SBMA administrator buckles down to work, cites priority programs

Newly appointed Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Administrator Atty. Wilma Eisma disclosed her priority programs in running the agency as she urged SBMA officials and employees to begin with her a new chapter in revitalizing Subic and chart its future.

“I came here alone with no entourage because I have each and every one of you who are experts in this place. Let us work together for a bigger, better, brighter Subic,” Eisma told SBMA employees following last week’s turnover of the SBMA helm to the new administrator.

Eisma emphasized that strong work ethic, reasonable use of resources, honesty, transparency and following the law will mark her leadership and will serve as a commitment to what she described as a standard each employee should adhere to professionalize SBMA services towards regaining and sustaining the confidence of the investors.

She said her leadership is challenged to increase the container traffic and get the airport running by improving its equipment and intensifying its port marketing campaign by utilizing its P553 million allocated budget.

Among her priorities include targeting zero complaint by eliminating “red tape and waiting time” through streamlining of the process flow in applying for business permits, registration and other necessary documents related to the business needs of investors in compliance to President Duterte’s guidelines to issue all necessary permits, and other similar documents in three days or less.

Eisma exhorted the SBMA Law Enforcement Department to step up in making the Subic Freeport the safest place for locators, tourists and residents by intensifying to professionalize all security officers through trainings and refresher courses.

She also called on the Ecology Center to make the Freeport clean and green by spearheading clean and green initiatives, such as serving tap water, instead of bottled water, during meetings, keeping the surroundings clean of trash and imposing strict laws against litterers.

Introduction of policy reforms and good governance programs, as well as amending Republic Act 7227, if necessary, and intensify programs for a drug-free work place by applying zero tolerance on illegal drugs are also among Eisma’s priority programs.

The new SBMA administrator also cited the importance of professionalizing and developing personnel to bring SBMA to the modern and developed world. She said meritocracy will be the norm where promotion and recognition will be based on capacity on how an employee met his objectives.

Eisma again expressed her gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte for trusting her to serve again the country as she expressed her delight in coming back to Subic Freeport saying, “I’m glad that I am finally back home.”

I would like to thank President Duterte for trusting me to serve again our country. I never thought I will get this job, that is why I am very thankful that he believes in me,” she said.

Eisma started her career as a volunteer during the initial years of the SBMA. She worked at the House of Representatives and joined the private sector as a corporate affairs professional with the Philippine affiliate of Philip Morris International.

On December 21, the President appointed her to the position of administrator and CEO of SBMA replacing former chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia. She assumed office Monday, January 16 and attended her first flag raising ceremony with employees and officers of the agency. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Administrator Wilma T. Eisma (3rd from left), along with the new members of the Board of Directors, answers questions from the press in her first media briefing. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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3 firms eye Subic airport redev’t

Three firms have expressed interest for the redevelopment of Subic International Airport (SBIA).

Martin Dino, chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, in a letter to transportation secretary Arthur Tugade identified these AIA Airways, Intercontinental Pacific Airways and RIL International & Global Link Co., Ltd.

AIA Airways wants to build a $1.5-billion logistics center and transshipment hub for cargo airline operations, supported by a maintenance repair station and a world-class aviation institution in the tradition of the US Dallas Forth Worth. It is projected to generate 800 new jobs.

RIL International & Global Link Co., Ltd has made a $1.5-billion proposal to lease, develop, upgrade, modernize and operate the SBIA to include provisions for a modern airport terminal, hotels, theme parks and a sports complex.

The third, Intercontinental Pacific Airways wants a $48-million airlines operations center including maintenance, repair and overhaul operations. It is projected to employ 610 workers

Dino said the projected P2 billion upgrade will turn the facility, formerly a hub for logistics company Federal Express (FedEx), into a major international gateway for travelers to the Philippines.

“We want the airport to be fully operational again, and to be at par with the best airports in Asia and the world,” he said.

SBIA boasts of long runway fitted to handle long-haul wide-body jets and heavy air transport, Dino said.

The 200-hectare aviation facility, can handle commercial or chartered aircraft operation, air cargo handling and warehousing, aircraft repair and maintenance and other general aviation businesses. It features a 2,700-meter runway and a 10,000-square-meter passenger terminal that can handle 700 passengers.

SBIA has been mostly idle since mid-2009 when FedEx closed down its Asia-Pacific transshipment hub and moved its entire hub operations to Guangzhou, China

Dino expressed optimism the upgraded SBIA can be made operational in six months to one year after construction.

Redeveloping Subic’s airport is part of five priority projects the SBMA under Dino has proposed to President Duterte to decongest congestion in Metro Manila.

“The redevelopment would raise the Subic airport’s facilities to international standards capable of handling thousands of passengers and all types of cargo,” he said.

“It could serve as an inter-modal (airport-seaport) logistics hub and a strategic area for cruise destinations (mother ports), junket trips, VIP Jet services and other-related air travel, Dino added.

Dino said that new tourism and manufacturing investments could generate 100,000 new jobs, and exports, including those from nearby economic free zones in Luzon, could increase to about $43.35-billion per year.

“By enhancing Subic’s importance as a gateway, it could generate foreign direct investments estimated at $13.5-billion,” Dino said.

Dino also proposed the construction of a 100-kilometer multi-modal elevated expressway and railway from Subic Port to the Port of Manila.

The other priority projects within the Freeport include the building of major infrastructure that, Dino said, “will begin to shift the momentum of development north toward Subic and Clark.

Compared to other cities, the Subic-Clark corridor “is the only place that has a sustainable future” and its “full-blown expansion is the key” that would trigger an inflow of investments, Dino said. (Albert Castro, Malaya)

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/3-firms-eye-subic-airport-redev%E2%80%99t

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USS John S. McCain Arrives in Subic Bay

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) arrived in Subic Bay Monday (Jan. 24) morning for a brief port call that highlights the strong community and military connections between the Philippines and the United States, January 23, 2017.

The McCain crew will participate in a series of community service projects and sporting events during the crew’s visit to the Philippines.

The ship will also use the stop to conduct some minor repairs with the assistance of Filipino companies.

The Philippines is a longstanding treaty ally of the United States with a more than 70-year history of partnership. The American and Philippine militaries have worked closely together on areas of mutual interest such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter terrorism, cybersecurity and maritime security.

McCain is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (SNL)

PHOTO:
The USS John S. McCain enters the waters of Subic Bay for a brief port call.

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Hanjin Heavy delivers first Philippine-made VLCC

Subic Bay Freeport – Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction – Philippines (HHIC-Phils.) last week delivered the first Philippine-made Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) to its owner after being recognized as the country’s top sectoral exporter by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) last December during the National Export Congress.

Newly installed HHIC-Phil President Chung Gwang-Suk said: “We are very pleased to welcome the New Year with the successful delivery of this state-of-the-art vessel to one of our valued clients overseas. This vessel gives us enormous pride as it is the very first Philippine-made VLCC; hence, another record-setting milestone for the Philippine shipbuilding industry.”

The M/V Gener8 Hector shown during a sea trial conducted by HHIC-Phils.

“Our management wishes to share this accomplishment with all our partners and stakeholders in the shipbuilding industry as we chart our future together amid the challenges in the global economy. More than anything, we are deeply honored to have given the opportunity to showcase time and again our competitive strengths and spirits as we nourish the utmost trust and confidence invested in HHIC-Phils., Inc. not only by our shipbuilding clients around the world – but also the Philippine Government as our equal partner in this quest for business sustainability.”

Named as the M/V Gener8 Hector, the vessel sailed out the waters of the country’s premier Freeport measures 333 meters in length with breath of 60 meters and dead weight of 299,019 metric tons. It was ordered and jointly owned by Gener8 and Nagiva8 based in the United States of America and Singapore, respectively.

Beaming with pride, Chung further stated: “The vessel’s towering size is so breathtaking that it is comparable to US-made Nimitz class 100,000-ton aircraft carriers. Once commercially operated on the high seas, M/V Gener8 Hector could transport as much as 300,000 metric tons of crude oil to any part of the world, or roughly the equivalent of the entire Philippine archipelago’s 13-day fuel supply requirements in 2015. The country imported 65.14 million barrels of crude oil (8.88 million metric tons) that year.”

“While the global shipbuilding market has experienced rough sailing over the past few years, HHIC-Phils., Inc. has taken exception as it continued to maintain its foothold in the international front, capitalizing on our technological advancements and highly skilled workforce to produce cost-efficient and most modern commercial vessels that range from bulk carrier to container ship, crude oil tanker and liquefied petroleum gas carrier,” Chung added.

With HHIC-Phils., Inc.’s aggressive business presence, the Philippines marched toward the elite circle of the largest shipbuilding nations, ranking the country fifth overall as per the report of the highly respected European institution, Clarkson Research, in its August 2016 issue. As of January this year, the Subic-based shipbuilder has delivered 99 vessels and 10 steel structures with a total export value of US$5.8 billion.

Aside from the fleet of high-value vessels on order, HHIC-Phils., Inc. is currently building three 20,600 TEU container ships considered among the biggest container ships the world over. These mega gigantic box ships are due to be delivered this year.

Since its commercial operation in 2008, HHIC-Phils., Inc.’s Subic shipyard has emerged as a top employment destination especially in the countryside, providing descent jobs to more than 33,000 Filipinos and generating various livelihood opportunities for neighboring provinces in Central Luzon.

Chung mentioned “We remain steadfast as always in delivering our commitment to bring long lasting positive change in the lives of many Filipino workers when we poured in our US$2.3-billion investment in the country.” With a strong support system in place nurtured by high confidence from our partners, especially from the Philippine Government, we will double our efforts to cause more inclusive economic growth and development in line with the vision of the Duterte Administration to revive the country’s manufacturing sector in general, which proved to be a growth driver for the Philippine economy.”

The ship was delivered to its owner last week, marking the first biggest ship made by Filipino shipbuilders in the country. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

http://business.mb.com.ph/2017/01/17/hanjin-heavy-delivers-first-philippine-made-vlcc/

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Subic Bay commemorates the 100th birth anniversary of Olongapo's first mayor

Olongapenos and Subic Bay volunteers gathered in this free port Tuesday (January 17) to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Mayor James Leonard (Jimmy) Gordon, Olongapo's first elected mayor.

Simultaneous wreath-laying activities led by the children of the late mayor were held in four significant areas in Subic Bay and Olongapo City: Marikit Park, led by the Balikatan Ladies; Kalalake Elementary School; Gordon Park/Kalaklan; and Tappan Park, site of the hospital where Mayor Jimmy Gordon was born.

A program followed shortly at the Riviera wharf where the M/V Susitna, the newly acquired ship of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is docked.

Aside from the Gordon family led by PRC Governor and Senator Richard J Gordon, also attending the celebration were officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) led by Chairman Martin Diño and Administrator Amy Eisma, as well as free port investors.

Socio-civic groups such as the Jaycees of Olongapo City, Rotary Club of Olongapo City, James L. Gordon Council of the Olongapo City Boy Scout of the Philippines, BALIKATAN Ladies of Olongapo Movement, SUGPO, Businessmen/Civic groups participants; Philippine Red Cross Olongapo City Chapter Board, Staff and 143 volunteers; PRC Board of Governors; and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; and officials and volunteers of the Bagumbayan Volunteers for a New Philippines Party also attended the celebration.

Mayor James Gordon was born on January 17, 1917 of an American father, John Jacob Gordon, and a Filipina mother, Veronica Tagle Gordon. He was Mayor of Olongapo City from December 30, 1963 to February 20, 1967.

Instead of electing American Citizenship and residing in the United States like his four brothers, he chose to stay in the Philippines as a Filipino Citizen. He raised his children as Filipino Citizens and brought them up according to Filipino values;

Mayor Jimmy Gordon, known as the Father of Olongapo, led the move to free Olongapo from the United States (US). When the rest of the Philippine had been declared independent of the US on July 4, 1946, Olongapo remained under US Government jurisdiction having been declared a US Naval Reservation in the early 1900s).

Gordon, though an American himself, having an American father, could not stomach the strict military regulations that limited the movements of the residents of Olongapo. He exposed and fought the abuses and harassments suffered by Olongapo residents under US military rule. He was also like David trying to defeat Goliath, which symbolized the rampant corruption and abuses in the governing authority. (SNL)

PHOTOS:

[1] The Gordons stand before a statue of their father, the late Mayor James Gordon, at the Tappan park inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] Philippine Red Cross Governor Senator Richard Gordon leading the tour of the bridge of the M/V Susitna as SBMA Chairman Martin Diño looks on.  (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA’s first lady administrator and CEO assumes post

Lawyer Wilma “Amy” T. Eisma assumes her post as the seventh administrator and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

A member of original volunteer corps who stepped up to protect the former naval base in Subic after the pull-out of the US bases in 1992, Atty. Eisma was warmly welcomed back to her “home” by SBMA officials and employees in a simple program held during the agency’s flag raising ceremony Monday (January 16).

The program highlights the passing of the SBMA flag symbolizing the turnover of the helm to Eisma, the agency’s first woman administrator and CEO, from her predecessor Roberto V. Garcia.

The ceremony was also witnessed by the members of the SBMA Board of Directors and local government officials from Olongapo City, and the contiguous provinces of Zambales and Bataan.

Eisma was appointed to the post by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on December 21, 2016, vice Garcia.

She formally took her oath of office as SBMA Administrator before President Duterte in Malacañang on January 9, 2017 along with the new members of the SBMA Board of Directors Benny Diaz Antiporda, Maria Cecilia Bobadilla Bitare, Tomas Lahom III and Stefani Creer Saño.

As administrator and CEO, Eisma shall also sit as vice chair to the SBMA Board of Directors.

Born and raised in Olongapo City, Eisma is a seasoned lawyer with over 23 years of experience in both government service and the private sector.

Prior to her appointment, she was the Sustainability and Contributions Manager of PMFTC Inc., the Philippine affiliate of Philip Morris International (PMI), with 16 years of service in various management capacities looking over corporate, government and regulatory affairs, community and farmer relations, sustainability, contributions, and diversity and inclusion initiatives of the company. She was instrumental in PMI’s decision to locate its regional tobacco warehouse for Asia Pacific in Subic Bay Freeport.

Her stint in the tobacco firm earned her various international awards in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and her work ethic, agility and leadership skills has earned her coveted corporate awards among them the PMI President’s Award in 2005, and the PMI Excellence Award in 2003, 2007 and 2011. She was also an awardee of the PMI Best Contribution Program in 2009 and the PMI Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award in 2010.

Atty. Eisma is very much at home in SBMA. As a young lawyer, she started her career as the Executive Assistant to the Chairman and member of the Legal Department at the time of the agency’s formation and foundation from 1993 to 1998. During this period, she was also qualified by the Civil Service Executive Board required to hold higher positions in government

She represented SBMA in local judicial courts and oversaw the Housing Department of SBMA in managing negotiation and collection.

She was also a member of the team that successfully negotiated assistance of the World Bank to SBMA including the entry/investment of Federal Express, and various international and local investors resulting to thousands of jobs.

Before joining the private sector, she continued life in the public service as head executive assistant and legal counsel to the majority floor of the House of Representatives, and as chief of staff of the secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry from 2000-2001.

A member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, she holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence, Ateneo De Manila University, College of Law. She was also a member of the Philippine Delegation, 1989 UNIV Forum in Rome, Italy (RBB.RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

[1] SBMA's new administrator Atty. Wilma T. Eisma holds the SBMA flag after it was passed on to her by her predecessor Roberto V. Garcia during the SBMA's flag ceremony Monday (January 16). (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] Administrator Eisma answers questions from the media during her first press briefing. Also attending were the new members of the SBMA Board of Directors. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Eisma, four others take oath as SBMA officials before President Duterte

Lawyer Wilma T. Eisma took her oath of office as administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) before President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in a mass ceremony held in Malacañang Monday (January 9).

Benny Diaz Antiporda, Maria Cecilia Bobadilla Bitare, Tomas Lahom III and Stefani Creer Saño also took their oath as members of the SBMA board of directors.

The SBMA officials were among over 200 appointees who composed the second batch of new government officials sworn in by the president.

Eisma, was appointed by President Duterte as the new SBMA administrator in December 21 last year, replacing Roberto V. Garcia.

Garcia was SBMA administrator from 2011 until his resignation in October last year. He also served as chair of the SBMA board of directors before he was succeeded by Martin Diño.

Prior to her appointment, Eisma was an executive of Philip Morris Phils. Manufacturing, Inc. She was also one of the 8,000 volunteers who initially managed and protected the facilities of the Subic Bay Freeport after the US Navy pulled out of the former US Naval base in 1992. (SNL)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Administrator Eisma chats with President Duterte as they prepare for a photo shoot along with other newly-sworn government officials. President Duterte administered the oath of office of over 200 appointees composing the second batch of new government officials Monday (January 9). 

[2] President Duterte poses with newly-sworn government officials for a souvenir group photo.

-- photos grabbed from RTVMalacanang on youtube

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LOOK: Subic Bay radio Epiphany Sunday community visit

Residents of Sitio Alibang, Barangay Naugsol in Subic, Zambales benefited from the annual gift giving project of Subic Bay Freeport's radio station DWSB 89.5 FM held over the weekend.

DJ MJ, DJ Jepsz and DJ Elton of 89.5 Subic Bay Radio led the giving of donations to around 100 households, including Aeta indigenous tribal members of Barangay Naugsol Sunday (January 08) morning. The activity was also participated in by donors and several radio communication volunteers.

DWSB 89.5 FM Subic Bay Radio is a public radio facility jointly established by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and state-run Philippine Broadcasting Service.

Managed by the SBMA Media Production Department (SBMA-MPD), Subic Bay Radio is aimed to serve as a medium that will promote Subic Bay Freeport Zone as an investment and tourism haven, and at the same time provide radio services for the community of Subic Bay Freeport Zone and its contiguous areas (i.e. Olongapo City and the provinces of Bataan and Zambales).

89.5 Subic Bay Radio is heard locally on your FM radio dial, and via internet audio/video streaming at www.ustream.tv/channel/895subicbay. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Olongapo bans plastic, styrofoam as packaging materials

OLONGAPO CITY - The use and sale of non-biodegradable plastic bags and styrofoam as packaging materials are now prohibited in Olongapo City as part of its efforts to protect the environment and mitigate flooding in the area.

“Plastic bags and styrofoam are among the top trash collected during our yearly citywide cleanup, and is also one of the main reasons why our drainage clogs up. That is why we opt to ban plastic in the city.” Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino said.

He added that it is also the city’s way to help protect and care for the environment.

“Kailangan namin ng tulong na mga residents. Kapag nakita sana nila na gumagamit pa rin ng plastic bags or styro yung tindahan, sabihan na nila, o mag report sa aking opisina," Paulino said.

"Hindi lang naman ang local na pamahalaan ang makikinabang dito, buong Olongapo lalong lalo na ang mga maliiliit na bata na maiiwan natin sa syudad. Lahat tayo dapat maging miyembro ng task force.” He added.

Mayor Paulino also formed a task force composed of selected personnel from the local government to monitor and implement the said ban.

The ban on plastic bags and Styrofoam started January 1, 2017 after a gradual implementation last year.

Under City Ordinance No. 11 Series of 2015, any establishment violating the ban will be fined P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense and P5,000 plus cancellation of its business permit for the third offense.

The gradual prohibition of plastics started in the 3rd quarter of last year allocating every Wednesday as plastic-free day. It was followed by a two-day ban during the 4th quarter of 2016 with Wednesdays and Saturdays allocated as plastic-free days.

The ordinance encourages residents to use recyclable bags, bayongs, eco bags, biodegradable plastic, paper cups and paper food containers as replacement for the banned material.

Mayor Paulino explained that the gradual implementation of the ban last year was done upon the request of businesses as they have already stocked up on plastic bags for their use.

“But now the honeymoon is over, we need to adhere to the law and I am very positive that we can achieve this goal by helping each other.” Paulino said. (SNL)

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Japanese, American warships docked in Subic Bay

Two Japanese warships arrived in Subic Bay Wednesday (January 4) morning, joining five other U.S. navy ships docked in this Freeport since new year's day.

The Murasame-class destroyer JS Inazuma (DD-105) and Akizuki-class destroyer JS Suzutsuki (DD-117) of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) docked at the port of Subic for a three-day visit.



The ships are part of the Escort Division Four, commanded by Captain Atsushi Minami. JS Inazuma is commanded by Cdr. Soichiro Tashiro, while Cdr. Kentaro Nakayama commands the Suzutsuki.

This is the fourth port call of Japanese warships in Subic Bay. Japan's maritime force made its first goodwill visit to the Philippines after 15 years in early April last year with its submarine JS Oyashio (SS-511) and two destroyer ships, the JS Ariake (DD-109) and JS Setogiri (DD-156) docking in Subic Bay, followed by the visit of Hyūga-class helicopter destroyer, JS Ise in late April, 2016.



In the meantime, five U.S. ships docked and welcomed the new year here, to the delight of business establishments and residents in this former US Naval Base.

The USS Pecos, USNS Tippecanoe, USNS Cesar Chavez, USNS Impeccable and USNS Bowditch arrived without much fanfare nor announcement by the US Embassy in Manila.

In Manila, the Russian anti-submarine destroyer Admiral Tributs, along with the sea tanker Boris Butoma, anchored at South Harbor on Tuesday for a week long goodwill visit.

The Philippine Navy welcomed the two Russian warships, coinciding with Manila’s expressed readiness to shift from relying on the US as its sole and dominant partner in the Western Pacific.

The Russian marines are expected to discuss and share tactics to help combat terrorism and piracy in the region. Moscow is also eager to conduct joint military exercises with its Philippines counterparts in the future.

“There will be courtesy calls, tour of historical places within Manila and nearby Cavite province, capability demonstration, goodwill games, wreath laying, shipboard tour and send-off ceremony among others,” Capt. Lued Lincuna, a spokesman for the Philippine Navy, said.

Lincuna also noted that this is the third time a contingent of the Russian Navy has visited the Philippines. But it is the first visit by Russian navy ships since Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office last June. Russian ships docked in the Philippines in May 2016 and in January 2012. (SNL, with reports from Subic Bay News and RT.com)


PHOTOS:
[1] The Murasame-class destroyer JS Inazuma approaches the Alava pier of the Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales for a routine port call Wednesday (January 04) morning. Another Japanese warship, the JS Suzutsuki, an Akizuki-class destroyer also docked in this premier industrial port facing the West Philippine Sea for a 3-day port visit. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] Sailors aboard the US Navy supply ship USNS Cesar Chavez hoist an American flag as the JS Inazuma approaches the Alava pier of Subic Bay Freeport zone in Zambales for a routine port call Wednesday (January 04) morning. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)


Subic Bay News: 5 US Ships Welcome New Year in Subic

https://www.rt.com/news/372611-russian-warships-visit-philippines/

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DOTr approves Subic-Manila railway project

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority said Wednesday it secured the green light from the Transportation Department to include a P100-billion elevated railway and expressway project from Subic Freeport to the port of Manila among priority projects.

SBMA chairman Martin Dino said the 100-kilometer multi-modal elevated railway and expressway project would greatly relieve port and traffic congestion in Metro Manila and increase cargo transit in Subic Port, which was currently operating at only a third of its rated capacity of 600,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit containers.

Dino said the construction of the project could be completed in 48 months. He said he would ask for Malacañang’s approval to have the project included for financing under the Philippine-China Framework of Cooperation.

Cargo unloading at the Port of Subic

Dino also said his team was already working on increasing Subic Bay Port’s capacity for new container terminals 3 and 4 by an additional 600,000 TEUs.

He also welcomed the appointment of lawyer Wilma Eisma as SBMA administrator, saying the Freeport now had “an excellent working team.”

“Now we can really move forward at Subic in our goal to raise investments and revenues, eliminate smuggling and stamp out corruption,” Dino said.

Eisma replaced former administrator Roberto Garcia and brought to Subic her wide management experience. She is expected to take over the post next week in what Dino described as “a great start to a new year in our effort to turn Subic into an anchor of national growth.”

This developed as the new win-win tandem vowed to promote Subic as a major alternative gateway for international cargos.

Dino, who was appointed by Malacañang in September, said there were “no more roadblocks to a wide-ranging reform in Subic, because now we can truly say we have an excellent working team.”

He said President Rodrigo Duterte was expected to name the remaining members of the SBMA board, the policy-making body, so the Freeport “can move rapidly and urgently in seeking new investments and building much-needed infrastructure.” (Darwin G. Amojelar, Manila Standard)

http://www.thestandard.com.ph/business/225298/dotr-approves-subic-manila-railway-project.html

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LOOK: Eisma named new SBMA administrator

LAWYER Wilma T. Eisma, a former executive of Philip Morris Phils. Manufacturing, Inc., has been appointed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte as the new administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), replacing Roberto V. Garcia, who resigned as both chairman and administrator in October.

In a letter dated Dec. 21, Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea transmitted Ms. Eisma’s appointment letter to SBMA Chairman Martin D. Diño.

The appointment letter read: “By virtue hereof, you may qualify and enter upon the performance of the duties of the office, furnishing this Office and the Civil Service Commission with copies of your oath of office.”

In a separate letter dated Nov. 28, Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra clarified that Mr. Diño is not the SBMA administrator, only chairman of the board of directors.

Mr. Guevarra’s letter was in response to Mr. Diño’s letter on Nov. 21 informing the Office of the President that he has “assumed the functions of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman/Administrator pursuant to Republic Act No. 7227.”

“Please be advised that the designation of Atty. Randy B. Escolango as Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Administrator, SBMA, has not been revoked by the Office of the President and thus remains in full force and effect,” Mr. Guevarra said in reply to Mr. Diño.

The SBMA is in charge of the Subic Bay Freeport and Special Economic Zone located inside a former US naval base. (Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral, BusinessWorld)

PHOTO: 
Atty. Wilma Eisma's official appointment signed by President Duterte (as shared on facebook).

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=eisma-appointed-to-head-sbma&id=138321

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PCGA Gift-Giving Benefits 1,155 SBMA Contractual Workers

SOME 1,155 contract of service (CS) workers of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) were this year’s beneficiary of the annual gift-giving of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) 111th Auxiliary Squadron.

SBMA’s CS workers do not receive bonuses, allowances and other benefits, which is why we want to cheer them up a little bit in the spirit of the holiday season,” said PCGA Captain Randy Escolango, Director of the 111th Auxiliary Squadron and OIC SBMA Administrator.

PCGA officers and members attended to the CS employees who trooped to the Subic Gym on Thursday (December 15)  between 4PM to 8PM.

“We started the PCGA 111th Auxiliary Squadron gift-giving last year and we decided to make it an annual event,” Escolango said. “This year, we have more than doubled the number of beneficiaries and with God’s grace, we hope to keep on doing this in the many more years to come, he added. (subicbaynews)

PHOTO:
Members of the PCGA 111the Auxiliary Squadron based in Subic Bay distributes 10 kilos of rice each to the more than 1,000 contract of service employees of the SBMA.

http://subicbaynews.net/?p=15759

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SBMA signs in new investments worth $14.4 million

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on Wednesday has approved 43 contracts of new investment commitments, as well as renewal of leases for investor-companies, worth some $14.4 million (P720 M).

“SBMA is on its way to another record-breaking year in terms of investment generation,” SBMA OIC Administrator Randy Escolango said during a mass contract-signing ceremony held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Escolango added that since the year 2012, SBMA has also sustained record revenue collections that saw the agency rise from a bleeding agency to become a top contributor to the national coffers among Government Owned & Controlled Corporations (OGCC), with accumulated funds of some P4B in the bank.

The new contracts and renewals involved 12 projects under the general business and investment department; two for information and communications technology; 18 for leisure; seven for logistics; and another two for manufacturing and maritime.

The new investments, Escolango said, manifest the continuing confidence of the investor community in the Subic Bay Freeport, pointing out that the SBMA has already approved a total of P111.5-billion worth of investments since January until September this year.

“With a 7% growth in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) forecast for next year, and with Central Luzon contributing about 10-12% of the GDP, it cannot be denied that the Subic Bay Freeport Zone contributes significantly to national economic growth,” Escolango also said.

According to Ronnie Yambao, OIC Deputy Administrator for the SBMA Business Group, the projected investments to be generated under the 43 new contracts totaled $14,409,443. This is on top of the $728.6 million total that the said firms have initially committed to invest in this free port.

Leading the list of new companies with significant committed investments are Broadband Broadcast Services, Pte. Ltd., with P220 million for a cable and pay television services venture that would employ 88 personnel; and Autokid Subic Trading Corp., which has set aside P25 million for a project that would employ 25 workers.

Meanwhile, companies with substantial commitments for expansion projects include Subic Horizon Hotel, which has set aside P60 million for additional hotel facilities; Royal Duty Free Shops, which allotted P50 million for the renovation of its main store in this free port; and GigaMare Inc., with $204,500 worth of additional investments for its maritime training facility here.

It was the first time in almost six years that the SBMA again conducted a mass contract-signing ceremony for Subic-registered companies.

Rose Baldeo, president of Global Terminals & Development Inc. and chairperson of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, said the occasion “is a sign that the SBMA is moving forward” despite a recent leadership row in the agency that has reportedly stalled some investor-related business operations.

In response, Yambao assured the business locators here that the SBMA is ready to provide them with “fast, flexible and friendly” service.

SBMA Sr. Deputy Administrator for Support Services Ramon Agregado also assured the agency's unwavering support to locators and its commitment to transparency, citing the recent launch of the one-stop shop and SBMA's continuous ISO and management reforms. (HEE/NBM/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
[1] SBMA OIC Administrator Randy Escolango (left) congratulates GigaMare President & CEO Jari Ullakonoja after signing a contract for business expansion during a mass contract-signing ceremony for Subic Freeport investors on Wednesday. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] SBMA OIC Administrator Randy Escolango (left) signs the contract with an official of Triboa Medtech, Inc., which renewed its lease contract with the SBMA during a mass contract-signing ceremony for Subic Freeport investors on Wednesday. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic expects increased port operations with Taiwan-based shipping lines

Port operations in the country’s premier Freeport is expected to experience increased activities as the Government of Taiwan expressed keen interest in forging a partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

In a recent visit to the free port, executive officials from Taiwan Maritime and Port Bureau led by Deputy Director General Lee Yuan-Wan manifested to SBMA OIC-Administrator Atty. Randy Escolango the possibility of building a transshipment partnership between Taiwan and Subic Bay.

The partnership aims to increase the volume of container traffic between the Port of Subic Bay and Taiwan Ports, thru Yang Ming Shipping Lines.

In response, Escolango urged the Taiwanese officials to encourage industries in Taichung to use the Port of Subic as their gateway in the region.

The visit of the Taiwanese delegation to the Port of Subic is a result of SBMA’s participation in the 22nd Philippines-Taiwan Joint Economic Conference held on October 27-28 in Taipei, Taiwan.

The "Southbound Policy" of the Government of Taiwan has initiated concrete measures in prioritizing countries south of Taiwan, including the Philippines, in the area of trade and investments.

Due to this paradigm shift, the Philippines is taking advantage of this opportunity to capture the matured growth of industries in Taiwan in the fields of high-value manufacturing, innovation, logistics and transshipment, renewable energy, e-commerce and financing.

Escolango noted that Taiwan is the Philippines' 6th trading partner with US$7.85 billion worth of bilateral trade in 2015.

At present, there are 52 Taiwanese companies in Subic Freeport, mostly inside the Taiwanese-run Subic Bay Gateway Park, with over US$500 million worth of investments generating 12,500 jobs. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)


PHOTO:
SBMA Office of the Administrator OIC Atty. Randy Escolango (left) explains the developments at the Port of Subic to visiting Taiwanese maritime officials.

(From left) Escolango, Taiwan Port and Maritime Bureau Deputy Director General Lee Yuan-Wan, Hsu Chia-Chu of International Affairs Planning Division and Maritime Affairs Administration Division Technical Specialist Tu Wen-Yun.

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