A P1.1-billion dormitory complex is set to be constructed
soon to become the site for a "home away from home" for some 6,000
employees working here.
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and
Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño on March 19, 2025 led the groundbreaking
ceremony for the construction of a five-storey building.
"This is why I cannot hide how overjoyed I am
today," SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said
about the realization of his dreams for SBF workers.
The chairman was elated over the start of the realization of
his dream of providing housing facilities to the workers of this premier
Freeport.
“To me, this is the first step towards the realization of a
strong, comfortable and peaceful way of life for our Freeport workers, the same
as the dream of our dear President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for every Filipino in
the country,” he added.
“In fact, this dormitory project is in response to the
President’s instructions in connection with his Pambansang Pabahay Para sa
Pilipino, or 4PH program,” he continued.
Isuzu Gencars Inc. General Manager Edgard Cabangon said that
the collaboration between his company, the SBMA, and RDBT Construction
Corporation has identified several worker dormitories as priority projects that
recognize the need for affordable, accessible, and decent housing within the
Freeport.
He said that by building these dormitories close to
factories, industrial areas, and technoparks, it not only improves the workers'
efficiency, but also helps companies and employees reduce the cost of living.
He also cited that this initiative will
also ease traffic congestion by reducing the number of vehicles and commuters
on the road, contributing to a greener and more sustainable environment.
According to Cabangon, this proposal is the first of its
kind in the Freeport zone, which offers large-scale accommodations catering to
workers, employees, and even students of nearby schools and colleges.
RDBT Construction Corporation will be constructing the five
buildings, which includes four dormitory blocks and an administrative building,
all of which are rising at five storeys, on a one-hectare parcel of land.
Architect Rafael Demacio Tecson, RDBT Construction Corp.
CEO said that each dormitory block will have 188 units, with an
approximate bed capacity of 1,500, which is 6,000 beds in total.
Tecson said that the common areas will be designed to allow
natural ventilation, which is key for the green structure development. This
does not only improve indoor air quality, but also promotes the health and
well-being of everyone using the space.
Each dormitory is designed for eight occupants, shared by
four people at a time. The layout shows smooth traffic flow, allowing residents
to take turns using the shared bath, toilet and lavatories without
overcrowding.
The ground floor will be used as commercial spaces including
laundry services, 24/7 convenience store, a cafeteria, coffee shops, and
restaurants, providing essential services for the workers throughout their
stay.
SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment
Group Renato Lee III said that the dormitory complex is a testament of both
investor confidence in the SBMA and our readiness for the influx of jobs in the
zone.
“We are very optimistic in the
investment attractiveness of the country because of the benefits of CREATE MORE
or RA 12066, the government's efficiency and accountability brought about
by the strict implementation of the EASE of Doing Business Act or RA 11032 and
the overall reduction in the cost of doing business here in the Philippines,”
Lee said.
“I have no doubt that we will be able to generate more
investments in the coming years. When you generate investments, you generate
jobs. But what is crucial here is not just Subic Freeport being
investment-ready, but employment-ready as well,” he added.
Lee added that it is where the project plays a crucial role
in the overall direction of the SBMA by making sure that the Freeport workers
are also taken care of. (MPD-SBMA)
0 comments:
Post a Comment