SBMA launches Mobile Vaccination Drive

In its effort to provide the community better access to Covid-19 vaccines, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) thru the Office of the Deputy Administrator (ODA) for Health and Safety launched the Mobile Vaccination Drive.

“This is in accordance with the directive from the Department of Health (DOH) to see to it that everyone has access to Covid-19 vaccines in our community,” said SBMA OIC-DA for Health and Safety Ronnie Yambao.

This came after a meeting with the Asst. Regional Director D. Lailani Mangulabnan of the Central Luzon Center for Health Development and the Provincial Department of Health Office of Zambales Dr. Jessie Fantone, and will be executed by the SBMA Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD).

The SBMA Mobile Vaccination Drive will be at the Binictican Housing area beside Gobstopper Convenience Store on April 13 (Wednesday) from 9am to 12nn to render vaccination service to residents nearby for their first dose, second dose or booster dose.

On April 22 (Friday), the SBMA PHSD team will be at the SBMA Day Care Center from 9am to 12nn for SBMA employees who wish to be vaccinated without having to go far from their offices.

Also, the DOH-SBMA vaccination program will still be on their regular schedule from 10am to 4pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, except this Good Friday.

However, according to PHSD, their vaccination site has moved a little farther from the Activity Center to the hallway near HMR at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall, to give way to the summer activities of the mall.

Currently, the SBMA workforce is at 69 percent boosted, while a little short of 100 percent vaccinated with primary doses.

The PHSD also reported that they have already administered 30,162 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine since May 2021. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

SBMA to allow truck traders to stay in Subic’s CBD area

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Rolen C. Paulino has allowed truck traders inside this premier Freeport to remain in their old areas in the Central Business District (CBD) as long as they have contracts in the Tipo area.

This came after the SBMA Board issued Resolution No. 20-09-1783 that approves the “Exclusion of the Tipo Area from the Moratorium on Trading of Trucks, Buses and Heavy Equipment and the Policy/ Guidelines in Accepting Truck Trading Companies at the Tipo Area.”

The SBMA Board resolution aims to move all truck trading companies to Tipo, an area near the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and far from the Central Business District (CBD).

This move is part of the agency’s zoning program to provide more space for SBMA to lease out to other companies looking into locating here.

During a meeting with the Subic Truck Importers Group, Paulino said that the SBMA Board has ordered all truck traders to move to the Tipo Area by April 30.

He added that since most of the utilities in the area are still not complete, the top official has allowed them to remain in their old areas in the naval station provided they have a standing contract with warehousing companies in Tipo.

“The SBMA Board has granted me authority to give some leeway to your companies. I can assure you that the agency is looking out for your businesses,” he said. He added that if they already have existing contracts in lease companies in Tipo, the agency will release their Certificate of Registration and Tax Exemptions (CRTEs) for them to resume operation.

Three companies have areas conducive for truck traders, buses and heavy equipment companies to locate, but are still being developed. These are Xantheng Subic International Corp. (XSIC), Filman Property Management Consultancy Inc., and Sino Invest.

Meanwhile, Subic Truck Importers Group President Peter Geroue said that most of their clientele are familiar with their areas near the CBD, providing customers easier access to their products. But with the board resolution, it would be far for their clientele to go to their showrooms.

Geroue added that what the SBMA chairman proposed is a win-win solution to both the SBMA and the companies, citing that the truck traders can still keep their offices near the CBD for operation and showroom purposes, while using the Tipo area as a warehouse.

 He added that this eliminates the idea of putting most of their trucks, buses and heavy equipment at a warehouse in Pampanga, making it accessible for the companies to just put them at a warehouse in Tipo.

Currently, there are around 50 truck trading companies inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, with most owned by foreign companies. The truck traders, bus, and heavy equipment sector has been one of the hardest hit during the Covid-19 pandemic, and is still reeling from the high prices of fuel in the global market. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

SBMA Chair grants access to Olongapo City residents along the Freeport Perimeter Fence

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino has opened some of the gates at this premier Freeport’s perimeter fence, providing access to residents of Olongapo City.

According to the Chairman, the opening of gates at the perimeter fence is part of his administration’s thrust to create synergy with the adjacent community of Olongapo City where he was a former mayor.

Engr. Jomel Libut of the SBMA Engineering department said that the P70-million seven-kilometer Perimeter Fence project is now physically complete. He said that the fencing project will span from the Kalaklan Gate up to the Kalayaan Gate of this freeport.

He added that the P53-million 3.3-kilometer perimeter road rehabilitation project, which is already 80 percent complete, will improve the security and drainage of one of the thoroughfares of this premier Freeport zone.

Paulino, however, explained that the said access road was opened to ferry residents to medical facilities in case of an emergency, or provide access to firetrucks and ambulances since most of the houses near the fence are on hilly areas.

“These residents are situated very far from the access road of the city, and they cannot easily be reached in cases of emergency,” he said.

Paulino assured that he has already instructed the agency’s Law Enforcement Department (LED) to patrol the area to deter any criminal activities. The SBMA official has also discussed with current Mayor Lenj Paulino of putting barangay patrols in each gate.

Aside from the residential areas, the Upper Sibul Elementary School, which is also situated beside the perimeter fence of the Freeport, has started face-to-face classes with its students.

Paulino made rounds at the elementary school talking to teachers and students who used to go around the city proper just to go to school. They were elated to know that the chairman has given them access to the gates of the perimeter fence.

But Paulino reiterated that LED officers will inspect the IDs of students using the access road as part of their standard operating procedure.

“Proper identification should be done to people using the access road, not just for the security of the Freeport, but for the safety of the pedestrians using the road as well,” he said. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

SBMA Finance, Regulatory groups bag Women’s Month Ultimate Cook-Off competition

Representatives from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Finance group and Regulatory group were declared winners of the agency’s Women’s Month Ultimate Cook-off Competition.

Dubbed as “Juana, laban sa pandemya. Kaya!,” this year’s Women’s Month festivities, concluded the month-long celebration of women empowerment with an ultimate cook-off challenge.

“For this year’s cook-off challenge, we have two categories—the ‘Bahay Kubo challenge’ and the Fruit Carving competition,” DJ Jepsz Eslava, SBMA Gender and Development (GAD) coordinator said.

He explained that for the ‘Bahay Kubo’ challenge, the representatives were provided with all the vegetables mentioned in the song ‘Bahay Kubo,’ except for the seasonal vegetables.

The Fruit Carving competition, Eslava added, is a new activity incorporated to the cook-off challenge, where representatives were given a watermelon, oranges, apples, and bell peppers to work on.

Eslava also said that the cook-off challenge, a tandem of men and women were required to represent each Strategic Business Unit (SBU). This, he said, was to signify that women’s month not only involves women, but men also, under a “shared responsibility.”

Winning P10,000 cash were Michelle Apilado of the Finance group for the ‘Bahay Kubo challenge,’ and John Dela Cruz of the Regulatory group for the Fruit Carving competition.

Other representatives who joined the Ultimate Cook-off challenge were: Maregil L. Soriano and Arturo E. Tacuyan of the Administration group; Ramwel Josefe Ramos and Almira C. Bautista of the Business and Investment group; Avlean Rica Torralba and June Calma of the Operations group; Aida Gorospe and Antonio dela Cruz of the Public Services group; Michelle Dolores and Rodante Tungol of the Legal Affairs group; Ryan Joseph Garcia and Fleurdelis Valino Cruz of the Chairman and Administrator’s group; Cheryl Mae L. Canlas and Nelson Nelgas of the Tourism group; and Mary Jane A. Delgado and Jesus P. Payumo of the Municipal Services group.

Representatives of each SBU were given P5,000 just for making it to the final list of cook-off participants.

Meanwhile, SBMA chairman and administrator Rolen C. Paulino expressed his admiration towards women.

“If I were to die and given a chance to live again, I would still choose to be a man. Because I know how hard it is to be a woman—to take care of their loved ones, to do all the household chores, and still even handle day jobs. So I honor the women for doing such a wonderful job,” Paulino said. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

SBMA, PNP partners to provide security for Subic Bay

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), thru its Maritime Group (MG), signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that will provide better security for the waters of Subic Bay.

The MOA signing transpired between SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino and PNP-MG Director Police Brigadier General Harold B. Tuzon, and was witnessed by Deputy Chief PNP for Administration Police Lt. General Rhodel Orden Sermonia and SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao.

According to Chairman Paulino, the PNP-MG will provide trained and licensed personnel to man seven of the agency’s patrol boats comprising of three multi-purpose patrol boats, a search and rescue vessel, a garbage collection/firefighting vessel, an oil skimmer/firefighting vessel, and a line handling and utility boat.

These vessels were identified as MV Kalayaan, MV Binictican, MV Redondo, MV Ilanin, MV Triboa, MV Cubi, and MV Maritan.

“The operation tasking will be under our Seaport Department, and these vessels can only be used with the SBMA’s prescribed authority and within the vessels’ operational requirement,” Paulino said.

The SBMA chief added that the agency will provide an office and quartering facility for the PNP-MG personnel at the portion of Bldg. 696, located at the former Ship Repair Facility (SRF) wherein only a maximum of 30 personnel are allowed.

“The PNP Maritime will use, maintain, and occupy the facility for the use it is intended. They will shoulder the repair and maintenance of the facility for the entire duration of the agreement,” he said.

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

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

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

Meanwhile, deputy chief Sermonia cited that with the added safety and security from the PNP-MG, the Subic Bay Freeport should expect more businesses to boom as he believes this is one of the key factors that makes the area a viable place to conduct business.

After the MOA signing, the PNP officials conducted a site inspection and evaluation of the vessels. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

LOOK: SBMA Chairman inspects Magsaysay Bridge construction; Clean-up drive at the NSD compound

 [1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino (in white polo shirt) inspects the on-going construction of Magsaysay Bridge which links the city of Olongapo and the Subic Bay Freeport zone on Friday, March 25. He urged the contractors to expedite the construction of the said bridge as it delays the development of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

[2-3] Various employees from different Freeport companies join a clean-up drive at the Naval Supply Depot (NSD) Compound on Friday March 25. The said activity was initiated by the SBMA Seaport Department to ensure a clean environment in this part of the Subic Freeport zone.

(Photos by MPD-SBMA)

Read More

“Tourism is back in Subic” – SBMA chief

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Rolen C. Paulino has confirmed the return of tourism activities in the country’s premier freeport.

“First, Ironman was here two weeks ago. This is the second international sporting event after my appointment as SBMA chairman. And this goes to show that tourism is back in Subic,” Paulino said.

Paulino welcomed guests and participants of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, the second international sporting event to happen here, after the Inter-Agency Task Force for Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IAFT-MEID) placed Central Luzon under alert level 1, among most areas in the country.

The Clipper Race is a yacht race that goes around the world, facing one of the biggest challenges of the natural world and an endurance test like no other. Each fleet of yacht has a fully qualified skipper and first mate to safely guide the crew.

Now on its 12^th edition, the Clipper Race 2019-2020 took off from London, UK in September 2019; made way to Portimāo, Portugal in September 2019; then Punta del Este, Uruguay in October 2019, Cape Town, South Africa in November 2019, Fremantle, Australia in December 2019 and Whitsundays, Australia in January 2020.

Each host port offers a unique opportunity to be immersed in its culture and explore the city’s highlights.

The race has restarted in Subic Bay, having been on-hold for two years since the Covid-19 pandemic restricted the movement of people to prevent the spread of the disease.

After leaving the waters of Subic Bay, the fleet of 11 yachts and about 250 crew members are heading to Seattle, USA and leave by April 2022; then to Panama and leave by June 2022; Bermuda by June 2022; New York, USA by June 2022; Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland by July 2022, and London, UK by July 30, 2022.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, co-founder and chairman of the Clipper Ventures, expressed appreciation to one of the host ports, Subic Bay. He also thanked the chairman and Tourism manager Jem Camba, “whose teams have worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of Clipper Race stopover in Subic Bay.”

Knox-Johnston, himself, was the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world in June 1968. He was one of the nine sailors to compete in the Times Golden Globe Race, who set off on a voyage that lasted ten months, securing his place in the history books after he arrived back in Falmouth, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom in 312 days at sea in April 1969.

Meanwhile, Camba disclosed upcoming tourism events for the rest of the first semester.

She mentioned there will be fun run, trail run, and cycling events. Holy Week activities will also resume, which is the peak season of Subic Bay, as well as other religious and non-religious events.

For the Holy Week, which will start on Palm Sunday and will end on Easter Sunday, she said that there would be nightly activities at the Boardwalk area, as well as entertainment from Holy Wednesday to Black Saturday.

Also, there will be three concessionaires in different areas—weekend night market at San Roque chapel, as well as concessionaires at the Boardwalk, and a Banchetto (banquet) at the mini-golf.

Paulino, who was appointed new SBMA chairman and administrator on March 1, said that he plans to bring back the “old glory days” of Subic Bay by making it attractive again to more tourists and visitors.

“Come to Subic! It is still the one of the most beautiful destinations in the country, and the number 1 in Region 3. We have fast, flexible and friendly people in Subic,” Paulino said. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

SBMA, MARINA hold Maritime Development Forum in Subic Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), in partnership with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) conducted a two-day forum that discussed various programs intended to develop the maritime industry in the country.

According to MARINA Administrator Robert Empedrad, the event, which is dubbed the “Philippine Maritime Industry Strategic Overview Forum, Stakeholders’ Orientation and Mobile Registration,” aims to discuss plans to bring its services closer to the Filipino seafarers.

Empedrad also disclosed that part of this forum is to enhance capabilities of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) as a transshipment hub, and urged stakeholders to unite their efforts for the realization of its goals.

“Today, we would like to share the vision of moving the maritime industry with the SBMA, the local government of Olongapo, maritime academe and private stakeholders, as we believed that our united efforts would contribute to the realization of the plans under the ten-year Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP),” he said.

During the forum, officials from MARINA discussed the overview of the MIDP, Philippine ship registry and overseas shipping, shipyard and ship repair, maritime safety functions, rules on the registration, licensing and operation of recreational boats, domestic shipping functions, and seafarers’ documentation, licensing and certification.

“We want to open an extension office here in Subic Bay Freeport Zone that will cater to the 21,305 seafarers from Bataan, Olongapo, Zambales, and the SBFZ. MARINA cannot do it alone but with our united efforts, the dream may become a reality,” he said.

Realizing the huge portion of seafarers and maritime stakeholders in the area, the forum also aims to lay down the plan of the MARINA in establishing an extension office in Subic through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with SBMA.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino welcomed the MARINA’s proposal, citing that the extension office will certainly benefit the seafarers of Central Luzon. He committed to provide any assistance needed in the plan to develop the maritime industry of the Freeport.

Paulino expressed his gratitude over the MARINA’s plan to help the SBMA in the maritime industry, as the maritime group expresses its readiness to explore possible areas of collaboration particularly in terms of shipyard capabilities, ship registry, capacity building, as well as relevant maritime-related projects and programs.

During the opening of the forum, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao said the Subic Bay Freeport Zone received 1,973 ship calls in 2021, with a total of 23,505,520.26 Gross Register Tonnage.

He added that for the months of January and February of this year, the SBMA received 144 and 186 ship calls, respectively. These ships include motor tankers, motor vessels, military vessels, container vessels and other ships. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

US Marine contingent arrives in Subic Bay ahead of the Balikatan exercises

A contingent of the US Marine Corps arrived at the Subic Bay International Airport in preparation for Balikatan 2022 to begin next week.

Approximately 8,900 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the U.S. Military are teaming up for Balikatan 2022, one of the largest-ever iterations of the Philippine-led annual exercise taking place across Luzon from March 28 to April 8.

The 3,800 AFP members and 5,100 U.S. military personnel will train shoulder-to-shoulder focusing on maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. 

“Balikatan is a critical opportunity to work shoulder-to-shoulder with our Philippine allies toward a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific that is more connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient,’ as our Indo-Pacific Strategy calls for.  The U.S. is proud to continue our participation in this long-standing exercise,” said U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava. 

“During Balikatan, the U.S. military and AFP will train together to expand and advance shared tactics, techniques, and procedures that strengthen our response capabilities and readiness for real-world challenges,” said Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron, 3rd Marine Division Commanding General.  “The friendship and trust between our forces will enable us to accomplish any mission across the spectrum of military operations.” 

The exercise also includes a command post exercise that tests the AFP and U.S. forces’ ability to plan, command, and communicate with each other in a simulated environment.  This training will bolster the collective security and defensive capabilities of the alliance. 

“Exercise Balikatan is a testament to the strength of the Philippines and United States’ security relationship,” said Maj. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan, AFP Exercise Director for Balikatan 22.  “The experience gained in the exercise complements our security cooperation endeavors and will help to enhance existing mutual security efforts.” 

The AFP and U.S. military will also conduct multiple humanitarian and civic assistance projects during this year’s Balikatan, including the renovation of four elementary schools, multiple community health engagements, and the exchange of advanced emergency rescue and lifesaving techniques. 

These construction projects, health engagements and community relations events improve local infrastructure, facilitate the exchange of lifesaving medical skills, and strengthen ties between Philippine communities and Philippine and American military forces. 

COVID-19 mitigation remains a priority for both nations. U.S. forces will comply with all Philippine government COVID-19 travel regulations and will maintain social distancing and wear face masks during exercises as operationally feasible. 

“Balikatan” is a Tagalog term that means “shoulder-to-shoulder” or “sharing the load together,” which characterizes the spirit of the exercise and represents the alliance between the Philippines and the United States. 

“Balikatan 22 coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation and a shared commitment to promoting peace,” said Maj. Gen. Bargeron.  “Our alliance remains a key source of strength and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.” 

Exercises like Balikatan strengthen international partnerships and the participating militaries’ abilities to rapidly respond to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region.  The United States is proud to participate in this Philippine-led exercise to improve both nations’ capabilities across a wide range of military operations.  (SNL)

https://ph.usembassy.gov/37th-iteration-of-balikatan-exercise-set-to-begin-in-the-philippines/

Read More

SBMA launches 1st Quarter Offshore Clean-up in Subic Bay

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), along with other authorities in the Port of Subic launched the 1^st Quarter Off Shore Clean Up 2022 in response to the call for a cleaner and safer freeport.

Newly installed SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen Paulino lauded personnel from SBMA Seaport Department, Philippine Coast Guard, PNP Maritime Group, and Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) who participated in the activity.

Earlier this month, in his first appearance as SBMA Chairman, Paulino appealed to employees, locators, residents and stakeholders to help in maintaining cleanliness and safety in the freeport to attract more tourists and investors.

As part of the strategic measures to revitalize the business climate, the SBMA Seaport Department launched the off-shore clean-up drive which kicked off on Friday, March 18.

“The objective of this off shore clean-up is to engage people to remove trash and debris from beaches, waterways and other waterbodies,” said Jerome Martinez, manager of the Seaport Department.

The project also aims to identify the sources of litter that come to the bay, to change behaviors that cause pollution and raise awareness on the extent of the marine debris problem.

Meanwhile, Diego Aviles, chief of Maritime Safety Branch of the Seaport Department, said the SBMA has launched several activities that have safeguarded and protected Subic Bay’s marine and coastal resources such as information and education campaigns, oil spill and fire exercises, and off shore clean-ups.

Using three SBMA watercrafts and two PNP Maritime patrol boats, the group cruised off shore and scooped plastics and other non-biodegradable litter from the water.

An hour into the clean up activity, the group proudly shared that only a few plastic trash and soda bottles and were collected. “This is the result of our regular clean ups around water bodies of the bay,” Aviles said.

“This activity will serve only as an exercise for the group. We expect that the real work will come during the rainy days when bulks of trash will be directed to areas surrounding the ports by strong winds and waves,” Aviles added.

Aviles explained that the offshore clean-up drive will be held every quarter, and may extend farther offshore with the added participation of more individuals and organizations who may wish to join in this environmental protection campaign. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

SBMA chief vows to bring back Subic Bay’s glory days, gets business stakeholders’ cooperation

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Rolen C. Paulino met with a group of business stakeholders at the Central Business District (CBD) of this premier freeport zone.

The meeting, and courtesy call at the same time, is part of the series of his re-familiarization of the Freeport after he was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte on March 1.

“I am not that good. So I will need your support,” Paulino told the businessmen.

During the meeting, Paulino reiterated his plan to bring back the “old glory days” of Subic Bay by making it attractive again to more tourists and visitors, which will be a lot possible after the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) eased up restrictions to alert level 1 in most parts of the country.

He asked them to cooperate with the agency by religiously cleaning the vicinity of their establishments and “make it the most beautiful part of Subic, especially near Boardwalk. The earlier, the better. Because it is a favorite spot of beach walkers.”

To this, business stakeholders agreed with the chairman, and pledged their support to his call to maintain clean surroundings all the time.

“If there are things you need to tell me, please don’t hesitate to do so. We will do our best to help you,” Paulino encouraged.

He said that he believes that mutual understanding with the stakeholders will allow him to carry out his plans better.

In the first few days after his appointment, Paulino also made rounds along the Boardwalk Area and Remy Field to see where and what needs to be improved.

He also inspected the ongoing road project, urged the contractors to fast-track the construction, and lessen the traffic especially in the main thoroughfares.

Currently, the new administration is restarting from the traces of the pandemic and helping the Subic Freeport community bounce back to being among the top tourist destinations in Central Luzon.

From 2014 to 2019, Subic Bay has maintained its reputation as the best tourist destination in the region in the last six years based on the number of local and foreign tourist arrivals.

Also in 2019, Subic Bay was named “Destination of Year” for 2016 and 2017 by the Philippine Sports Tourism Awards. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

DOLE, SBMA resumes educational assistance to Freeport stakeholders

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), has resumed offering assistance to students who wish to continue their education while working part-time in this premier Freeport.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino expressed appreciation for this program knowing that it will help less privileged but deserving college students see them through their dream of acquiring a college degree while working.

According to SBMA Labor Department manager Atty. Melvin Varias, the two agencies are offering the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) to students here who intend to pursue their education by giving financial assistance thru employment.

SPES is DOLE’s youth employment-bridging program that aims to provide temporary employment to poor but deserving students, out-of-school youth, and dependents of displaced or would-be displaced workers during summer or Christmas vacation.

The program was halted for some time when restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic prevented face-to-face interaction, and education went online.

Paulino urged Subic Bay Freeport investors to take part in the said program by providing income or augmenting their income by encouraging the beneficiaries’ employment.

“This will develop the intellectual capacities of children who came from poor families, and harness their potential, not just for the Subic Bay Freeport, but for the country’s well-being as well,” the chief added.

The SPES program stipulates that the company employing the students will only pay 60 percent of their salaries or wages, while the DOLE will pay 40 percent of their wages via education vouchers.

Participating companies here include First Subic Bay Food Ventures, Eddie and Julie G Food Corp, Yahu Uno G Food Corp, Kewen Industry Inc, and Tokiwa Subic Corp. who have already joined the program, with most of these companies under the fast food sector.

Varias said that there were 18 SPES beneficiaries in 2021. Seven of them already received their check voucher; while there are 53 SPES pledges for 2022, and three more companies joining the program.

Deadline for submission of SPES application is March 18.

Requirements for the SPES application include: a resume with 2x2 picture; birth/ baptismal certificate; form 138 for the third grading period for high school students; report of grades or academic class card and enrollment registration form for higher education or college.

The SPES also requires applicants to present their parents’ income tax returns or Bureau of Internal Revenues (BIR) form 2316 duly stamped and received by the agency, and the certificate of indigency or low income issued by the barangay or social welfare and development office of their respective local government units. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

Eisma turns over SBMA reins to Paulino

Atty. Wilma T. Eisma handed over her position as chairman and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in a formal turnover ceremony on Monday (March 7) in front of the agency’s administration building, formally signaling the start of former Olongapo Mayor Rolen Paulino Sr.’s leadership.

Paulino, who became mayor of Olongapo City, also served as one of the volunteers of the SBMA during the transition of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) from being a United States Naval Base.

During his acceptance speech as chairman and administrator, Paulino said that his first priority is the beautification of the Subic Bay Freeport, now that most parts of the country are placed under alert level 1, particularly citing that he intends to make the area “greener” by planting more flora in tourism spots.

The new chief cited that he also wants to drum up the sports tourism scene of the SBFZ since the area is conducive to become the sports mecca of the country, while making the Freeport more appealing and investor-friendly. 

“Let us make Subic Bay Freeport attractive to all. And let us make each other’s lives easy,” Paulino said.

He also added, that the Covid-19 pandemic has seen a lot of closure from companies, and that he hopes that the easing up of restrictions would allow companies to look into locating into the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

On the matter of the employees of the agency, he said that former chairman Eisma has left him to their care, citing that he could not accomplish his task as chairman without their help. “I can’t do this alone, so I need each and everyone’s help,” he said.

He also urged the help of businessmen, locators, directors, stakeholders, and especially those in the ground to help him do what needs to be done to accomplish the mandate entrusted to him by President Duterte.

Meanwhile, former chairman Eisma said, “This job is not for the faint-hearted, and it really takes a village. I know Kuya Rolen (Paulino) has the chops to make it, but with your help, he can do so much more.”

She added that the new chairman’s success is the success of every employee of the SBMA.

“It is in the best interest of the Freeport community (not in your best interest) that Kuya Rolen succeeds, and he cannot do that without all of you,” she said, citing that regardless of who the chairman is, the love for Subic Freeport should always prevail.

President Duterte appointed Paulino to the top post on March 1 in Malacañan Palace, where Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea swore him in. Paulino said that the President appointed him as chairman and administrator of the SBMA for six years.

The appointment of Paulino came after the president accommodated the resignation of Eisma due to health reasons. President Duterte reappointed Eisma as a director of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) on March 1. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More