SBMA sees more investments with CREATE MORE Act

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is now looking forward to more global investments after the bill on Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) was signed into law. 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that CREATE MORE, also known as Republic Act 12066, will make Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) a prime location for global investments. 

Aliño made this statement after the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the CREATE MORE Act was signed by Finance Secretary and Fiscal and Incentives Review Board (FIRB) chair Ralph Recto and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary and FIRB co-chair Ma Cristina Roque at the Department of Finance on February 17, 2025. 

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and FIRB Board Member Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go, and National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan witnessed the signing. 

“Now that the IRR for the CREATE MORE Act is signed, it's back to work for us here in Subic Bay Freeport as we can now expect more foreign companies to invest here. This is certainly monumental since the IRR clarifies and refines the law’s smooth implementation provisions,” Aliño added.

The official cited that the CREATE MORE Act includes provisions for investors, giving them the option to choose either the Special Corporate Income Tax of 5% or Enhanced Deductions.

He said that more incentives would also be given to high-value investments with capitalization of more than P15 billion and in sectors that are considered import-substituting or export sales. 

He added that the CREATE MORE Act also provides additional relief to Registered Business Enterprises (RBEs) by reducing the Corporate Income Tax or CIT rate to 20% from 25%, with the law increasing the additional deduction on electricity from 50% to 100%.

“Tourism-related investments in the SBF will also benefit from the CREATE MORE Act, with the SBMA providing an additional 50% deduction for expenses related to trade fairs and tourism reinvestments until 2034,” Aliño said.

The law also maximizes the benefits of the Net Operating Loss Carry-Over by changing the reckoning period from “year of loss” to the “last year of the project’s income tax holiday (ITH) entitlement period.

Other provisions include tax and duty exemption on donations to public schools and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and flexible work arrangements for call centers operating within economic zones and Freeports, without compromising their tax incentives.

Upon approval, local purchases of export-oriented enterprises become VAT zero-rated, while importations are VAT-exempt. VAT incentives will also be liberalized by shifting from “direct and exclusive use” to “directly attributable” requirements for goods and services. (MPD-SBMA)

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French carrier Charles De Gaulle makes first ever stop in Subic Bay

French carrier strike group (CSG), composed of aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its escort, arrived in Subic Bay Friday as part of its Clemenceau 25 mission in the Indo-Pacific region, the French Embassy in Manila said Friday. 

The CSG will take an operational break in the two locations starting Feb. 22, marking its first stopover in the country. 

Before this, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) will conduct air interactions with the Navy Rafale of the embarked carrier air wing. 

A destroyer of the CSG will also take part in a “bilateral interaction” with BRP José Rizal and BRP Gregorio Del Pilar in a still unidentified area. 

Since Feb. 5, the CSG’s Atlantique 2 (ATL2) maritime patrol aircraft have been positioned on Clark Air Base’s military airfield in support of the carrier strike group’s activities. 

Crew members of the ATL2 detachments already had numerous exchanges with PAF officers, the embassy said. 

The embassy said this visit signals the two states’ “willingness to work collectively for maritime security in the Indo-Pacific”. 

"These interactions are clear demonstration of the willingness to work collectively for maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region where the two countries share economic interests and a need to protect their national citizens," it said. 

"This cooperation is strengthened by regular joint trainings such as SAMA SAMA, CROIX DU SUD, MARARA and BALIKATAN," it added. 

The Charles de Gaulle is accompanied by two multi-mission destroyers, an air defense destroyer and the auxiliary oil replenishment ship Jacques Chevallier. 

The visit is also part of the framework of the letter of intent signed in December 2023 between France and the Philippines by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu. 

The letter of intent aims to develop military cooperation and interactions between the armed forces of the two countries. 

The Clemenceau 25 follows one of the many interactions France carried out with the Philippines in 2024, including the first French participation in the Balikatan exercises with the deployment of the frigate Vendémiaire, the port calls of French destroyer Bretagne in Manila in May and of the frigate Prairial in Cebu in October, as well as the first enhanced stopover of the PEGASE mission at Clark Air Base in 2024. (PNA)

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PBBM bullish on expanded, more modern seaport, airport for SBMA in 2028

Before President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. reaches the maximum tenure of his term in 2028, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) expects a significant upgrade in its seaport and airport facilities with an ultimate goal of modernizing infrastructure, boosting economic activity and solidifying Subic Bay’s position as a major gateway for trade and tourism. 

This is in line with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 of the Marcos administration. The Plan states that existing airports will be improved and new ones will be strategically developed to address future demand. 

The BBM infrastructure program for 2023 to 2028 presently includes 198 high impact infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs) with an overall investment cost of P8.8 trillion. 

“This premier Freeport is set to boost the country’s economic corridor by developing both its seaport and airport,” said SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño. 

The airport and seaport expansion and modernization projects in Subic Freeport will cost an estimated Php28.18 billion. 

These projects are expected to boost port capacity, increase competitiveness, and generate more revenue. Aliño said that these infrastructure projects support the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Development initiative of Pres. Marcos’ administration, to be completed by 2028. 

Aliño also disclosed that the first project, a Multipurpose Port Terminal (MPT) at the Lower Marine Amphibious Unit (MAU), will include a 570-meter wharf, with a depth of 12.9 meters. It will have a back-up area of 17.2 hectares for warehouses and open storage areas. 

“This project will provide an additional capacity of 2.5 million metric tons bulk cargoes. As one of the identified projects under Public Investment Program of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), the project will spur economic growth through the additional berthing facility,” he said. 

The second MPT will be at the Redondo Peninsula, which hosted the former Hanjin shipbuilding facility. It will have a 600-meter wharf, with a depth of 14 meters, and a back-up area of 30 hectares for warehouses, open storage, offices and support facilities. 

The project will increase the port capacity with additional 3 million metric tons cargoes. This is one of the identified projects under Public Investment Program of the NEDA, with a project cost of P11-billion. 

“The high percentage of domestic and international commerce is by sea, therefore, the efficiency of maritime transportation has become increasingly essential to national competitiveness,” Aliño cited. 

The SBMA also plans to construct a Cruise Passenger Terminal area with a project cost of P1.2 billion for phase 1, and P8.96 billion for Phase 2. The facility will have a double berth 380 meter pier with a depth of 12 meters, along with the reclamation of 20 hectares for Phase 2. 

“International and local cruise operations will greatly benefit the local and national economies, with increased employment opportunities, revenue from port fees and dues, and increased tourism spending. This is vital to the National Cruise Tourism Program of the Marcos Jr. administration,” the official shared. 

Also in the pipeline is the proposed improvement of existing buildings and the construction of new facilities inside the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) with a project cost of P7.02-billion. 

To modernize ports and allied industries and to decongest passenger traffic in Metro Manila, the Marcos administration will also undertake the improvement of the SBIA to be able to accommodate 6 million passengers annually. 

 

A new hotel and parking facility within the airport complex that will promote the use of the SBIA and further boost the tourism sector in the Subic Bay Freeport is also in the offing. 

“The project is currently under study and will cost around P4.3 billion,” Aliño said. “Locators, port users and prospective investors will also benefit from upgraded and modernized airport facilities, with increased SBIA efficiency, capacity and revenue generation. With these improvements, the SBMA will have additional revenue generating facilities with the rise of a world-class airport hotel and multilevel carpark,” he added. 

“Now for the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) to achieve its maximum potential, we are planning to expand the SBIA by upgrading and modernizing its facilities. Once in place, we are confident to increase both the handling and revenue generating capacity of the airport,” the chairman said. 

The feasibility study on the proposed SBIA Expansion Project will include the extension of the runway from 2,745 meters to 3,300 meters in length, expanded aprons, relocated CAAP-ATC tower, and a new passenger terminal building. 

The projects are expected to improve and provide a more efficient client and passenger accommodation. The improved and expanded airport is expected to generate a conservative revenue of P12.5 billion annually. 

“This should significantly align to the objectives of the Luzon Economic Corridor,” Aliño said. 

The Subic Bay Freeport has some 1,900 businesses with more than 162 thousand workers and residents in three housing areas. 

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao said Subic Bay Freeport has three important pillars in enhancing its capacity and operational efficiency: first is automation to make cargo movement seamless and transactions faster and more efficient; second is investment in infrastructure like port rehabilitation, the Vessel Traffic Management System or VTMS, and the acquisition of equipment; and third is by expanding the SBMA’s network thru trade missions and creating partnerships with different ports to increase trade and commerce. 

 

"Subic Bay Freeport is the only Freeport in the Philippines that has a complete logistics infrastructure in one location that is managed by the SBMA. It has an airport, and a seaport with a modern container terminal, and piers that can accommodate different types of cargo, to be connected to the Luzon Economic Corridor by a railway in the near future,” he said. 

Subic Bay is also a tourist and cruise ship destination. Currently, the SBMA is developing a facility to be used as a home port for cruise ships. A home port is a port where a cruise ship will take on or change over the majority of its passengers, while taking on stocks, fuel and supplies. 

The Marcos administration, under its PDP, also plans to connect cargo and freight rail infrastructure to strategic infrastructure such as ports. Railway development for cargo and freight will be prioritized, particularly for long-distance deliveries. 

Meanwhile, truck routes will be established to service medium- and short-distance deliveries. Dry ports and other inland cargo terminals will be connected by freight rail to ease the movement of goods to or from the ports. (Radyo Pilipinas)

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PBBM’s housing promise soon to break ground in Subic Freeport

Some 1,300 employees of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority may soon be able to live in their own homes inside Subic Bay Freeport as part of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s campaign to build one million houses per year until 2028 to reduce the backlog in housing through the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program. 

This, after the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to develop a housing project for SBMA employees. 

Under the Marcos administration’s Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, the government will mobilize private sector and government resources to meet the country’s housing needs. 

The DHSUD will target the financing of one million housing units annually to narrow the housing deficit. 

This will require the mobilization of substantial financial resources from national and local governments, as well as government financing institutions and private banks, with whom the government will engage to increase their participation in the housing sector through their development loans, homeowners lending programs, and real estate mortgages. 

"To ensure that the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program is successful and sustainable, I have directed the concerned agencies to adjust housing targets based on need and demand until 2028,” President Marcos Jr. said. 

Consequently, this allows us to assess our government’s capacity to provide guarantees and interest subsidies in our social development programs,” he added. 

The Socialized Housing Program of the SBMA will cost P2 billion and is set to be constructed at lot 70-B Rizal Highway Extension at the Central Business District of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ). 

In a sectoral meeting with officials of the DHSUD, Pres. Marcos said the national housing thrust must be sustained to address the country’s shelter gap. 

He said that while the program is quite ambitious, the housing program will create a positive impact on the national economy. 

“Even the effect on the economy is going to be terrific if we are able to do this and that’s why it’s necessary. We have to do this. We have to find a way to do this. We have to be a little creative,” Pres. Marcos added. 

The DHSUD is leading the implementation of 4PH, which aims to address the 6.5 million housing backlog in the country. (Radyo Pilipinas)

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SBMA, Port of San Diego eye partnership to make Subic Freeport into a smart port city

With its vision to transform this premier Freeport into a smart port city, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is considering a partnership with the Port of San Diego.

During their visit here on February 6, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and Port of San Diego officials agreed to discover and identify areas of collaboration between both ports.

“We offered to the Port of San Diego to explore areas in Artificial Intelligence, Automation, Break Bulk Cargo Handling and Management, Shore Power Connection, Cruise Ship Terminal and Market Development and Ship Repair,” SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao said.

He added that the officials of the San Diego Port extended the invitation to Chairman Aliño to visit the Port of San Diego and explore other port-related initiatives since both ports proclaimed a partnership as sister ports in 2018.

“We see the potential of Subic Bay Freeport in developing trade and commerce between our two ports,” Port of San Diego Commissioner Gil Anthony Ungab said expressing his desire to further explore opportunities that will benefit both ports.  

Also, Port of San Diego Director for Maritime Joel Valenzuela said there are many similarities between the Ports of San Diego and Subic Bay; and that they are excited to strengthen and continue to develop our partnership in maritime and other related industries.

Meanwhile, Chairman Aliño said that the SBMA welcomes the partnership between the two ports as the vision to develop concrete projects will be mutually beneficial to both ports.

According to the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the Port of San Diego is one of America's top 30 containership ports, bringing in nearly 3 million metric tons (3,000,000 long tons; 3,300,000 short tons) of cargo per year through the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal and the National City Marine Terminal.

Aliño said that the proposed partnership is in line with the SBMA’s vision of becoming a port city and that the partnership with the Port of San Diego is a vital step in advancing Subic Bay Freeport’s interests in maritime project development, automation, cruise terminal development and operations, artificial intelligence, and trade development.

SDA Yambao said, “This is a positive step in expanding the global reach and trade network of the Port of Subic Bay in the United States.”

The SBMA also has a sister-port agreement with the Virginia Port Authority to develop trade and exchange best practices in breakbulk and cruise ship logistics management and operations. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Warehouse for US Marine Corps humanitarian efforts opens in Subic Freeport

This premier Freeport is set to be the staging area for the United States Marine Corps humanitarian aid and disaster relief as it opens a warehouse facility at the Naval Supply Depot here on Tuesday. 

US Marine Corps Col. Luke Watson and officials from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the warehouse that will be used by the US Marine Corps for storage.

Watson, commanding officer of Blount Island Command, said that the site will enable them to preposition equipment for humanitarian aid and disaster relief that will be utilized for its Indo-Pacific region operations. 

 

“This is one of our ashore sites for humanitarian aid and disaster relief. As part of the Marine Corps’ global prepositioning network, there will be no ammunition, just motor transportation, communication, and engineering,” Watson explained. 

 

Blount Island Command plans to stage humanitarian aid and disaster relief equipment for the Indo-Pacific region.

 

Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño expressed his full support for the ingress of the equipment to Subic Bay Freeport. “This is a great stride for the Subic Bay Freeport in assisting foreign allies in their thrust to provide humanitarian aid and relief assistance in the Indo-Pacific Region.”

 

He added that Subic Bay Freeport is one of the most strategic areas to deploy aid to other areas around the Indo-Pacific Region, as the area has become the logistics hub for maritime and aviation industry in the country.

 

Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Blount Island Command is the hub for US Marine Corps prepositioning programs, including afloat squadrons and ashore sites. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport workforce pegged 4.8% increase at 164,400 in 2024

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has pegged its 2024 workforce at 164,400 showing a minimal but steady increase of 4.8 percent.  

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño attributed the increase in the workforce to the number of orders in the manufacturing sector that drove the workforce from 2023’s 156,811 workers to this year’s 164,400.

He said that the manufacturing sector of the Subic economic zone employed 27,484 workers by 110 companies in 2024, compared to 21,433 workers in 2023.  

“And we are anticipating more employment opportunities in Subic Freeport because of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s aggressive efforts to bring more foreign companies to invest in the country since it has been his administration’s thrust to create more jobs for Filipinos through foreign direct investments,” he said.

The manufacturing sector of Subic Bay Freeport has employed workers from Olongapo City (13,738), Bataan (3,843), Zambales (8,154), Pampanga (188), National Capital Region (140), Tarlac (79), and other areas (1,342).

Aliño added that the services sector of Subic’s workforce still has the biggest number of workers with 116,776 employees employed by 4,014 companies in 2024. It recorded an increase of 1,134 workers from 2024’s 116,776 employees, compared to 2023’s 115,642 employees.

The companies in the services sector employed workers from Olongapo City (46,857), Bataan (14,984), Zambales (17,999), Pampanga (4,419), National Capital Region (5,441), Tarlac (1,727), and other areas (25,349).

The shipbuilding/marine-related services sector, with 153 companies, recorded an increase of 309 workers to 6,187 employees in 2024 compared to 5,878 employees in 2023.

The male-dominated sector recorded 5,512 male workers and 675 female workers. It employed workers from Olongapo City (2,742), Bataan (693), Zambales (1,543), Pampanga (59), National Capital Region (347), Tarlac (11), and other areas (792).

Meanwhile, the number of employees in the construction sector reached 13,953 and employed by 320 companies. Another male-dominated industry, these 320 construction companies employed 13,357 male workers and 596 female workers coming from Olongapo City (4,749), Bataan (1,747), Zambales (2,214), Pampanga (603), National Capital Region (916), Tarlac (296), and other areas (3,428).

Aliño said that an increase of 95 workers was recorded in the construction sector, with 13,953 workers recorded in 2024, and 13,858 workers recorded in 2023.

The SBMA chief said that with the current trend the Subic Bay Freeport workforce is experiencing, any fluctuation in the country’s unemployment rate would not adversely affect the number of workers here since the steady increase is a good sign of a constant upward pace in the employment sector. (MPD-SBMA)

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P25-million firing range opens in Subic Freeport

A new firing range opened inside this premier Freeport on Tuesday (January 7), allowing gun enthusiasts and law enforcers to practice their shooting skills.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño disclosed that the new Subic Freeport Shooting Range Inc., located at the Corregidor Highway, Ilanin Forest, has a committed investment of P25 million.

The commercial shooting and target range aims to promote target shooting as a sport inside this premier Freeport, while also developing target shooting or shooters at par with the world’s best target shooters.

Aliño and the SBMA Board of Directors led the opening of the firing range, together with the country’s best shooters, Jethro Dionisio, and Khalil Viray.

The 3,000 square meter facility is a former US naval building (Bldg. 2027) with an indoor range measuring 100 square meters. The company leased the area for 25 years and has 15 employees.

A special provision was accorded to SBMA Law Enforcement personnel to utilize the facility free of charge for training purposes. (MPD-SBMA)

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Luxury cruise ship MV Silver Dawn makes maiden call at Subic Bay

The MV Silver Dawn, a luxury cruise ship by Silversea Cruises, made its maiden call at this premier Freeport yesterday (December 31) carrying around 1,000 passenger tourists.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño shared that the Silversea Cruises is part of the prestigious Royal Caribbean Group, and is an ultra-luxury and expedition travel brand based in Monaco.

“This is the maiden visit of the MV Silver Dawn to the Port of Subic. We can expect that 596 passengers, as well as 411 crew members of the ship, will spend their New Year’s Eve here,” he said, hoping that the people of Subic Bay Freeport will welcome them during their stay here.

SBMA Port Operations Senior Deputy Administrator Ronnie Yambao said, “As the Chairperson of the SBMA Cruise Ship Industry Committee, we are eyeing to breach the pre-pandemic level of cruise ship arrivals in Subic Bay to reach 20 in 2025.”

He added that the MV Blue Dream Star, among many other cruise ships that have confirmed its arrival in 2025, will be here on April 11, May 3 and July 8 and bring 1,053 passengers on board.  

“Next is the Viva Vie Odyssey on September 23. The ship will bring in 924 passengers at double occupancy, along with 370 crew members,” he added.

Meanwhile, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco recently expressed her confidence in the cruise tourism industry of the Subic Bay Freeport zone.

During a meeting with the SBMA and other officials from Zambales at the Subic Bay Yacht Club, Frasco said that Subic Bay’s cruise tourism can be expanded to include homeporting and creating dedicated cruise port initiatives.

Frasco was in Subic Bay Freeport as part of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP) Central Luzon leg.

She added that Zambales can develop their billeting facilities via the Mabuhay accommodations and homestays, integrating Tourist-Oriented Police enforcers for the Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) program with barangay tanods in Olongapo City to ensure tourist safety, and promote dive tourism. (MPD-SBMA) 

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30 Subic companies honored at the Mabuhay Business Awards

30 freeport locators were recognized during the annual Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Mabuhay Business Awards 2024 held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on December 13, 2024.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño explained that the 30 awardees were recognized, out of the 1,909 locators, for their exceptional contribution to the business growth of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone this year. 

Aliño added that the SBMA Mabuhay Awards embodies the agency’s commitment to recognizing the outstanding contributions of these locators who have significantly impacted the domestic economy; hence, “Mabuhay.” It symbolizes life, enthusiasm, and positivity.

Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato W. Lee III said that these 1,909 companies not only contributed to the business growth of the Subic Bay Freeport but also provided employment to 162,891 workers.

“Aggregate investments amounting to P577.99 billion as of the third quarter of 2024 accrued to the SBMA and the Total Operating Revenue generated from 1992-2023 has amounted to P64.36 billion. In the first half of 2024, the SBMA released a total of P204.7 million Net Revenue Shares, higher than last year’s same period,” he said.

“This is why the SBMA holds the Mabuhay Business Awards, to recognize our top performing locators. 

This year, after a rigorous deliberation, the SBMA has determined the 30 top performing Subic Bay Freeport locators,” he said.

For the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) of the Year Award, the awardees were the MJY 88 Medical Clinic, La Banca Travel and Tours Corp., and the Grand Food Venue Corp. that owns Xtremely Xpresso, Subic Ben’s Kitchen and Iron Grill Asian Fusion.

For the New Business of the Year, the recipients were Skarya Builders Inc., Maritime Expert General Services Corporation, Bistro Italiano Corp., Good Manufacturing Leathers Inc., Intelligent Outsourcing Inc., MSK Group Work Incorporated, Strategic Channel for Career Development Corporation, Swire Agrotech Agricultural Products Inc., Pure Petroleum Corporation, Sands of Triboa Resorts and Spa Inc., Subic Bay Yacht Club., Norden Subic Entrepreneurs Inc., and Grainpro Philippines Inc.

For the Top Importer of the Year, the award was given to Raizen Asia PTE. LTD., while the Top Exporter of the Year went to the Sanyo Denki Philippines Inc.

For the Eco-Innovation Award, the SBMA hailed the Subic Smart Community Corporation.

Subic Bay Town Center, Inc. bagged the Health and Wellness Business of the Year award. 

The SBMA hailed the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation for the Corporate Social Responsibility Award. 

For Business Developer of the Year, the awardees were Aolly Home Inc. and  Sachi Subic Inc.

The accolades for the Loyalty Business Award were given to Idess Interactive Technologies Inc., Subic Bay Multi-Purpose Cooperative, MOF Company Subic Inc., Royal Duty-Free Shops Inc., and Mikuni Terminals Mechatronics Philippines Corporation. 

The top performer for Excellence in Occupational Health and Safety Practices was Tong Lung Philippines Metal Industry Co. Inc.

Meanwhile, a Special Award was given to the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce Inc. 

Lee said, “Our awardees do not only have remarkable profiles in terms of their economic growth contributions but they also have shown exemplary and notable accomplishments in delivering quality service, and have gone the extra mile to contribute to the sustainable development of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and its neighboring communities.”

He added, “As the SBMA continues to thrive in our mission to maintain investor confidence and to empower our people and communities through shared stewardship and good governance, the agency will not falter in acknowledging our locators’ contributions and accomplishments. And this is one of our ways to show you how important you are to us, the Mabuhay Awards.” (MPD-SBMA) 

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BI, SBMA arrest 6 undocumented Chinese nationals in Subic Freeport

The Bureau of Immigration (BI), in coordination with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), arrested six undocumented Chinese nationals at Trillo Bay Villas here on December 12, 2024.

According to the SBMA, the six were apprehended after BI officials, together with SBMA operatives, implemented mission orders to arrest the suspects inside Kim’s Apartment, a rented apartment inside the villa.

 

The six Chinese nationals identified as Yongfeng Huang, Guo Jun, Hong Xiaojun, Bai Shiping, Guo Shiquan, and Gan Ning, were arrested for violation of Rule 9, Section 1 of SBM-2015-010 for being undocumented. 

Huang was the only one who was able to present a passport. All six were taken to the BI head office in Intramuros, Manila where they will be detained while their case is being processed. 

The BI officials said that the arrested suspects were apprised of their constitutional rights under RA7438 “in the language they can fully understand and in a manner that they could fully comprehend.” 

Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs and Manager of the Labor Department Atty. Melvin Varias said that the six are among the 57 Chinese nationals who used to work for TeleEmpire Incorporated and were documented during their employment at the said accredited back office solutions provider in Subic Bay Freeport.

Of the 57 Chinese nationals who worked there, six of them returned to their home country, while 51 were unaccounted. Of the 51 unaccounted, 20 were arrested during a raid in Kalayaan at a house that was used as an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility. The recently arrested six were part of the 51 unaccounted employees. 

Atty. Varias added that the agency and the BI are in close coordination to ensure that all the undocumented Chinese nationals who worked for the said company will be documented and accounted for. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA forges partnerships for maritime incidents, US embassy donates UAVs to augment emergency response

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently forged partnership with its counterparts to establish the Inter-Agency Task Force for Maritime Incidents and Emergency Response (IATF-MIER) which primarily aims to ensure efficient handling of environmental emergencies in the country’s premier free port. 

The United States Embassy in Manila also donated equipment that will augment the emergency response of the IATF-MIER. The Deed of Donation was formally signed following the MOU signing of the task force. 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the creation of the task force was signed at the Corporate Boardroom of the Administration Building last November 21 by and among the SBMA, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Customs (BOC), PNP Maritime Group, and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA). 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the creation of the IATF-MIER is timely because of recent incidents of oil spills that happened along the coast of Bataan, wreaking havoc on its marine life, as well as in the livelihood of maritime stakeholders in the area. 

He added that the IATF-MIER is a whole-of-government approach towards maritime-related incidents as the task force is composed of government agencies that have specialized in their fields of expertise, and would collaborate with other pertinent units to prevent any incidents within our navigational waters.

Aliño also said that the IATF-MIER will also undertake information and education campaigns for communities in nearby coastal areas to heighten awareness in the prevention of maritime incidents and in the provision of emergency response in the shortest record time possible. 

Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao added that the SBMA Seaport Department has already procured oil spill equipment to handle environmental emergencies such as oil spill incidents that have become more frequent these past few months. 

These include a sopep oil spill kit that has a capacity of around 416 liters, foam-filled oil spill boom, and a PCG-certified oil spill dispersant. 

Yambao also said that the procurement of the oil spill response equipment is crucial for effective preparedness and response to pollution-related incidents with the impact of oil spills taken into consideration.

In 2025, the Seaport Department has planned a P100,000,000-project for the installation of oil spill equipment in various port terminals, including the Naval Supply Depot (NSD) Compound, Ship Repair Facility (SRF) Compound, Boton, and the New Container Terminal (NCT)/ Leyte. The said equipment will aid the IATF-MIER during oil spill response incidents.

Among the tasks of the IATF-MIER is the identification of potential emergency situations that can cause illness or injury to humans and the environment under a code of guidelines for preparedness and response, to address emergency situations, and propose mitigation efforts for associated adverse environmental impacts or effects to humans and prevention of accidents.

Meanwhile, Aliño said that the donation of six units of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones that will be paired with Starlink Mobile Internet will boost the monitoring and response capabilities of the SBMA Seaport, Fire and Law Enforcement departments.

“The US Embassy has also provided comprehensive training to our personnel for the effective and proper use of the said drones,” he added.

The chairman expressed his gratitude to the US Embassy in Manila because the equipment donated will be used not only for the Subic Freeport, but also when the agency sends a contingent to areas that require emergency response support.

The signing of the IATF-MIER MOU and the donation of the UAVs and Starlink Mobile Internet were part of the pocket activities during the 32^nd anniversary of the SBMA. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA's 32nd anniversary highlights opening of the upgraded Magsaysay Bridge

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on Thursday, (November 21) formally opened the newly-completed Magsaysay Bridge, a vital connection between the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and Olongapo City.

The inauguration and blessing of the new Magsaysay Bridge was led by SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, former Senator and SBMA founding Chairman Richard J. Gordon and former SBMA Chairmen Roberto V. Garcia and Rolen C. Paulino, along with SBMA's Board of Directors and local government officials led by Olongapo City Mayor Atty. Rolen Paulino, Jr.

The 72.5-meter multi-span bridge, which replaced the original structure that served the area during the era of the US Navy at the Subic Naval Base, cost P500 million and was realized after Mr. Gordon secured the funding during his second term as senator. 

The opening of the Magsaysay Bridge is the high point of SBMA's 32nd anniversary celebrations. 

It was on November 24, 1992 that the last U.S. Navy helicopter carrier USS Belleau Wood sailed out of Subic Bay, prompting the start of the the conversion of the former military base into a Freeport and Special Economic Zone through Republic Act No. 7227.

Since then, the SBMA has successfully attracted numerous investments, leading to increased job opportunities and enhanced quality of life for its stakeholders.

The anniversary celebration kicked off with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Volunteers’ Shrine in honor of the 8,000 volunteers who took over the facility to preserve and protect the US$8 Billion worth of property left by the Americans during the years of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.



This was followed by a motorcade of SBMA vehicles adorned with red and blue balloons from the Volunteers’ Shrine to Administration Bldg. 229, as well as the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the SBMA and the Inter-Agency Task Force for Maritime Incidents and Emergency Response (IATF – MIER).

The IATF-MIER consists of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, the Philippine Coastguard, Bureau of Customs, and the National Mapping and Resource Information or NAMRIA.

The MOU aims to establish effective procedures and action plans to aid in identifying potential emergencies, provide guidelines for preparedness and response, propose mitigation efforts to minimize environmental impact, and highlight necessary system reviews to ensure the protection of life and property within our navigational waters.

The SBMA likewise signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the donation of security equipment from the United States Embassy.

Day 2 of the Anniversary activities consisted of the fun run that was largely participated in by SBMA officials and employees, while wrapping the festivities off with a special event for seniors in the afternoon. (SNL)

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SBMA enhances capability to accommodate growing demand for multi-modal logistics in Asia

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has enhanced this premier Freeport’s capacity and operational efficiency to keep up with the growing demand for multi-modal logistics in the Asian region. 

This was the statement made by SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao during the Super Terminal Expo 2024 held at the Hong Kong AsiaWorld-Expo on November 5, 2024.

The three-day expo is Asia’s pioneering design, construction and operations event that showcases the next wave of innovation in passenger and cargo terminal, while bringing together experts and decision-makers to shape next-gen airports.

The Super Terminal Expo's opening ceremony was graced by Michael Wong Wai-lun, acting Financial Secretary of the Government of the HK Special Administrative Region, Vivian Cheung, CEO of the HK Airport Authority, and other government officials and influential members from industry associations.

During a panel discussion, Yambao emphasized three important pillars in enhancing Subic Bay Freeport’s capacity and operational efficiency: first is automation, with systems in place to make cargo movement seamless and transactions much faster and more efficient; second is investment in infrastructure like port rehabilitation, the Vessel Traffic Management System or VTMS, and the acquisition of equipment; and third is by expanding the SBMA’s network thru trade missions and creating partnerships with different ports to increase trade and commerce.

He added that the automations installed in the SBMA are the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), Electronic Transit Admission Permit System (ETAPS), and Automated Export Documentation System (AEDS), which are pursuant to President Marcos Jr’s thrust on the ease of doing business thru automation.

“Subic Bay Freeport is the only Freeport in the Philippines that has a complete logistics infrastructure in one location, that is managed by the SBMA. It has an airport, and a seaport with a modern container terminal, and piers that can accommodate different types of cargo, to be connected to the Luzon Economic Corridor by a railway in the near future,” he further said.

It is accessible by land, sea, air, and in the near future, by railway. It has an airport and a seaport with modern facilities and a container terminal with a capacity of 600,000 TEUs that can be expanded to handle one million TEUs.

The freeport also boasts of four industrial parks with 15 piers that can accommodate commercial vessels and cruise ships. There are 1,900 companies operating in the Freeport with a total of USD12-billion worth of investments.  

“Locators in this Freeport enjoy fiscal incentives under the CREATE Law and all the ancillary services are available to complete the logistics ecosystem in this premier port. Lastly, the SBMA offers competitive rates in port services, in fact, we are 20 percent cheaper compared to Port of Manila,” he said.

Qualified export enterprises shall be entitled to four to seven years Income Tax Holiday (ITH) to be followed by 10 years five percent Special Corporate Income Tax (SCIT) or Enhanced Deductions.

Subic Bay is also a tourist and cruise ship destination.  Currently, the SBMA is developing a facility to be used as a home port for cruise ships. A home port is a port where a cruise ship will take on or change over the majority of its passengers, while taking on stocks, fuel and supplies. 

Team Philippines joined key global leaders in airports, aviation and logistics industries for the Super Terminal Expo 2024 where over 800 international and local aviation professionals were in attendance.

The SBMA is part of Team Philippines led by Department of Transportation Undersecretary for Airports and Aviation Roberto C.O. Lim. Yambao was part of the delegation along with Subic-Clark Alliance for Development (SCAD) Executive Director Amee Fabros, and Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) Chief Business Development Officer Melissa Feliciano. (MPD-SBMA) 

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