₱4-B Nidec Subic Investment to generate close to 5,000 jobs in the Freeport

Nidec Subic Philippines Corporation will soon be opening approximately 5,000 jobs from its expansion here in Subic Bay Freeport.

This was disclosed by Nidec President Takeshi Yamamoto in a simple awarding ceremony of the Certificate of Registration (COR) with Incentives under the CREATE law to Japanese company Nidec Subic Philippines Corporation for its ₱4.2-billion expansion project.

While Nidec Subic currently has a workforce of 622 employees, the company’s expansion project is expected to generate close to 5,000 job opportunities until the last incentivized year.

Yamamoto proudly shared that the company chose Subic Bay Freeport for its expansion due to its strategic location, making it possible for them to market their product to the European Union, United States, Brazil, Korea and China.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan led the simple ceremony, together with Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment (SDA) Renato Lee III and Business and Investment Department (BID) for Manufacturing and Maritime manager Karen Magno, in awarding the COR to Nidec Subic President Yamamoto and General Manager Marissa Tamayo.

Tan explained that Kinematix is a new product that is a high accuracy gearbox used as base, arm or shoulder for industrial robots for auto tool changer/ loader of machines. He added that the aim of the expansion of Nidec Subic Philippines is to produce these gearboxes outside of Japan.

“This is certainly a milestone for Subic Freeport as this new product will be solely manufactured by Nidec Subic,” the official cited, adding that these gearboxes will be “Gawang Pinoy.”

He further stated that this is the first expansion of the company outside of Japan which was made possible due to the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE) law, revealing that the tax incentives have made it easier for them to expand in the Philippines.

Lee explained that the CREATE law has enabled the granting of the company tax incentives namely: a six-year income tax holiday; ten-year special corporate income tax; 16-year Customs Duty Exemption on Importation of Capital Equipment, Raw Materials, Spare Parts and Accessories; 16-year value-added tax (VAT) zero-rating on local purchase; and a 16-year VAT exemption on importation.

Meanwhile, Tamayo also averred that the company decided to expand its operations in the Philippines because of its highly-skilled and resilient Filipino labor force, plus the fact that the Philippines is an English-speaking country.

Nidec Subic is a Japanese manufacturing company that was established inside Subic Freeport on July 14, 1998. It is located at the Subic Technopark, Argonaut Highway, Boton Area, occupying a total of 96,472 square meters of land area.

The expansion project dubbed as Project Kinematix aims to manufacture and assemble medium to large size gearboxes for industrial robotics gears. Valued at ₱5.065 billion, Nidec will be directly exporting 100% of its annual production of 288,000 gearboxes overseas. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA hosts the Guinness World Record for the Largest Car Horn Ensemble

An ensemble of 1,077 Ford Everest sports utility vehicles (SUVs) made its way to the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) over the weekend in a convoy to highlight an important milestone.

Ford Everest Club Philippines (FECP), a mid-size SUV club with 15,000 active members and one of the largest and most active car clubs in the country, succeeded in its attempt to smash the Guinness World Record for the “Largest Car Horn Ensemble.”

“Today, Ford Everest Club Philippines not only created an awe-inspiring symphony of horns, but also brought excitement along with the unique experience that came with it. I am thrilled and delighted to have witnessed and become a part of this event,” said Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan during the awarding ceremony at the SBIA tarmac.

An estimated crowd of 5,000 club members, their families, organizers, sponsors and spectators took part in the event, visitor arrivals peaked before, during, and after the event.

Tan also shared that the attempt kicked off at the New Clark City Aquatics Center where the 1,077 Ford Everest SUVs simultaneously blew their horns to the tune of "Philippine Jeepney/Let's Go" for a duration of one minute and six seconds, before heading off to Subic Bay Freeport where the certificate was awarded to the FECP by the Guinness World Records Official Adjudicator.

The MINI Club of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA held the former record of the Largest Car Horn Ensemble in August 2013. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA re-certified ISO compliant by International Auditors

DQS Certification Phils. Inc. has recently re-certified the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for its compliance with ISO 9001:2015 and 14001:2015 standards.

According to Vicente Evidente, Jr., SBMA Planning and Development Office (PDO) manager and the agency’s Quality Management Representative (QMR), the third-party surveillance audit is the DQS’s first face-to-face audit here since the pandemic, with the previous audit held online.

“We just had the second surveillance audit by the DQS, our first face-to-face audit since the pandemic. It entailed a more rigorous inspection than the online audit,” Evidente said.

“The DQS audit team found that the SBMA is compliant with the ISO standards, with special mention of the Seaport department for its compliance with the International Ship & Port Facility Security (ISPS) that contributed to its high compliance ratings,” he said.

Evidente also explained that an ISPS code establishes essential security requirements for ships, ports, terminals, carriers, seafarers, and cargo as a means to prevent maritime security hazards or any mishaps.  

During the two-day audit of ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015, the agency’s frontliner-departments were scrutinized for their compliance with the standards of Quality Management System and Environmental Management System, respectively.

Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan lauded the men and women of the agency for successfully fulfilling the requirements for the said standards.

Tan added that this would boost the agency’s thrusts namely, to attract more investments, create more employment and earn revenues.

“The SBMA’s compliance with the international standards of Quality Management and Environmental Management would definitely translate to higher investor confidence and the achievement of our objectives,” Tan said.

Tan also announced that another certification, the ISO 45001:2015 or the Occupational Health and Safety Management, is being documented by the SBMA Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD). (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA releases ₱203-M revenue shares; new chief forges strong partnerships with neighboring LGUs

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan and mayors of the eight local government units (LGUs) adjacent to this free port forged strong partnerships as the Subic agency formally turned over revenue shares for localities contiguous to and affected by the operations of this premier freeport.

 

LGU shares are derived from the 2% of the 5% corporate taxes paid by Subic Bay Freeport-registered enterprises from January to June 2023, which amounted to ₱207.65 million.

 

Less net retention amount of Php4.62 million, LGU shares in the amount of ₱203 million were turned over by Tan for the first time during a simple ceremony at the Subic Bay Travelers Hotel.

 

Grateful for the positive turnout of LGU officials, Tan gave a briefing of the future development projects that the agency will be undertaking during the next few years of his term.

 

“These development projects will surely add value to the agency as it makes an effort to attract more investments; and with more investments, more jobs will be created not only for the residents of the neighboring towns of Subic, but also for the residents of neighboring provinces,” Tan assured.

 

With this, Tan also asked the beneficiary-LGUs for their help and cooperation in promoting Subic Bay Freeport to prospective investors.

 

“The more investments we get, the more jobs we create. The more revenues we generate, the more shares the LGUs get,” he added.

 

For the province of Zambales, Olongapo City mayor Rolen Paulino, Jr. received the highest share in the amount of ₱47.46 million; Subic mayor Jon Khonghun received ₱30.5 million; a representative of Castillejos mayor Jeff Khonghun received ₱18.5 million; San Marcelino mayor Elmer Soria received ₱24.38 million; and San Antonio mayor Edzel Lonzanida received ₱17.27 million.

 

Meanwhile, for the province of Bataan, Dinalupihan mayor German Santos, Jr. received ₱25.28 million; Hermosa mayor Joseph Inton received P21.7 million; and last but not the least, Morong mayor Cynthia Estanislao received ₱17.9 million.

 

The ₱207.65-million revenue share covers the first semester of 2023, with ₱16.14 million retention from the first semester 2021 collection, less ₱20.76 million for the current collection’s ten percent retention. 

 

These revenue shares are intended to supplement development projects in health, education, peace and order, and livelihood generation of the contiguous LGUs.

 

The SBMA started releasing the shares directly to LGUs in August 2010 to ensure their prompt remittance to the local communities. The LGU share is determined according to population (50 per cent), land area (25 per cent), and equal sharing (25 per cent), which are then released periodically in August, for the first semester, and February the following year, for the second semester. (MPD-SBMA)

 

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Erring company in Subic Freeport closed by SBMA

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan led the repossession of a 1,500-square meter land area from an erring company as part of the agency’s thrust to regain areas for reutilization for other investors.

“We are repossessing leased areas of companies that do not comply with the agreement between them and the SBMA, and offer these areas to other investors,” Tan said.

The repossession of property transpired today at the Silver Arrow Import and Export Services, Inc. located at Lot 1, Boton Area, Argonaut Highway. The 1,500-sqm. land area of the company was repossessed due to contractual defaults.

According to Tan, the company failed to comply with its Investment and Development Commitment as provided in Section 7, Article II of the Lease Agreement between the company and the SBMA. Part of the said default is the failure of the company to develop the area with a funding allocation of at least US$1,000,000.

He added that the development commitment on the Leased Property should have a minimum cost of US$500,000 which includes the construction of a warehouse within two years from the issuance of its building permit.

“Aside from the Investment and Development Commitment, the company’s contractual default also includes non-compliance with the Omnibus Policy on Performance Bond, and failure to submit documents for the issuance of a building permit,” he said.

The said building permit is for the construction of a warehouse as stated under the company’s Development Commitment. Tan added that this is so despite the unreasonable length of time that had already lapsed since the execution of the lease agreement last July 28, 2015.

The SBMA had already served two notices before executing the repossession, with the Final Notice of Default with Demand to Pay dated June 19, 2023 that was served on June 26, 2023; and the Notice of Pre-termination and Repossession dated July 28, 2023.

“We are following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s mandate to streamline operations within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, and fully utilize land areas that are not being developed. But we are leaving space on the table for negotiations with the erring company so that they may continue with their operations efficiently,” Chairman Tan said.

The official said that this is the first of many repossessions that the SBMA will conduct as the agency clamps down on erring companies who have skimped on their obligations to the SBMA. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA chair keeps high confidence about Subic tourism recovery after lifting of public health emergency

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan shared that his confidence that the tourism industry’s full recovery here in the country’s premier Freeport zone remains high.

This statement came as President Ferdinand R. Marcos lifted the public health emergency in the country thru Presidential Proclamation No. 297 effective July 21, 2023.

“This encouraging development provides us with an optimistic outlook of the travel and tourism industry in the country,” Tan said.

Tan was guest speaker at the Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP) 2023 Luzon Cluster Regional Consultative Forum, where he addressed some 200 members, tourism stakeholders and guests.

Dubbed as “Sustainable Tourism: Leading the Recovery and Profitability of Business Operation in the Post-Pandemic Era,” the regional consultative meeting aims to bring together government and industry stakeholders to hear concerns and protect stakeholders.

During the meeting, participants and panelists discussed issues, concerns and plans to formulate joint programs ensuing that the interests of the stakeholders will be heard and protected.

In his speech, Tan took pride of the 99% tourist arrivals in 2022, which is relatively higher than 89% in 2019; and as of June 2023, 5.15 million visitor arrivals and 436,000 tourist arrivals have been recorded cumulatively.

“While increasing job generation and tourism patronage has always been our goal for our tourism sector, however, my leadership now is gearing towards holistic development of the Subic Bay, making it a highly competitive and sustainable business and investment hub. This is captured in our new vision for SBMA, which is Subic Bay Freeport is the preferred sustainable investment hub and eco-tourism destination in Asia Pacific by 2030,” Tan added.

He further said that the goal is to improve the investment climate to attract more investors, increase revenue and general more resilient jobs for the residents.

Among the major development plans that will complement and drive the growth of the local tourism are the establishment of public e-vehicle transportations, construction of the corporate center, adoption of a smart city, and sustainability guidelines for the agency and the business locators.

Meanwhile, he also said bared other plans to revitalize the recovery and profitability of business operations in the Freeport, namely: (1) holding of the Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit on September 2023; (2) revival of cruise tourism by the first quarter of 2024 with the maiden arrival of Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas, as well as the maiden arrival the MSC’s Splendida; (3) economic cooperation on Halal industry to make Subic Bay a Muslim-friendly destination; (4) and rebranding of Subic Bay to align with goals and appeal to new customer segments.

During the same meeting themed “Hopping on Towards Sustainability,” TCP president Roberto Zozobrado acknowledged the SBMA’s continuous support as an associate member and a partner in implementing TCP programs.

Luzon-based travel and tourism stakeholders who participated in the forum were comprised of representatives from the following industry: accommodation; travel and tour services; land, air and sea tourist transport services; conventions and exhibition services and suppliers; tourism estate development; and other accredited tourism enterprises coming from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA Chairman assures stricter measures against smuggling

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan assured the public that smuggling will be thwarted during his term.

The statement came after Tan and Bureau of Customs (BOC) District Collector Atty. Carmelita Talusan conducted an inspection of counterfeit goods worth P240-million in a warehouse in Subic Bay Freeport on Tuesday.

According to Tan, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has mandated him to look into the smuggling of goods inside the Freeport, citing that the apprehension of the shipment of counterfeit goods is thru the collaboration between his agency and the BOC Port of Subic.

Chairman Tan said that the SBMA will provide any assistance necessary to the BOC Port of Subic to ensure that smuggled goods would be confiscated before entering other Philippine territories. 

“The cooperation between the SBMA and BOC Port of Subic will definitely yield positive results following the mandate that the President has given me. By working together, our agencies will certainly provide a more secure Subic Bay Freeport Zone that is free from smuggling,” Tan said.

The two officials inspected the shipments of counterfeit goods at a warehouse in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone on Tuesday wherein 1,269 cartons of misdeclared t-shirts were found. Talusan said that the estimated value of the two shipments totaled P240 million.

Atty. Talusan also mentioned that the cargoes arrived on June 14, from its port of origin in Dhaka, Bangladesh. She added that they conducted the examination on June 26 on the shipments consigned to Bonne Volonte Consumer Goods.

The BOC official also cited that the shipment violates Section 155 of Republic Act No. 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, relative to Section 1113(f) of RA No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

Talusan also disclosed that some of the brand owners who provided certificates of counterfeit goods include Emerald Garment Manufacturing Corp. (makers of RRJ, Stylistic and Mr. Lee), and Federis & Associates Law Offices for Uniqlo and Cotton On. (MPD-SBMA)

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PCSPC to expand fuel storage by 6.3 million barrels in Subic Freeport

The Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation (PCSPC) is expanding their fuel storage capacity to 6.3 million barrels inside this premier Freeport.

During the groundbreaking ceremony at the Subic Bay Freeport on Tuesday, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan disclosed that the company is set to construct two new 180,000-barrel-capacity fuel storage tanks this year and the next.

Tan was the guest of honor at the groundbreaking ceremony led by PCSPC Chief Executive Officer Richard Tiansay at the Maritan Tank Farm here.

Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato Lee III, PCSPC Chief Finance Officer Tricianne Zingapan, Metalife Builders Development Company, Inc. President Arnel Dumalaog and Vice President For Operations Milo Sesante were also present to witness the ceremony.

According to Tiansay, the two 180,000-barrel-capactiy fuel storage tanks cost of P800-million, with the first tank expected to be completed by March 2024, while the second tank by August 2024.

The two tanks will also be constructed at the Maritan Tank Farm.

He added that the construction of these two tanks were tasked to Metalife Builders Development Company, Inc., since the company has adhered with international standards. Tiansay also said that all tanks will be equipped with safety and environmental control equipment including fire protection and pollution control.

Chairman Tan said that the expansion of the company’s operations is welcome news, adding that part of his administration’s thrust is the development of existing companies inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. He also expressed that companies will certainly flourish under his term.

“We want Subic Bay Freeport to develop and become the preferred sustainable investment hub and eco-tourism destination in Asia Pacific by 2030. The construction of these two 180,000-barrel-capacity fuel storage tanks is a step forward towards that goal,” he added.

In 1993, PCSPC initially assumed operation that only had a 2.5-million barrels capacity. The company has then been expanding ever since. The Maritan expansion project, which started in 2012, is now on Phase 4 of the construction in the area.

The construction of the two barrels will increase the capacity of the PCSPC by up to 6.3-million barrels or one billion liters of fuel storage. Once operational, the project is expected to increase the vessel dockage at Subic Pier and tank truck deliveries, which will attract more petroleum fuel clients to utilize Subic Freeport as their fuel hub. (MPD-SBMA)

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15 SBMA employees enhance electrical skills from Gigamare’s CSR

Some 15 employees of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently completed Customized Electrical Training Course at the Gigamare, Inc. Training Facility at the East Ilanin Forest of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

According to Human Resource Management Department manager Vivian Abalos, this training course is the second training course offered by Gigamare as part of their commitment to the SBMA to give skills enhancement training courses to its employees free of charge.

She said that back in February this year, the first batch of SBMA employees underwent air-conditioning skills training at the said facility, adding that there will be more employees who will take part in other various skills training courses.

“Their training course would normally cost $1,100 per head. That is how much the agency saves with every employee we send to Gigamare for skills enhancement training. This includes shuttle services back and forth, meals during training, use of equipment and other materials related to the training,” Abalos explained.

During the first day of the five-day electrical training course, topics discussed were Electrical Safety and Basic Electrical Theory; electrical hazards; characteristics of matter; electrostatics, resistance and conductance; basic electric circuit; electricity and power; and resistor color coding.

For the second day, the topics included introduction to direct and alternating currents; series direct current circuit; direct and alternating current and voltage; alternating current advantages; and installation of tube light circuit.

Third day topics include: meter basics; ammeters; voltmeter; ohmeters; multimeters; and installation of series/ parallel circuit/ 3-way switch.

For day four, DC and AC motors; principles of operation; motor loads; direction of rotation; practical direct current motors; basic alternating current motors; and construction and operation of AC and DC motors.

Day five topics include: Basic motor control; introduction motor; starters/ controllers; symbols and diagrams; control circuits; motor starting methods; configure the power and control circuit of full voltage starter and reduced voltage starter; wiring the power circuit and control circuit of full voltage starter; and wiring the power circuit and control circuit of reduced voltage starter.

Gigamare, Inc. has committed to provide skills training to SBMA employees on a quarterly basis. According to the company, this is part of their corporate social responsibility for this premier Freeport.

Gigamare was established 15th of April 2013 acquiring Wärtsilä Corporation’s training infrastructure in Subic; continuing the company’s operations in the Philippines. Their mission is to provide innovative and high-quality products and services leading to safe and efficient operations for maritime, offshore, oil and gas, energy, and mining segments.

The company offers environmental and economic training solutions for an improved human factor aided by performance gap analysis. Our unique hands-on academy offers close to real-life experience on operating, repairing, and maintaining equipment and shipboard simulators. (MPD-SBMA)

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Three shipping lines launch service connecting Subic Bay to South China and Vietnam

Emirates Shipping Line (ESL), ASEAN Sea Line (ASL) and Pacific International Line (PIL), have launched a new service from Subic Bay International Terminals (SBITC). 

The service connects International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) Subic Bay operation in Zambales with South China and Vietnam. 

The South China-Vietnam-Philippines (SVP) service made its inaugural call at the Port of Subic on 9 June with the arrival of the 1,200-teu-Danum 175, operated by ESL. 

The feeder service, which makes weekly calls to Subic, caters to the growing trade requirements of South China and Vietnam. 

It also highlights the free trade agreement between the Philippines and other Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership members including Vietnam, which faces a growing demand for its agriculture and manufacturing exports. 

“The service offers a good opportunity to Northern and Central Luzon traders, who can leverage the increased connectivity to markets in Vietnam and China,” said Henry Dungca, SBITC terminal manager. 

The SVP service rotation is as follows: Shekou – Nansha – Xiamen – Manila North – Subic – Xiamen – Shekou – Nansha – Ho Chi Minh – Shekou. (SNL)

Source: https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/subic-bay-international-terminals-expand-south-china-vietnam-connectivity/

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SBMA beefs up services by modernizing service vehicles

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has taken a step to level up its services to its stakeholders with the purchase of 44 brand new vehicles.

During the blessing of the 44 new vehicles, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan said that the agency is in dire need of replacing the old vehicles with new ones that can be utilized by the employees in its day-to-day operations.

“If we improve our quality of work, the more we could attract investors, the more jobs we could generate for our communities, not only for our present day job-seekers, but for the next generations to come,” Tan said.  

He added that with the new direction that the agency is taking, improving the working environment is a step to start with.

“Our vision for the Subic Bay Freeport is to become the preferred sustainable investment hub and eco-tourism destination in Asia Pacific by 2030. One of our steps towards achieving that goal is to ensure that the operating systems of the SBMA are presentable to viable investors,” he said.

The 44 new vehicles include ten new patrol cars, five multipurpose vehicles, six 4x2 pickup compact trucks, seven 4x4 pickup compact trucks, eight passenger vans, four 4x4 pickups, and four 4x2 pickups, amounting to ₱73.5 million.

San Roque Chapel Chaplain Father Noel Montes officiated the blessing of the new vehicles in front of the administration building of the SBMA on Monday. Tan assisted the cleric during the blessing ceremony.

Tan reminded officials and employees of the SBMA that the said vehicles were purchased from the taxpayers’ money, and that they have the responsibility of taking care of these vehicles.

Meanwhile, Tan added that the agency has created a technical working group that would address the problem of public transportation inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“Our nightlife here needs reviving since most of the restos and bars close early,” he said.

“One of the main reasons for the early closure is the lack of public transportation system in the late hours of the night. We do have taxis, but for a simple employee of a restaurant or bar, taking the cab everyday would certainly hurt his or her income,” he added.

He further explained that if the public transportation would operate even until midnight, the Freeport could expect an increase in nightlife in Subic, thus creating more economic activities here.

“We have a community here, therefore we need a public transportation system,” he added.

Finally, the Chair disclosed that the agency is eyeing the purchase of electric buses and creating more bus stops, especially in housing areas such as Binictican and Kalayaan. He said that these e-buses would also provide free rides for SBMA employees. (MPD-SBMA)

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LOOK: SBMA Chief Jonathan Tan meets with TWG to address public transportation needs in SBFZ

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan confers matters with the Technical Working Group (TWG) for Transportation to address concerns regarding the need for public transport providers within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“Our nightlife here needs reviving since most of the restos and bars close early because of the lack of available transportation after 9 pm. Yes we do have taxis, but for a simple employee of a restaurant or bar, taking the cab everyday would certainly hurt his or her income,” Chairman Tan said.

The official shared that the agency is eyeing the purchase of electric buses and creating more bus stops, especially in housing areas such as Binictican and Kalayaan. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport gears up for e-vehicle tourism

The country’s premier Freeport signified its readiness for electric vehicle tourism after the installation of two Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS) here. 

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan graced the official launching of the EVCS at the Uni-Oil Subic gasoline station after a product presentation. 

“We are gearing up to attract more tourists while maintaining an environmentally healthy environment as part of my administration’s thrusts. Not only that we are now expecting tourists thru the conventional fuel-powered vehicles, we are now ready for tourists on electric vehicles and e-cars,” Tan said.

Tan added that another EVCS was installed at the Acea Subic Beach Resorts early this year. Both Acea and Uni-Oil EVCSs will provide the ‘juice’ for electric vehicles that are now on the rise due to vehicle manufacturers producing more efficient and reliable electric vehicles. 

He explained that both charging stations have two charging feeder pillars and enclosure each, and can easily accommodate two vehicles simultaneously. With the establishments of the EVCS here, Tan encourages soon-to-be new car owners to look into electric vehicles.

“Subic Bay Freeport has been known to be an ecologically-friendly area, and with the installations of these electric vehicle charging stations, Subic can be a haven for electric car owners,” he added.

The Unioil Subic EVCS is a partnership between Delta Electronics International (SG) Pte. Ltd. and Unioil Petroleum Phils., Inc. Delta EV Chargers are made by Edgetech and Delta, and were demonstrated using electric vehicles Hyundai IONIQ5 from Hyundai Motors Philippines and Nissan Leaf from Nissan Philippines.

Acea Subic Beach Resort was the first to install an EVCS in Subic Bay Freeport, providing guests and visitors the option to use their electric vehicles when coming to their establishment. The EVCS in Acea was opened during the last week of January.

With Subic Bay Freeport increasing the number of EVCS, tourists with electric vehicles will now have the option to visit this premier Freeport without worrying of not having to recharge their vehicles.

“Accessibility to having electric vehicle charging stations is the key to making Subic Bay Freeport a tourist haven for electric vehicle owners. The installation of electric vehicle charging stations here will help increase confidence for first-time vehicle owners to go electric as the Freeport and the SBMA continues the fight against climate change,” Tan said.

The official cited that some EVCS are now capable of charging e-bikes and e-scooters, and also have higher-power DC fast charging and combined charging system capability that is used by most newer electric vehicles.

“With the dawn of fast charging, some electric vehicles can easily replenish their battery packs within 30 to 40 minutes,” Tan added. (MPD-SBMA)

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Alcala, Santiago endure heavy rains to win IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay

It rained and rained but the downpour neither stopped nor cooled down the fearless triathletes, who swam, biked and ran the IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay with John Dedeus Alcala and Ines Santiago pulling off victories in varying fashions here yesterday. 

Alcala pushed himself with all the strength he could muster in the closing run stage and pounded out the win in 4:43:45 while Santiago dominated the opening swim leg and cruised to victory in 5:35:59 in wet conditions in her side of the 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run race at the Subic Bay Boardwalk. 

With the pack of intrepid bidders still disputing the centerpiece Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines crowns at press time, Alcala and Santiago took the spotlight in the half-triathlon, including $1,000 each, in rare damp and cold conditions. 

Alcala put up the kind of finish he flaunted in stealing the show – but in stifling heat – in the inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa in Palawan last November, racing at his own pace in the swim (39:19) and bike (2:33:21) before pouring it out with a best 1:27:05 clocking in the run leg. (SNL)

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IRONKIDS starts off strong in the sports tourism capital of the Philippines

The future of Philippine Marathon showcased the fruit of their labor as they flashed their way to excellence at the IRONKIDS here in Subic Bay. 

A total of 171 kids aged six to 15 years old clashed for this year’s first IRONKID title in the event starting and ending at the heart of Subic Bay. 

The IRONKIDS race covered various distances depending on age category from 100 to 250 meters of swimming, and one to two kilometers of running for the young ones, who could potentially grow up competing in the 5150, 70.3 and full IRONMAN in the future. 

Winners of the IRONKIDS were Euan Ramos and Zabelle Eugenio.

Ramos battled back from joint fifth in the swim with a big surge in the bike then stayed in control in the closing run to rule the premier 13-15 division in 24:34 with combined clockings of 04:53 (swim), 11:07 (bike) and 06:50 (run) over 250-m swim, 6-km bike and 2-km run distance. 

While, Eugenio, from San Isidro, Rizal, bested Erin Burgos in 28:54, clocking 05:01 in the swim and sustaining her charge with 12:20 and 09:01 times in the bike and run legs. 

Burgos finished in 29:22 with times of 05:17, 12:22 and 09:00, while last year’s Vermosa winner Celinda Raagas settled for third in 30:04 (05:32-13:15-08:40). (SNL)

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Tan bares 10-pt. agenda as new strategic direction for SBMA, SBF

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan bared his ten-point priority development plan before the officers and members of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) early this week. 

Tan was guest of honor at the SBFCC Membership Meeting and CEO’s/President’s Forum held at the LeCharmé Suites-Subic where he gave an update about the developments and plans for his term. 

Looking back at the past four weeks he spent as SBMA Chairman and Administrator, he said that he already learned an important lesson. 

“Pressure and challenges are opportunities for us to step-up and rise. While it takes a lot of courage to believe in yourself, but strength doesn’t come from what you can do, but from overcoming the thought that you can’t do it. Adversity may have its way of challenging our inner strength, yet it is necessary to build our character as leaders. Thus, I stand before you today, guided by a clear purpose and direction for the Subic Bay Freeport,” he said. 

During his speech, he challenged everyone that moving forward means letting go of “what’s no longer working,” which is not only applicable to the agency but to the entire Freeport as well. 

With this, Tan said that his administration would be implementing a new strategic direction taken after his name’s initials, which is anchored on three economic thrusts, namely: J for jobs, or creating more jobs for the people; D for development, or encouraging more investors by making the Freeport a competitive business hub; and T for tourism, or making one’s stay at the Freeport relaxing while doing business. 

He added that the development agenda is in support of the socioeconomic targets of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., which is in line with the “whole-of-society approach” of the national development. 

His extensive update tackled the following points: (1) Implementation of “Ease of Doing Business; (2) Improvement of Investment Climate at the Freeport; (3) Increase Job Opportunities for the People; (4) Construction of the Corporate Center; (5) Adoption of Smart City Initiative; (6) Prioritization of Infrastructure Development; (7) Improvement of Public Transport Services; (8) Enhancement of Ground Maintenance and Street-lighting; (9) Reinforcement of Safety and Security within the Freeport; and (10) Creation of a Tourism Development Plan. 

Meanwhile, SBFCC President Benjamin Antonio III, on behalf of the members of the chamber, expressed support and cooperation with the SBMA with Tan at the helm. 

Likewise, Tan expressed commitment to uphold the agency’s partnership with the chamber by constantly improving and establishing a business-friendly environment. 

The event culminated with a moderated forum between the members of the chamber and the SBMA Chairman and Administrator. 

The SBFCC is an organization of businesses founded in 1995 to serve and represent the interests of its members, who come from more than 20 countries around the world. It represents 80% of the economy flow in the Freeport. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic locator gets FIRB nod for duties, tax incentives

Nidec Subic Philippines Corporation, a registered enterprise here, gained the unanimous approval of the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) in an en banc meeting last Friday, May 26.  

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan reported that Nidec Subic had previously passed the scrutiny of the eight agency-member FIRB Technical Committee on May 18. 

He said that with the approval of the FIRB en banc, Nidec Subic will be entitled to Income Tax Holiday for six years, Special Corporate Income Tax for ten years, Duty-Exemption on Importation for 16 years, Value-Added Tax (VAT) Exemption on Importation for 16 years, and VAT Zero-Rating on Local Purchase for 16 years. 

Tan added that Nidec’s application for the said incentives complies with Republic Act No. 11534, or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE), which aims to “develop the national economy towards global competitiveness by implementing tax policies instrumental in attracting investments.” 

The FIRB is an inter-agency government body authorized by the Philippine law to grant tax incentives to registered business enterprises, whose powers and functions was enhanced under CREATE law.

Meanwhile, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business & Investment Renato Lee III disclosed that the FIRB-approved incentives would be applicable to Nidec Subic’s Project Kinematex, which would involve the manufacture and assembly of medium- to large- size gearboxes for industrial robotics gears. 

Lee added that the ₱4.2-billion project’s product line is a high accuracy gearbox used as base, arm or shoulder for industrial robots and for auto tool changer/loader of machines. For this project alone, Nidec Subic will employ a maximum of 1,074 workers.

“We are taking this investor confidence as an opportunity to attract more foreign investors to make it happen in the Philippines while it is the top 10^th in the world’s most promising destinations of foreign investments in the next three years, according to the United Nations Conference of Trade and Development (UNCTAD),” Lee said. 

He said that this project would immediately commence this June to produce and export 288,000 pieces annually at the peak of production, valued at ₱ 5.064 billion.

Project Kinamatex is an expansion project of Nidec Subic, which landed the top four biggest expansion project in SBF in terms of additional investments in 2022. 

Nidec Subic is primarily engaged in manufacturing and assembly of reducer gears for robotic application and home appliances since 1999, and currently employs 622 workers. (MPD-SBMA) 

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