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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SBMA releases ₱178.7-M revenue shares to neighboring LGUs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Casares, Alcoseba rule NAGT 2023 in Subic Bay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Subic hosts season 98 NCAA beach volleyball tournament

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SBMA chair lauds employees for apprehension of smuggling try in Subic

"Not on my watch!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Paulino welcomes appointment of new SBMA directors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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PBBM names new SBMA board members

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SBMA names engineer, foreman as agency’s 2021 Employees of the Year

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has conferred the 2021 Employee of the Year (EOY) award to an Engineer and a Foreman. 

Bagging the most prestigious award of the agency were Engr. Jomel Libut of the Regulatory Group for Category 2 and Peter Moneda of the Public Services Group for Category 1. 

“I am so proud to be heading the best GOCC (Government-Owned and –Controlled Corporation) in the country called the SBMA, and to be working with the best team whose work ethics exude excellence, I am beyond blessed,” said SBMA chairman and administrator Rolen C. Paulino.  

The awarding ceremony transpired during the agency’s anniversary program where Paulino recalled the time when volunteers started rebuilding the former US military bases after the Americans had pulled out. He lauded all employees for the efforts throughout the agency’s existence.

Libut, who is from the Building Permit and Safety Department (BPSD) stood out among five other EOY finalists for Catergory 2 for his hands-on supervision of the implementation of major pipeline projects of the SBMA, which includes seven road rehabilitation projects and the perimeter fence rehabilitation from Kalaklan to Kalayaan.

Libut is a Project Evaluation Officer V and the Employee of the Quarter (EOQ) of the Regulatory Group for the first quarter of 2021, and the division chief of the Utilities Department, at the same time. 

Meanwhile, Moneda outshone his fellow EOY finalists for Category 1 being known for having offered SBMA offices in need of solutions to cooling problems by salvaging A/C parts from old unserviceable units to rehabilitate and repair five units of 7.5 tonnes split-type A/C, two units of split-type evaporators, and a window-type A/C. This made the agency save a total of ₱110,000 for the same period he was nominated for. 

Moneda is a Foreman B of the Maintenance and Transportation Department (MTD) and the Employee of the Quarter (EOQ) of the Public Services Group for the second quarter of 2021. 

Other contenders for the Category 2 were Lolita Bondoc of the Chairman and Administrator Group, Sheryll Rose Santiago of the Business and Investments Group, Jess Cipriano of the Operations Group, Engr. Janet Pasoot of the Public Services Group, and Genie Rose Vicente of the Support Services Group.  

Finalists vying for the Category 1 title were Jean Marie Pescador of the Business and Investments Group, June Rainer Roxas of the Operations Group, John Dela Cruz of the Regulatory Group, and Emily Abuan of the Support Services Group. 

All finalists received a plaque of appreciation for being selected the EOY of their respective Strategic Business Units (SBUs), and ₱20,000 cash.

The EOYs for both categories each received another sash as overall EOY of their respective category, another plaque of appreciation as overall EOY of their respective category, a collar pin, additional ₱25,000 cash, and a gift certificate worth ₱5,000. 

The remaining finalists still received additional cash incentive worth ₱3,000.

The employee of the year program was established in 2006 to recognize outstanding men and women for their excellent service, as such, 50 percent industriousness and productivity, 30 percent quality customer service, and 20 percent malasakit and honesty. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, PNP inaugurates vessel operations training center in Subic Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MG) inaugurated the Vessel Operations Training Center inside this premier Freeport on Friday.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, the creation of the training center was thru the efforts of the agency and the PNP-MG via a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The newly constructed center is located at Bldg. 696 of the Global Industrial Park.

Paulino said that according to the MOA, the SBMA will provide a facility for the PNP-MG that will help in training police officers in operating seagoing vessels of the agency. He added that the agency will also provide additional amenities and equipment that will help in training police officers operate SBMA ships.

Currently, PNP-MG personnel operate the vessels of the SBMA, including MV Kalayaan, MV Binictican, MV Redondo, MV Ilanin, MV Triboa, MV Cubi, and MV Maritan. Paulino and PNP-MG Director Police Brigadier General Harold B. Tuzon signed the MOA at the administration building on March this year.

Paulino and Tuzon, along with Regional Maritime Unit 3 chief Police Col. Oliver Tanseco and assistant chief Police Lt. Col. Sami B. Lorenzo, led the inauguration of the new facility near the Alava Pier. Reverend Father Orlando Correa led the blessing of the facility.

The facility boasted of a gym, mess hall, offices, rooms, shower areas for men and women, and other areas needed for the training of personnel.

Tuzon expressed his gratitude to Paulino for the unwavering support given to his unit, citing that the SBMA chief has gone above and beyond what was stipulated in the MOA.

According to the MOA, the PNP-MG will conduct security operations for the waters of Subic Bay, while providing trained and licensed personnel to man the seven patrol boats of the agency. These boats include 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.

“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, adding that 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 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. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA chief lauds SBF company advocating reduction of global food wastes

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino recently expressed praises towards a company in this premier Freeport that distributes a machine that converts earth friendly water from food wastes.

During his tour of Dunbrae Philippines Inc. showroom facility located inside the Subic Gateway Park, Paulino was shown the ORCA Machine being distributed by the company. The ORCA Machine turns food waste into earth friendly water.

 

According to Dunbrae Philippines Inc. General Manager Reida Ibabao, the company is the sole distributor of these machines made in Canada. She said that companies in the Philippines have already purchased these waste disposers and are currently utilizing it as part of their sustainability efforts.

 

Ibabao cited that natural microorganisms, combined with the action of the ORCA technology digests food wastes and turns into earth-friendly water in 24 hours. “It’s compact, efficient, clean and undeniably green,” the company added.

 

Paulino lauded the company’s efforts in reducing the food waste in the environment, citing that if every company, not only food-related ones, in the Subic Freeport would utilize this machine, a drastic reduction in the food wastes hauled here could be expected.

 

“The ORCA machine is being utilized in dozens of countries, why can’t we use it here? Since Subic Bay Freeport is Central Luzon’s number one tourism destination, the area produces a lot of food wastes that need to be addressed,” he stated.

 

He added that if there is an ORCA machine in every major restaurants here, these would drastically reduce the overall tonnage of waste disposal that will be taken to the landfill, also reducing the labor required to haul trash bags to the garbage.

 

Ibabao stated that the earth-friendly water that the ORCA machine produces could be safely repurposed or returned to the environment once treated.

 

“Our technology creates meaningful cost savings for customers while diverting food waste from landfills. Landfill diversion reduces both carbon dioxide and methane gas emissions.  ORCA also helps to increase labor efficiency by keeping employees in the kitchen and reducing the number of strains and sprains,” she added.

 

With four different model sizes, ORCA can accommodate any kitchen’s food waste volumes and space limitations.

 

All ORCA models are equipped with onboard scales that will track the weight of every piece of food waste put into it. The scales connect to the Dunbrae’s proprietary ORCA Portal, a personalized dashboard that will allow users to analyze real-time data, create customized reports, and look at the amount of food waste diverted over time. (MPD-SBMA)

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Tanghalang Maliksi bags Best Stage Play in 1st-ever SBMA GAD theatre fest 2022

Tanghalang Maliksi of Sta. Rita High School in Olongapo City was awarded  “Best Stage Play” during the recently concluded first-ever Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Theatre Festival 2022 held here. 

Their entry entitled “Magda,” depicted various facets of violence against women and children in a musical stage play with Eraserhead songs in their repertoire. 

In her welcome speech, SBMA Gender Focal Point System (GFPS) Executive Committee Head Amethya Dela Llana challenged the stage actors to engage, not just in joining the contest, but also in spreading the word to the entire society, thru acting on stage, about the reality of violence that is happening to women and children everywhere. 

“Theatre Fest 2022 was conceptualized to amplify awareness through entertainment, involving the youth and exposing them early to issues surrounding women and children as we move towards our goal to have a VAW-free Philippines,” Dela Llana said.

Dela Llana also said that Theatre Fest 2022 is a project of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Gender and Development (GAD) and is part of the 18-day campaign to end violence against women with its theme, “UNiTEd for a VAW-free Philippines,” which kicked-off last November 25 and will end on December 12. 

Also participating in the Theatre Fest were Sta. Rita High School Artistic Repertory Theatrical Expression (ARTE) and Association of Barangay VAWC Officers of Olongapo City. 

ARTE, also comprised of students from Sta. Rita High School, staged “Iba’t-ibang Karanasan sa Iisang Mukha” and bagged 2^nd Best Stage Play. They also got Best Director award for Manuel Gabriel, and Best Actress award for Gweneth Ignacio. 

The Association of Barangay VAWC Officers was awarded 3^rdBest Stage Play for “Bumangon ka Juana, Laban Lang!” 

Apart from the Best Stage Play, Tanghalang Maliksi also got the Best Actor award for Chance Arpilleda, Best Production Design and Best Technical Design. 

Awardees received a trophy and a cash prize for each award. 

Meanwhile, SBMA GAD coordinator DJ Jepsz Eslava disclosed that the SBMA GAD activities in store for next year will be bigger and better.  

The Anti-VAWC Theatre Fest 2022 was in partnership between the SBMA, the SBMA GAD-Technical Working Group, SBMA GAD representatives, the SBMA Employee Welfare Multi-Purpose Cooperative, the SBMA Employees’ Association, 89.5 Subic Bay Radio, Association of Barangay VAWC Officers, Olongapo City, and the Rotary Club of Subic Pearl. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA celebrates 30th anniversary with modest, employee-centered ceremonies

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently celebrated its 30^th founding anniversary honoring the men and women who have worked hard to make the agency what it is today, a self-sustaining government agency.

During the all-employee anniversary program, Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino recalled the time when volunteers started rebuilding the former US military bases after the Americans had pulled out. He lauded all employees for the efforts throughout the agency’s existence.

“It has been 30 years since the 12 senators rejected the extension of the bases treaty in 1991. We didn’t know what was in store for us then. What we didn’t know was something bigger was bound to happen—for me to be working with the best government-owned and –controlled corporation (GOCC) employees in the country, the SBMA employees,” Paulino proudly said.

The anniversary celebration continued until the evening for the kick-off ceremony of combined celebration between the SBMA and the City Government of Olongapo, as well as a reunion with former SBMA Chairmen and Administrators, and the lighting of the Christmas tree, officially launching the Yuletide season at the Boardwalk Event Center.

During the evening program, the former Chairmen and Administrators were honored through an audio-visual presentation entitled, “Hailing the Captains and First Mates of the Economic Flagship of the Philippines.”

Former Chairman and Administrator Roberto Garcia, former Administrator Armand Arreza, and Atty. Marvin Diño on behalf of former Chairman Martin Diño partook in the celebration, all of them thanking employees for a job well done, and wishing the best for the SBMA.

“I think this is really the spirit of SBMA, the volunteerism, the willingness to help, and do good everything for the success of SBMA. I want to thank all of the past chairman and administrators, all of the board of directors, all of the management and staff, you have done a wonderful job in bringing SBMA to where it is today—the largest and the most progressive free port in the country today,” Garcia said.

Earlier that day, Paulino led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Volunteers’ Shrine, together with the top management officials and the Board of Directors. It was followed by a motorcade en route to the administration building 229, where the awarding of the 2021 Employee of the Year highlighted the anniversary program.

Emerging from the ranks of Employees of the Year of their respective Strategic Business Units (SBUs) were Peter Moneda of the Public Services Group for Category 1 and Engr. Jomel Libut of the Regulatory Group for Category 2.

Moneda is known for having offered SBMA offices in need of solutions to cooling problems by salvaging A/C parts from old unserviceable units to rehabilitate and repair five units of 7.5 tonnes split-type A/C, two units of split-type evaporators, and a window-type A/C. This made the agency save a total of 110,000 pesos for the period that he became Employee of the Quarter of his SBU.

Meanwhile, Engr. Libut is hands-on in overseeing the implementation of major pipeline projects of the SBMA including seven road rehabilitation projects and the perimeter fence rehabilitation from Kalaklan to Kalayaan. All that, and at the same time, being the division chief of the utilities department all year-round.

The raffle draw for all the employees capped off the morning ceremonies, where 60 bags of rice, 3 rice cookers, a window-type A/C, a personal refrigerator, an electric fan, 2 mountain bikes, a 43” and 55” LED televisions, and some cash prizes were given away.

However, before the raffle draw took place, a flash mob interrupted the program and surprised Paulino as he also celebrated his birthday on the same day.

Still earlier on Monday, the SBMA also honored 238 awardees who have achieved ten years, or more, of continuous and satisfactory service in the government during the 8^th SBMA Loyalty Awards Ceremony at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC). 17 awardees were honored for their 10 years of service; 10 awardees for 15 years of service, 35 awardees for 20 years of service, and 176 awardees for 25 years of service.

Awardees were given commemorative items according to their length of service, sash, certificates or plaques of recognition, and cash incentives.

On Wednesday, the Port Operations Group staged a gift-giving activity dubbed as "Give Love on SBMA Day," where ten children with special needs were beneficiaries of gifts and a familiarization tour of the BRP Hydrographer Presbitero, a research and survey vessel docked at the Riviera Pier of the Ship Repair Facility (SRF).

“I wish for more wisdom, so that I could lead the SBMA, most of all, in generating more employment opportunities to residents of Olongapo City, Zambales and Bataan provinces,” Paulino said, also mentioning the biggest Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training center will soon rise in the Subic Bay Freeport to augment skill requirements of industries coming in.

Lastly, he attributed to the former Chairmen and Administrators the ease of leading the SBMA now for they have done a good job establishing the agency then. (MPD-SBMA)

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Paulino cites pivotal role of Subic Bay in US-Phils friendship during Ambassador Carlson’s visit

The former United States Naval Base plays a pivotal role in the relationship between the Philippines and the US, such that a rich cultural history between the two countries is deeply ingrained in Subic Bay Freeport. 

This was the statement made by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino during US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay L. Carlson’s visit to the Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) on Wednesday, November 9.  The SBMA chief accommodated Carlson during her visit to the SBF for an ocular inspection of the area.

Carlson cited that Subic Bay, being once a former US naval base, is a sterling testament of the long history of partnership between the United States and the Philippines. 

The US official also added that the SBF has been a favorite go-to area for US retirees, with many expats spending the rest of their lives here.

Paulino said that the Subic Special Economic Zone is a viable option in case the United States is currently eyeing to relocate some of its companies to the Philippines, due to the freeport's logistical advantage and hardworking people.

He further disclosed that there are almost 170,000 employees working in various companies inside the SBF, adding that there are 47 American locators that have chosen to build their equities here.  This is mostly due to English-speaking employees accounting for ease of communication, resulting in a better, more efficient, and effective workforce, and higher productivity. (MPD-SBMA)

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