HD Hyundai launches first Subic-built ship, marks return of large-scale shipbuilding

South Korean shipbuilding giant HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines (HHIP) has launched its first vessel built in Subic, marking a major milestone in the revival of large-scale shipbuilding at the former Hanjin shipyard.

The Orion Jade, a 115,000-ton crude oil and product tanker, was launched on July 28 at the Agila Subic Shipyard in Redondo Peninsula, less than a year after HD Hyundai formally began shipbuilding operations at the sprawling facility.

Measuring 250 meters long, 42 meters wide and 21 meters deep, the vessel is the first ship fully constructed by HHIP at the Subic facility and signals the Korean shipbuilder's push to establish Subic as a major manufacturing base in Southeast Asia.

The vessel is also the first of four ships ordered by an Asia-based shipping company, with construction of the program beginning following the steel-cutting ceremony in September 2025.

HHIP President Im Dae Jun described the launch as a historic milestone for the company as it ramps up operations at the Subic shipyard.

The launching was witnessed by Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go, Republic of Korea Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, Botolan Mayor Jun Omar Ebdane and Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr., among other government and industry officials.

Go said the completion of the Orion Jade demonstrated how foreign investment commitments could translate into actual industrial projects, jobs and expanded manufacturing capability.

“The Orion Jade launch is a testament to our commitment to delivering projects that create quality jobs, enhance industrial capacity, and generate meaningful economic opportunities for Filipinos,” Go said.

Aliño, meanwhile, said the project reflected growing investor confidence in the Subic Bay Freeport and cited incentives provided under the CREATE MORE Law, or Republic Act No. 12066, as among the factors helping attract major investments.

The launch also represents a significant turnaround for the massive Subic shipbuilding facility, which is now being brought back into large-scale vessel production under HD Hyundai.

At the heart of the facility is a 550-meter dry dock, the largest in the Philippines, which will enable HHIP to build at least 10 ships annually beginning next year, according to SBMA.

Korean Ambassador Lee said the Filipino-built vessel also symbolized the expanding maritime and industrial partnership between South Korea and the Philippines.

“Maritime cooperation between our countries continues to grow, further strengthening mutual trust and sharing a promising future,” Lee said.

The project has already generated around 4,000 jobs, with HHIP planning to further expand its workforce as shipbuilding operations increase. The company has also partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to develop training programs aimed at supplying skilled workers for the growing shipyard operations.

The Orion Jade's completion places Subic once again on the map of large-scale commercial shipbuilding, years after shipbuilding operations at the former Hanjin facility ceased.

For Subic, the launch marks not simply the completion of another vessel, but the return of an industry that had once made the Freeport one of the country's major shipbuilding centers. (SNL)

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Subic services 37 ships under crew-change program

Two months after joining the government’s crew-change program, the Port of Subic has serviced a total of 37 ships and enabled more than 500 mostly Filipino seafarers to either take badly-needed rest or renew work aboard commercial vessels.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the crew-change program is a direct response to President Duterte's call that no one should be left behind in government efforts to ensure the safety of all Filipinos and provide assistance to vulnerable groups in face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We understand that crew change is necessary for the health and safety of seafarers,” Eisma said. “And considering that around 80,000 Filipino seafarers with lapsed contracts are stranded aboard their ships, there is a lot to be done to ensure movement among seafarers, especially Filipinos, during this humanitarian and economic crisis.”

Subic started operations as a crew-change hub on September 10 with the arrival here of five Filipino seafarers who were stranded for about three months aboard MV Dapeng Star, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker based in Hong Kong.

Since then, One Stop Shop (OSS) Subic, the inter-agency task force which manages the Subic crew-change operations, has recorded a total of 260 “off-signers”, or inbound ship crew, and 255 “on-signers”, or outbound seafarers, as of Monday, November 9.

Of the total 515 seafarers who either arrived or departed in Subic under the program, only 24—or 12 on-signers and 12 off-signers—were foreigners.

Ships of all shapes and sizes have arrived here for crew-change. These included MV RTM Cook, a bulk carrier based in Singapore, with seven Filipino on-signers and 11 off-signers; LNG Dapeng Moon, a tanker based in Hong Kong, with five Filipino on-signers; MV Mindoro, a Panama-flagged vehicles carrier with three on-signers and two off-signers, all Filipino; MT Jason, a chemical tanker from Marshall Islands with 12 Filipino on-signers, and one Croatian and 13 Filipino off-signers; MT Euro Integrity, a Liberian-flagged crude oil tanker with 15 on-signers and 16 off-signers, all Filipino; and MV Nine Eagle, a Panama-flagged livestock carrier with five on-signers and five off-signers, all Filipino.

SBMA Seaport Department manager Jerome Martinez, meanwhile, stressed that OSS Subic has laid out strict health and safety protocols for the program, with all outbound and inbound seafarers undergoing RTC-PCR testing prior to departure from Subic or upon arrival at the Subic Bay International Airport.

“In case an on-signer tests positive, he is brought back point-to-point to Manila where he was swab-tested. Meanwhile, upon disembarking, off-signers are brought directly to the Subic-OSS for swab testing, after which they are transported to an isolation facility in Manila,” Martinez explained.

He added that in the two months period that crew-change has been undertaken in Subic, only one positive case among seafarers has been recorded.

Seafarers have been designated “key workers” by many countries, including the Philippines, which belong to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to enable them to travel to and from ships and ensure the operation of commercial vessels.

The IMO said that commercial ships now transport more than 80% of global trade by volume, including vital food and medicine, energy and raw materials, as well as manufactured goods. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] Inbound seafarers from MV Devon Bay, all clad in personal protective equipment, await transportation upon arrival at the Subic Bay Freeport on November 6.

[2] A sanitation worker disinfects baggage, as inbound seafarers from MV Devon Bay await transportation upon arrival at the Subic Bay Freeport on November 6.

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SBMA temporarily opens Subic hotels to returning OFWs

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has opened several hotels here for the temporary accommodation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were brought home under the government’s emergency repatriation program.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said close to 400 OFWs were given temporary lodgings in quarantine hotels here since Sunday when Typhoon Rolly threatened Metro Manila and parts of Central Luzon with violent winds and heavy rain.

“We took them in for humanitarian reasons—and subject to strict health protocols— because there was a storm coming and our kababayans would be trapped at the Clark airport otherwise,” Eisma explained.

She said the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), which is bringing about half a million OFWs back to the country, made a frantic call for help as hotels in Clark Freeport and Pampanga that were accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) for such purpose were already full.

Eisma added that she requested clearance from local government units (LGUs) near Subic and they had agreed to take the OFWs in. The returning OFWs were swabbed at Clark airport before being brought to Subic quarantine hotels, she said.

According to the SBMA Tourism Department, a total of 104 OFWs arrived here on Nov. 1 and were billeted at various hotels accredited by the SBMA and the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) to take in OFWs and returning seafarers under the government’s crew-change program.

Of these OFWs in the first batch, 20 are already scheduled for transport to their respective homes after their RT-PCR tests had turned out negative, said SBMA tourism manager Jem Camba.

Another batch of OFWs consisting of 273 workers arrived here the following day, Nov. 2, after a similar request from the OWWA Region 3 office.

Camba said the repatriated OFWs were brought to accredited accommodation establishments like the Bayfront Hotel, Best Western Hotel Subic, Camayan Beach Resort, Horizon Hotel, Le Charme Suites, Mansion Garden Hotel, Segara Residencias, Subic International Hotel, Subic Bay Venezia Hotel, Terrace Hotel, Travelers Hotel, and Vista Marina.

The 13 hotels have a total of 528 rooms available for OFWs on quarantine.

Following the arrival here of repatriated OFWs during Typhoon Rolly, Eisma said the SBMA will consult with neighboring LGUs if they would agree to continue with the program.

“I’d be inviting representatives from the LGUs, OWWA, the Task Group on the Management of Returning Overseas Filipinos, and owners of Subic hotels and other stakeholders to a meeting so that we can finally decide the matter,” she added.

Eisma said that in a previous meeting, the SBMA had agreed to a request from LGUs to provide them with a list of workers from their communities who will work in quarantine hotels, so that proper Covid-19 precautions could be taken.

The SBMA further ordered participating hotels to house on-duty staff and to quarantine them after each two-week work schedule, she added.

“We will be taking all necessary health safety measures just like we did for the repatriation of Filipino seafarers under the crew-change program,” Eisma said, referring to the government initiative that was implemented here starting Sept. 10 after the LGUs gave their consent to the project. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic crew-change hub begins operations

Subic started operations as a crew-change hub on Thursday, September 10, with the arrival here of five Filipino seafarers who finally disembarked after being stranded aboard their ship for several months due to port restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said this was the first batch of crewmen to arrive here after Subic was designated by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) as a hub for international crew change.

The five Filipinos disembarked from MV Dapeng Star, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker based in Hong Kong.

“The operation went without a hitch and was over in just a matter of three hours,” Eisma said. She recounted that at 7:40 a.m., a tugboat left the San Bernardino jetty here to meet up with Dapeng Star, which had anchored near Grande Island at the mouth of Subic Bay.

The tugboat carried personnel from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Coast Guard, who conducted the initial health check-up of the inbound seafarers and had them suited up in personal protective equipment (PPE) prior to disembarkation.

“At 10 a.m. the tugboat was back at the jetty, the five seafarers in blue PPEs got off, had their baggage checked by K-9, boarded a van to the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) at the Subic airport where they got swabbed for RT-PCR test and had their documents processed by the Bureau of Quarantine and Bureau of Immigration,” Eisma noted.

“At exactly 11:14 a.m., or just over three hours, the seafarers were already departing for the Manila Grand Opera Hotel, which shall serve as their quarantine facility for 14 days,” she added.

The opening of the Subic crew-change hub is expected to ease the current congestion in Manila Bay where merchant ships with Filipino crewmen await their turn to disembark their crew and take in fresh personnel. The Philippines is among the biggest suppliers of manpower in the shipping industry today.

Eisma pointed out that the problem on crew-change does not only concern crewmen longing to go home to their families, or the congested ports where ships await their turn to disembark their crew.

“It is, in fact, a problem of huge proportion because it affects the global supply chain,” she said. “With the start of crew-change operations here, Subic becomes a part of the solution to this global problem,” she added.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), which spearheads the inter-agency project, said the Subic operation is part of the “Philippine Green Lane” put up for the speedy and safe travel of seafarers and swift crew change during the Covid-19 pandemic. The other crew-change hubs are the Port of Manila and Port Capinpin in Bataan.

Subic was designated as a crew change hub in July, and was formally opened on August 22. However, operations here only involve point-to-point embarkation and disembarkation pending approval of the second phase where inbound seafarers could quarantine in local hotels after their RT-PCR test.

DOTr Assistant Secretary Narciso Vingson, who supervised the maiden crew-change operation in Subic, stressed that crew-change protocols were strictly observed and that a “no-contact” policy was put in place to ensure the safety of the seafarers and the attending personnel.

Vingson said that prior to debarkation, the seafarers were made to undergo customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) procedures on board the ship. Thereafter, they were debriefed, RT-PCR tested and processed at the Subic OSS, before transported to a mandatory quarantine facility in Manila.  (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] Filipino crewmen disembark from the LNG tanker Dapeng Star anchored on Subic Bay during the first crew-change operation in the Subic Bay Freeport on Thursday, Sept. 10

[2] Disembarked Filipino seafarers arrive at the San Bernardino jetty during the first crew-change operation in the Subic Bay Freeport on Thursday, Sept. 10

[3] A newly-disembarked Filipino seafarer gives the thumbs up during the first crew-change operation in the Subic Bay Freeport on Thursday, Sept. 10

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SBMA chief in Chicago trade mission, accepts int’l service and business awards

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma will conclude a weeklong business trip to Chicago this Friday not only with potential investment projects for the Subic Bay Freeport, but also with awards in international public service and business.

Eisma, who arrived in Illinois, USA on November 9 for an investment and trade briefing at the Morgan Stanley Building in Chicago, received the Award in International Public Service at the Chicago Filipino Asian American Hall of Fame Awards on November 10.

The award honors high-achieving Filipinos and Filipino-Americans who promote the positive image of the Filipino, not only in the Philippines and the United States but also throughout the world.

The awards project of the Chicago Philippine Reports TV and VIA Times Newsmagazine of Chicago had recognized the likes of former Ambassador Jose Cuisia, environmentalist Gina Lopez, former Ambassador Willy Gaa, and inventor and tech-innovator Dado Banatao.

Eisma is also set to receive citation on November 16 at the 15th annual Stevie Awards in New York, where the American Business Awards organization will recognize accomplishments and contributions of companies and business people worldwide.

The SBMA chief was named finalist for the Stevies in this year’s category for Female Executive of the Year in a government or non-profit organization, while the SBMA was listed as finalist for Organization of the Year award under the government or non-profit organization category.

SBMA port promotions manager Ronnie Yambao, who accompanied Eisma in the investment promotions mission, said that the SBMA group had been busy connecting with business and industry leaders, as well as Filipino community leaders in Chicago, in between the awards rites.

“After a courtesy call with Consul General Gina Jamoralin in Chicago on the first day of the visit, we attended the Investment and Trade Briefing at the Morgan Stanley Building with Commercial Consul Mel Lalunio,” Yambao related.

“In that briefing, Chairman Eisma talked to about 30 businessmen and venture capitalists for possible investments in renewable energy, manufacturing, logistics and supply chain, tourism, petroleum refining, construction solution and hydro power,” he added.

Among those that inquired about Subic were executives of Great Seas Holdings of Yorkville, Illinois; Dennis Wilmsmeyer, director of America’s Central Port, the center of the multi-modal freight transportation system in the United States; George Modrovic, CEO of Elfi LLC, a metal construction products manufacturer; and two US Marines veterans who will visit Subic with their group in February next year for a week of nostalgic tourism program.

Eisma said that a lot of American companies based in China are now looking into the distinct advantages of relocating in the Philippines. “With this, we want to take advantage of the situation to promote Subic as a competitive investment destination in the ASEAN region,” the SBMA chief said upon leaving Subic last week.

She added that because of the developing trade war between the United States and China, the Philippines is again becoming a favorite investment destination, not only because of its competitiveness but also with the advantages of the General System of Preferences and other free trade agreements.

“Now as the tide is turning, we have to seize the moment and make Subic stronger,” she said. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chairman & Administrator Wilma T. Eisma recieves the Award in International Public Service at the Chicago Filipino Asian American Hall of Fame Awards

[2] Executives of Great Seas Holdings inquire from SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma Eisma on how to put up oil refinery and petroleum depot in the Subic Bay Freeport.

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Subic firm partners with TESDA to train auto workers

A company engaged in trading of motor vehicles here has sealed an agreement with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for the training of workers in the automotive industry.

Subictrak International Inc., a Subic-registered enterprise engaged in importation, remanufacture, rebuilding and re-export of motor vehicles and heavy equipment, will join TESDA for an in-plant Dual Training System to help increase standards in truck rebuilding.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the partnership exemplifies the culture of community involvement that the agency is cultivating among stakeholders in the Subic Freeport.

Under the agreement, TESDA will execute the training program designed by both parties in accordance with the Dual Training System Act of 1994, while Subictrak will provide the facility for the in-plant Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC2 class and Automotive Servicing NC2 class.

The memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by Subictrak president Ferdinand Tangan and TESDA provincial training center administrator Eugene Peñaranda.

TESDA Zambales provincial director Benhur Baniqued lauded Subictrak for partnering with TESDA to help address job mismatch in the community.

Baniqued said TESDA Zambales encourages such partnerships to strengthen the interaction between the industry and the academe. “By doing so, we are able to somehow minimize the so-called job mismatch, if not eliminate it,” he added.

Subictrak’s chief executive, meanwhile, expressed support to the government’s objective of improving the quality of life of the Filipino workforce through the development of technical skills and proper work values.

He said the Subictrak-TESDA partnership will ensure that the employees they will hire in the future would be well-trained for the job.

“We expect that with this partnership we will improve a lot in the company, as we expect TESDA to teach us well. And we will gladly accept the trainees you will bring to us,” Tangan also said.

Subictrak is a 40% Chinese-60% Filipino owned corporation registered in the Subic Bay Freeport since July 2004. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

PARTNERSHIP: TESDA Zambales provincial director Benhur Baniqued (left), TESDA provincial training center administrator Eugene Peñaranda, and Subictrak president Ferdinand Tangan (right) conclude a partnership for training for workers in the automotive industry. (MPD-SBMA)

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Ironman to showcase Pinoys’ passion

The upcoming Century Tuna full Ironman Philippines will not only serve as the ultimate test in endurance racing but will also showcase the Filipino triathletes’ passion in the sport before the world through the finisher’s medal when it is held June 3 in Subic.

The sponsoring Century Tuna and organizing Sunrise Events, Inc. have collaborated to come up with a unique medal billed as the “Alab ng Puso” to be awarded to the elite international cast vying in the first-ever full triathlon in the country.

Created by noted designer Daniel de la Cruz, the memento will underscore the local triathletes passion in the sport with Subic also serving as one of the country’s top training grounds. It will depict the commitment of the intrepid 1,200 triathletes from around the world gearing up for the punishing 3.8km swim-180km bike-42km run event.

The first full Ironman, backed by title sponsor Century Tuna and presented by Alaska, Tourism Promotions Board and Department of Tourism, also serves as a fitting event for SEI’s 10th anniversary celebrations and a decade of Ironman staging in the country.


De la Cruz is known for his natural artistic skills and his expert use of diverse materials. In fact, he was the first Filipino designer to develop ceramic collections for the prestigious company Villeroy & Boch in Germany.

The official design of the “Alab ng Puso” medal actually remains under wraps but it will resemble the triangle part of the Philippine flat with the sun and three stars. Moreover, the lace to be used will be created by the dream weavers from Marawi City.

“As a brand at the forefront of promoting health and fitness, Century Tuna is very proud to be the lead sponsor of the first full distance Ironman in the country. The expected scale and scope of attention the event will generate in the country and the global triathlon community gives us a very big stage to shout out our message of living a healthy lifestyle through proper diet and exercise,” said Greg Banzon, vice president and general manager of Century Pacific Food, makers of Century Tuna.

Other backers of the event are venue hosts Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and ACEA Subic Bay, bike leg racing partner NLEX Corp., official courier and logistics partner AAI Holdings, official footwear sponsor Hoka One One, official hydration partners Gatorade and Aquafina, official swim cap TYR, official energy gel Gu, official bike mechanics Storck; David’s Salon, Intercare and Prudential Guarantee (major sponsors), Hyper HD on Cignal, The Philippine Star, Trilife, Asiatri.com and Finisherpix (media partners), Alcoplus, Cetaphil, Crampfix, Devant, Ford, PLDT, Regent, Sanicare, and Timex (marketing sponsors), Active Network (registration partner), and ACEA, Best Western Plus, Court Meridian, The Lighthouse, Mansion Garden Hotel, The Villas, Subic Bay Peninsular, Subic Bay Yacht Club and Subic Holiday Villas (official hotels). (SNL)

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Hanjin hiring more workers for shipbuilding projects

Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction – Philippines (HHIC-Phil) plans to hire more Filipino workers for its shipbuilding facility here to accommodate the growing number of orders from seafaring nations.

Hanjin top officials said that by next month, it will start building three Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs).

These ULCVs will have the capacity to carry 20,600 twenty-footer equivalent unit (TEU) containers in one hauling.

The ULCVs were ordered by France’s shipping conglomerate CMA CGM.

Each ship has a measurement of 400-meter in length, 59-meter in breadth and depth of 33 meters, with a deck as large as four soccer/football fields combined.

HHIC-Phil Managing Director for External Trade Yoo Hoan Jo said that the new orders would likely mean additional workers for the completion of these three ULCVs.

The company has already delivered 91 vessels since it started its operation at the Redondo Peninsula, Subic Bay Freeport in 2008, boosting the country’s export portfolio over the years.

The company has delivered 16 vessels last year and has numerous orders this year including the three ULCVs.

“The synergy between Hanjin and the Filipino worker is really a great formula not just in shipbuilding, but in nation building as well. The company believes in the craftsmanship and hard work the Filipino is known for, and will continue to utilize the Filipinos’ capabilities in shipbuilding for years to come,” Jo said.

The company recently gave back to the community by donating P5 million to help the National Anti-Poverty Commission’s (NAPC) priority projects for the marginalized Filipinos.

The turnover of the donation was done last month at the NAPC office in Diliman, Quezon City.

The donation is part of the company’s thrust to help uplift the Filipino people.

Jo personally turned over the check to NAPC Secretary and lead convenor Jose Eliseo Rocamora, following the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the two parties.

The MOA stipulates that the P5-million donation from Hanjin would be disbursed specifically to support NAPC’s priority projects for post-Yolanda fisher folk settlement in Palawan and Sicogon. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTOS:

[1] HHIC-Phil shipyard at the Redondo Peninsula in Subic Bay Freeport Zone (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] Made in Subic: A ship being built at HHIC-Phil's Subic shipyard. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[3] HIC-Phil prides itself for having a Filipino workforce highly skilled in shipbuilding. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

http://www.mb.com.ph/hanjin-hiring-more-workers-for-shipbuilding-projects/

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San Diego Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce visits Subic Bay

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia (center) joins members of the delegation of the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of San Diego County headed by Philippine Honorary Consul of San Diego Audie J. de Castro, during a visit in Subic Bay Freeport Zone last week. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia (left) receives a memento from Audie J. de Castro, Philippine Honorary Consul of San Diego and also head of mission of the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of San Diego County that visited the Subic Bay Freeport Zone last week. (AMD-MPD-SBMA)

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Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2015 pageant launched in Subic Freeport

Twenty beautiful and fabulous mothers and married women from all over the country who took their chance to be part of one of the country’s biggest pageants, the Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2015, were presented to the media on Wednesday at the Camayan Beach Resort and Hotel in Subic Bay Freeport.

National pageant director Morena Carla Cabrera-Quimpo said that this year's pageant candidates who selected from numerous hopefuls, embody the real strength of a Filipina mother.

“They represent a Filipina mother who is not confined by stereotypical notions, but rather a strong and bold individual who can fulfill her responsibilities as a mother and wife without compromising her own dreams,” Quimpo said.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto lauded the organizers for choosing Subic Bay as venue of one of the prestigious beauty pageants in the country.

“Subic is home to many beautiful things—we have the people, environment, the flora and fauna, and history—all these make Subic the preferred tourist destination among the best in Central Luzon,” Garcia said.

The official further noted that because of Subic’s natural attractions, it has become the home of various events, including the Century Tuna 5i50 and Iron Man international triathlons, as well as regular industry spectacles like the Advertising Summit.

Founded in 1996, the Mrs. Philippines-Globe pageant is touted as one of the biggest international beauty contests for married women, mothers and single mothers, recognizing them as movers of society, and a symbol of inspiration and beauty through their achievements, life stories and charitable causes.

“Not only that, the pageant celebrates beauty, goodwill, and tourism awareness through pageantry and competition; but more importantly, it promotes and supports the admirable strength of mothers by giving them a chance to step up, to reinvent and unleash their greater versions, and to communicate the deeper strength of every woman,” Quimpo noted.

This year, Mrs. Philippines-Globe’s set of lovely candidates include: Victoria Harnisch, Joana Krisanta La Madrid, Maria Aishelle Hwang, Sherry Lou Villaseñor, Yolanda Llamas, Joann Rosales, Jhunie Grace Lagman, Carina Guevara, Almira Zapanta, Maria Engracia Maniago, Jonalyn Agustin, Ruby Liboon, Jennifer Umali, Marilou Weir, Estrella Bobruk, Roscel Tala, Joe Ann Smith, Alodia Solis, Mary Ann Ternora and Grace Albonia.

The winner of Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2015 will receive up to P200,000 worth of prizes. She will also represent the Philippines in the prestigious Mrs. Globe 2016 World Finals at Shenzhen, China in November 2015.

Aside from the title of Mrs. Philippines-Globe itself, the candidates will also vie for the coveted Woman of Substance title alongside other special awards such as Achievement of the Year, Charity or Advocacy of the Year, Best Talent of the Year, Career Woman of the Year, Most Beautiful Face, Darling of the Press, Entrepreneur of the Year, Mrs. Body Beautiful, Most Elegant Woman/Designer of the Year, Personality of the Year, Husband of the Year, Calchews Supermodel Mom and Solane Mother of the Year.

The Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2015 coronation night will take place on June 20, 2015 at the Subic Bay Convention Center. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Candidates vying for Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2015 were presented during the pageant's press launch (photo from Mrs. Philippines-Globe Facebook page)

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‘Green’ film fest in Subic

A FILM festival focusing on “green” films will be held this weekend at the Subic Bay Freeport.

The 1st Subic International Ecofilm Festival will be presented at the ISST FilAm Theatre on Feb. 27 and 28. This is a project of the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) together with Cinema Verde of the United States.

The two-day festival will screen six international films and three local award-winning independent films and will have the Cinema Verde founding director as the guest of honor.

According to ISST President Mina Gabor, the Ecofilm Festival intends to bring environmental awareness to the audience and inspire, educate and engage participants in sustainable business and lifestyle solutions.

“If the Cannes Film Festival is for commercial films, we intend Subic to be known for environmental films,” the former Tourism secretary said.

Among the foreign films to be shown is Love Thy Nature, directed by Sylvie Rokab and narrated by Hollywood star Liam Neeson. It is a cinematic immersion into the beauty and intimacy of human’s relationship with the natural world.

The other films that will be screened are: Confessions of an Eco-Terrorist, Deep Green (Final Cut), Silent Now (The Poisoning of the Arctic), El Perro del Hortelano, and Radio Love.

The Filipino films in the festival are Brutus: Ang Paglalakbay, which stars Ronnie Lazaro; indie film Batad, which won multiple awards at Cinemalaya; and the Batanes-inspired Kadin The Goat.

The festival will also hold group discussions on “Best Practices on Environmental Conservation,” and “Challenges in Producing Environmental Films,” as well as bird shows and photo exhibits by the Wild Bird Photographers of the Philippines. (BusinessWorld)

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Arts&Leisure&title=green-film-fest-in-subic&id=103403

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A hero comes home : Subic Bay pays respect to one of SAF commandos slain in Maguindanao

RESPECT: SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia (right) lines up along the way with security officers from the SBMA Law Enforcement Department to pay their respect to PO3 John Lloyd Sumbilla, one of the slain SAF commandos in Maguindanao. Sumbilla’s funeral procession passed through the Subic Bay Freeport on Friday from Morong, Bataan on the way to Olongapo City where the fallen hero was cremated. (AED/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Bay shows solidarity during national day of mourning for 44 SAF members slain in Maguindanao (images)

 The huge Philippine flag in front of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) administration building flies at half-mast on Friday in keeping with the National Day of Mourning ordered by President Benigno Aquino III in honor of the 44 police commandos who were killed in Maguindanao last Sunday. (AED/MPD-SBMA)

photos by Jun Dumaguing

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10 most outstanding Subic Freeport workers named

The Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. (SBWDFI) has announced this year’s 10 Most Outstanding Freeport Workers who have made positive contributions towards achieving productivity, harmony, and industrial peace inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Atty. Severo Pastor Jr., head of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Labor Department and SBWDFI president, identified the winners as Alvin Begosa, Yehleen Cecilio, Gigi Estalilla, Dindo Dante Gonzaga, Edwin Madayag, Richard Nicdao, Romwel Pangilinan, Pedro Tadena Sr., and Gomer Tolentino.

The 10 awardees received plaques of recognition, cash prizes, and gift certificates, as well as words of appreciation from Subic Freeport officials.

Speaking during the awarding ceremony at the Subic Bay Arts Center (SuBAC), SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia said the 10 outstanding workers symbolize the professionalism, dedication, and passion of Filipino workers for the job entrusted to them by their respective companies.

He noted that Subic’s continuing increase in revenue collections, construction boom, and tourism growth only show that the Freeport is being maintained and operated by the finest workforce in the country today.

“Truly, if all workers in the country would only follow the examples shown by our 10 outstanding workers, the Philippines will not only have 7 percent gross domestic product, but more. And we can be assured of a better future ahead,” Garcia said.

Pastor, meanwhile, stressed that the SBWDFI has formulated this year a more tedious competitive selection process where candidates were chosen from the more than 90,000 workforce of the Freeport.

He added that to establish integrity in the selection process, an independent board of judges was formed. This was composed Dr. Zenia Mostoles, Zambales DepEd Superintendent, Dir. Virginia Bondoc of TESDA-Zambales, and Dir. Maria Teresita Cancio of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board- Region III, as head of the body.

Pastor said that the winners were noted for their outstanding performance and accomplishments. The first awardee, Alvin Begosa, started as room attendant at the Subic Bay Travelers Hotel in 2010 and rose to become property custodian today.

Meanwhile, Yehleen Cecilio of Polarmarine started as planning staff in 2003 and after four promotions due to her positive attitudes toward work, she is now the Production Support Section Supervisor.

Gigi Estalilla, a staff at the SBMA Public Relations Office, was a finalist in the 2008 search for SBMA Employee of the Year, and holds positions in a cooperative group in the Freeport, the newly-formed SBMA Employees Association, and the Zambales chapter of the LGBT group Ladlad.

Dindo Dante Gonzaga is a production foreman at Delta Production Phils., where he teaches co-workers on how to improve their products.

Edwin Madayag, of Hitachi Group, has worked with the company since 1998 as machine operator with devotion and faithfulness.

Hazel Valera, of GrainPro Phils., where she worked for seven years and was promoted to Senior Manager for Supply Chain.

A SBMA Volunteer in 1992, who was also employed as Production Plant Operator by the SBMA Public Works Group until his absorption by the Subic Water and Sewerage Company, Richard Nicdao is a dedicated employee who serves beyond schedule.

Meanwhile, from being a lifeguard at the Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium since 2009, Romwel Pangilinan was promoted recently as officer-in-charge of safety events after showing his loyalty and dedication.

Another worker from Delta Production Philippines, PedroTadena Sr., was cited for sharing the skills and knowledge he learned from the company with his co-workers.

Lastly, Gomer Tolentino of Nicera Phils. started out as Electronics Design Engineer in 2001 and is now the Senior Product Manager of the firm. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Awardees of the 2014 Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers proudly display their trophies during the awards ceremony held at the Subic Bay Arts Center on Monday, November 24. The search is an annual project of the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. (AED/MPD-SBMA)

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Former Subic base workers set March 16 to 22 reunion

Former employees of the now-defunct United States Naval Base, Subic Bay, have scheduled a grand reunion from March 16 to 22, the first get-together among some 22,000 workers employed in what was then the biggest American military facility outside of the continental United States.

Ernie Tawatao, co-chairman of the organizing committee, said the weeklong reunion program will coincide with the first commemoration of the “Former US Naval Base Workers’ Week,” an annual celebration recently set by the Olongapo City council for the third week of March to honor former base employees.

The Subic naval base, along with other American military facilities in the country, closed down in 1992 following the rejection by the Philippine Senate of a treaty extending the lease of US military bases in the Philippines.

The former Subic facility, along with portions of neighboring communities in Olongapo, Zambales and Bataan, soon became the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Tawatao said the reunion is expected to gather former base workers from the various departments and work units in the former naval facility, which used to be the home of the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet.

Aside from Tawatao, the other officers of the organizing committee are: Bobby Flores, formerly of the Navy Exchange, who is co-chairman; Dolly Vibar-Hernane (Ship Repair Facility), secretary; Jack Kingsley (Office of the Provost Marshall, US-FAC), treasurer; and Vic Vizcocho Jr., (Public Works Center), public affairs officer.

Vizcocho said former base employees, regardless of their classification as direct or nondirect hire, as well as their descendants are welcome to take part in the reunion.

As part of the weeklong reunion program, the committee will unveil a commemorative marker on March 18 at an area between the former Lowry Hall (now the Subic Bay Arts Center) and the former Consolidated Civilian Personnel Office (Building 662).

The placement of the marker has been approved by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Tawatao said.

The committee is also preparing a souvenir publication to document the event, said Eduardo Esmane, who is helping coordinate the project.

The reunion is expected to draw participants from the following departments in the former US Naval Base: US Marine Barracks; US Naval Station; US Naval Ship Repair Facility; Naval Supply Depot; US Navy Public Works Center; US Naval Air Station, Cubi Point; US Naval Regional Medical Center; US Naval Magazine; US Commissary Store; US Naval Investigative Support Regional Activity; Officer In Charge of Construction (OICC Subic and ROICC in Makati); and US Naval Communications Station Philippines, San Miguel in San Antonio, Zambales.

Other participants are expected to come from the Navy Exchange which covered the Spanish Gate Cafeteria, Enlisted Men’s Club, Acey-Ducey Club; Consolidated Special Services; Commissioned Officers Mess (Open); Chief Petty Officers Mess (Open); and Non-Commissioned Officers Club.

On Monday, Tawatao and some other former base workers welcomed US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, who arrived in Subic for a courtesy meeting with SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia. (Henry Empeño, Business Mirror)

PHOTO:
Former employees of the Subic Bay Naval Base, some wearing t-shirts emblazoned with the logo of their former work units, welcome US Ambassador Philip Goldberg (center, wearing coat), who met with SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia (center, in Barong Tagalog) on Monday at the Subic Bay Freeport. (SBMA Photo)

http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/regions/28444-former-subic-base-workers-set-march-16-to-22-reunion

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Country’s biggest literary fest set in Subic Freeport

Top literary writers from all over the country will converge in this free port on February 24-26 for “Taboan 2014,” the biggest literary festival in the country that will be held in line with the celebration of the National Arts Month (NAM).

Billed as “Wind and Waves, Wars and Words,” the three-day festival is a landmark project of the National Committee on Literary Arts of the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA).

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia expressed gratitude to the NCCA for bringing to Subic Bay the biggest literary event in the country.

“This will not only showcase the beauty of Filipino literary arts, but also the well-preserved natural beauty of Subic Bay for all Filipino and foreign visitors to see,” Garcia said.

Festival director Dr. Juliet Mallari said that top literary writers and enthusiasts, as well as teachers and students from various regions, are expected to join forums, lectures, book fairs, literary readings, performances, arts and crafts exhibits, and cultural tours during the event.

Mallari noted that the festival will also serve as a venue to encourage local writers in Zambales to group themselves together and revive literature in the province.

“We can help them to form a group with the objective to revive literature in Zambales. And soon they could present stage plays, Zambaleña dances in events like this,” she said.

Meanwhile, NCCA chairman Felipe de Leon Jr. said that also in celebration of the NAM, the Philippine Arts Festival has taken the theme “Art on the Edge” to focus on the healing capacity of the arts.

He explained that art is some kind of power that heals the suffering of those affected by calamities—be they man-made or natural—such as those in the coastal communities in the Visayas that were recently hit by typhoon Yolanda.

“In Tacloban and other areas in Visayas, people have received very little help to survive each day. But by using art, like singing, dancing and others, as tool, we can help people ‘on the edge’ to recover from crises or calamities,” De Leon said.

He also noted that when arts of various forms were to be put in the same “boat” and nurtured, they could contribute to economic development by influencing the tourism industry in the area.

He noted that Zambales, for one, has much artistic and creative assets that can be turned into income- generating projects, boost the tourism industry and create jobs.

Among the products of creative arts here are the bows and arrows that native Aytas are selling, and the famous jungle survival demonstrations of the Aytas in the Subic Freeport Zone.

“PAF 2014 promises to be an exhilarating celebration of the arts with workshops, exhibitions, forums, performances, and many other events participated in by numerous artists,” de Leon said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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Taboan 2014 to take place at Subic Freeport Zone

Top writers will once again gather in the country’s biggest literary festival, “Taboan,” at the Subic Freeport Zone on February 24-26 in line with the National Arts Month (NAM). This is organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Billed “Winds and Waves, Wars and Words,” the 2014 Taboan (a Visayan word meaning “marketplace”) is the landmark project of the National Committee on Literary Arts of NCCA's Subcommission on the Arts headed by Priscilla Macansantos for the Philippine Arts Festival (PAF). The festival director is Juliet Mallari.

This will gather writers, teachers and students for forums, lectures, a book fair, literary reading, performances, arts and crafts exhibits, cultural tours, other satellite projects, and an awards ceremony for outstanding writers from the regions.

The Philippines celebrates NAM during February since the signing of Presidential Proclamation 683 in 1991. As the country’s main agency for the arts and culture, the NCCA, headed by its chairman Felipe de Leon, Jr., leads in celebrating NAM with the Philippine Arts Festival.

For 2014, PAF has taken the theme "Art on the Edge,” highlighting the advancements achieved in different art forms, the innovations, the modern evolution of art, and the artistic creations in the peripheries.

Spearheaded by the NCCA’s Subcommission on the Arts, PAF consists of the flagship projects of the seven committees of the subcommission—architecture, cinema, dance, literature, music, theater, and the visual arts. It aims to highlight the artistic talent and brilliance of the Filipino people. Initially centering around the National Capital Region, PAF activities will be held all over the country in order to reach as many people as possible.

With private and government agencies as partners, PAF 2014 promises to be an exhilarating celebration of the arts with workshops, exhibitions, forums, performances, and many other events participated in by numerous artists. (NCCA-PAIO)

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PNoy: ‘Philippines and Subic now open for business’

The Philippines, especially Subic, is now open for business, as the country begins to reap the fruits of good governance, according to President Benigno Aquino II.

In a speech delivered by Maritime Industry Authority deputy administrator Nicasio Conti on behalf of the chief executive during the recent Subic Bay Maritime Conference and Exhibit here, President Aquino said that the country’s efforts in regaining the national dignity and the confidence of the world send a clear message that the Philippines is ready.

“From weeding out corruption and government in society, to prudently spending our budget, to streamlining our business processes at the national and local levels, we are continuing to regain our national dignity and the confidence of the world in our capabilities,” he said. “The Philippines is open for business and the Filipino people mean business.”

Mr. Aquino also noted the recent upgrades given by international rating agencies to the country and said that these recognition by international observers gave the Philippines new opportunities for development.

“From Luzon to Mindanao, the gears of development are turning, providing opportunities and possibilities that we could only imagine in the past,” he said.

At the same time, President Aquino also noted the rise of Subic as a major logistics hub.

“Here in Subic, we are seeing the emergence of a world-class logistics and investments hub in Southeast Asia. With the Philippines as the fourth largest shipbuilding nation worldwide, boasting the construction of 117 ships in 2011, we are becoming an excellent alternative location for shipbuilding and ship repair,” Mr. Aquino said.

He further noted that the development that the country is enjoying is a product of Filipino ingenuity and action.

Mr. Aquino then pointed out the importance of good governance in national development and how it brings out the best in the Filipino people: “Good and conscientious governance yields positive results, igniting a virtuous cycle of continuous prosperity founded on trust and competence, and at the core of our reform agenda — the empowerment of the common Filipino: to aspire, to work harder, to be more productive, for the greater good of our people. “

“We are witnessing the growth for our nation, reaching its fullest potential,” he added.

With this, Mr. Aquino asked everyone to unite to ensure that the country remain on course towards progress.

“By working hand in hand to ensure that democracy, standards and cooperation prevail because every venture won, every investment obtained, every job created in our land is not only the victory of an enterprise but the success of one Filipino movement, of a nation treading the straight and righteous path, towards a more equitable, a more modern, more peaceful Philippines,” he stated.

The first Subic Bay Maritime Conference and Exhibit was successfully held here last week, with more than 500 shippers and shipping line operators attending the two-day event at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia said that representatives from various shipping and logistics companies from as far as South Africa, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan, aside from the Philippines, attended the forum which focused on the advantages of Subic as a logistics and investment hub.

Garcia said the maritime conference should be an eye opener because the Port of Subic has one of the most beautiful and technologically-advanced container terminals in the whole country, and it is now ready for business as an alternative port to Manila. (FMD/MPD-SBMA))

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