Sur to top Stage Four of the LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2017 that started at the Lighthouse Marina and ended at the Harbor Point in Subic Bay.

Joven, 30, checked in with the same time as Morales and Serapio and a big group of riders in two hours, 40 minutes and six seconds but clinched an eight-second bonus for the stage win.

Cris Joven winds up a hair ahead in a bunched sprint finish

"I made my move in the final stretch when I sensed I still have some energy left in me inside," said Joven, who started training for the event only last month as he focused on his job in the Army.

"I wasn't expecting much in this race because I was off cycling for one year and only returned to action last month," said Joven, whose best finish was fourth overall five years ago.

Navy's Rudy Roque managed to stay with the lead group to keep the red jersey with an aggregate time of 11:12:15.

The 31-year-old Morales is now in second spot, a minute and a half off pace with a total clocking of 11:13:45.

After a forgettable start, Morales has topped the Stage Two criterium in Vigan, Ilocos Sur Sunday and the Angeles-Subic Stage Three.

"I was a marked man since I took the lead and I'm just happy to still remain on top even though they keep watching over me," said Roque, of Tibo, Bataan.

Ronald Lomotos slid to third with a time of 11:14:33.

Serapio moved up three places to fourth with a time of 11:16:07.

Joven was also a big gainer as he zoomed from No. 14 to No. 9 with 11:16:48.

Rounding out the top 10 were Navy's Jay Lampawog (11:16:12), Kinetix Lab-Army's Reynaldo Navarro (11:16:21), Go for Gold's Joshua Mari Bonifacio (11:16:28), Navy's Daniel Ven Carino (11:16:35) and Go for Gold's Ismael Grospe, Jr. (11:17:43).

The race will take a two-day breather before resuming action on Sunday with the Lucena-Pili Stage Five, the race's longest stage at 251 kms passing Tatlong Eme in Atimonan, Quezon.

The champion gets P1 million courtesy of LBC in partnership with MVP Sports Foundation, Petron, Mitsubishi, Versa.ph, Partas, Maynilad, Standard Insurance, CCN, Bike Xtreme, NLEX, PhilCycling and 3Q Sports Event Management. (Spin.ph)

http://www.spin.ph/cycling/news/cris-joven-jan-paul-morales-ronda-pilipinas-2017-subic-lighthouse

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Sailors race from Subic to Boracay

WITH top notch sailors and boats coming in from Hong Kong, excitement is building up on the Standard Insurance 8th Subic Bay to Boracay Race.

Organizers led by Ernesto Echauz and Jun Avecilla said this as around 18 boats and more than 200 crack sailors from all the globe come over to take part in this extreme sailing action.

Participants will head down south to one of the country’s famous tropical paradise, Boracay.

“This will be a part of the Asian Yachting Circuit that determines the Skipper of the Year and Yacht of the Year,” said Avecilla during yesterday’s press briefing at the Kamayan Restaurant in Padre Faura, Manila.

The event is also part of the Philippine Sailing Grand Prix, which is a series of popular racing events in the country that put Subic in the compass of the international sailing community.

The SBBR is just the start. It will be followed by the Boracay Cup Regatta on Monday, Feb. 20.

Then, the 10th Commodore’s Cup Regatta will be on tap from April 19 to 23, also in Subic Bay.

All of these are part of the 2017 Asian Yachting Grand Prix Circuit organized by Asian Yachting.com.

“The coming race is going to be very exciting. Because, we are going to see the top boats from Hongkong coming over,” added Echauz, who is also the president of the Philipine Sailing Association.

Syd Fisher’s Dubois 90 Ragamuffin, skippered by David Witt, recorded the fastest time of 14 hours, 23 minutes and 17 seconds that last time around.

This time, a bigger boat Scallywag, which is the former Ragamuffin 100, will be there to beat the record under new owner Seng Huang Lee.

Last year’s Frank Pong’s Custom Dibley 75 Jelik navigated through the Bataan and Batangas Mountain Range, and cleared the notoriously tricky Verde Passage with ease.

Jelik went on to claim the handicap honors by two hours over defending IRC Cruising Class 1 champion TP52 Standard Insurance-Centennial III, which belongs to Echauz.

This year’s Echauz’s boat will go head on again against Ray Ordoveza’s Excel 53 Karakoa, which lost by a point to Standard Insurance-Centennial III last year.

Also in contention in the IRC Racing Class 2 event is Nick Burns’ Sydney GTS43 Mandrake, which took the class handicap plum. (Peter Atencio, Manila Standard Sports)

PHOTO:
Top contender Jelik, skippered by Hongkong’s Frank Pong, drew first blood as the foreign entries dominated the 7th Standard Insurance Subic Bay to Boracay Race last year.

http://thestandard.com.ph/sports/228757/sailors-race-from-subic-to-boracay.html

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Subic Bay joins World Wetlands Day celebration

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) launched the 1st Subic Bay Wetlands Celebration Wednesday (Feb. 1), joining the international community in celebrating this year’s World Wetlands Day.

With the theme “Wetlands for disaster risk reduction”, the two-day Subic celebration culminated with the holding of Biay Mangrove Adventure with around 150 employees and environmental officers from different companies participating in various activities related to mangrove protection.

SBMA Administrator Wilma Eisma said the activity which was spearheaded by the agency’s environment arm, the Ecology Center, was aimed at educating the participants on the importance of wetlands to the coastal communities, the environment and marine life.

“We appreciate the participants for sharing their time in raising public awareness about the importance of the wetlands and contribute to the conservation and protection of our mangrove forests,” she said.

Inside the Freeport’s Binictican-Malawaan Mangrove Area, participants were divided into groups: one group assigned to pick-up, identify and record trash and garbage found inside the mangrove area, and another to plant mangrove samplings to “vacant” portions of the area.

Another group was assigned to count and record how many living crustaceans they could find in the selected one square meter-area of the wetland to determine the biodiversity in the area.

SBMA Ecology Center head Amethya Dela Llana-Koval said the records will be used as reference in formulating a mangrove management plan that will define guidelines and policies related to the protection and conservation of all mangrove areas in the Freeport.

There is an estimated 62 hectares of wetlands in Subic Freeport located in Boton, Binictican-Malawaan, Triboa A, Triboa B, Nabasan and Ilanin, where 37 species of mangroves are found and serve as feeding, spawning and nursery grounds to many marine life and considered as nature’s buffer to natural hazards such as flooding caused by storms, cyclones, storm surges and tsunamis.

Among the objectives of the MMP is to regulate the harvesting of all resources, such as fish, crabs, woods among others, inside the mangrove areas through the help of a community-based monitoring team.

Koval also lauded Administrator Eisma for her support to environment-related activities of Ecology Center, including the launching of 1st Subic Bay Wetlands Day celebration.

In a meeting with environmental officers prior to celebration day, Koval remarked that Eisma is supporting all programs of the Ecology Center, particularly one that penalizes litterers and trash throwers in the Freeport zone.

“Galit ang ating Administrator sa basura na madalas makita sa ating mangrove areas na madalas maging sanhi ng pagkasira ng ating bakawan at pagkaubos ng mga yamang tubig,” she said.

She noted that one may not realize the importance of mangroves until the day we lose our water resources and habitat. “Mangroves are the life of our water resources. When the eco-system is put in danger by destroying the mangrove areas, other parts of the environment are also affected,” she explained.

World Wetlands Day was first celebrated internationally in 1997 and held every 2nd of February by holding activities to raise public awareness and promote the conservation and protection of wetlands including seminars, mangrove adventures, festivities and other activities. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] An indigenous Aeta woman joins other volunteers in planting mangrove saplings during the celebration of World Wetlands Day at the Malawaan-Binictican mangrove area in Subic Bay Freeport Thursday (Feb. 02) morning. Celebrated every February 2 each year, World Wetlands Day with this year’s theme “Wetlands for Disaster Risks Reduction”, marks the date of the adaption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 02, 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] Volunteers conduct an epifaunal survey using a quadrant frame, a method in determining and counting living species in swamplands. The activity was part of the celebration of World Wetlands Day at the Malawaan-Binictican mangrove area in Subic Bay Freeport Thursday (Feb. 02) morning. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA set to attract more Japanese investors to Subic Bay

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is eyeing more Japanese companies to invest inside this premier freeport after the agency bagged a contract with Japanese company Subic Smart Community Corporation (SSCC) to upgrade the Subic golf course.

SBMA Administrator Atty. Wilma T. Eisma said that the upgrading of the Subic golf course will play an integral part in attracting more tourists to the Freeport.

The Subic Bay golf clubhouse 

“When we first envisioned the Subic Freeport during its initial stage, we were thinking of making this into a port city like Singapore. Aside from the usual port operations like cargo and bulk handling, we imagined Subic Freeport as a tourist haven for local and international tourists alike,” she said.

The SBMA has approved a $30-million investment for the upgrade of the Subic Bay golf course by the SSCC. According to Masafumi Miyamoto, the company will develop Subic Bay golf course into a world-class venue for tournaments and a housing facility for the elderly and retirees.

Miyamoto is the founder of the Smart Community Co., Ltd., the first and largest continuing-care retirement community in Japan.

The two-pronged development project is touted as a potential major asset in the Subic Freeport. The first part is the $3-million renovation and redevelopment of the whole golf course within the span of two years.

The renovation will include the clubhouse, sprinkler systems and repair of ponds, improvement of the greens and the upgrade of machinery and equipment such as golf carts and service vehicles.

Miyamoto said the golf course will remain in operation despite the renovation, leaving open a minimum of nine holes.

The second part of the development project is the $27-million expansion of all areas for the Subic Smart Community within a six-year period. This will include the construction of 200 residential units within the span of two years.

Another 1,800 residential units will be added, including various amenities such as a gym, a sports center, arts and crafts studios, karaoke or music rooms, function rooms, library and bars and restaurants.

The plan to create residential areas is part of Miyamoto’s proposal for Japanese retirees after a market study showed that Japan’s elderly care businesses rose to a whopping $252-billion in 2015. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

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Promising triathletes shine in Subic

Karen Manayon and Inaki Emil Lorbes topped their respective categories in yesterday’s 2017 National Age Group Triathlon-Subic Bay Freeport race, earning precious qualifying points needed for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

Manayon defeated Lauren Plaza at the finish line finishing only seconds ahead (51:54 to 52:02). Nicole Eijansantos landed 3rd with 52:47.

Lorbes was locked in a close fight with Joshua Ramos before emerging victorious at the finish line in the Super Sprint (600M swim, 16K bike, 2.5K run) Male YOG race with a time of 47 minutes and 38 seconds. Ramos finished second in 47:46, followed by Russel Villaraza in 48:43.

Still on the youth triathletes, Andrew Remolino survived a tight race with Julius Constantino in the Sprint Distance (750 M swim – 20 Km bike – 5 Km run) 16-19 male race winning by only 20 second at 1:06:37. At 3rd was Tonito Alejo. The Sprint Distance 16-19 female title went to Jacqui Rosee Lampanero who timed 1:19:45 followed by Marga Delos Reyes and Una Sibayan.

Another highlight was the participation of the national team in the Elite Category (Olympic Distance 1.5 Km swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run) whose members 2015 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Claire Adorna, John Chicano and 2015 SEA Games gold medalist Nikko Huelgas competed with other triathletes aspiring to join their team after doing well in other races (both local and overseas) last year.

Other champions of the race named were Clifford Pusing and Erica Maive Bulatao (Super Sprint), Mark Malolot and Mary Grace Olfindo (Sprint Distance 20-over), Jed Polistico (Standard Male 20-over), Chloe Jane Ong (Standard Female 18-34), Ivan Carapiet (Standard M 30-34), Jet Ramos (Standard M 35-39), Louann Ramos (Standard F 35-39), Rene Tayag and Minnie Beth Tomas (Standard 40-44), Edward Luna (Standard M 45-49), Frank Lacson (Standard M 50-54), Vanj Endaya (Standard F 45-54), Eduardo Francisco (Standard M 55-above), and Kevin Lapena-Patricia Oyson-Juan Paolo Ledesma in the Relay category.

The next race in the 2017 season of the NAGT series will be on March 26 in Cebu. (Manila Times)

http://www.manilatimes.net/promising-triathletes-shine-subic/309526/

PHOTOS: 
Scenes from the 2017 National Age Group Triathlon in Subic Bay

(clockwise from top left): Gerald Anderson; John Leerams Chicano poses with daughter at the finish line; Andrew Remolino; Claire Adorna at the finish line; Jake Cuenca; Nikko Huelgas; group shot with Adorna and Huelgas; young triathletes Karen Manayon, Lauren Plaza and Nicole Eijansantos awarded.

Photos by Alan Mauricio Fabricante 
Awarding photo from Karen Manayon's Facebook page

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SBMA execs, locators tackle freeport issues and concerns

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Martin Diño and Administrator Atty. Wilma Eisma met with freeport investors and stakeholders who raised various issues and concerns during a radio program at Grand Harbor Hotel.

The radio program “Pagawa at Iba pa” was the venue for locators such as Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction – Philippines (HHIC-Phil), Global Terminal and Development, Inc. and other companies to voice out some issues that their companies are currently facing.

One of the issues was the repair of the Balaybay-Subic-Cawag Access Road used by shipbuilding personnel to report for work at the Redondo Shipbuilding Facility of Hanjin.

According to Hanjin Executive Director Pyung Jong Yu, the access road is used by tens of thousands of employees who work at the shipyard.

The road, he said, has been incomplete especially near the Club Morocco Beach Resort and Country Club.

He added that a patch of the road there has been wiped off by recent typhoons and has been a bane for them whenever they have to go to Subic Freeport.

Eisma said that the agency will look into the matter, citing that the local government unit (LGU) governing should help in fixing the access road.

She cited contiguous areas such as Morong must take part in fixing roads that connected their area to the Freeport.

Eisma stated that the SBMA will talk to the LGUs to fix the roads using the revenue shares they get from the agency.

She said that these shares should be utilized to further enhance their areas as part of the development scheme of both the municipality and the Freeport.

Another issue that a locator cited was the Common Use Service Area (CUSA) and the environment and tourism administrative fee (ETAF).

But the administrator pointed out that these fees are necessary in maintaining cleanliness and orderliness inside the Freeport zone. (Jonas Reyes. Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Martin B. Dino and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma answer queries from Freeport locators, residents and business organizations in an impromptu forum during the anniversary celebration of Paggawa Atbp. radio program of the SBMA Labor Department held at the Grand Harbor Hotel in Subic Bay Freeport. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/01/27/sbma-execs-locators-tackle-freeport-issues-and-concerns/

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SBMA expresses keen interest in extending the Freeport fence to contiguous towns

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has expressed its interest in extending the present fenced area to contiguous municipalities based on the provisions of the law.

This was announced to members of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) in a meeting Wednesday (Jan 25) sponsored by the SBMA Labor Department in celebration of the 4th year anniversary of its SBMA-run radio program “Paggawa at iba pa” over 89.5 FM Subic Bay Radio.

SBMA Administrator Atty. Wilma Eisma told Subic-based businessmen that according to the provisions of Republic Act 7227, the law that created the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, “the fenced areas should be extended.”

Section 12 of RA 7227 states Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone consist of the City of Olongapo and the municipality of Subic in Zambales, the lands occupied by the former US Naval Base and its contiguous extensions and within the territorial jurisdiction of the municipalities of Morong and Hermosa in Bataan.

Related to this, in November 2007, Executive Order 675 was issued by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo amending EO 97-A allowing the extension of the secured area of the Subic Bay Special Economic and Freeport Zone (SSEFPZ) to areas within the SSEFPZ but are outside the presently fenced-in former US Naval Base.

Under EO 675, SBMA may declare areas outside the former US Naval Base as “Additional Secured Areas” or “Additional Areas” which may be operated as “Special Economic and Freeport Zone” supervised by SBMA.

Additional Secured Areas and Additional Areas are entitled to all tax, fiscal and other investment incentives (except real estate tax for privately-owned property). However, only secured areas may avail the duty-free privileges.

The declaration may only take effect after a concurrence by a resolution of the concerned Sangguniang Bayan or Panglungsod.

“That’s the dream. Fencing outside the existing fenced areas is difficult but I think it can be done and it should be done,” Eisma said, adding that at the very least, the privileges provided to investors and locators inside the Freeport should be extended.

Eisma encouraged the locators and investors to share inputs or ideas with local government officials in the contiguous municipalities and city in a bid to expand their businesses in their areas. “Because at the end of the day, based on the provisions of the law, those areas or parts of those areas are actually part of the Freeport, she continued.

“It is very important to work with the local government units within the contiguous zone. So, we are now working on that,” she said.

Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman Martin Diño said the SBMA Board of Directors is now doing all the necessary steps to shorten the documentation process for new and renewing businesses in an effort to make Subic “investor and locator friendly.”

In response, SBFCC president Rose Baldeo said the member-locators and investors are with the new management team of SBMA saying the SBFCC is fully supporting the dream of the SBMA officials. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Martin B. Dino and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma answer queries from Freeport locators, residents and business organizations in an impromptu forum during the anniversary celebration of Paggawa Atbp. radio program of the SBMA Labor Department held at the Grand Harbor Hotel in Subic Bay Freeport. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA administrator buckles down to work, cites priority programs

Newly appointed Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Administrator Atty. Wilma Eisma disclosed her priority programs in running the agency as she urged SBMA officials and employees to begin with her a new chapter in revitalizing Subic and chart its future.

“I came here alone with no entourage because I have each and every one of you who are experts in this place. Let us work together for a bigger, better, brighter Subic,” Eisma told SBMA employees following last week’s turnover of the SBMA helm to the new administrator.

Eisma emphasized that strong work ethic, reasonable use of resources, honesty, transparency and following the law will mark her leadership and will serve as a commitment to what she described as a standard each employee should adhere to professionalize SBMA services towards regaining and sustaining the confidence of the investors.

She said her leadership is challenged to increase the container traffic and get the airport running by improving its equipment and intensifying its port marketing campaign by utilizing its P553 million allocated budget.

Among her priorities include targeting zero complaint by eliminating “red tape and waiting time” through streamlining of the process flow in applying for business permits, registration and other necessary documents related to the business needs of investors in compliance to President Duterte’s guidelines to issue all necessary permits, and other similar documents in three days or less.

Eisma exhorted the SBMA Law Enforcement Department to step up in making the Subic Freeport the safest place for locators, tourists and residents by intensifying to professionalize all security officers through trainings and refresher courses.

She also called on the Ecology Center to make the Freeport clean and green by spearheading clean and green initiatives, such as serving tap water, instead of bottled water, during meetings, keeping the surroundings clean of trash and imposing strict laws against litterers.

Introduction of policy reforms and good governance programs, as well as amending Republic Act 7227, if necessary, and intensify programs for a drug-free work place by applying zero tolerance on illegal drugs are also among Eisma’s priority programs.

The new SBMA administrator also cited the importance of professionalizing and developing personnel to bring SBMA to the modern and developed world. She said meritocracy will be the norm where promotion and recognition will be based on capacity on how an employee met his objectives.

Eisma again expressed her gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte for trusting her to serve again the country as she expressed her delight in coming back to Subic Freeport saying, “I’m glad that I am finally back home.”

I would like to thank President Duterte for trusting me to serve again our country. I never thought I will get this job, that is why I am very thankful that he believes in me,” she said.

Eisma started her career as a volunteer during the initial years of the SBMA. She worked at the House of Representatives and joined the private sector as a corporate affairs professional with the Philippine affiliate of Philip Morris International.

On December 21, the President appointed her to the position of administrator and CEO of SBMA replacing former chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia. She assumed office Monday, January 16 and attended her first flag raising ceremony with employees and officers of the agency. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Administrator Wilma T. Eisma (3rd from left), along with the new members of the Board of Directors, answers questions from the press in her first media briefing. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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3 firms eye Subic airport redev’t

Three firms have expressed interest for the redevelopment of Subic International Airport (SBIA).

Martin Dino, chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, in a letter to transportation secretary Arthur Tugade identified these AIA Airways, Intercontinental Pacific Airways and RIL International & Global Link Co., Ltd.

AIA Airways wants to build a $1.5-billion logistics center and transshipment hub for cargo airline operations, supported by a maintenance repair station and a world-class aviation institution in the tradition of the US Dallas Forth Worth. It is projected to generate 800 new jobs.

RIL International & Global Link Co., Ltd has made a $1.5-billion proposal to lease, develop, upgrade, modernize and operate the SBIA to include provisions for a modern airport terminal, hotels, theme parks and a sports complex.

The third, Intercontinental Pacific Airways wants a $48-million airlines operations center including maintenance, repair and overhaul operations. It is projected to employ 610 workers

Dino said the projected P2 billion upgrade will turn the facility, formerly a hub for logistics company Federal Express (FedEx), into a major international gateway for travelers to the Philippines.

“We want the airport to be fully operational again, and to be at par with the best airports in Asia and the world,” he said.

SBIA boasts of long runway fitted to handle long-haul wide-body jets and heavy air transport, Dino said.

The 200-hectare aviation facility, can handle commercial or chartered aircraft operation, air cargo handling and warehousing, aircraft repair and maintenance and other general aviation businesses. It features a 2,700-meter runway and a 10,000-square-meter passenger terminal that can handle 700 passengers.

SBIA has been mostly idle since mid-2009 when FedEx closed down its Asia-Pacific transshipment hub and moved its entire hub operations to Guangzhou, China

Dino expressed optimism the upgraded SBIA can be made operational in six months to one year after construction.

Redeveloping Subic’s airport is part of five priority projects the SBMA under Dino has proposed to President Duterte to decongest congestion in Metro Manila.

“The redevelopment would raise the Subic airport’s facilities to international standards capable of handling thousands of passengers and all types of cargo,” he said.

“It could serve as an inter-modal (airport-seaport) logistics hub and a strategic area for cruise destinations (mother ports), junket trips, VIP Jet services and other-related air travel, Dino added.

Dino said that new tourism and manufacturing investments could generate 100,000 new jobs, and exports, including those from nearby economic free zones in Luzon, could increase to about $43.35-billion per year.

“By enhancing Subic’s importance as a gateway, it could generate foreign direct investments estimated at $13.5-billion,” Dino said.

Dino also proposed the construction of a 100-kilometer multi-modal elevated expressway and railway from Subic Port to the Port of Manila.

The other priority projects within the Freeport include the building of major infrastructure that, Dino said, “will begin to shift the momentum of development north toward Subic and Clark.

Compared to other cities, the Subic-Clark corridor “is the only place that has a sustainable future” and its “full-blown expansion is the key” that would trigger an inflow of investments, Dino said. (Albert Castro, Malaya)

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/3-firms-eye-subic-airport-redev%E2%80%99t

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USS John S. McCain Arrives in Subic Bay

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) arrived in Subic Bay Monday (Jan. 24) morning for a brief port call that highlights the strong community and military connections between the Philippines and the United States, January 23, 2017.

The McCain crew will participate in a series of community service projects and sporting events during the crew’s visit to the Philippines.

The ship will also use the stop to conduct some minor repairs with the assistance of Filipino companies.

The Philippines is a longstanding treaty ally of the United States with a more than 70-year history of partnership. The American and Philippine militaries have worked closely together on areas of mutual interest such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter terrorism, cybersecurity and maritime security.

McCain is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (SNL)

PHOTO:
The USS John S. McCain enters the waters of Subic Bay for a brief port call.

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Hanjin Heavy delivers first Philippine-made VLCC

Subic Bay Freeport – Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction – Philippines (HHIC-Phils.) last week delivered the first Philippine-made Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) to its owner after being recognized as the country’s top sectoral exporter by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) last December during the National Export Congress.

Newly installed HHIC-Phil President Chung Gwang-Suk said: “We are very pleased to welcome the New Year with the successful delivery of this state-of-the-art vessel to one of our valued clients overseas. This vessel gives us enormous pride as it is the very first Philippine-made VLCC; hence, another record-setting milestone for the Philippine shipbuilding industry.”

The M/V Gener8 Hector shown during a sea trial conducted by HHIC-Phils.

“Our management wishes to share this accomplishment with all our partners and stakeholders in the shipbuilding industry as we chart our future together amid the challenges in the global economy. More than anything, we are deeply honored to have given the opportunity to showcase time and again our competitive strengths and spirits as we nourish the utmost trust and confidence invested in HHIC-Phils., Inc. not only by our shipbuilding clients around the world – but also the Philippine Government as our equal partner in this quest for business sustainability.”

Named as the M/V Gener8 Hector, the vessel sailed out the waters of the country’s premier Freeport measures 333 meters in length with breath of 60 meters and dead weight of 299,019 metric tons. It was ordered and jointly owned by Gener8 and Nagiva8 based in the United States of America and Singapore, respectively.

Beaming with pride, Chung further stated: “The vessel’s towering size is so breathtaking that it is comparable to US-made Nimitz class 100,000-ton aircraft carriers. Once commercially operated on the high seas, M/V Gener8 Hector could transport as much as 300,000 metric tons of crude oil to any part of the world, or roughly the equivalent of the entire Philippine archipelago’s 13-day fuel supply requirements in 2015. The country imported 65.14 million barrels of crude oil (8.88 million metric tons) that year.”

“While the global shipbuilding market has experienced rough sailing over the past few years, HHIC-Phils., Inc. has taken exception as it continued to maintain its foothold in the international front, capitalizing on our technological advancements and highly skilled workforce to produce cost-efficient and most modern commercial vessels that range from bulk carrier to container ship, crude oil tanker and liquefied petroleum gas carrier,” Chung added.

With HHIC-Phils., Inc.’s aggressive business presence, the Philippines marched toward the elite circle of the largest shipbuilding nations, ranking the country fifth overall as per the report of the highly respected European institution, Clarkson Research, in its August 2016 issue. As of January this year, the Subic-based shipbuilder has delivered 99 vessels and 10 steel structures with a total export value of US$5.8 billion.

Aside from the fleet of high-value vessels on order, HHIC-Phils., Inc. is currently building three 20,600 TEU container ships considered among the biggest container ships the world over. These mega gigantic box ships are due to be delivered this year.

Since its commercial operation in 2008, HHIC-Phils., Inc.’s Subic shipyard has emerged as a top employment destination especially in the countryside, providing descent jobs to more than 33,000 Filipinos and generating various livelihood opportunities for neighboring provinces in Central Luzon.

Chung mentioned “We remain steadfast as always in delivering our commitment to bring long lasting positive change in the lives of many Filipino workers when we poured in our US$2.3-billion investment in the country.” With a strong support system in place nurtured by high confidence from our partners, especially from the Philippine Government, we will double our efforts to cause more inclusive economic growth and development in line with the vision of the Duterte Administration to revive the country’s manufacturing sector in general, which proved to be a growth driver for the Philippine economy.”

The ship was delivered to its owner last week, marking the first biggest ship made by Filipino shipbuilders in the country. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

http://business.mb.com.ph/2017/01/17/hanjin-heavy-delivers-first-philippine-made-vlcc/

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