SBMA establishes EODB lane for ID processing for SBF locators

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has recently established the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) lane, a special lane dedicated to the batch processing of identification cards for employees and workers here.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato Lee III, who recently inspected the agency’s frontline services on May 30 with the SBMA Anti-Red Tape Unit members, also visited the SBMA-Office Services Department (OSD)’s Pass Issuance and Control Division (PICD).

 

To facilitate the efficient processing of SBMA IDs for companies with many employees, the PICD institutionalized batch processing through non-appearance processing for 20 or more applicants or off-site processing for 100 or more applicants.

 

“It only takes 24 minutes per application for both non-appearance processing and off-site processing. Last year, the OSD-PICD was able to process 5,273 applications from various SBF companies through off-site ID processing, and 2,948 applications as of May 2025,” Lee said.

 

“While processing individual applications at the OSD is generally straightforward, the overall processing and waiting tend to increase when applicants come in groups,” he added.

 

In addition to the OSD-PICD, Lee also inspected the Motor Vehicle Registration Office, the Telecommunications Department, the Ecology Department, the Building Permit Department, the Visa Processing Office, the Business Group’s Logistics Department, the Manufacturing and Maritime Department, the Leisure Department, and the Tourism Department.

 

The Anti-Red Tape Unit inspection was accompanied by stakeholders, including the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC). It also coincided with EODB month as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared May as the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Month.

 

This year’s theme is “From Red Tape to Red Carpet: Better Business Movement in a Bagong Pilipinas” which promotes the government’s collective efforts in fostering a more conducive business environment that benefits every Filipino in the Bagong Pilipinas. (MPD-SBMA) 

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₱4.135-B multi-modal logistics, transport hub to rise in Subic Freeport

 

A ₱4.135-billion multi-modal logistics and transport hub will soon rise in this premier Freeport, as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal Services, Inc. (SBFGTSI) partnered to construct this project.

Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato Lee III and SBFGTSI Executive Vice President Lester C. Valdes recently signed the lease contracts and amendment to the existing contracts at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom on May 28, 2025.

According to Lee, the construction of the multi-modal logistics and transport hub will integrate sections along San Bernardino Road within the Subic Port District and parts of the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA).

The committed investment for the proposed development of these areas includes P660-million for Lot 4, P1.8-billion for Lot 5, P801-million for Lot 6, P20-million for Lot 7, and P854-million for Lot 8. 

These developments include a petroleum tank farm, grain storage, an airport logistics hub, dry storage and warehouse facilities, cold storage areas, a commercial and hospitality hub for cruise ships, and a new wharf for ultra-large cruise ships. 

This is also seen to generate employment for 798 workers. 

“This is a huge step for Subic Bay Freeport as it reaches its goal to have a more modern air and seaport which are expected to boost the port’s capacity, increase competitiveness, and generate more revenue,” Lee said.

Subic’s port development program aligns with the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Development initiative of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose projects are expected to be completed by the end of his term in 2028. These development projects inside the Subic Bay Freeport zone are part of the “Build Better More” project of President Marcos’ administration. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA keeps Subic Freeport locators abreast on logistics automation, other services

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) held a Locators’ Forum at the Subic Bay Travelers Hotel on May 26, 2025 with 170 locators in attendance.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, the Subic Bay International Container Terminal Corp. (SBITC), SBMA Seaport Department, and SBMA Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department (TFCD) collaborated to stage the forum, which was also graced by SBMA Director Cecile Bobadilla-Bitare.

During the forum dubbed “Updates on Logistics Services, Port Projects and Automation,” Senior Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao cited in his opening message the ₱233-million state-of-the-art Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) launched in February 2024. The VTMS significantly improved the safety and operational efficiency of vessel tracking across the Freeport.

Yambao added that the agency is in the initial stages of procurement to implement the Shore Power Connection project, which would reduce air pollution from ships at berth by 95 percent.

“Phase 1, focusing on the New Container Terminal, is set to commence in 2026 with a budget of ₱100 million, followed by Phase 2 covering the Naval Supply Depot and Ship Repair Facility from 2027 to 2028, requiring P150 million,” he said.

He also mentioned the numerous port expansion projects with a total approximate budget of US$878.7 million, including a new Container Terminal 3 with a capacity of 300,000 TEUs, estimated at US$359 million; a multipurpose terminal at Redondo Peninsula, valued at US$162 million; a multipurpose terminal in Lower Mau, supporting bulk and break-bulk industries, costing US$182 million; and a dedicated cruise terminal to boost tourism, with an investment of ₱10.2 billion.

Furthermore, he added that the SBMA is enhancing its logistics capabilities to support multi-modal transport.

“The Freeport boasts a modern container terminal with a capacity of 600,000 TEUs, expandable to one million TEUs, and is accessible by land, sea, and air. Plans include integration with the Luzon Economic Corridor via railway,” he said.

The official also stated that the SBMA has implemented various automation initiatives to streamline cargo movement and enhance efficiency, including the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), Electronic Transit Admission Permit System (ETAPS), and Automated Export Documentation System (AEDS).

The agency is also considering a partnership with the Port of San Diego to transform Subic Freeport into a smart port city.

“This collaboration aims to integrate artificial intelligence, automation, break bulk cargo handling, shore power connections, cruise ship terminal development, and ship repair capabilities,” he said. (MPD-SBMA)

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BYD Philippines opens Subic branch

In line with its thrust to make this premier Freeport a carbon-neutral economic zone by 2030, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) opened its doors to BYD Philippines, with its newest branch here. 

 

During its grand opening on May 19, 2025, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the entry of China’s leading electric vehicle maker here solidifies the stance of the agency in making Subic Freeport carbon-neutral. 

 

He added that the Harmony Auto Philippines-operated branch of BYD will certainly sell a huge volume of electric vehicles that will significantly reduce harmful emissions, while making this premier Freeport its home. 

 

The BYD Subic Branch offers consumers an option for owning a vehicle that is eco-friendly and energy-efficient. The showroom cum service center offers the newest and the latest electric vehicles to residents of Central Luzon.

 

Aliño, BYD Philippines Country Head Adam Hu, BYD Cars Philippines Managing Director Bob Palanca, and Harmony Auto Philippines General Manager Owen Meneses led the inauguration of the fifth franchise of the Chinese EV brand in the country.

 

Also gracing the event were Bataan Congressman Albert Garcia, former Hermosa Mayor Joseph Anthony Inton, and Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr., as well as the SBMA Board of Directors as guests of honor.

 

Subic Bay Freeport is equipped with various EV charging stations that are easily accessible to the public. One is located at the ACEA Subic Beach Resort; another at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall at the Rizal Highway; and one at the Unioil Petroleum Philippines Inc. Subic. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Spanish Ambassador sees investment prospects in Subic Freeport

The Ambassador of Spain to the Philippines, His Excellency Miguel Ultray Delgado visited this premier Freeport and explored opportunities for more Spanish companies to invest here. 

 

During his visit to Subic Bay Freeport on May 22, 2025, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials, led by Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño welcomed Ambassador Delgado at the administration building.

 

The delegation included the Embassy’s Trade and Economic Counsellor Silvia Torices de la Varga, Market Analyst Jose Primo Santos Mendoza, Economic and Commercial Attache Pedro González Lendínez, and Metalyset CEO Jose Moreno Sanchez Perez. 

 

“Subic Bay stands now as a beacon of economic potential, and if it can sustain this progress, it can become a premier logistics and trade hub in Southeast Asia,” Delgado said. 

 

Delgado added that as proof of its progress, Subic Bay Freeport was named among the best Economic Zones in the world in the White Paper study that the Spanish company IDOM is preparing, together with FEMOZA (World Free and Special Economic Zones Federation).

 

According to Delgado, their visit came at a perfect time as the Spanish government takes an interest in Subic, with several Spanish firms from different sectors. “We have brought here the best possible example with Metalyset, and we expect to bring more in the following years,” he added.

 

Metalyset is an international technical and industrial services company founded in 2008 in Spain by professionals with extensive experience in the metalworking industry. The company has been continuously expanding and growing, developing increasingly large-scale projects until its international expansion in 2015. 

 

Meanwhile, Chairman Aliño said that the visit is a testament to the strong ties between the Philippines and Spain, as one of the most historic sites in the Subic Bay Freeport is the Spanish Gate, the original gate of Subic.

 

Also present during the delegation’s visit is Xantheng Subic International Corporation Assistant to the CEO, Best Chang, who provided a glimpse of the various Taiwanese investments in Subic Freeport, including the Tipo High-tech Eco Park (THEP) and the Subic Bay Gateway Park (SBGP).

 

Chairman Aliño thanked the Spanish government for its unwavering support in helping develop the Philippines into an economic powerhouse in renewable energy, sustainable tourism, and maritime education.

 

Ambassador Delgado said, “By leveraging our shared history and mutual aspirations, we can foster a future that embraces innovation and inclusivity. Subic Bay, with its storied past and promising future, stands as a symbol of our enduring friendship and shared commitment to progress.” (MPD-SBMA)

 

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SBMA inaugurates ₱44M Upper Binictican bridge

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has inaugurated and opened the ₱44-million new Upper Binictican Bridge at the Binictican Area of this premier Freeport on May 15, 2025.

 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the new Upper Binictican Bridge replaced the old structure that was built by the Americans in the 1960s when this Freeport was still a US Naval Base.

 

Aliño added that the old bridge has already served motorists in this Freeport for more than 60 years now and should be replaced since it connects the residential area of Binictican to the rest of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. 

 

He further said that the SBMA Engineering Department and maintenance management company A. C. Ong conducted a structural investigation that revealed the old bridge was already in the advanced stage of deterioration due to long-term structural damage. 

 

A few years back, the SBMA and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the construction of a new bridge that will replace the old one. 

 

The SBMA’s Office of the Deputy Administrator (ODA) for Public Works and Technical Services Group (PWTSG) led the construction of the new bridge that was designed and supervised by the DPWH Bataan 1st District Engineering Office (DEO). 

 

PWTSG Deputy Administrator Engr. Marco Estabillo said that the construction commenced on May 8, 2024, and was foreseen to be completed by May 15, 2025. 

 

Estabillo further said that the new bridge design is a reinforced concrete deck girder (RCDG) bridge with a single span and two lanes. The bridge, meanwhile, will be supported by reinforced concrete abutments and a mat/ spread foundation due to the rocky/ boulder nature of the earth.

 

The old bridge measured 17.30m in length, 7.30m in width, with no sidewalks. Meanwhile, the new bridge, Estabillo added, is 22.80m in length, 7.32m in width, with 1.11m sidewalks on both sides, and is now higher by 1.20 meters to prevent log clogging and higher river water capacity absorption during typhoons. 

 

“Transition roads will be regraded and repaved with six meters of Portland cement with asphalt overlay and extensions,” he said.

 

The new bridge will now allow tourists to visit the Pamulaklakin Trail, one of the most visited areas of the Subic Bay Freeport, since it is part of the Pastolan Ayta’s facility that allows tourists to experience outdoor life while learning survival skills from the Ayta instructors. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Ret. US Navy educates SBF stakeholders on Box Jellyfish Awareness and Treatment

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Public Health and Safety Group (PHSD) has tapped the expertise of United States Navy retired Chief Petty Officer Michael Walls to educate stakeholders here on Box Jellyfish Awareness and Treatment.

 

Around 218 participants, mostly SBMA employees, locators, residents, guests, and other SBF stakeholders, Association of Ambulance Operators in Olongapo and Zambales, and other medical responders, especially locators in the beach resort business, took part in the seminar held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on May 9, 2025.

 

"We are seeing more jellyfish now than in previous years," Wells said.

 

“Stings from the box jellyfish can be fatal, especially in children," Walls added. He expounded further by imparting ways on how to avoid incidents of jellyfish stings, as well as immediate treatment when subjected to such.

 

According to the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman-College of Science, the box jellyfish is known for its distinctive box-like appearance and potent venom that can cause potentially systemic effects, which if not immediately addressed, could be fatal.

 

The Chironex yamaguchii, a dangerous species of box jellyfish known to originate from Japan, is also present in Philippine waters, as well as in the Indo-Pacific and Western Pacific regions. Their tentacles can inflict extreme pain, cause skin injuries with welts, and even trigger heart attacks and death.

 

The Box Jellyfish Awareness and Treatment seminar, which aims to promote critical knowledge that could help save lives in case of a box jellyfish sting, is part of the SBMA’s Public Health and Safety Group’s Health and Wellness Caravan. (MPD-SBMA)

 

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US backs Luzon Economic Corridor, hikes funding for Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas railway study

MANILA – The United States has reinforced its commitment to the Philippines’ infrastructure modernization efforts by continuing the support and raising funding for the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) despite the Trump administration halting some US government financing programs in different countries. 

Office Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) Secretary Frederick Go said in a statement on Sunday that the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has increased its grant funding for the pre-feasibility study of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Cargo Railway from USD2.5 million (PHP138.8 million) to USD3.8 million. 

Go said the expanded grant was conveyed to the Philippine government on April 28, following a competitive process for the selection of a US consultancy firm. 

The OSAPIEA, Department of Transportation, and the US Embassy in Manila are scheduled to meet in the next few days to finalize and sign the Beneficiary Agreement for the SCMB project. 

“(This is a) great positive news,” the Palace official said. “This milestone demonstrates that the Philippines-US economic ties are stronger than ever.” 

He added that the increased USTDA grant for the SCMB study reflects growing investor confidence and is expected to lead to more employment opportunities along the corridor. 

Despite the scaling back of some US foreign aid programs, the recent funding increase underscores Washington’s continued support for the Philippines’ development priorities, particularly in infrastructure and economic connectivity. 

In addition to the US funding, discussions are ongoing with Sweden’s development financier Swedfund, which is considering a separate USD1.2-million grant to complement the railway initiative. 

The SCMB freight rail is the LEC's flagship project. It seeks to link key industrial and trade zones in Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas provinces. 

Once operational, the freight rail system is expected to improve logistics operations, reduce transport costs, and enhance regional competitiveness while creating jobs for thousands of Filipinos. 

The LEC is an offshoot of the trilateral meeting of the Philippines, the US and Japan in April 2024. 

 

Go earlier said the United Kingdom, Sweden and Australia signified their intents to join the LEC.

France’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad Laurent Saint-Martin, who visited Manila last month, conveyed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. the European country’s interest to also join the project. (PNA)

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SBMA to hold Labor Day jobs fair with 2,300 job opportunities

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will hold a jobs fair in time for its Labor Day celebration at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall here, with more than 2,300 job opportunities available to job-seekers on May 1, 2025.

 

Labor Center Department Manager Atty. Melvin Varias disclosed that around 45 companies in and around the Subic Bay Freeport Zone will participate in the said jobs fair.

 

Varias added that aside from the jobs fair, a 3-kilometer Fun Run will jumpstart the Labor Day activities. There will also be the Relax Enjoy Siesta Timeout (REST) Free Massage, and the Sulong SBMA Singing Competition, which will all be held at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall’s Activity Center. 

 

“Last year, 26 job seekers were hired on-the-spot. Of the 26 hired, 21 applicants were hired by Da Tian Subic Shoes Inc., manufacturer of popular shoe brands here. While two of them were hired by YZ Consultancy Services Incorporated, and the other three were hired by Coffee & Tea Connection,” Varias said.

 

“We hope that we can fill the number of vacant positions to ensure that the companies in need of workers would operate smoothly. The high demand of our locators’ products has resulted in the need for higher production, hence, the higher demand for employment,” he added. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA’s Passport on Wheels project yields 92 processed passports

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s (SBMA) Passport on Wheels (POW) project at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall on April 29, 2025, was able to process 92 passports in record time of 4 hours. 

SBMA Human Resource and Management Department (HRMD) Manager Vivian Abalos shared that the successful processing of the 92 passports was just a portion of the total 200 passport applications since the other 108 that were supposed to be processed did not materialize due to incomplete documents and payments.

  

Abalos extended her gratitude to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Harbor Point Ayala Mall for their cooperation in the said corporate social responsibility (CSR) project of the agency.

The SBMA has been conducting the POW project even before the pandemic, and it has helped stakeholders within and around the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) in conveniently processing their passport applications and renewals. 

 

Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño explained that the SBMA does not issue passports, but rather, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). He said that this project is a part of the agency’s CSR program in collaboration with the DFA.

 

“This project aims to provide convenient access to passport services for individuals within the Subic Bay area. The SBMA brings passport application and processing services directly to Subic Bay Freeport to extend convenience to SBF residents, employees, and their dependents,” he added. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Bay Freeport exceeds 400,000-mark in Holy Week tourist arrivals

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) reported a record high of 408,800 tourist arrivals during the Holy Week Celebration in this premier Freeport.

 

The SBMA Tourism Department gladly shared that this figure exceeded last year’s 367,228 visitors by 54,384, roughly an increase of 14.8 percent.

 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the data has significantly contributed to the hotel occupancy rate, which has remained at 99 percent.

 

San Roque Chapel, one of the oldest chapels in the country, has become a favorite crowd-drawer for devout Catholics who visit frequently during the Holy Week, as it drew an estimated crowd of 10,350.

 

“San Roque Chapel has been a quiet refuge for devout Catholics who spend their vacations here. We are glad that Catholic traditions such as processions, the pabasa, and Salubong are religiously conducted there,” Aliño mused.

 

The recorded numbers in tourist arrivals surpassed last year’s number of Catholic devotees who flocked to the chapel during Holy Week by 5,538, with 2024’s number recorded at 4,812.

 

SBMA Tourism Department manager Mary Jamelle Camba said that the presence of the Food Fest this year contributed largely to the surge of visitors at the Boardwalk area.

 

“The Food Fest offered better activities, food options, and entertainment. These changes in crowd count may suggest that visitors had different preferences for their activities during the week,” Camba shared.

 

Data from all Information Centers revealed a decrease in the "total number of inquiries and estimated total number of crowd". Results yielded from these reports may have been positively affected by the effectiveness of either digital access to information or improved area navigation, since only 97 inquiries this year were recorded compared to last year’s 108 inquiries.

 

Vehicular accidents also decreased, with only three incidents this year compared to last year’s four.  Meanwhile, ambulance runs increased by five due to the high heat index. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA holds week-long 16th Recyclables Collection Event in celebration of Earth Day 2025

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is holding the 16th Recyclables Collection Event (RCE) from April 21 to 25, 2025, in celebration of this year's Earth Day.

 

This year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” is highlighted by the Communication Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) caravan, which aims to empower stakeholders.

 The caravan happens on April 22 and 24 at the Function Hall B of the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), and will also feature the Health and Environment discussion led by PCOM-Olongapo virtually via Google Meet. 

 

“As for the main event, the 16th Recyclables Collection Event, will be held at the Mini Golf Course area of the Subic Bay Freeport, where stakeholders can bring hazardous waste materials and recyclable materials to ensure their proper disposal,” SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said.

 

Also in line with the 16^th RCE, sustainable products and technology exhibit, including the UBC Awareness and Collection Program led by GNS/ Tetra Pak Philippines, Bamboonihan and Green Foot Carbon Calculator by Banco Kalikasan, Wastewater/ Grease waste management by Soliman EcoWaste Management Corp., and PBC Waste Management by Innogy Solutions Inc., happens at the Promenade A of the Harbor Point Ayala Mall from April 21-23. 

 

The 16^th RCE will have the Refill Revolution for a Cause at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall on April 21 and 23, and at the Ecology Center on April 24 and 25. 

 

“Our goal here is to reduce plastic pollution by reducing waste from single-use plastics. The proceeds from the donated recyclable materials collected will be doled out to the employees of Omniworx, the company tasked to clean and maintain SBMA buildings all over the Subic Bay Freeport,” Aliño said.

 

He reiterated that these employees are “our partners in the segregation of wastes at source. They ensure that recyclables are properly segregated and turned over during the bi-annual RCE for proper disposal through our waste haulers.” 

 

Other activities include the Earth Day 2025 Community Cleanup, which will be held all over the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, and the Trash for Rice, a social development program of the Subic Bay Freeport Electronics Recycling Association.

 

Earth Day 2025 is the Subic Bay Freeport Zone’s step towards its goal in the Race to Carbon Neutrality, making this premier Freeport into a carbon-neutral zone in the future,” Aliño said. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, Subic Grain Terminal test safety response operations in simulation exercises

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal Services Incorporated (SBFGTSI) conducted a simulation exercise (SimEx) at the latter’s premises inside this premier Freeport on April 4, 2025.

 

According to SBMA Seaport Department SimEx Director Diego P. Aviles, the activity dubbed “Responding to Active Shooter and Barricaded Scenario” was conducted to test procedures and contingency plans for security and safety response operations of both the SBMA and SBFGTSI.

 

“This exercise offers a unique opportunity for all participants to carry out response operations. Our objective is to test the security communication protocol in response to an active shooter and barricaded incident,” Aviles said.

 

He added that the SimEx also aims to assess coordination between security personnel and Emergency Response Units of SBFGTSI and the Law Enforcement Department (LED), and to evaluate the effectiveness and readiness of handling such emergencies following the Port Facility Security Plan.

 

Part of the exercise was conducted to test the response capabilities of the SBMA Seaport Department, and the LED, specifically the Special Weapons and Tactics team, Traffic Branch, and K-9 Unit, as well as the Public Health and Safety Department in terms of emergency response.

 

Aviles, along with SBFGTSI Terminal Manager Engr. Carlito Faustino and SBFGTSI port facility safety officer Gilbert Espiel, reiterated that this exercise offers a unique opportunity for all participants to carry out response operations and to test procedures and contingency plans on security, safety, and any emergency response operations.

 

“This exercise would not have been made possible without the collaboration between the SBFGTSI and SBMA,” Aviles said. (MPD-SBMA)

 

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SBMA, PPSA eye partnership to train future Fire Marshalls

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), through its Fire Department, and the Philippine Public Safety Academy (PPSA) are set to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to train the latter’s cadets for a future career in firefighting. 

 

SBMA Fire Chief Ranny Magno revealed this plan during the graduation ceremony for the Fire Cadets of PPSA Class of 2025 who have completed the comprehensive Advanced Firefighting Training from March 24 to 28, 2025. 

 

“I do hope that for the next batch of cadets, the SBMA and PPSA will already have a formal agreement so that this kind of training can be done on a regular basis,” Magno added.

 

Recently, 37 cadets of the "Madayawlahi” Class of 2025, the second batch of PPSA students, underwent a week-long intensive firefighting training, including Fire Suppression and Control, Tactics, and Strategies, where the cadets were able to experience firefighting via simulated exercises. This specialized training also provided them with hands-on experience with modern firefighting equipment, tools, and tactical scenarios.

 

PPSA Commandant of Cadets Mark Anthony S. Saquing expressed his appreciation to the personnel of the SBMA Fire Department for actively playing a vital role in implementing the program with them.

 

He also thanked Fire Chief Magno, who was also the Course Director, as well as his training team composed of Deputy Fire Chief Edwin Santos, John Patrick Ablaza., Alvin Laconsay and Romano Custodio for mentoring their cadets.

 

Saguing said that the training provided a deeper understanding of fireground tactics, the science behind fire behavior, and the leadership required to protect communities in high-stakes emergencies, which are essential qualities for public safety officers.

 

“The fires that you battle are not just those that burn in buildings, but also the challenges that will test your character, endurance, and willpower. Through this training, you have gained not only the knowledge and skills but also the spirit of a true firefighter, one who never gives up, never backs down, and always stands firm in the face of adversity,” Saquing addressed his cadets.

 

PPSA was created under DILG Circular No. 2022-009, otherwise known as the “Creation and Operationalization of Philippine Public Safety Academy pursuant to Republic Act 11279.” It offers graduate degree courses for personnel of the BFP and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), namely, Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection Administration, and Bachelor of Science in Penology and Corrections Administration. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA chair Aliño highlights Subic Bay’s Green Port vision in his 1st SOFA

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño disclosed the agency's new vision to transform Subic Bay into a Green Port City and a key player in the regional cruise industry. 

The SBMA chief made this revelation during his first State of the Freeport Address (SOFA) at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), while sharing his accomplishments during the past year.

Aliño delivered the 17th SOFA before members and the board of directors of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC), officials from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), SBMA Directors, LGU officials, and other stakeholders, in line with the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the SBFCC. 

In his address, Aliño revealed that the SBMA is positioning the SBF as a leader in sustainable port operations, highlighting the shore power system initiative that will reduce air pollution by 95%.

 

“Our growth to be the green port city, driven by collaborative growth in business and investment, channels a new dimension to pursue our mandate. But this channel is not just the SBMA's vision and mission; we will need your help, your partnership, and your commitment,” Alino stated.

To support this vision, the SBMA is set to construct a dedicated cruise terminal within the next few years, further enhance its port facilities, and expand its international network through sister port agreements with the Port of San Diego in California, Osaka Port in Japan, and other key locations.

 

He highlighted the SBMA’s success in regaining investors that led to a surge in infrastructure investments, economic activities, and a plan to develop Subic Bay into a major regional cruise hub and stopover for cruise ships both as a home port and turnaround hub.

 

Technological advancements to improve port navigation and security were also introduced with the installation of the country's most advanced Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS), which enhances real-time vessel monitoring and ensures safer, more efficient port operations.

 

Aliño also cited the SBMA’s ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into its development plans, ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of the country's natural environment.

 

He then outlined a series of projects aimed at boosting the Freeport’s position as a leading investment destination, including the development of new industrial parks, expansion of digital infrastructure to support the growing tech sector, and the establishment of Subic Bay as a hub for sustainable and green industries.

 

Key accomplishments of the past year were reported, underscoring the SBMA's dividend contribution to the national coffers, which landed the agency in the top seven.

 

“Aside from the dividends that we contribute to the national government, neighboring communities also get their share of revenues derived from corporate taxes. So I would like to thank our locators for paying their taxes because as you can see, here, your taxes go a long way, especially in funding infrastructure projects in road rehabilitation and other development projects for our communities,” Alino said.

 

He also discussed the expansion projects of two locators, namely, Sanyo Denki and Nidec, that are poised to generate a total of 6,500 jobs.  Employment generation is a primary mandate of the agency that is anchored on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) for 2023-2028 of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, to strengthen and build a good community here in Subic Bay by improving the quality of life of its stakeholders.

 

“We hope that the plans and programs we have shared with you pave the way toward even closer cooperation among us.  Because in Subic, we care...for our shared future, and our shared aspiration of growth and progress for all,” he added. (SNL)

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SBMA, SubicWater sign 20-yr. franchise agreement anew

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Subic Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (SubicWater) have extended their franchise agreement (FA) for another 20 years.

 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño welcomed this development as their partnership with the agency has been harmonious since they started here.

 

The 3rd Amendment to the franchise agreement and the 4th Amendment to the SBMA-SubicWater Lease Agreement were signed yesterday at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom at Building 229, extending their FA term until March 31, 2047.

 

The agreements were signed by Chairman Aliño, SubicWater Chairman Engr. Apollo C. Tiglao, and witnessed by Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr. and SubicWater CEO and General Manager Benjamin Antonio III.

 

Chairman Tiglao said that under the amendment, “The SubicWater shall conduct its operation aiming to achieve 100 percent wastewater coverage including combined sewerage and sanitation services for Subic Bay Freeport and Olongapo City.”

 

He also said that this endeavor would be more beneficial to SubicWater’s customers as Olongapo City will now have wastewater services and sewer lines.

 

Additionally, SubicWater can now expand its services to far-flung areas of Subic Freeport such as Redondo Peninsula and Tipo area as a result of the amendment.

 

Meanwhile, Mayor Paulino also expressed his gratitude to the SBMA and SubicWater for the continued services of the water company. “We wanted SubicWater to expand their services, we have been clamoring for the wastewater coverage in Olongapo City,” he added.

 

“We really appreciate that we are involved in the process. Special thanks to SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Atty. Ramon Agregado for advocating for the benefit of Olongapo City and all other constituents,” he added. (MPD-SBMA)

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