30 Subic companies honored at the Mabuhay Business Awards

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BI, SBMA arrest 6 undocumented Chinese nationals in Subic Freeport

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SBMA enjoins SBF investors to Yuletide contests

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is enjoining companies and stakeholders inside this premier Freeport to participate in the competitions this Christmas season. 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño announced that the first contest called “Paskong Pinoy Parol Making Contest” is open to all Subic Bay stakeholders and locators, an idea he came up with during a meeting with the Hospitality Alliance of Subic Bay, a local tourism organization here, during a meeting last month. 

“As a sign of unity amongst our stakeholders, can we have a single motif this year? I want it to be Paskong Pinoy to commemorate our Filipino heritage. I want you all to decorate your establishments with the traditional red, white and green colors of Christmas,” he instructed. 

The chairman said that the Paskong Pinoy Parol Making Contest aims to enliven the Christmas spirit here with a unified front, adding that the parol-making contest also provides employees of locators here with a platform to show their creativity. 

“Bellenisimo in Tarlac has been a great example of a community coming together and showing the Christmas spirit in their home town, and I want to do the same here in Subic where 162,891 freeport workers consider this place as their second home,” he added.

The Paskong Pinoy Parol Making Contest is open to all Subic Bay Freeport stakeholders, individual or group of ten. The Christmas lantern must embody the spirit of Filipino Christmas traditions. 

The size of the Christmas lantern should be ten feet by ten feet, with materials that conform to the agency’s thrust of sustainable tourism, by incorporating at least 70 to 80 percent recycled or biodegradable materials. 

The parol should have proper illumination, preferably LED lights, solar-powered lights, or other low-energy consuming lighting, and must avoid combustible materials or electrical systems.

For more details, visit tinyurl.com/SBParolMakingContest2024. (MPD-SBMA)

 

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SBMA awarded “Most Sustainable Investment Hub in the Philippines”

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was awarded the “Most Sustainable Investment Hub in the Philippines" during this year's World Business Outlook Awards held on November 2, 2024 at the Marriott Marquis Queens Park in Bangkok, Thailand. 

Organized by the World Business Outlook magazine, the award-giving body fetes global brand companies that excel in Global Banking, Finance, Real Estate, Healthcare, Education, Technology, Mining, and other business sectors worldwide. 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño received the prestigious award, along with Director Teodoro Del Rosario, Business and Investment Group for Leisure Manager Josephine Ivy Ferrer and General Business and Investment Officer-in-Charge Cleofe Espinelli from His Excellency Artur Dmochowski, Ambassador of Poland to the Kingdom of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.

“The World Business Outlook Awards is a prestigious event that recognizes industry excellence, exceptional leadership, outstanding success strategies, and global presence,” organizers cited.

They also cited that their expert jury panel was established to ensure that only the top performers from each sector will receive the top honours of the year. 

“This is why we have a very discrete and rigorous methodology for each of our award categories. The Global Recognition that our winners receive are a testament of our dedication towards promoting our champions,” the award-giving media organization cited.

Chairman Aliño expressed his gratitude to the World Business Outlook for recognizing the SBMA for its thrust in developing the Subic Bay Freeport Zone a sustainable investment hub in the world.

“It is with profound honor that we accept this distinct accolade from the World Business Outlook award-giving body for being the Most Sustainable Investment Hub in the Philippines for the Subic Bay Freeport Zone,” he said.

“This is not only a celebration of our achievements but also a testament to the unwavering commitment of our community, stakeholders, and partners who share our vision for a sustainable future,” he added.

Chairman Aliño also urged the event attendees to, “engage in innovative practices, promote green technologies, and ensure that our commitment to sustainability remains at the forefront of everything we do.” 

“Together, we will continue to pave the way for responsible investment practices, ensuring that we leave a thriving planet for future generations,” he said.

Ambassador Dmochowski and India-Thai Chamber of Commerce in Bangkok President Sushil Kumar Dhanuka were the guests of honor during the ceremony. The event also served as a bridge to other companies, as some of the most innovative business minds and influential people were also present during the event.

The World Business Outlook cited that their main motive is to “Reward the Ultimate in Business Excellence” from across the world. “We hope you take complete benefit of this networking opportunity at World Business Outlook 2024 and turn this evening into a memorable event for your company and your team.”

Other Philippine awardees were ABS-CBN Corporation, Ayala Property Management Corporation, Cebu Pacific Air, Centro Escolar University, Megaworld Corporation, Nickel Asia Corporation, San Miguel Global Power Corporation, and among other Filipino brand names. (MPD-SBMA)

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Port of Subic Bay all set to host the 23rd INAP conference

This premier freeport is all set as the Port of Subic Bay takes its turn to host the 23rd International Network of Affiliated Ports (INAP) Conference on October 16.

INAP Subic Organizing Committee chairman and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Deputy Administrator for Operations Martin Kristoffer Roman explained that INAP is an organization of ports established in Japan in 1998, with Subic port as one of the founding members. 

Roman added that the two-day conference is held annually and is currently being hosted by the incoming INAP chairman's home port. 

With this year's theme, “Promoting Resiliency and Disaster Preparedness,” the Heads of Ports are expected to share their best practices in port and environmental management, to promote mutually beneficial opportunities for all the ports, especially the member ports.

Member ports, namely the ports of Cebu and Davao, Philippines; the port of Chittagong, Bangladesh; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Dangjin, South Korea; Mokpo, Korea; Kochi, Japan; Qingdao, China; and Tanjung Perak, Indonesia, are also sharing their best practices with respect to environmental protection and disaster preparedness. 

Delegates from Thailand and Vietnam will also attend the conference to observe the benefits of INAP membership.

"As for the Port of Subic Bay, we will be sharing emerging and green technologies, that will help reduce carbon footprints, and similar projects, whether completed or upcoming," INAP Subic Organizing Committee vice chairman and Seaport Assistant General Manager  Philip Lazaro said. 

Also highlighting the conference will be the formal turnover of INAP leadership from Port of Kochi, Japan to Port of Subic Bay. 

The INAP conference will also include a tree-planting activity of the Heads of Ports, a few plant tours, and a bay cruise on the waters of Subic Bay. 

Roman also expressed his gratitude to the Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation (SBITC), Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal Services Inc., and La Banca for the invaluable partnership and active participation in the smooth planning of activities for the 23rd INAPconference. 

Around 300 stakeholders, port users, residents, other locators, and neighboring local government units will be joining the 58 delegates from the member ports expected to participate in the symposium. 

In 2014, the Port of Subic Bay also hosted the INAP conference. (MPD-SBMA)

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BOI, DTI brings energy efficiency roadshow to Subic

In its effort to promote renewable energy to locators in this premier Freeport, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) co-organized and welcomed the "Make REshift Happen" roadshow.

The Make REshift Happen roadshow is a forum organized by the Board of Investments (BOI) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at the Subic Grand Harbour Hotel here on October 2, 2024.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo L. Aliño said that the Make REshift Happen project introduces the guidelines for registering Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) Act projects.

He also said that it also aims to raise awareness on and support for the national government’s goal of consuming 35 percent of the power generation mix in the country from renewable energy by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. 

Participants from manufacturing companies inside the Freeport, together with their respective SBMA account officers, took part in the info session wherein the BOI urged local manufacturers to decrease their reliance on conventional energy sources by embracing energy efficiency and conservation measures.

BOI Director for Domestic Investments Promotion Service (DIPS) Maria Rosario Dominguez expressed her gratitude to the SBMA for co-hosting the event, citing that the Make REshift Happen would certainly be beneficial to Subic Freeport companies here.

She added that the Make REshift Happen is a testament to the BOI's dedication as the country’s primary investment promotion agency (IPA) in fostering camaraderie among IPAs, ecozones and industrial parks, and in pushing for the adoption of renewable energy.

She also said that these roadshows are made for enterprises engaged in export-oriented manufacturing and other industries with substantial power requirements.

During the session, BOI Resource-Based Industries Service Director Raquel Echague cited the importance of the transition of manufacturing companies to renewable energy (RE) in powering their businesses inside this premier Freeport.

The official also said that companies who transition to REs are given incentives, adding that the BOI and the DTI aim to provide benefits to facilities who will use renewable energy sources to power their operations.

Echague also conducted a presentation on the updated registration guidelines for EE&C projects with BOI under Republic Act No. 11285 (RA11285) or the EE&C Act, to provide the SBMA account officers with information on how to assist companies here in applying for their incentives.

Last month, the SBMA launched the “Race to Carbon Neutrality” project where participants and other stakeholders of the recently concluded Central Luzon Tourism Summit expressed their support to ensure its success.

The Race to Carbon Neutrality project aims to reduce these carbon emissions in the Freeport by 30 percent by 2030, and eventually to net zero by 2040.

Currently, the SBMA continues to reap savings from its own solar power system projects installed as early as 2017. A total of P2.96 million was saved in 2023 from solar power systems Malawaan Park, Bldg. 229, Bldg. 255, Bldg. 662, Regulatory Bldg., and the Remy Field. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA Chairman's group, Operations group finalists bag SBMA Employee of the Year 2023 awards

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)’s Chairman and Administrator’s group bagged both Employee of the Year (EOY) 2023 awards for Category 2 and Category 1 respectively, tying with the Operations group finalist in Category 1. 

Chairman and Administrator Group finalists Lex Byron Magrata of the Public Relations Office (PRO) and Ryan Joseph Garcia of the Planning and Development Office (PDO) were named EOY 2023 for Category 2 and 1 respectively; the latter tied with Operations Group’s Domar Reolizo of the Seaport Department. 

“This special occasion allows us to honor and celebrate the unwavering dedication, commitment, and excellence as demonstrated by our extraordinary team members,” SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said in his welcome remarks. 

According to Aliño, the EOY is primarily selected by the Group Selection Panel (GSP) of their respective Strategic Business Units (SBUs), namely, Chairman & Administrator Group (ChAd), Business & Investment Group (BIG), Operations Group, Public Services Group (PSG), Regulatory Group (REG), and the Support Services Group (SSG). 

Aliño explained that at the very start of the nomination process, employees will be nominated according to their innovation &/or productivity, quality customer service, and malasakit and honesty. At the end of the year, their respective GSPs will come up with a finalist for Category 1 and Category 2 who will represent their SBUs. 

He also said that the finalists will undergo an interview by the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Committee which will decide who the EOY would be. 

Reolizo, hired by the agency as a clerk at the Port Management Division of the Seaport Department in 2018, made his mark with his proficiency in Google functions after barely six years in the government service.  

He automated the Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department’s and Seaport Department’s current system—the online overtime request, the seaport employee leave monitoring system, the Google scan image for seaport manual documents, and the online admission system--by maximizing the use of the G-Suite tools. 

In his acceptance speech, he thanked his family and the Operations group for the opportunity to be where he is now. 

Tying with Reolizo in Category 1 is Garcia, who initially was a driver-slash-messenger for the PDO in 2019. Still, he performed above and beyond his duties which made him one of the most reliable and integral parts of the department. 

He authored the guidelines for the procurement and distribution of the agency’s tokens to centralize the procurement of various kinds of tokens upon the request of the Accounting Department, Financial Planning and Budget Department (FPBD), and Procurement and Property Management Department (PPMD) to the PDO, being the expense account manager for tokens. 

Likewise, he expressed gratitude to everyone behind his success—his family, his superiors, and the agency. 

Meanwhile, Magrata, the EOY 2023 for Category 2, expressed his deep gratitude to OIC-DeputyAdministrator for Corporate Communications Armina Llamas for the trust and confidence accorded to him and his division’s staff. 

Magrata and his staff in the SDD were transferred to the PRO in November 2022 from the Ecology Center. 

In less than two years of his stint with the PRO, Magrata has been instrumental in securing a land area of more than four hectares at Sitio Kinabuksan worth P2.4 million in annual rental revenue when he worked promptly with the Office of the Solicitor-General (OSG) in drafting judicial affidavits that resulted to the court’s favorable decision to SBMA. 

He also assisted the court’s sheriff in delivering notices of Writ of Execution to informal settler respondents. Because of his engagement in a dialogue with respondents, 20 out of 38 have vacated the SBMA property. 

Other finalists were Frankie Ebidag (Business and Investment Group), Reynaldo Casimero (Public Services Group), and Rolando Cabrera (Support Services Group) for Category 1; and Jojit Catungal (Business and Investment Group), Capt. John Dulnuan (Operations Group), Rolando Lomboy (Public Services Group), and Raquel Bautista (Support Services Group) for Category 2. 

No representatives from the Regulatory Group were presented in both Category 1 and Category 2. 

The SBMA’s EOY awards program started in 2006. Initially, finalists were selected from an array of Employees of the Month of the SBUs, which in 2011 became Employee of the Quarter; and in 2019, Category 1 and Category 2 were launched to allow competition on their respective levels. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Subic tourism stakeholders bare collaborative plans for ber months

The resident tourism stakeholders here presented various activities that will add boost to the tourist arrivals inside this premier Freeport for the rest of the ber months. 

The presentation of activities was made during the Talakayan sa Freeport media forum held at the Weltz Bar of the Terrace Hotel on Monday by Hospitality Alliance of Subic (HAS) President of Corporate Affairs Pamela Khonghun, who bared their plans for October, November and December here. 

“This coming October, we are promoting the Subic Bay Hauntfest 2.0, since the first one was launched last year. To recap, we held the hauntfest at the Rotonda Food Park of the Moonbay Marina with our members having their stalls and presentations,” she said.

The event was held on October 31, 2023, which included a Trick or Treat, Magic Show, Halloween Costume Competition, and a Block Party. Khonghun mentioned Luke Mijares, DJ Arhiz Picache, Sweet Patatas, Ultimasia, and 8oz as their featured performers during the Block Party.

Last year’s celebration also held the Halloween Skele-bration wherein tourists participated in the costume contest at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall. She said that tourists were able to Trick or Treat at various hotels inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“This year, we are planning to hold the Subic Bay Hauntfest 2.0 at the Boardwalk Area. There will be many activities, with most of last year’s activities to be held again this year. It will be as grandiose as last year’s celebration,” she said.

Khonghun also disclosed the newest project in collaboration with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), which is Paskuhan sa Boardwalk that will feature the “12 Days of Christmas” Food Fair, a Parol Making Competition, and a Caroling Competition. 

The HAS will collaborate with other tourism stakeholders here and create uniform Christmas lanterns to will be displayed, lighted up and featured at the Boardwalk Area and make the area lively during the Yuletide season. The group aims to boost the number of visitors in the area where most hotels are situated within a stone’s throw. 

Khonghun said that the alliance is opening its doors to local media practitioners to further promote their endeavors. 

She also expressed her gratitude to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño for continuously collaborating and supporting the endeavors of the HAS in promoting this premier Freeport as a tourist destination. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA releases ₱204.7-M LGU shares to contiguous LGUs for H1 2024

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has released the ₱204.7-million in net revenue shares for the neighboring local government units (LGUs) of this premier Freeport.

The net share received by the eight contiguous localities is part of the five percent corporate taxes paid by Subic Bay Freeport-registered enterprises from January to June 2024.

Spearheading the distribution of LGU shares on behalf of the SBMA Chairman and Administrator was Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Atty. Ramon O. Agregado.

The revenue shares for this period is slightly higher than last year’s ₱203 million for the same period.

For shares generated during the first half of 2024, Olongapo City will receive a net share of ₱47.8 million; Subic, Zambales will receive ₱30.7 million; San Marcelino, ₱24.5 million; Castillejos with P18.6 million; and San Antonio, ₱17.4 million

For Bataan, Dinalupihan will receive ₱25.5 million; Hermosa, ₱21.9 million; and Morong, ₱18.1 million.  

Revenue shares are determined according to the following parameters - 50% population, 25% land area, and 25% equal sharing. This makes Olongapo City the frontrunner and top recipient of revenue shares due to its population.

According to the 2020 census, Olongapo pegged its population at 206,317, the biggest among the nearby communities of the SBF. It is also the highest in terms of population density with 1,407.12 resident per square kilometer with a total of 185 sq. km. land area.

Meanwhile, net shares are computed by adding the current base share to the ten per cent retention amount from two years prior, but less ten per cent retention amount from the current period.

Since August 2010, revenue shares were directly released to the LGUs on a bi-annual basis—August for the first semester, and then February the following year for the second semester. (MPD-SBMA) 

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More Aussie firms eye Subic Freeport as prime investment location

More business missions from the “land down under” are now looking into possible investment opportunities inside this premier Freeport zone. 

This was confirmed when the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines (CCIAP) Inc. visited here last September 20, 2024, as part of the Australia Inbound Mission for possible trade and investment opportunities . 

The CCIAP, led by Leader Founder and President Connie De Cunha, was warmly received by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño.

Aliño discussed the diverse capabilities of this ecozone in terms of shipping, tourism, renewable energy and manufacturing. He added that he hopes the CCIAP would encourage more Australian companies to locate here.

SBMA Business and Investment Department for Manufacturing & Maritime Manager Karen Magno delivered a presentation to CCIAP delegates showing the density of Australian companies based inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, and the perks they enjoy from settling here.

Australian companies such as DBA Global also shared their experience working inside the freeport zone. DBA Global President Darlow Parazo said that Subic Bay Freeport is one of the fast-growing business hubs in the Philippines.

“With its strategic location and skilled workforce, Subic Bay presents an exceptional environment for businesses eager to expand their operations in Southeast Asia. As one of the leading businesses in the area, DBA Global is committed to driving innovation and fostering growth within this community,” he said.

Subic Bay Taiwan Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFTCC) President Best Chang also shared his experience working inside the SBFZ, citing the numerous perks and benefits of locating here. He added that the companies conduct work efficiently with the assurance of the continued support from the SBMA.

CCIAP President Cunha expressed her gratitude to the SBMA, SBTFCC, and the Australian companies here for showing the delegation how it is to invest inside Subic Bay Freeport. The group also visited other government owned and controlled corporations as part of their mission.

The SBFZ houses numerous Australian-based companies, including brand names such as DBA Global and Dunbrae Subic Inc., which has provided hundreds of job opportunities for Filipino workers here.

Magno said that the top five biggest Australian locators include the steel fabrication company STG Global Corp. that has invested US$3.5-million; air transport company Platinum Skies Aviation Inc. with US$1.4-milllion investment; food processing equipment manufacturer Dunbrae Subic Inc. with US$860,000 investment; furniture manufacturer Beurteaux Subic Inc. with US$630,000 investment; and logistics hub Orica Philippines Inc. with US$610,000 investment.

She added that there are 24 Australian-based companies here with US$11.7-million worth of total investments and 643 employees, and the agency hopes to increase the number of investors from Australia very soon. 

Back in August 2022, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) of Australia/New Zealand, in partnership with the Subic-Clark Alliance Development Council (SCADC) and the Board of Investments (BOI) accompanied Australian businesspersons to visit key viable investment sites in the Central Luzon area including this premier Freeport zone. (30) 

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