NLEX spending P1.6b to expand toll road in Subic

NLEX Corp. said it is spending P1.6 billion to expand the capacity of Subic Freeport Expressway, or SFEx, amid growing vehicle traffic.

NLEX vice president for project management Nemesio Castillo said SFEx, or the Tipo section of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, would be expanded by one lane in each direction.

The Subic-Tipo Tunnel of the Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEx)

The project is expected to be completed in 16 months starting this month.

Castillo said a new tunnel and two new bridges—Jadjad Bridge and Argonaut Bridge—would also be constructed while expressway-standard LED lights would be installed to keep the expressway safe for motorists, especially for those driving at night.

SFEx, which was constructed in time for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Subic in 1996, is now a part of SCTEx.

NLEX holds the concession to manage, operate and maintain SCTEx, a 93.77-km four-lane highway, traversing the provinces of Bataan, Pampanga and Tarlac.

The management, operation, and maintenance of SCTEX was turned over by BCDA to the NLEX in 2015.

NLEX said last week it allotted P400 million this year to expand the capacity of SCTEX.

The company, which operates SCTEX, said more lanes would be built in Clark South A and South B exits; Clark North entry and exit; San Miguel northbound entry and exit; and Tarlac entry and exit.

NLEX said the construction would start on July 1 this year and be completed by November this year.

The construction of the Bamban Interchange, which will link the expressway to New Clark City, is also ongoing in time for country’s hosting of the Southeast Asian Games.

Data show since the SCTEx was opened in 2008, the average daily traffic grew by close to 600 percent from just 9,302 to 62,643 in 2018. (Darwin G. Amojelar, Manila Standard)


http://manilastandard.net/business/corporate/292969/nlex-spending-p1-6b-to-expand-toll-road-in-subic.html

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SBMA calls for SEA Games volunteers

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma has called for the participation of volunteers from the Subic Bay area in the 30th Southeast Asian Games that the Philippines will host late this year.

Once more tapping the wellspring of volunteerism that helped make Subic a model for military base conversion, Eisma urged local youths to take the opportunity to serve and be part of history.

“Make a difference and be a hero,” Eisma said in a call broadcast over social media.

“Come show your malasakit once again. Be a SEA Games volunteer and give yourself the chance to serve the country and be part of history,” she added.

Eisma made the call for volunteers after the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) announced the need for some 12,000 volunteers for the regional sports spectacle that will be held in November 30 to December 10.

PHISGOC chief operating officer Ramon Suzara said that volunteers will be mobilized for the Games in Metro Manila, Subic, Clark Freeport, and other venues to help run the country’s hosting of the 56 sports and 529 events in this year’s sports meet.

Eisma said she has called for volunteers to show their malasakit for Subic in so many occasions in the past. “Today, I am calling on you again to join the SBMA team and help make the 30th SEA Games successful,” she said.

Out of the 56 sports slated in the 2019 SEA Games, 16 will be hosted in Subic. These are duathlon, triathlon, pencak silat, sepak takraw, chess, table tennis, muay thai, karatedo, vovinam, obstacle sports, modern-date pentathlon, beach volleyball, beach handball, and all water sports: sailing, wind surfing, and traditional boat race.

PHISGOC said around P100 million to P150 million will be allotted to the volunteer program from the P5-billion SEA Games budget of the national government.

The volunteers will be provided with uniforms, transportation, allowance and meals for an eight-hour shift.

Eisma said that those interested to join the SEA Games volunteer program in Subic may apply online at www.mysubicbay.com.ph. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Recruitment of volunteers will be conducted from April to July, with the online registration starting on May 15. Training of volunteers will be held from August to October. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

With the monument honoring Subic’s original volunteers in the background, SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma renews the call for volunteers, this time for the upcoming SEA Games events to be held in the Subic Bay Freeport. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA’s Eisma urges Subic graduates: ‘Be extraordinary’

“Don’t be afraid that you are ordinary, because ordinary does not make you less; it only means you can still work to be extraordinary.”

With these words, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma urged this year’s graduating senior students at the Subic National High School in Subic, Zambales to go out of their comfort zone and take chances in life.

Eisma, who was invited to inspire the students with her success as a government executive and career woman, said noted that while some people become extraordinarily successful, some tend to become too confident that their careers become stagnant.

“On the other hand, the so-called ordinary people have so much time to work and improve themselves and become more successful. The ordinary could become extraordinary. So, being ordinary should not be something to be worried about,” she said.

Eisma also told the students about the lifelong lessons she has learned since being a schoolgirl in Olongapo City. “Follow your parents; do not be afraid to take chances; and do not be afraid to fail,” she said.

Eisma revealed how she learned to cope with the rules her parents had imposed on what to wear or not wear in going out of the house, on the 5 o’clock curfew, and on having a boyfriend.

“It took me 50 years to realize that my mother will always know best, that my father knows best,” Eisma related. “Believe me, those rules are there for a reason. And I highly recommend that you follow your parents because they have nothing but your best interest in mind.”

The SBMA executive also challenged the graduating students to take chances, as she observed that many graduates preferred to content themselves with what was easy and safe.

“You will never know what is in store for you until you take the chance,” she said. “It is in taking those risks that you find greatness. It is in taking risks that you find success,” she added.

As a former senior officer of the multimillion-peso corporation Philip Morris (Philippines) International, Eisma said she earned more than what she is receiving today. But she took the chance and accepted the offer of President Duterte to become administrator of SBMA, and later as chairman too, she added.

“I long wanted to be home with my parents, to go back to the place I grew up in. So, when the President offered me the job, I took my chances,” she told the students. “Today, I’m happier with my work where I feel I belong and can do a lot to help other people. These are things you cannot buy anywhere in the world.”

Lastly, the SBMA chairman also asked the youngsters to not be afraid to fail and get hurt. “What is important is not the fact that you failed, but how you dealt with failure. Because failure will only win if you let it.”

“I, too, had failures in life. And of course I cried, but I asked myself, ‘Will I just cry my whole life? So, the next day I moved on and tried my luck again, and I soon I found success,” she said.

In closing, Eisma challenged every graduating student “to become Amy Eisma” and try to become extraordinary.

“I am you,” she told them. “I went through the same experience as you do. So, I challenge you to take chances. I challenge you to become me. For all you know, 25 years from now, one of you will be the chairman and administrator of SBMA.”

Meanwhile, faculty members and students gave Eisma a standing ovation for her extraordinary speech. “That was really a most inspiring and energizing speech we heard,” they said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma engages graduating students of the Subic National High School with her advice on how to take chances and be extraordinary and successful. (MPD-SBMA)

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Weeklong Lenten program set in Subic Bay Freeport

Subic is not only ready for the crowd of vacationers this summer, but also for throngs of the faithful who are expected to observe the Christian traditions of praying, fasting and reconciling with their Maker during the Lenten season.

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, the Subic agency, in partnership with various stakeholder groups, has prepared a weeklong religious program, as well as some cultural presentations for the Holy Week.

2019 Holy Week schedule of activities in Subic Bay 

The Holy Week, according to Christian tradition, is the culmination of the hallowed forty-day period of sacrifice leading up to Jesus' death and resurrection. Christians observe the 40 days of Lent that begins on Ash Wednesday to replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.

Eisma said that because of its relative quiet and its peaceful atmosphere, the Subic Bay Freeport has become a favorite spot for religious reflection and meditation.

Subic’s Holy Week presentation starts at 8:30 a.m. on April 14, Palm Sunday, with the re-enactment of the entry of Jesus to Jerusalem and the blessing of palms, locally known as “palaspas.” This will be held at the San Roque Chapel, which was built in the 1800s for Spanish sailors and Filipino converts.

The San Roque Chapel

“Pabasa sa Freeport,” which is the chanting of the life, passion and death of Jesus Christ, starts at 9:00 a.m. on Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday also at San Roque Chapel.

On Maundy Thursday, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and Washing of the Feet will be held at 5:00 p.m., to be followed by Visita Iglesia at 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight.

Slarted on Good Friday are the Stations of the Cross, 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, San Roque Chapel; Guided Way of the Cross Meditation, 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Holy Land Subic Sanctuary, which is located at the Tipo area; and Liturgy of the Word and Veneration of the Cross, 3:00 p.m. at San Roque Chapel.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to join the religious procession on Holy Wednesday and the grand procession on Good Friday at 6:00 p.m. Both will go around Subic’s Central Business District and end at the San Roque Chapel.

The grand event that will end the Holy Week here will be the Easter Sunday procession or “Salubong” that will start at 4:00 a.m. on April 21 and proceed along the Manila and Dewey Avenues, pass by the Spanish Gate area, and end at San Roque Chapel.

Meanwhile, SBMA Tourism Department manager Mary Jamelle Camba said that aside from religious activities, the public may also enjoy for free the live musical entertainment program that will start at 7:00 p.m. from April 18 to April 20 at the Boardwalk Event Center.

These musical presentations will showcase the bests of local bands in the Subic Bay area, as well as a gospel healing concert featuring the drama group Centurion’s Servant, the Bethesda Springs of Hope Healing Ministry, as well as singers Julie San Jose, Yael and Karylle Yuzon, and Ku Aquino.

The Holy Mass at 6:00 a.m. on Easter Sunday at San Roque Chapel will be followed by the “Agape Breakfast For All” and the Easter egg hunt for children.

Camba said that in preparation for the expected influx of visitors to Subic, the SBMA Tourism Department has established satellite information offices in four strategic locations in the Freeport to help motorists on their way.

These information centers can be found at the Tipo Toll Plaza, the front of San Roque Chapel, the Total Gas Station in front of Subic Yacht Club, and the Starbucks coffeehouse along Argonaut Hiway.

Camba said these info centers will open from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. during the entire Holy Week and will also be manned by medical personnel with ambulances on stand-by, police officers, and auto mechanics. (MPD-SBMA)

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PLDT-Subic donates police outposts to SBMA

Seven new police outposts were turned over by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company-Subic (PLDT Subic) to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as part of the company’s contribution to promote safety and security in this Freeport.

PLDT Subictel Chairman Eric Alberto formally presented the donation to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma after unveiling an outpost located on Rizal Highway corner Aguinaldo St. near the Subic main gate recently.

The seven outposts, which cost more than P1 million, sported a brand-new look with its bold black theme and vibrant SBMA emergency hotlines painted on walls.

Four new outposts are located at Subic’s Central Business District: Rizal Highway corner Argonaut Highway; Rizal Highway corner Burgos Street; Rizal Highway corner Aguinaldo Street; and Rizal Highway corner Manila Avenue.

Three others are at the Binictican housing area: one at the Binictican main sentry station; one more at the sentry near Pamulaklakin Village; and the third at the sentry gate going to El Kabayo.

PLDT Subictel officials said this corporate social responsibility (CSR) project includes the repair and repainting of the existing security outpost at the Kalayaan main sentry station.

They added that the company would also put emergency phone numbers for the Binictican and Kalayaan housing areas on the police outposts located therein.

Meanwhile, Chairman Eisma expressed the agency’s appreciation for Subictel’s continued support in the SBMA’s safety and security program for the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

She reiterated that the PLDT-Subictel CSR project is a testament to the company’s “malasakit” for this premier free port.

The Subic Telecommunications Co., or Subictel, is a subsidiary of PLDT and operates the telephone system in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairman Wilma Eisma (center) with PLDT-Subictel Chairman Eric Alberto and other officials of the SBMA and Subictel during the turnover ceremony for the new police outposts donated by PLDT.

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LOOK: Subic Bay Fire Olympics

[1] A fire brigade member from Pure Petroleum Corp. unrolls a fire hose during a Subic Fire Olympics 2019 competition held at the Subic Bay Gateway Park on March 29.

The participants competed in industrial/commercial fire-fighting and rescue scenario competition.





[2] A rescue team from the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corp. carries a “victim” during a rescue scenario in the Subic Fire Olympics 2019 held at the Subic Bay Gateway Park on March 29.

[3] SBMA Chairman and CEO Wilma T. Eisma joins members of fire brigades from various locator-companies in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone during the Subic Fire Olympics 2019 held at the Subic Bay Gateway Park on March 29.

(MPD-SBMA)

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DFA mulling consular office in Subic Bay Freeport

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is now considering the establishment of a permanent consular office in this free port to better serve the public in the Subic Bay area and nearby parts of Central Luzon.

DFA Assistant Secretary Neil Frank Ferrer announced this during the agency’s passport processing project that was held last week at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

“This is our commitment—to bring our services closer to the public, closer to you people. We will not be just an ad hoc passporting on wheels. Our intention is to put up a permanent presence here,” said Ferrer, who joined the DFA team here to coordinate and look for a possible location for an office.

The DFA official added that with a permanent consular office in Subic, the agency will also be able to provide services like document authentication, assistance to nationals, and delayed registration of birth, marriage or death for Filipinos abroad.

“It will be a complete service, like a mini-DFA,” Ferrer said. “We are excited in having that office put up here soon.”

In January last year, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said she has requested the DFA to conduct passport processing here at least twice a year and, later on, to establish full consular services at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Eisma made the request after noting the huge number of passport applicants who queue for processing each time a passport-on-wheels team arrived in Subic.

Ferrer said the DFA has already established 34 consular offices across the country.

Recently, it opened seven new consular offices in Malolos, Bulacan; Ilocos Norte; Isabela; San Pablo, Laguna; Antipolo, Rizal; Tagum City, Davao del Norte; and Clarin, Misamis Occidental, he said.

SBMA deputy administrator for administration Ruel John T. Kabigting, who welcomed the DFA group during the passport processing project, said that he has been receiving positive feedback on passport processing events here.

“Applying for a passport in Subic became very convenient for the people because there is no need for them to travel to the regional office or to Manila. And they are thankful for this project,” Kabigting said.

A total of 818 passport applications were processed here in the March 29 project at the Harbor Point, according to the SBMA technical working group for corporate social responsibility (TWG for CSR), which is the prime-mover of the mobile passport processing project.

This was the third passport processing project of the SBMA TWG for CSR that was held in cooperation with the DFA, Harbor Point Ayala Mall, and Converge ICT.

The TWG for CSR consists of about 50 SBMA employee-volunteers who render public service to the public through projects like passport on wheels, firearms licensing, and civil registration. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

H1undreds of applicants queue for the processing of their passport during the DFA-SBMA Passport on Wheels project at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall on March 29, ample proof that a consular office is needed to serve the public in the Subic Bay Freeport area. (MPD-SBMA)

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Japanese steel firm invests P392.5-M for Subic factory

A Japanese steel company is set to invest P392.5 million in this premier free port to produce gear parts for industrial robots and specialty steel products for other companies here and abroad.

Taiyo Subic Philippines Corporation, a subsidiary of Japanese integrated special steel trading firm Taiyo Shoji Co., Ltd., was established here in February and has leased a 6,200-square meter facility at the Subic Techno Park (STP) here.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said Taiyo Subic has initially subleased a property with Nidec Subic Philippine Corp., another Japanese company at the STP, which manufactures spindle motors for hard disk drives.

“But Taiyo Subic has committed to construct its own factory here within this year at the cost of P142.5 million,” Eisma said during a media briefing here on Friday.

“This only goes to show the continuing confidence among Japanese investor-companies in Subic,” she added.

The new company has located in Subic to engage in the business of importation and exportation of special steel materials, and manufacturing of parts for use in the automobile industry, industrial machineries, plant machineries, and information technology.

It plans to set up a manufacturing facility that will manufacture and supply specialized gear parts for industrial robots both in the Philippines and abroad.

According to its business plan, Taiyo Subic will import materials from Taiyo Japan and Daido Steel Co., one of the world’s largest specialty steel manufacturers, refine these materials, and thereafter supply precision materials and gear parts to to other companies here and abroad.

Specifically, Taiyo Subic will supply speed reducers for Subic Nidec, using the special materials and parts that were developed by Taiyo Japan and Daido Steel.

The firm plans to supply Nidec Subic with 100,000 units of speed reducers per month by March 2020.

The entry of another Japanese manufacturer here heralds a resurgence of Japanese investments in the Subic Bay Freeport, noted Chairman Eisma.

Just this January, Nidec Shimpo, a sister company of Nidec Subic, launched in Subic an entirely new product line for super-silent speed reducers that has not been manufactured elsewhere in the world.

This was followed in March by the opening of a research and product development facility by Japanese technology firm Sanyo Denki Philippines, Inc. also at the Subic Techno Park.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda, who graced the Nidec Shimpo inauguration, said the new projects show “the continuing Japanese investor confidence in the Philippines’ business potential.” (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

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SBITC installs reach stackers to enhance Subic port operations

The Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation (SBITC) has added four reach stackers to ensure efficient port operations and optimize container yard space of the Subic port terminal.

The installation of reach stackers is part of the terminal operator’s initiative to further enhance its capacity in handling unladen containers from the surge of imports, after being assigned as an empty evacuation center last year.

“Our investments in global standard port equipment and systems help in maintaining robust operations in NCT 1 & 2 to meet the needs and demands of our partners. These firm up our position as a competitive international gateway for industries in the freeport area and the North and Central Luzon region,” said SBITC.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma welcomed the private terminal operator’s efforts in boosting the capacity of Subic as a major transhipment hub.

She said the SBMA has also started last year the rehabilitation of roads leading to the Subic Container Terminal and other major piers in the Subic Freeport in order to increase port-related activities here.

“Together with SBITC and the Bureau of Customs, we have also set up One-Stop-Shop document processing in the terminal to further enhance efficiency and customer service in the port,” Eisma added.

SBITC said the reach stackers which arrived at the terminal this month will be fully operational by April. Each stacker will have a load capacity of 45,000 kg and can stack up to five containers high.

The port currently has seven reach stackers for yard and vessel operations. SBITC said that there will be two more improvements within the first half of 2019.

“We are expecting two more equipment to arrive in the coming months. This is only the first leg of the improvements planned for the year,” SBITC said.

Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation is one of the leading port operators in the world which leverages on fast, reliable, and cost-efficient system. It is the container port operator of the Subic Freeport Area in Subic, Zambales, and serves the industries in Northern and Central Luzon. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

INCREASED EFFICIENCY. The reach stacker, which can lift, shift and stack empty containers, will augment port’s ability to securely and efficiently pile containers to optimize container yard space. (MPD-SBMA)

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SuBIT gets added prestige

The 2019 NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) Asian Cup slated on April 27 and 28 gained more prestige as it ushers in the 2019 One Belt One Road Triathlon series.

This arrangement highlights the enduring relationship for decades between the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP), the Chinese Taipei Triathlon Association (CTTA) and the China Triathlon Sports Association (CTSA).

Further, CTSA, for this year, will dispatch the Chinese national team to compete in the SuBIT with TRAP reciprocating with a team of triathletes seeing action in the 2019 Lianyungang ASTC Triathlon Asian Cup and 2019 Jiayuguan ASTC Triathlon Asian Cup. The latter events serve as the second and third legs of the One Belt One Road Triathlon series.

“For the past years, TRAP and CTSA have been keeping a good relationship and communication. Thanks for the invitation and help from TRAP, Chinese National Triathlon Teams participated in Subic Bay ASTC Triathlon Asian Cups for many times and got good results. Meanwhile, our two national federations have always been supporting each other during ASTC Congress elections and other international activities,” CTSA Secretary General Chen Xiaoran said.

For its part, the CTTA is sending the Chinese Taipei national team and a good number of age-groupers to the SuBIT.

Registration for the SuBIT is ongoing with entry fees now set at P5,500 per participant for Standard Distance, P5,000 for Sprint Distance, P4,000 for Super Sprint Distance and P9,000 for Team Relay.

List-up ends on March 31 or earlier when all slots have been filled up. Online registration can be done at https://regonline.activeglobal.com/subit2019

Organized by the TRAP in cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department, the 2019 NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) Asian Cup is supported by Philippine Sports Commission, NTT, Philippine Olympic Committee, Standard Insurance, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines and Gatorade. (Manila Times)

https://www.manilatimes.net/subit-gets-added-prestige/532060/

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Subic shoe factory to hire 1,500 more workers

Datian Subic Shoes, Inc., the manufacturer of popular shoe brands like Vans and Keds, has committed some USD6 million to expand its operations in this Freeport.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Wilma T. Eisma welcomed the development, noting that the company plans to hire an additional 1,500 employees.

“Although we have experienced a downturn in employment last year because of the layoffs at Hanjin shipyard, we believe that Subic can easily make a rebound because a lot of companies like Datian Subic have been expanding and hiring more skilled workers,” she said.

Eisma said that the company has leased a 29,400-square meter property to extend its existing 42,749-square meter facility at the Subic Bay Gateway Park (SBGP) Phase II.

“The company plans to use half of the USD6-milllion expansion investment to build another factory building in two years,” she said.

Datian Subic initially invested USD10 million in 2017 for its first manufacturing facility at the Gateway Park.

As of February, this year, the company already employs 3,698 workers.

Datian Subic Shoes, Inc. produces shoes under global brands like Keds, Converse, Sperry, and Vans for the American market, as well as Hugo Boss and Dr. Martens for the European market.

Its Subic factory integrates assembly lines for stitching, rubber compounding, outsoles molding, insoles and arches sponging, rubber gluing, as well as foxing operations.

Company officials said the existing factory produces an average of 350,000 pairs of shoes per month.

Eisma also said the SBMA expects more expansion projects among Subic business locators, following the current shift in production from China to other countries in Southeast Asia because of the ongoing trade war between China and the United States.

“The current tax incentives being offered by the SBMA to foreign manufacturing companies is another factor for this expansion surge,” she said.

Eisma pointed out that the expansion projects last year amounted to a whopping PHP25 billion in committed investments from existing business locators. (Malou Dungog, PNA)

PHOTO:

The manufacturing facility of Datian Subic Shoes, Inc., located at the Subic Gateway Park.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065111

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SBMA’s P530-M road rehab program underway

Several road rehabilitation projects are either on-going or in the initial stages of preparation here as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) began implementing a P530-million infrastructure program to repair roads and related facilities built when Subic was still a military base.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the Subic authority recently completed the P9.3-million El Kabayo road rehabilitation project and has now started the P18-million Argonaut Highway-George Dewey Complex road and drainage improvement project, as well as parts of the P369.7-million road rehabilitation package.

“More projects will be underway soon, so I ask Subic stakeholders, as well as visitors to the Freeport, to please bear with us the temporary inconveniences like traffic jams, and a little noise and dust pollution because of the on-going road projects,” she said.

“We’re doing this to improve the core business infrastructure here and to sustain the attractiveness of the Subic Bay Freeport as a globally-competitive trade and tourism center,” she added.

According to the SBMA chief, most of the road rehabilitation projects today are funded under the national government’s Build-Build-Build program. This was the first time that a massive road rehabilitation program is undertaken ever since Subic became a free port zone in 1992, she said.

Eisma said the agency was able to first secure from the national government a P500-million fund for the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) rehabilitation program in 2017 and this was followed in 2018 by a P530-million fund for road rehabilitation.

As of now, the SBMA Board of Directors has approved and awarded two new major rehabilitation projects: the P76-million road rehabilitation project proposed in 2016, and the P18-million drainage improvement project along Argonaut Highway-George Dewey Complex.

Meanwhile, three other major projects are now up for bidding: Naval Supply Depot (NSD) Road Rehabilitation Project Phase 2, Road Rehabilitation Project 2018, and Road Rehabilitation Project 2019.

The 2018 road rehabilitation package is budgeted at P299 million and will include improvements at the Malawaan Park parking area, road ramp along Dewey Avenue, as well as repair of Waterfront Road, road to the New Container Terminal, Rizal Highway and Maritan Highway, as well as several roads in residential areas.

Meanwhile, the 2019 road rehabilitation package has a budget of P253 million and will consist of repairs along main roads like Argonaut Highway, San Bernardino Road, roads to Leyte Wharf and Sattler Pier duct banks, Rizal Highway, Boton Highway, Binictican Drive, and the approaches to Kalaklan Bridge and 14th Street Bridge.

On the other hand, the NSD Road Rehabilitation Project Phase 2, with a budget of P85 million, consists of repairs of roads leading to the NSD Compound where most of grain and bulk shipments are done. These areas have been battered by heavy trucks that carry tons of grain shipment coming from ships.

Eisma said repair projects are necessary because the US Navy-built roads have deteriorated over the years. “When I came back in 2017 as administrator, the first question that came to my mind was how come it seemed like there has not been any road repair in Subic, only to find out that there was no budget for that because the SBMA doesn’t have any assistance from the national government and we had to rely on our internal funds,” she said.

“Thus, I had to seek the assistance of Senator Richard Gordon, the first SBMA chairman, to get some funding for Subic included in the national budget,” she said. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma inspects road rehabilitation projects in the Subic Bay Freeport along El Kabayo Road (photo 1) and Argonaut Highway (photo 2) with Deputy Administrator for Public Works Marco Estabillo and Engineering Department head Gary Fernandez

[3] Workers construct an embankment for the Argonaut Highway-George Dewey Complex drainage improvement project in the Subic Bay Freeport.

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Japanese tech firm opens Subic R&D center

JAPANESE technology firm Sanyo Denki Philippines, Inc. has opened a research and product development center in Subic Bay Freeport.

The firm, which produces cooling, power and servo systems at its factories in the Subic Techno Park here inaugurated the Sanyo Denki Technology Center (SDP-TC) last week, an expansion project for the company that was established here in 2000.

Wilma Eisma, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator, graced the inauguration, remarked that Sanyo Denki’s new project that “will bring the future to Subic.”

“The technology transfer would again put the Filipino workers on top of their game, so aside from the fact that Sanyo Denki would be hiring more locals, Subic would also benefit a lot from this undertaking,” she added.

Sanyo Denki Philippines (SDP) chief executive officer and president Koichi Uchibori said SDP-TC will serve as the hub of product development for the Sanyo Denki Group of Companies here in the Philippines.

“From now on, Sanyo Denki Philippines, will be developing high performance and high quality products- the much needed parts of the costumers around the world,” he continued.

SDP senior executive operating officer Kauro Tamura said the SDP-TC will consolidate the technology development base for its three design departments.

Sanyo Denki Philippines, Inc. is the production site for cooling, power, and servo systems of Sanyo Denki Co. Ltd., a global technology company that started out in Tokyo in 1932 with a factory for the production of small AC/DC generators and power units for communications equipment.

Its Subic operations include highly efficient automated production lines such as the surface mount technology (SMT), and a department for developing and designing cooling fans.

SDP design division supervisor Michiro Watanabe explained that Sanyo Denki’s efforts to enhance its operations in Subic has resulted in the establishment of the SDP-TC, which is the third building it has put up since 2000.

He said that the new facility will now house the consolidated design department for fan design, servo design, and power design.

“This comfortable work space will allow us to go on with the business, with the combined efforts of the Japanese management and the Filipino staff, to deliver world-class products with higher performance and higher quality,” Watanabe also said. (Ric Sapnu, Sun Star)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairman & Administrator Wilma T. Eisma (center) and company officials opened the new technology center of Sanyo Denki in Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (photo from SBMA Chair & Administrator Facebook page)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1796920

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Subic-Clark roadshow highlights CL infra projects, investment areas

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), along with its partner agencies, gathered local government officials and business leaders here on Tuesday to present updates on infrastructure projects under the government’s Build Build Build program.

The Subic-Clark Roadshow was part of a series of roadshows launched in 2016 to highlight the importance of cooperation among national, provincial, and local governments, as well as business leaders, to achieve the bold vision of President Rodrigo Duterte to bring the “golden age” of infrastructure.

This year, the roadshow was expanded to cover Subic and Bataan.

Heads of BCDA, Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), and the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) briefed key stakeholders on major projects that seek to improve connectivity within the region, attract investments, create jobs, and push economic growth further.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma introduced the exciting projects lined up for Subic in the coming years, including the Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal, Redondo Industrial Park Development, and the SBMA Waterfront Reclamation Project.

Eisma also urged businessmen to invest in new ports in Subic. “We need new ports. It doesn’t even have to be a cruise ship terminal. Ngayon pa lang, we are already experiencing congestion. Manila is congested. We have to have that foresight in place. Build a port somewhere,” she said.

CDC President and CEO Noel Manankil cited Clark and Subic’s cooperation in working together to promote tourism and attract investments in Central Luzon. “Thanks to the SBMA leadership, they are sending us a lot of tourists,” said Manankil.

Clark’s tourism assets include the Marriott Hotel, the first five-star hotel in Pampanga; the Sun Valley Golf Course; and the Aqua Planet theme park. Several projects soon to open within the Clark Freeport Zone are the Hilton Hotel, The Sharp condominium units, Mirej Clark, Mimosa Plus, and the Clark Safari.

Clark is also expected to attract more domestic and international tourists with the ongoing expansion of the Clark International Airport. Jaime Alberto Melo, CIAC acting president and CEO, said the new terminal building will be operational by the second quarter of 2020. Upon full development, the Clark International Airport will be able to accommodate 80 million passengers per annum.

BCDA President and CEO Vivencio Dizon showed updates on the construction of the National Government Administrative Center (NGAC) in New Clark City. The NGAC project involves the development of back-up government offices to ensure continuous business operations in case of disaster or national calamities, and world-class facilities to be used for the Philippines’ hosting of the 30th South East Asian Games.

“Under the leadership of President Duterte, we are not just planning it; we are making it,” said Dizon. The construction of NGAC Phase 1A is ahead of schedule at 55 percent.

AFAB Chairman and Administrator Emmanuel Pineda meanwhile urged business leaders to invest at the Bataan Freeport as he emphasized efforts to improve accessibility and develop more investment areas. “We want to make the Freeport a work-and-play destination,” said Pineda.

Mr. Aurelio “Bong” Pineda, former president of the Metro Olongapo Chamber of Commerce, committed the support of the private sector. Speaking for the business community, Pineda said: “We accept the challenge that was given to us and we feel that it can be done, and the dreams can be realized.” (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma expounds on the SBMA Waterfront Reclamation Project and calls on the business community to invest in Subic development projects. (MPD-SBMA)

[2] Heads of government agencies pledge to work together for Central Luzon development. From left: CIAC Acting President and CEO Jaime Alberto Melo, BCDA President and CEO Vivencio Dizon, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, AFAB Chairman and Administrator Emmanuel Pineda, and CDC President and CEO Noel Manankil. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport firm builds PH coastal defense boats

A Filipino-owned boat building company based in this Freeport is now producing high-speed patrol boats to boost the Philippine military’s littoral combat force.

Wilma Eisma, chairperson and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), said on Friday that Safehull Marine Technologies, Inc., which occupies a factory and warehouse at Subic’s Global Industrial Park, has delivered 21 high-speed tactical watercraft (HSTW) for deployment by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Mindanao this year.

“These are sleek, good-looking boats that you would mistake for pleasure yachts, but they’re really fast and stable and could be mounted with guns for tactical missions,” Eisma said.

“It makes us proud that these vessels are made in Subic, and that they are a product of a Filipino company,” she said.

The 40-foot long HSTWs were commissioned by the PNP for patrolling the country’s exclusive economic zone, law enforcement and peace and order, as well as for humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Each equipped with three Honda outboard motors, the fiberglass-hulled boats can reach a top speed of 45 knots and are intended to operate approximately 200 miles from shore under slight to moderate sea conditions.

Safehull company officials said they were able to make a breakthrough in production after perfecting the vacuum infusion process, which shortened the period of hull construction from three weeks to one day.

Safehull Marine, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manila-based Propmech Corporation, is engaged in the fabrication of ship and its components, ship repair, and engineering services for design and installation of parts and modules.

Thirty percent of the boats built here in Subic are for clients in the defense industry, including the United States military.

The boats are designed, assembled and outfitted in Subic by Safehull and Propmech by means of local naval architects and workers, and in partnership with foreign technology companies like the Damen Group of Netherlands, Saab Group of Sweden, Taiwan’s Lung Teh Shipbuilding Co., and Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense System

The Propmech and Safehull joint venture has also built three multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC) that were delivered to the Philippine Navy in 2009, 2012 and 2017; a 15-meter landing craft vehicle personnel (LCVP) for the Philippine Navy; as well as 136 units of 50-horsepower rubber boats for the PNP.

This year, it is scheduled to build another unit of MPAC that the Philippine Navy is outfitting with short-range surface-to-surface missile.

Aside from the defense projects, Safehull and Propmech also build 21-meter passenger/cargo boats; multi-purpose patrol boats for the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; and aluminum rescue boats for the Philippine Coast Guard. (Malou Dungog, PNA)

PHOTO:

A high-speed tactical watercraft being produced by Safehull Marine Technologies Inc. inside a warehouse at the Subic’s Global Industrial Park. (Malou Dungog, PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064059

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SBMA bares record-breaking 2018 corporate performance

With a seven-year high investment figure of P29.6 billion, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on Wednesday announced a record-breaking corporate performance last year in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma declared in her State of the Freeport Address (SOFA) on Wednesday that the agency hit the highest level of annual committed investment in the last seven years with P29.6 billion in 2018, or an increase of 1,066% over the P2.5 billion generated in 2017.

She said the SBMA also posted record-breaking outputs in the 26-year history of the agency: the highest revenue ever at P3.45 billion; the highest net income at P1.45 billion; and the biggest EBITDA, or earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, at P1.84 billion.

The revenue level in 2018 represented a 12% increase over the P3.08 billion in 2017; the net income a 60% surge from P907.9 million in 2017, and also the first time to breach the P1-billion mark; and for EBITDA, an 18.98% growth over the P1.55 billion in 2017.

Eisma also pointed out that the growth in expansion projects in Subic, which exponentially jumped from P926.6 million in 2017 to P25.05 billion in 2018 for an overwhelming year-on-year increase of 2,603%, was the more telling sign of investor confidence on Subic.

“This means that (investors) who are already here in Subic remain to be committed, and trust that good things will happen again this year,” she told members of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, which is hosting the annual SOFA presentation.

The biggest fresh infusions last year were for a five-star hotel, industrial parks, warehouses, and a golf course and retirement community, she said.

As a portent of continuing favorable business climate in the Subic Bay Freeport, the SBMA also drew a strong import and export performance in 2018, signifying Subic’s progressive role as an engine of growth.

Eisma said that Subic’s import value increased by 3.6% from P1.77 billion in 2017 to P1.84 billion in 2018, while export value rose by 8.2% from P2.3 billion to P2.5 billion.

Meanwhile, total debt decreased by 1.7% from P6.2 billion to P6.1 billion due to the volatile exchange rate in 2018.

Subic made another record-breaking performance in port operations when it handled 212,103 TEUs in containerized cargo volume and 7,052 metric tons of bulk and non-containerized cargo in 2018. Subic seaport’s robust growth last year, which was up 50% from the 2017 level, brought in total revenue of P1.23 billion.

The local tourism industry, on the other hand, continued with its impressive performance with an 8.2% increase in walk-in visitor arrivals from 8.5 million to 9.2 million, and a 2.2% rise in overnight tourist arrivals from 1.68 million to P1.72 million. The tourist arrivals also increased hotel occupancy to 68.46%.

Eisma added that the 19 cruise ship arrivals in 2018—compared to a single arrival in 2017—ignited a whole new tourism niche for Subic, which also made a huge P129-million economic impact in the Central Luzon region.

With the continuous growth in Subic, SBMA’s contributions to the national treasury in the form of tax collections, customs duties, and government dividends also went up by 27% from P19.9 billion in 2017 to P25.3 billion in 2018, Eisma also said during the SOFA. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma reports on the record-breaking 2018 performance of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone during her State of the Freeport Address on Wednesday, March 6. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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