SBMA conducts inspection of future Agila Subic facility

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), along with local and foreign dignitaries, conducted a site inspection of the future Agila Subic facility last May 15 at the Redondo Peninsula here in this premier Freeport Zone.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino led the delegation along with Olongapo City Mayor Lenj Paulino, and the Philippine Navy.

Paulino said that one of the mandates given to him by President Rodrigo Duterte is to ensure a smooth transition of the company to the former Hanjin shipyard facility, and bring to fruition what the former administration of the agency had started.

Now called Agila Subic, the former Hanjin shipyard will be housing two tenants.

One tenant Vectrus, will be occupying most of the shipbuilding area of the facility, including the quays.  Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy is currently occupying the former Hanjin administrative office, mess hall, and barracks.

Vectrus is a global service solutions provider to the United States government and across the world, which offers facility and base operations, supply chain and logistics services, information technology (IT) mission support, and engineering and digital integration services.

Former Hanjin workers who have been skills-trained will be hired by the company since it will require skilled workers.

29 workers have already been hired and the company hopes to employ more workers who used to work for the shipbuilding company.

Meanwhile, Mayor Lenj Paulino said that the city government plans to provide skills training to its residents as the re-elected official sees a boom in employment in the ship repair industry in the area. He added that companies, who are looking for skilled workers, would only need to contact the city government.

Recently, the Department of Finance stated that the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) has approved the proposed tax perks as endorsed by the SBMA, for the rehabilitation of the ageing shipyard.

The project will be receiving special corporate income tax (SCIT), value-added tax (VAT) exemption from importation, VAT zero-rating on local purchases, and duty exemption on importation.

The total project cost is estimated at Php17 Billion. (MPD-SBMA)

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Coral garden nursery, pawikan preservation site to rise in Subic Bay Freeport

 

A coral garden nursery and pawikan preservation site will soon rise in this premier Freeport.

This is in an effort to preserve the nesting site of marine turtles and launch a coral garden nursery in the waters of Subic Bay, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and other stakeholders inside this premier Freeport signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) at the All Hands Beach Resort on Friday.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, the sea turtle nest preservation and coral garden nursery construction is in partnership with DENR’s Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), PNP Regional Maritime Unit 3, Brighterday Subic Ltd. Inc., and the Sangkalikasan Producer Cooperative.

“The SBMA aims to restore balance in our ecosystem, which will also be beneficial to our tourism industry. We want to preserve the wildlife inside the Subic Bay Freeport while maintaining the area as the number one tourist destination in Central Luzon,” he said.

He said that All Hands Beach Resort is one of the tourist destinations in Subic Freeport that has maintained a good balance between tourism and eco-conservation. The top agency official said that his first mandate was to clean the Boardwalk Area.

“It is not just the responsibility of the agency to clean and preserve the ecosystem of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. This should also be the responsibility of the various stakeholders here,” he cited.

PENRO Zambales Director Marife L. Castillo said that the month of May is the Month of the Ocean and what better way to celebrate the month than to establish a coral garden nursery. The garden is a coral augmentation project that aims to proliferate corals within an area.

She said that the agency will provide assistance in monitoring and managing marine turtle hatcheries, solicit active participation of stakeholders in the project, rehabilitate degraded marine turtle habitats by enhancing recovery of mangroves and coral reefs, and installation of a wildlife enforcement officer.

Brighterday Subic Ltd. Inc., the company that owns and operates the All Hands Beach Resort  has collaborated with the SBMA and the DENR in the implementation of the marine turtle nesting site project inside its resort.

Brighterday Chairman Mark Dayrit said that the resort has already released around 8,000 sea turtle hatchlings since it opened in 2012. Under the MOA, the company will ensure the vigilant monitoring of pawikan sightings and coral augmentations.

Dayrit added that the company will also provide logistical support to the SBMA Harbor Patrol in the conduct of maintenance and protection activities.

Meanwhile, Sangkalikasan Producer Cooperative is set to conduct baseline assessment and monthly monitoring of reef buds. The cooperative will spearhead the actual conduct of monitoring, maintenance and protection of the site of the coral nursery garden.

On the other hand, Regional Maritime Unit 3 chief Police Col. Fernando L. Cunanan Jr. said that aside from their usual mandate as police officers, part of their duty is to protect the environment.

He said that his unit has arrested thousands for illegal poaching, and 30 people involved in the illegal trade of wildlife. The official said they cannot do this without the help of the community, citing that to protect the community needs the involvement of each and every one.

The signing ceremony included the coastal cleanup drive wherein “Scubasureros” pick up trash in the waters near All Hands Beach Resort. (MPD-SBMA)

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DTI, SBMA launch ‘Balik Eskwela Diskwento’ caravan

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), launched on Thursday the Balik Eskwela Diskwento caravan, the first since the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) hit the country two years ago.

DTI officer-in-charge provincial director Enrique Tacbad said the caravan is being held annually before the opening of classes to give students and parents, especially the low-income earners, the opportunity to buy school supplies and uniforms at discounted prices.

 

“This is the first physical Diskwento caravan we (have) held in Subic Freeport since 2019 because of the pandemic. Conducting Diskwento caravans is a challenging role for DTI during the pandemic,” Tacbad said in an interview.

He said the agency had used different strategies to keep on providing discounted goods to areas affected by calamities, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic while assuring the safety of the staff and personnel.

 

Balik-Eskwela Diskwento caravan program is tying up with local small and medium entrepreneurs or suppliers to promote and sell their products at discounted prices normally ranging from 10 percent to 50 percent of the regular prices in the market.

 

Tacbad said with the return of the physical Diskwento caravan, they are expecting to surpass the PHP1.195 million earnings generated during the 2021 caravan in various locations in Zambales.

 

There are 40 SME exhibitors-sellers from Central Luzon and Marikina City that participated in the caravan, selling school supplies, food products and handicrafts.

 

The caravan is being held at the parking lot of Ayala Harbor Point here.

 

Meanwhile, SBMA Deputy Administrator Ruel John Cabigting welcomed the Diskwento caravan in Subic and became part of the project to help the residents to afford school supplies and other commodities.

 

“It is an honor to become a partner with DTI,” said Cabigting, adding that SBMA is fully supporting the small and medium enterprises as this helps provide jobs and income for the residents and the community.

 

The Diskwento caravan in Subic Freeport will run until May 20. (Ruben Veloria, PNA)

Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1174756

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FIRB approves tax perks for Project Agila, supports Hanjin shipyard rehabilitation

The Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB), upon the endorsement of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), has approved the grant of tax incentives to Project AGILA for the redevelopment and operations of the Hanjin shipyard in the Subic Bay freeport zone.

This project is funded by United States (US)-based private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management.

Finance Secretary and FIRB Chairman Carlos Dominguez III supported the approval of the tax perks for Project AGILA with a total project cost of P17 billion as the rehabilitation of the Hanjin shipyard presents economic potential, given its strategic location near the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The project was granted special corporate income tax (SCIT), value-added tax (VAT) exemption from importation, VAT zero-rating on local purchases, and duty exemption on importation.

“We expect the project to create jobs in the adjacent communities, increase economic activity as well as support the national government’s economic recovery efforts,” said Dominguez.

He added, “The resumption of operations in the shipyard will also prompt development and productivity in the area, which can attract more investment opportunities into the country.”

Furthermore, the project will cater to both the Philippine Navy (PN) and potential export locators.

It will be beneficial, specifically to the Navy, as it will involve the safety and efficiency of the Philippine government ships’ performance and, consequently, strengthen national security. (PR)

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SBMA conducts fire response exercises for 40 seaport security, safety officers

As a safety measure to mitigate fire incidents in the port facility, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Seaport department conducted a Port Facility Fire Emergency Response Exercise 2022 at the Marine Terminal Port Facility, Naval Supply Depot (NSD) compound.

The exercise was conducted in coordination with the SBMA Fire department with the participation of Seaport department personnel and some 40 security and safety officers from various locators and stakeholders within the facility.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino said that the Emergency Response Exercise is part of the SBMA’s thrust to strengthen its capabilities to respond quickly to different emergency scenarios that may arise inside the port facility.

Paulino added that the exercise aims to test the existing procedures and contingency plans in case of emergency, namely, the capabilities of the emergency responders, the communication skills and coordination, and the resource availability and response.

Diego Aviles of the Port Operations Division of the SBMA Seaport Department explained that as part of the exercise, a scenario was created wherein a building inside the NSD was caught on fire.

The Shipyard and Field Monitoring Officer then immediately reported the incident to his supervisor and tried to extinguish the fire, but failed. Then the Fire department arrived at the scene.

Aviles explained to participants that the Fire department knew nothing about the scenario they created aside from an on-going training. This is to determine how fast before the fire truck could actually reach the site, which their Citizen’s Charter requires seven minutes.

Aviles called the Fire Station, which is about two kilometers away from the site, and reported a burning building at the NSD, but it was only a drill.

True to is Citizen’s Charter, the responding fire truck arrived in six minutes and 11 seconds.

Aviles further explained that a tiny spark could become destructive with the presence of high temperature and strong wind, which are both present this time of the year especially in areas like a seaport facility.

Most of the participants were security and safety officers from Subic Bay International Terminal Corp., Amerasia International Terminal Services Inc., Subic Consolidated Projects Inc., Mega Subic Terminal Services Inc., which service bulk cargo (grains) and storage handling, which are vulnerable to fire.

The participants were given basic training on fire prevention skills like the use of fire extinguisher and handling of a fire truck hose. (MPD-SBMA)

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BOC Port of Subic acquires 2 patrol boats

In an effort to strengthen its maritime security capabilities in this premier Freeport, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Subic has launched two new water patrol boats.

Port of Subic District Collector Atty. Maritess Martin said that the 12.7-meter patrol boats, which they acquired from the head office, are capable of reaching speeds of over 45 knots and will be used by the BOC in boarding formalities, patrol and water pursuit within the nation’s borders.

Martin also said that these two boats are built to complete demanding missions with absolute reliability. She added that these boats will primarily be deployed for rapid interception of smugglers to foil smuggling activities and other fraudulent activities through consistent patrolling.

The two fast patrol boats will be used for the joint operations of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the BOC Port of Subic in suppressing smuggling activities in our shores, and to carry out customs-related operations.

Martin also expressed her gratitude to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino for supporting the agency’s undertakings in this premier Freeport.

“The Port of Subic is just so excited and privileged to be given the opportunity to continue our service, not only through the collection of lawful revenue, but also by patrolling our waters thus prevent smuggling,” she said.

Chairman Paulino, moreover, lauded the efforts of BOC Port of Subic for protecting the waters of this premier Freeport, citing that this will provide full support in the agency’s endeavor in preventing smuggling.

Meanwhile, BOC Water Patrol Division SP Maj. Danielo S. Gonzales, and ESS-CPD District Commander S/P Capt. Vincent Mark S. Malasmas was also present during the inauguration of the two patrol boats. (MPD-SBMA)

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1st face-to-face job fair kicks off SBMA’s month-long Labor Day 2022 celebration

For the first time after two years of stalled activities due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) kicked off its month-long celebration of Labor Day 2022  with a face-to-face job fair early Monday morning.

Hundreds of job-seekers from Olongapo City and nearby towns trooped to Ayala Mall Harbor Point to grab their opportunity to bounce back from economic difficulties that the pandemic had caused.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino said that more than 3,000 job vacancies from 55 companies in the Subic Freeport and Olongapo City are up for grabs in the said job fair.

“I hope every one of you gets a job today. And when you get hired, always be a good and hardworking employee. Always put your family at the top of your priorities,” Paulino told applicants,  emphasizing the pros and cons of joining labor unions.

“When you have problems with your employers, seek help of our SBMA Labor Center who is always ready to help you resolve your problems. There is nothing that could not be resolved in a peaceful dialogue,” he assured.

Chairman Paulino also reported that the takeover of Cerberus Management Capital and Agila Naval, Inc. of the former Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC) facility, has been finalized.

“That is why, we will be coordinating with TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) for the skills training that maybe needed when Cerberus starts operation any time soon,” he said.

Atty. Melvin Varias, manager of the SBMA Labor Department, noted that locators and investors in the Subic Freeport were very much pleased with the turnout of the job fair after being stalled for two years.

“Subic companies are pleased with today’s job fair because for the first time in two years, they are able to screen applicants face-to-face, which is more convenient in hiring on-the-spot,” Varias said.

Varias reported that the number of companies joining the job fair has increased to 60 with 3,415 job vacancies to offer.

The job fair is in partnership with the Olongapo City Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and is part of the month-long Labor Day 2022 celebration.

Other activities lined-up are Zumbang Pampalakas, Obrerong Matikas, a zumbathon for all Freeport workers at the Boardwalk on May 6; a 3K Fun Run  on May 7 around the Central Business District; Diskwento Caravan at the Harbor Point parking area from May 18 to 20; and Job Fair Part 2 at the Harbor Point on May 18. (MPD-SBMA)

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Chicano, Alcoseba best Filipino finishers in Subic International Triathlon

John Chicano and Raven Alcoseba became the best performing Filipinos as Japanese bets reigned supreme in the 2022 NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone last Sunday.

 

Chicano clocked 1 hour, 51 minutes and 2 seconds to finish at 22nd place in the men’s division that was topped by Asia’s No. 3 and world No. 56 Ren Sato, who timed 1:43:11.

 

Chicano’s teammate John Remolino was at 23rd with 1:52:11, while Iñaki Lobres finished at 25th with 1:54:22. 

 

Japan made a 1-2 finish with Ryoya Tamazaki settling behind Sato in 1:43:37. Australia’s Oscar Dart came in third with 1:43:48.

 

In the distaff side, Alcoseba finished 13th after timing 2:09:56 behind eventual champion and Youth Olympic games gold medalist Yuka Sato, who posted a winning time of 1:58:49.

 

Hong Kong’s Choi Yan Yin Hilda pocketed the silver in 2:00:37 while Slovakia’s Margareta Bicanova settled for bronze in 2:01:02.

 

The 1.5-kilometer swim, 40km bike and 10km run race serves as an exposure for national athletes bound to the 31st Southeast Asian Games slated in Hanoi, Vietnam next week. (Manila Bulletin)

Source:https://mb.com.ph/2022/05/02/chicano-alcoseba-best-filipino-finishers-in-subic-international-triathlon/

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Isuzu opens P220M showroom, service center in Subic Bay Freeport

As restrictions brought by the Covid-19 pandemic are easing up, Velocity Motor Sales Corp. opened the P220-million Isuzu Subic Full Scale Dealership on Friday at the Subic Gateway District.

The grand opening of the P220-million dealership and service center was led by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino; Isuzu Philippines Corp. President Hajime Koso; Velocity Motor Sales Corp. President Jason Hao; and Velocity Motor Sales Corp. Chairman Jeffrey Hao Lin.

Paulino said that the grand opening of the Isuzu dealership is a sign of investor-confidence in Subic Freeport’s potential, and that this is the best time to invest in Subic Freeport.

He added that he recently signed an agreement with Cerberus for the revival of the Hanjin shipyard during his recent trip to the United States.

He said that with more foreign companies investing in the Subic Bay Freeport, local companies should invest as well and take advantage of the influx of foreign companies here.

He urged officials of the Isuzu Subic Full Scale Dealership to employ workers from adjacent communities, especially Olongapo City, saying that having employees near their establishment would alleviate them from paying housing allowance, paying too much for transportation, and can be called upon in case of an emergency due to the nearness of their vicinity.

Velocity President Hao said that the Isuzu dealership center has a display showroom and service center to conduct all ancillary and related activities of the car brand. He added that there is also a conference room, a kid’s playroom, new vehicle releasing area, parts and accessories kiosk, and other facilities.

The official said that the company signed a lease term of 50 years.

Situated at Block 3, former Marshalling Yard of the Subic Gateway District, the 5,000 square meter building started construction two years ago during the administration of former SBMA Chairman Wilma Eisma  but was delayed due to the restrictions brought by the Covid-19 pandemic. (MPD-SBMA)

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Construction of access road linking Subic Bay Freeport to SCTEX-Mabiga Exit in Bataan underway

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has started work on a 17.74-kilometer access road that will connect the Subic Bay Freeport Zone to the Mabiga Exit of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) in Bataan.

DPWH region III director Roseller Tolentino said the new diversion road will bring the Hermosa Ecozone Industrial Park closer to major seaports and airports in the region.

 

Tolentino said it will also be linked to the Luzon Spine Expressway Network, thus providing ease in inter-regional accessibility.

 

Starting in 2020, the multi-year project has an initial allocation of PHP120 million for the improvement of the 3.95-kilometer Mabiga-Morong segment, which had an accomplishment rate of 74.28 percent as of March 31, 2022.

 

Meanwhile,  the construction of the 7.264-kilometer Mabiga-Palihan section was given a total of PHP200 million under the 2021 national budget.

 

“Our thrust is to increase our road investments in the region. Expanding our existing road networks in the country’s industrial heartland will primarily benefit ecozone locators as there will be greater mobility that can result in lower business costs and faster delivery of goods and services,” Tolentino said in a statement.

 

The multi-year access road project has a total estimated cost of PHP4.05 billion and is expected to be completed in 2027.

 

“Right now, we are working on this project in phases and there is a lot of extensive work that need(s) to be done before it can be fully used by the public. The Regional Construction Division and our Bataan 1st District Engineering Office are committed to fast-track the implementation of this project," he added. (SNL)

 

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Coca-Cola turns over PET bottle bins, benches to SBMA

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI) turned over bottle collection bins and benches to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as part of the company’s “World Without Waste” (WWW) program here in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ).

According to CCBPI Stakeholder Relations Associate Manager Atty. Dianne Patawaran, the bottle collection bins are situated in various areas of this premier Freeport such as the Boardwalk Area, Mini Golf area, Remy Field, and the Malawaan Park.

She added that the benches donated are made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles collected from the WWW program, citing that these benches will also be located in the aforementioned areas within the SBFZ.

The official said that the SBMA and their company placed these collection bins in frequented areas of tourists so they can drop off their PET bottles of any brand there.

Corporate and Regulatory Affairs director Atty. Marc Cox said that the  WWW is a program launched by the company a few years ago.

“Our ambition is to collect and recycle the equivalent can or pet bottle we put out in the market. In the Philippines, we are in a unique position since Coca-Cola invested in a recycling facility called PET Value Philippines Corp.,” he added.

The company official cited that some of the recycled bottles from the recycling facility will become available locally for use by Coca-Cola. He added that they  have already started using recycled PET bottles in their Viva mineral water in eco bottles.

Both the SBMA and the CCBPI signed the agreement on the World Without Waste program, helping the beverage company in collecting as many PET bottles from these collection bins and upcycling them into benches, school chairs, and even trash bins.

SBMA Ecology Manager Amethya Dela Llana and CCBPI Stakeholder Relations, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Director Atty. Mark Anthony Cox signed the agreement at the Boardwalk area, further solidifying the partnership of the two in making the SBFZ cleaner and greener.

Dela Llana lauded the efforts of CCBPI, citing that PET bottles have been one of the most visible trash seen in the SBFZ. She cited that the agreement would not only help minimize the number of PET bottles littered here, but would also be used in upcycling the material into useful furniture.

Cox said that the company aims to help collect and recycle a bottle or can for every one we sell by 2030.

“That’s our vision for World Without Waste, an ambitious environmental program we launched in 2018. The world has a packaging problem. As the world’s biggest beverage company, we have a responsibility to help solve it,” he said.

He added that the company aims to make their packaging 100 percent recyclable by 2025, and use 50 percent recycled material in our bottles and cans by 2030.

“As we work toward a world without waste, we aim to collect and recycle a bottle or can — regardless of where it comes from — for every one we sell by 2030,” he said. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Japan finalizes the Subic Bay Regional Development Masterplan

The Department of Finance (DOF), on Tuesday (April 26), unveiled the Subic Bay Regional Development Master Plan which was finalized with the assistance of a survey mission team of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The master plan will serve as a blueprint to maximize the economic development potentials of the Subic Bay and its surrounding areas.

The joint effort of the Philippines and Japan to formulate a regional development master plan for Subic Bay commenced with the decision by the two countries’ leaders in November 2019–and the Memorandum of Cooperation to that effect in Hakone, Japan, in December 2019.

The finalized Master Plan was furnished by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Kazuhiko Koshikawa, to Secretary Dominguez on April 7 in Manila.

During Secretary Dominguez’s meeting on April 25 with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Hon. Hayashi Yoshimasa, both sides welcomed the successful completion of the Master Plan that was yet another epitome of bilateral strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan.

“We deeply appreciate the Japanese Government’s close coordination and expeditious fulfillment of the commitment to the Subic Bay development masterplan, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic during its preparation,” said Secretary Dominguez.

The Master Plan envisages Subic Bay region’s economic future and concrete development proposals in both public and private sectors, with which the Philippine Government unlocks the full potentials of Subic Bay, including the port capacity and the connectivity with its hinterlands, with a view to helping continued efforts to decongest Metro Manila.

Minister Hayashi expressed hope that the publication of the Master Plan proves to be conducive to the enhancement of regional connectivity and coast guard capabilities of the Philippines.

The Philippines and Japan signed the Memorandum of Cooperation on Subic Bay Regional Development in December 2019 with the belief that such cooperation would serve both countries’ common interests.

To be specific, the Japanese side rendered technical support to the formulation of the Subic Bay Regional Development Master Plan that maximizes the economic development potentials of the Subic Bay by harmonizing logistics, industry and living functions, as well as existing assets and new investments.

The finalized master plan has covered possible development projects in the fields of road network for Olongapo’s Central Business District and Subic Bay West Coast, logistics terminals such as Alava Wharf, among others, and public utilities such as the Philippine Coast Guard’s new support facilities.

To date, Japan remains to be the country’s top Official Development Assistance (ODA) partner, with a net loan commitment of about USD 10.02 billion, and grant amount of USD 181.15 million, accounting for 31.84 percent of the country’s total ODA portfolio. (SNL)

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400 Masonic riders join historic 1st-ever Unity Ride to SBFZ

At least 400 members of different Masonic Riders Clubs from all over Luzon joined the first ever Unity Ride and converged at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC).

The Unity Ride, which started from the different hometowns of different Masonic Riders’ Clubs, entered the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) thru the Tipo Security Plaza, toured the San Bernardino road en route Olongapo City, and finally to SBECC for its final stop.

“I preferred it to be held here in Subic (Freeport) to make it historical for the riders to be in the country’s top tourist destination because this is a dream destination for them,” Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino said.

Paulino, who is also the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, added that the Unity Ride was aimed unifying all Masonic Riding Clubs and Associations and maintaining harmony among the masons by promoting the Masonic Year “Clear Vision of Masonic Harmony” thru this unity ride.

Organized by the Sons of Luzon Pilipinas and the Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association, they were joined by East and West, Travellers, King Solomon, and Vespa riders, among other riders’ clubs.

Coming all the way from Lipa City, Batangas, Bro. Gil Quiambao, Jr. of the Sons of Luzon, the organizing group, said that the Unity Ride, which was in coordination with the SBMA, to unify all Masonic Riding Clubs and Associations.

The Unity Ride 2022 is a motorcycle ride is open to all Mason motorcycle riders and enthusiasts. (MPD-SBMA)

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US-based Cerberus acquires Hanjin shipyard in Subic Bay

United States-based private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management has completed its takeover of the shipyard previously run by Hanjin Philippines in Subic Bay with the recent conclusion of agreements on the facility, government officials confirmed.

"The completion of the Subic Bay shipyard will redound to benefits for the country, bring jobs to the local communities, increase economic activity, and at the same fortify our strategic security measure," Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez was quoted as saying in a press release early Friday morning.

Manila's embassy in Washington said Romualdez made the remarks during a diplomatic reception on Apr. 19. The envoy also expressed his appreciation to officials of both countries along with executives of Cerberus for their efforts, which led to the conclusion of the deals.

"Great to see the completion of the acquisition of Hanjin shipyard in Subic Bay by a U.S.-based firm. An important example of U.S.-Philippine public-private partnership," Ely Ratner, U.S. assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, tweeted on Thursday.

Cerberus co-founder and co-chief executive officer Steve Feinberg also recognized the support offered by both the Philippine and American governments in ensuring the agreements' completion, said the embassy.

"Working with the United States on this project will help ensure that we are able to protect our interests not only for our country but the whole region," Romualdez said.

The facility at the former giant U.S. naval base has caught the attention of Chinese investors given its strategic location near the West Philippine Sea.

Details of the purchase, including the price, were not disclosed. Reuters reported last month that Cerberus was buying the debt-laden shipyard for $300 million.

Foreign Affairs chief Teddyboy Locsin called the transaction the "biggest public-private partnership in the 75-year history of Philippine-US relations." (CNN Philippines)

Source: https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/4/22/Cerberus-conclusion-agreements-Hanjin-shipyard-Subic-Bay.html 

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SBMA to celebrate Earth Day the “new normal” way

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is set to conduct various activities during the Earth Day 2022 Celebration on April 22 as part of the agency’s thrust to promote environmental protection while still practicing minimum public health protocols.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, who is in the US for an official trip, the agency aims to conduct activities at each department’s convenient time.

“This year, with the lowering of the alert level in the area, the SBMA will be taking part in the Earth Day Celebration with strict compliance of the minimum health and safety standards to prevent the spread of the virus. Earth Day activities will be done in several small groups, and not as one big group,” he added.

This year’s theme “Invest in Our Planet” is, according to Paulino, fitting for the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, citing that one of his mandates as Head of the Agency is to invest in the environment in order to attract more business activities in this premier Freeport.

“One of the many thrusts of my office is the beautification of the area, providing lush greeneries and colorful blossoms around the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The SBMA has already started planting bougainvillea on many center islands and pathways of the Freeport,” he said.

Among the activities lined up for the occasion, is a cleanup activity within the vicinities of SBMA office buildings, including the administration building 229, Building N, Naval Supply Depot, and other agency infrastructure.

Each department/office will also conduct lectures for their personnel regarding waste management or environmental protection in relation to their Environmental Management System (EMS).

The official also urged each employee to practice the five Rs of waste management all the time, namely, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle.

During his first month, Paulino has ordered most of the companies located near the coastal areas of Subic Bay such as the Boardwalk Area and the San Bernardino Road to keep their fronts clean, with all complying to ensure a cleaner and greener Freeport.

The Earth Day Celebration was adopted in the Philippines in 1990 by President Corazon C. Aquino by virtue of PD 553 s. 1990 and was supplemented by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo through PD 1481 s.2008, declaring every 22nd of April as the "Philippine Earth Day".

During the past two years, the SBMA was unable to celebrate Earth Day due to the health and safety protocols brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Earth Day is an annual event held on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EarthDay.org (formerly Earth Day Network) including one billion people in more than 193 countries. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport braces for tourists influx for Holy Week

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), in anticipation of high influx of tourists and devotees coming here, has lined up weeklong activities, in observance of the Holy Week celebration in the “new normal.”

During the opening of the Weekend Eco-Market over the weekend, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino said that Subic is almost in full swing opening more areas of destinations for more guests to visit.

“SBMA is again open. I really wanted people to come here in Subic during the Holy Week. But with what I see, it is more than I expected,” Paulino said.

Paulino’s appointment as SBMA Chairman and Administrator coincided with the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), downgrading Region 3 to Alert Level 1. He also vowed to make Subic Bay Freeport one of the most visited places in the country.

Over the weekend, the Chairman spearheaded the opening of the Subic Bay Weekend Eco-Market, an outdoor flea market located near the San Roque Chapel where some 30 micro, small and medium enterprise businesses from Central Luzon sell fresh and processed fruits, vegetables, meats, handicrafts and more.

Open from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the Subic Bay Weekend Eco-Market, in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), aims to help revive tourism and economy in the area, and will run all weekends until end of May.

Moreover, the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) also opened 2022 Subic Bay Banchetto and trade fair for the span of the Holy Week period, and provide a venue to unwind after the working class went back to work on a 100 percent complement.

“Since Region 3 was placed under Alert Level 1, we all have been working hard. And the Banchetto was organized in time for the Holy Week to give ourselves a much-deserved break,” said Benjamin Antonio III, SBFCC president and Subicwater chief executive officer and general manager.

He said that the Banchetto is also in partnership with the DoT and DTI aiming to revive tourism and economy as micro, small and medium enterprise businesses joined the trade fair.

The Banchetto will run daily from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday only.

Meanwhile, for devotees of the religious activities, San Roque Chapel started the Holy Week with the Blessing of Palm, locally known as palaspas, the re-enactment of the entry of Jesus to Jerusalem, and the Station of the Cross.

On Holy Monday (April 11) until Holy Wednesday (April 13), there will be the “Pabasa sa Freeport,” the chanting of the life, passion and death of Jesus, from 8:00 AM onwards. A Holy Mass follows at 5:00 PM, and a religious procession at 6:00 PM.

On Maundy Thursday (April 14), there will be Holy Mass and Washing of the Feet (5:00 PM), to be followed by a Holy Mass at 6:00 PM. And the start of Visita Iglesia (7:00 PM- 12:00 MN).

On Maundy Thursday (April 15), Private Station of the Cross (6:00 AM- 12:00NN/SRC), Liturgy of the Word and Veneration of the Cross (3:00PM/ SRC). The Grand Procession follows at 6:00 PM.

Good Friday (April 17), the much-awaited Salubong (4:00 AM), the pre-dawn meeting of the images of the Risen Christ, and the grieving Mother Mary. Procession starts in front of Dispensary Building and the other is at Spanish Gate. Holy Mass at 5:00 AM. Easter Egg Hunting begins at 11:00 AM at San Roque Chapel.

The visitors can also take the opportunity to join the procession (Holy Wednesday) and the grand procession on Good Friday.

Chairman Paulino said that because of its security and cleanliness, the Freeport is a favorite vacation rendezvous with the family to remember the sufferings of Jesus, the meaning of His death, and His resurrection.

“As we would have wanted to have Alert Level 0, and come up with a better normal in the Freeport, we still enjoin everyone to follow minimal health protocols. Wear your face masks and sanitize your hands with alcohol whenever possible. Let us all stay safe,” Paulino said. (MPD-SBMA)

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