SBMA to hold Labor Day jobs fair with 2,300 job opportunities

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will hold a jobs fair in time for its Labor Day celebration at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall here, with more than 2,300 job opportunities available to job-seekers on May 1, 2025.

 

Labor Center Department Manager Atty. Melvin Varias disclosed that around 45 companies in and around the Subic Bay Freeport Zone will participate in the said jobs fair.

 

Varias added that aside from the jobs fair, a 3-kilometer Fun Run will jumpstart the Labor Day activities. There will also be the Relax Enjoy Siesta Timeout (REST) Free Massage, and the Sulong SBMA Singing Competition, which will all be held at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall’s Activity Center. 

 

“Last year, 26 job seekers were hired on-the-spot. Of the 26 hired, 21 applicants were hired by Da Tian Subic Shoes Inc., manufacturer of popular shoe brands here. While two of them were hired by YZ Consultancy Services Incorporated, and the other three were hired by Coffee & Tea Connection,” Varias said.

 

“We hope that we can fill the number of vacant positions to ensure that the companies in need of workers would operate smoothly. The high demand of our locators’ products has resulted in the need for higher production, hence, the higher demand for employment,” he added. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA’s Passport on Wheels project yields 92 processed passports

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s (SBMA) Passport on Wheels (POW) project at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall on April 29, 2025, was able to process 92 passports in record time of 4 hours. 

SBMA Human Resource and Management Department (HRMD) Manager Vivian Abalos shared that the successful processing of the 92 passports was just a portion of the total 200 passport applications since the other 108 that were supposed to be processed did not materialize due to incomplete documents and payments.

  

Abalos extended her gratitude to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Harbor Point Ayala Mall for their cooperation in the said corporate social responsibility (CSR) project of the agency.

The SBMA has been conducting the POW project even before the pandemic, and it has helped stakeholders within and around the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) in conveniently processing their passport applications and renewals. 

 

Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño explained that the SBMA does not issue passports, but rather, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). He said that this project is a part of the agency’s CSR program in collaboration with the DFA.

 

“This project aims to provide convenient access to passport services for individuals within the Subic Bay area. The SBMA brings passport application and processing services directly to Subic Bay Freeport to extend convenience to SBF residents, employees, and their dependents,” he added. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport tows honors at Central Luzon TRES Awards

This premier Freeport was able to rack up major awards at the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Central Luzon Tourism Recognition for Enterprises and Stakeholders (TRES) Awards 2024 held at the Quest Plus Conference Center, Clark Freeport Zone, on February 26, 2025.

“Winning four prestigious awards is a testament that the agency's collaborative efforts with tourism stakeholders, as well as the tourists themselves, are paying off,” quips Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño.

 

Proof of these collaborative efforts is when the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) emerged victorious in one of the major awards, the “Most Outstanding Community-Based Tourism Program (Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit 2024).” 

 

The SBFZ also bagged 1st Runner-Up awards in the “Most Outstanding Tourism Month Celebration,” the “Most Creative Printed Marketing Collateral (Ecotourism Brochure)”, and the “Top Tourist Destination in the Province/ Freeport Zone category.”

 

During the awarding ceremony, DOT Region 3 Regional Director Dr. Richard Daenos handed the award to SBMA Chief of Staff Atty. Von Rodriguez and Tourism Department Manager Mary Jamelle Camba, who represented the agency on behalf of Chairman Aliño.

 

The chairman cited that the agency aims to boost the tourism industry in this region, adding that it is currently working on several infrastructure projects and facilities that hope to entice more tourists to visit the Freeport. 

 

In 2024, during its Tourism Summit, held as part of the Tourism Month celebration, the SBMA launched the Race to Carbon Neutrality. This project aims to reduce carbon emissions in the SBFZ by 30 percent by 2030 and eventually to net zero by 2040. This will boost the SBFZ’s competitiveness through resource efficiency, improve its brand image by positioning Subic Freeport in the global market, and attract more green foreign direct investments.

 

“This will also bring the SBMA at the forefront of introducing carbon-neutral development strategies into economic, industrial, and trade policies of our country,” he added.

Director Daenos stated that the recognition is a great way to give back to DOT3’s stakeholders.

 

He said, “DOT3 doesn’t undermine the efforts of our industry partners; quite the opposite. Through this award-giving event, we shine a spotlight on their outstanding contributions to the tourism sector over the past year.”

DOT3’s Tourism Development Division and Tourism Regulations Division took on the rigorous task of narrowing down the list of this year’s TRES Awards.

 

“The TRES Awards is aimed at inspiring and challenging its stakeholders to remain committed, driven, and empowered to enhance and elevate the overall tourism experience in the region through their significant contributions,” Daenos said. 

 

Aside from the SBFZ, two of its stakeholders also received accolades. Acea Subic Beach Resort and Ayala Malls Harbor Point bagged awards for showing that stakeholders can greatly boost the tourism sector of this premier Freeport.

 

Acea Subic Beach Resort received the grand award for the Most Gender-Sensitive Accommodation Facility,” winner in the "Tourism Quality Citation: MICE Event Venue (Outdoor),” and second runner-up for the “Green Champion.” The resort is also the “Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) Advocate awardee.”

Meanwhile, Ayala Malls Harbor Point was awarded the Mabuhay Citation: Public Toilet for having the cleanest and PWD-friendly toilets in Central Luzon. The mall management cited that maintenance, training of employees, cleanliness and odor, amenities inside the restroom, air circulation, and ventilation system have been factors in achieving this award. (MPD-SBMA) 

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DTI, SBMA launch ‘Balik Eskwela Diskwento’ caravan

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), launched on Thursday the Balik Eskwela Diskwento caravan, the first since the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) hit the country two years ago.

DTI officer-in-charge provincial director Enrique Tacbad said the caravan is being held annually before the opening of classes to give students and parents, especially the low-income earners, the opportunity to buy school supplies and uniforms at discounted prices.

 

“This is the first physical Diskwento caravan we (have) held in Subic Freeport since 2019 because of the pandemic. Conducting Diskwento caravans is a challenging role for DTI during the pandemic,” Tacbad said in an interview.

He said the agency had used different strategies to keep on providing discounted goods to areas affected by calamities, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic while assuring the safety of the staff and personnel.

 

Balik-Eskwela Diskwento caravan program is tying up with local small and medium entrepreneurs or suppliers to promote and sell their products at discounted prices normally ranging from 10 percent to 50 percent of the regular prices in the market.

 

Tacbad said with the return of the physical Diskwento caravan, they are expecting to surpass the PHP1.195 million earnings generated during the 2021 caravan in various locations in Zambales.

 

There are 40 SME exhibitors-sellers from Central Luzon and Marikina City that participated in the caravan, selling school supplies, food products and handicrafts.

 

The caravan is being held at the parking lot of Ayala Harbor Point here.

 

Meanwhile, SBMA Deputy Administrator Ruel John Cabigting welcomed the Diskwento caravan in Subic and became part of the project to help the residents to afford school supplies and other commodities.

 

“It is an honor to become a partner with DTI,” said Cabigting, adding that SBMA is fully supporting the small and medium enterprises as this helps provide jobs and income for the residents and the community.

 

The Diskwento caravan in Subic Freeport will run until May 20. (Ruben Veloria, PNA)

Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1174756

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1st face-to-face job fair kicks off SBMA’s month-long Labor Day 2022 celebration

For the first time after two years of stalled activities due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) kicked off its month-long celebration of Labor Day 2022  with a face-to-face job fair early Monday morning.

Hundreds of job-seekers from Olongapo City and nearby towns trooped to Ayala Mall Harbor Point to grab their opportunity to bounce back from economic difficulties that the pandemic had caused.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino said that more than 3,000 job vacancies from 55 companies in the Subic Freeport and Olongapo City are up for grabs in the said job fair.

“I hope every one of you gets a job today. And when you get hired, always be a good and hardworking employee. Always put your family at the top of your priorities,” Paulino told applicants,  emphasizing the pros and cons of joining labor unions.

“When you have problems with your employers, seek help of our SBMA Labor Center who is always ready to help you resolve your problems. There is nothing that could not be resolved in a peaceful dialogue,” he assured.

Chairman Paulino also reported that the takeover of Cerberus Management Capital and Agila Naval, Inc. of the former Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC) facility, has been finalized.

“That is why, we will be coordinating with TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) for the skills training that maybe needed when Cerberus starts operation any time soon,” he said.

Atty. Melvin Varias, manager of the SBMA Labor Department, noted that locators and investors in the Subic Freeport were very much pleased with the turnout of the job fair after being stalled for two years.

“Subic companies are pleased with today’s job fair because for the first time in two years, they are able to screen applicants face-to-face, which is more convenient in hiring on-the-spot,” Varias said.

Varias reported that the number of companies joining the job fair has increased to 60 with 3,415 job vacancies to offer.

The job fair is in partnership with the Olongapo City Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and is part of the month-long Labor Day 2022 celebration.

Other activities lined-up are Zumbang Pampalakas, Obrerong Matikas, a zumbathon for all Freeport workers at the Boardwalk on May 6; a 3K Fun Run  on May 7 around the Central Business District; Diskwento Caravan at the Harbor Point parking area from May 18 to 20; and Job Fair Part 2 at the Harbor Point on May 18. (MPD-SBMA)

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Long queues in Subic Freeport for ‘Bayanihan Bakunahan’ vaccine project

Hundreds of residents from neighboring areas of the Subic Bay Freeport braved long lines at the Ayala Mall Harbor Point here to get vaccinated against Covid-19 on Monday, the first day of the government’s three-day “Bayanihan Bakunahan” national vaccination program.

Among those who waited patiently for the vaccination to start at 8 a.m. was Jovelyn Merced, an employee of Datian Subic Shoes, Inc., who said she has queued as early as 5 a.m. to be sure she would get the vaccine shot that day.

“It’s just now that I registered for the Covid-19 vaccine because I didn’t want to miss work before,” Merced explained. “It’s a good thing they declared a holiday for this, and that somebody assisted us in registering while we’re already lining up.”

Also in the queue was Red Cross worker Eduardo Buena of Olongapo City, who brought along his three teenaged children for the vaccine rollout. “We have long wanted to have the kids vaccinated, so we are here to take advantage of this government program,” Buena said.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said a total of 784 persons were vaccinated in the first day of the rollout that targeted Freeport residents and workers, including those who are seniors or with comorbidities, as well as children aged 12 to 17 years.

“We are ready to double our usual number of vaccine recipients in the next two days and we will accommodate anyone, including walk-ins, just as long as they’re registered at the SBMA-Department of Health (DOH) vaccination program website,” she added.

Eisma said two vaccination sites were set up here for the three-day “Bayanihan Bakunahan” national vaccination program: the Ayala Mall Harbor Point activity center and the Allied Care Baypointe Hospital.

The vaccines available for this rollout are Pfizer and Astra Zeneca brands, as we’ll as Sinovac for second doses of those who have earlier received Sinovac shots.

Dr. Solomon Jacalne, head of the SBMA Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD), said that government targets for the three-day program have been actually increased to double the usual goal of 700 inoculations per day.

He said some members of the Olongapo Medical Society arrived to help SBMA health workers administer the shots so that the target number of doses can be completed.

“We’ll give the shots to everyone—seniors and children, those for their first dose or second dose, as long as they’re registered,” Jacalne added.

The SBMA will also open a drive-through vaccination site on Wednesday at the west wing entrance of Ayala Mall Harbor Point to provide shots to Subic stakeholders who cannot walk to the indoor vaccination site, said SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao.

The government’s three-day vaccine campaign dubbed as “Bayanihan Bakunahan: Ligtas. Lakas. Buong Pinas” was designed to increase vaccine coverage and mobilize stakeholders to support the national government’s goal of giving Filipinos a safe and healthy Christmas, the DOH said in a statement.

Prior to the three-day national vaccination project, the SBMA has administered a total of 13,063 doses of various Covid-19 vaccines under the SBMA-DOH vaccine program. These included a total of 5,841 doses for economic frontliners in the Subic Freeport, and 3,962 doses for those with comorbidities.

The beneficiaries came from Olongapo City, which received a total of 8,138 doses; Subic Bay Freeport, with 1,937 doses; Zambales, 1,653; and communities outside Zambales, 1,335 doses. (MPD-SBMA)

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‘Yellow cards’ now available in Subic Freeport

With more and more people opting to travel abroad for work, business or pleasure, it's reassuring to know that they can get right here in Subic the "yellow cards" that are practically a necessity for international travel during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Wilma T. Eisma said the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) has opened a satellite office at the Ayala Harbor Point Mall here on September 10 in response to a clamor from Subic Bay Freeport residents, as well as other stakeholders from the neighboring communities of Olongapo City, Zambales, and Bataan.

“For those in the Subic Bay area who need to travel abroad, you don’t have to go far to get your International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV),” Eisma said. “All you have to do is apply online and once your application is approved, you can pick up your cards at the BOQ satellite office right here.”

The ICV or “yellow card” records the required vaccinations administered on an individual prior to travel abroad. Depending on the destination, the mandatory inoculations included those for yellow fever, typhoid, and now for SARS-COV2 or the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

The document, which also contains the holder’s passport number aside from vaccination details, is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to Karen Ann Vidaya, a senior nurse at the BOQ satellite office here, the BOQ only accepts applicants who booked their appointment online. This is to minimize contact as part of the bureau’s health and safety protocols.

“However, schedule adjustments can be made for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who already have their flight details,” she added.

The application for a “yellow card” includes booking an appointment online, paying the processing fees through designated payment facilities, and then going to the satellite office in person during the appointed date and time for passport and vaccination card validation.

“We immediately issue the ‘yellow cards’ after screening and validation of the individual’s information. It is that fast and easy,” Vidaya said.

Vidaya also said that the BOQ plans to establish a permanent office in the Subic Bay Freeport to help unclog BOQ’s Manila office and make the bureau more accessible to everyone.

The Subic satellite office is located at the second floor of Ayala Harbor Point Mall and opens Mondays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For BOQ online appointment, please visit www.icv.boq.ph. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA chief urges Subic stakeholders to get vaccinated

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma called on residents and workers in the Subic Bay Freeport to register for Covid-19 vaccination and take advantage of the free vaccines being rolled out by the government. 

Eisma made the appeal on Wednesday as the SBMA and the Department of Health (DOH) began administering the second dose of Covid-19 vaccines to Subic Bay residents and SBMA employees in the A1 to A3 priority groups and after launching the vaccine program for economic frontliners in the A4 group last Tuesday.

“This is very important in order for the Subic Bay Freeport businesses to pick up and reopen new opportunities,” Eisma said.

“Because the workers and resident-investors are the backbone of the local economy, we urge them to keep safe so that they may continue to be healthy and productive. And the best way to keep safe in this pandemic is to get vaccinated,” she added.

Eisma said the DOH-SBMA vaccination program is moving at an even faster rate with more vaccines being allocated by the government to the Subic Bay Freeport.

Last Tuesday, a total of 300 doses of Sinovac vaccine arrived as initial doses for the A4 group following the ceremonial A4 vaccination held at Nidec Subic Philippines Corp. office.

Eisma said she has also received a commitment from the national government for the weekly release of vaccines for workers in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone to boost the A4 vaccination program.

She said the A4 vaccination program is expected to snowball among business locators here and will help bring about Subic’s economic revival.

On Wednesday, hundreds of recipients, including senior citizens, queued at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall here for the scheduled second dose of Astra Zeneca vaccine administered by SBMA health workers from 10 a.m. to 12 noon under the DOH-SBMA program.

SBMA Deputy Administrator for Health and Safety Ronnie Yambao said the DOH has allotted 240 doses for Wednesday’s rollout, and gave 180 doses of the Janssen one-dose vaccine for the July 27 rollout at the Harbor Point here.

Yambao said the SBMA’s Public Health and Safety Department had so far recorded a total of 2,068 recipients of Covid-19 vaccine in Subic, of whom 1,105 are SBMA employees.

“With the continuous deployment of vaccines by DOH, we would achieve the level of population protection, hopefully, within the third quarter of the year,” he added.

In last Wednesday’s rollout, Customs District Collector for Subic Marites Martin lauded the SBMA for its Covid-19 vaccination program, and thanked the Subic agency for accommodating Customs personnel in the rollout. “You are helping many of our residents in the Freeport,” she said.

Martin, who resides in the Subic Freeport, also received her second dose of Astra Zeneca vaccine that day. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA launches ‘Safety Seal’ program for business locators

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) began certifying business establishments here for their compliance to safety measures as part of a government program to ensure public safety during the Covid-19 pandemic.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma on Monday issued the first “Safety Seal” certification from the agency to Harbor Point Ayala Mall, which was represented by Engr. Lesly Manalo, the general manager.

Eisma, assisted by Manalo, also posted “Safety Seal” signs at the entrance of the mall to assure customers that the establishment complies with the health and safety protocols required by the government.

“The Safety Seal is important because it reflects the stringent safety measures enforced by SBMA over the Freeport,” Eisma explained.

She added that the Safety Seal Certification Program was created to safely reopen the economy while ensuring the public of the establishment’s compliance with the minimum public health standards set by the government.

Manalo, on the other hand, said the certification “will help boost the confidence of our shoppers and the general public that it is safe go to Harbor Point, and that the SBMA is strictly monitoring us in the implementation of safety measures.”

The safety certification program is being implemented under the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 21-01 issued last April by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Tourism (DOT), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Among the requirements for certification are compliance with registration or accreditation requirements; use of StaySafe.ph or any contact-tracing tool integrated with it; enforcement of minimum public health standards (MPHS), including screening or triage area at different points-of-entry; availability of handwashing stations, soap and sanitizers, and hand drying equipment or supplies; and observance of physical distancing.

The program also requires adequate air exchange in enclosed areas; disinfection protocol; wearing of facemasks, face shields especially in enclosed places; establishment of a referral system for medical and psycho-social services; designation of safety officer; and facility for proper storage, collection, treatment, and disposal of used facemasks and other infectious wastes.

According to SBMA Deputy Administrator for Health and Safety Ronnie Yambao, the SBMA’s Health and Safety Department (PHSD) has been inspecting business locators here and monitoring their compliance with safety protocols.  

He said the PHSD expects to complete the certification process for other Subic Freeport locators that have applied for safety seal and also enjoins others to participate in the program

“If they want to apply for the safety seal, the PHSD through the Occupational Health Division would be available to visit their facility and make an assessment,” Yambao said.

The safety seal is valid for six months and is renewable. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic tourism firms start transition to ‘new normal’

 Tourism-related businesses are coming back to life in this Freeport and are starting transition to the “new normal” after a long hiatus since March when the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was imposed in Luzon to stem the spread of the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Restaurants and food outlets are leading the way in rejuvenating the tourism scene here by opening their doors to the public, first with essential delivery service to clients, and lately with the much-awaited dine-in convenience, said Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma.

“It’s a painful struggle bringing businesses back to life, especially when we know that Covid-19 has not really gone away, but the economy should reopen lest we find ourselves in a more unsustainable position,” Eisma said on Wednesday.

She said restaurants and other dine-in food outlets here are now allowed to open up to 75% of their capacity since Tuesday (July 21) under DTI Memorandum Circular 20-39, but the SBMA insists on safety protocols like social distancing, disinfection, thermal scans, as well as wearing of mask among patrons.

“These are things that may be inconvenient, but which businesses and other stakeholders here have to abide with. We have to adopt certain measures to protect ourselves and our community, and to continue living. That’s the new normal in Subic,” Eisma added.

The SBMA Business and Investment Group said it has allowed 44 restaurants and food outlets to offer dine-in services at 30% of their capacity since Subic eased down to general community quarantine (GCQ) in June 1, and then to 50% when restrictions were further relaxed under modified GCQ a month after.

Now, these establishments find that transiting to the new normal also required them to work their way up in attracting customers. And that included setting up foot baths, thermal scanners, and alcohol dispensers for the public.

S&R Pizza manager Dennis Marasigan recalled that during the first time they opened their outlet under GCQ, it was only for take-outs and deliveries, with only 30% of their full workforce able to work.

“When the Subic Bay Freeport shifted to MGCQ, we started accepting dine-in customers, but we have to implement stricter safety protocols to ensure that they will have a safer dine-in experience,” he added.

Right now, Marasigan said, tables at the S&R outlet at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall here have X markings to tell customers where not to sit. And while customers can enjoy eating in groups, they still can’t be seated face-to-face. 

Elsewhere in the Freeport, Rali’s Restaurant and Magic Lagoon Bistro also have to observe health protocols, even when al fresco dining areas like them do not have the “3 C’s” where Covid-19 is said to spread more easily: confined space, crowded place, and close-contact setting.

At Rali’s, registration for contact-tracing, which is required in all dine-in establishments in Subic, is also done digitally to further ensure customer protection, said owner-chef Rubelh Peralta.  Placing orders, as well as paying, can also be done online here.

However, while restaurants, retail shops, and hotels are coming back on track, Subic’s iconic tourism attraction Zoobic Safari theme park is still awaiting advisory to open up. 

Zoobic chief operating officer May Gamir said that the popular animal theme park here had recently introduced a buy-one, take-one promo for admission tickets with no expiry in order to raise funds needed in feeding the animals and maintaining the park. 

Each ticket will admit two people for the price of one and valid for any day in the future when the theme park re-opens beyond the quarantine and under the “new normal”. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS: 

[1] A restaurant doorway sign reminds customer of health protocols at the Subic Bay Freeport

[2] A guard reminds mall-goers in the Subic Bay Freeport to practise social distancing

[3] Stanchions keep social-distancing among customers at a pizza restaurant in the Subic Bay Freeport

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DFA mulling consular office in Subic Bay Freeport

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PHOTO:

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

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Subic companies open 3,000 jobs on Labor Day

More than 3,000 jobs were offered to jobseekers here on Monday during a jobs fair organized by locator-companies and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Labor Department in line with the celebration of Labor Day.

SBMA Administrator Wilma Eisma said the huge volume of jobs being opened to workers could be attributed to the growing number of investments in the Freeport, and the participation of businessmen from the nearby city of Olongapo.

Eisma said more than 100 business locators participated in the job fair and offered jobs ranging from housekeeping, various skilled positions for electricians, plumbers and welders, and engineers.

Thousands of applicants from Olongapo and the nearby provinces of Zambales and Bataan filled the jobs fair venue at the Ayala Harbor Point mall to full capacity, she said.

The SBMA official added that the increasing number of job openings in the Freeport indicates the growing success of the SBMA in attracting more investors to Subic.

“As of late, Evergreen Shipping Company made its maiden voyage at the port of Subic. The SBMA also negotiated for the establishment of an industrial city at the Redondo Peninsula, and last week the country’s first ship-to-ship transfer operation of liquefied natural gas commenced here. All these signal more jobs and more opportunities for local workers,” Eisma said.

She also noted that while SBMA is doing its best to attract new investors, it also promotes harmonious working relationships between workers and management, and initiates projects for workers’ welfare.

“We believe that quality performance by employees is not only the end result of getting good salary or working in a big company. Quality performance also comes about if workers feel good about their employers, and if investors feel good about their employees and the SBMA,” she explained.

Meanwhile, SBMA labor manager Severo Pastor Jr. said the job fair was just one of the activities they organized for the Labor Day celebration here.

“We had a fun run, and as early as 5:30 in the morning, we already had 750 worker-runners doing the 3-kilometer fun run around the Freeport’s Central Business District. Then we also had a company float parade, singing contest, and muse and dance competitions,” Pastor said.

The contestants in the various competitions were all workers from Subic-based companies, he added.

Pastor also said that during the May 1 event, Freeport workers choose to relax alongside colleagues from other companies, as well as SBMA employees.

“We make a big difference here in Subic because while many of our labor organizations are joining street protests and rallies to celebrate Labor Day, workers in Subic Freeport run for fun and good health. This is a day for camaraderie and to thank every member of the labor sector for a job well done,” he added. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

Workers from business-locators in the Subic Bay Freeport take part in a fun run, motorcade, and singing and dance contests organized by the SBMA Labor Department to celebrate the International Labor Day. A jobs fair offering local and overseas jobs was also conducted for jobseekers in cooperation with the Olongapo City Public Employment and Services Office. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Joven tops stage four in Subic Bay, Roque holds on to overall Ronda lead

KINETIX Lab-Army's Cris Joven outsprinted defending champion Jan Paul Morales of Navy-Standard Insurance and Ryan Serapio of Ilocos Sur to top Stage Four of the LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2017 that started at the Lighthouse Marina and ended at the Harbor Point in Subic Bay.

Joven, 30, checked in with the same time as Morales and Serapio and a big group of riders in two hours, 40 minutes and six seconds but clinched an eight-second bonus for the stage win.

Cris Joven winds up a hair ahead in a bunched sprint finish

"I made my move in the final stretch when I sensed I still have some energy left in me inside," said Joven, who started training for the event only last month as he focused on his job in the Army.

"I wasn't expecting much in this race because I was off cycling for one year and only returned to action last month," said Joven, whose best finish was fourth overall five years ago.

Navy's Rudy Roque managed to stay with the lead group to keep the red jersey with an aggregate time of 11:12:15.

The 31-year-old Morales is now in second spot, a minute and a half off pace with a total clocking of 11:13:45.

After a forgettable start, Morales has topped the Stage Two criterium in Vigan, Ilocos Sur Sunday and the Angeles-Subic Stage Three.

"I was a marked man since I took the lead and I'm just happy to still remain on top even though they keep watching over me," said Roque, of Tibo, Bataan.

Ronald Lomotos slid to third with a time of 11:14:33.

Serapio moved up three places to fourth with a time of 11:16:07.

Joven was also a big gainer as he zoomed from No. 14 to No. 9 with 11:16:48.

Rounding out the top 10 were Navy's Jay Lampawog (11:16:12), Kinetix Lab-Army's Reynaldo Navarro (11:16:21), Go for Gold's Joshua Mari Bonifacio (11:16:28), Navy's Daniel Ven Carino (11:16:35) and Go for Gold's Ismael Grospe, Jr. (11:17:43).

The race will take a two-day breather before resuming action on Sunday with the Lucena-Pili Stage Five, the race's longest stage at 251 kms passing Tatlong Eme in Atimonan, Quezon.

The champion gets P1 million courtesy of LBC in partnership with MVP Sports Foundation, Petron, Mitsubishi, Versa.ph, Partas, Maynilad, Standard Insurance, CCN, Bike Xtreme, NLEX, PhilCycling and 3Q Sports Event Management. (Spin.ph)

http://www.spin.ph/cycling/news/cris-joven-jan-paul-morales-ronda-pilipinas-2017-subic-lighthouse

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LOOK: NYC chair Aiza Seguerra graces IP month

National Youth Commission Chair Aiza Seguerra delivers a message before SBMA employees and Aeta tribal representatives during the celebration of the Indigenous Peoples Month held at the activity center of Harbor Point Mall in Subic Bay Freeport.

Indigenous people's month is held every October of the year. This year's theme is "Katutubong Kabataan, Yaman ng Bayan."

The Philippine National Police also supported the celebration with the presence of PNP PD/G Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa's official mascot, adding excitement to the event. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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2016 Subic Bay Auto Show all set for April 16

The Harbor Point Ayala Mall will once again be filled with tricked out rides and hot models as the 2016 Subic Bay Auto Show is all set to begin on April 16.

A feast for both the eyes and ears, the 7th Subic Bay Auto Show will host a myriad of souped-up cars, along with good music and eye-candy courtesy of the car show babes.

Returning for this year's edition of Subic Bay Auto Show is the Kicker AudioSound Off competition and the Tire Change challenge.

On the other hand, those that always have the need to beat their R/C lap times will be able to do just that in the Tamiya Time Attack.

Categories that can be won in this year's Subic Bay Auto Show include: Best Vintage Car, Best European Car, Best Bodykits, Loudest Car, Subic's Finest Car, Best SUV and Best Interior as such.

http://www.autoindustriya.com/auto-industry-news/2016-subic-bay-auto-show-all-set-for-april-16.html

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Five gov't satellite offices open inside Subic Bay Freeport Zone

Mall goers in Subic Bay can now do business while shopping as five national government agencies recently opened their satellite offices inside the Harbor Point Mall.

This was made possible after the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Social Security System (SSS) and PhilHealth signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Ayala-owned mall for the maintenance of their offices.

Said move primarily aims to provide clients with easier and more comfortable access to various services of the government.

During the MOA Signing and ribbon-cutting, DTI Regional Director Judith Angeles expressed her gratitude to Harbor Point for enabling DTI and other government agencies to prove their commitment in bringing their services closer to people.

"I hope that by next year, the DTI office here can also expand and be enrolled as a Negosyo Center,” she added.

Aside from Angeles, DILG Regional Director Florita Dijan, SSS Assistant Vice President Vilma Agapito, and Harbor Point Deputy Operations Manager Derrick Manuel also led the ribbon cutting.

Serving as witnesses to the MOA Signing were Subic Freeport Chamber of Commerce Chairman Emeritus Danny Piano and Director Cynthia Paulino. (CLJD/MJLS-PIA 3)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2661450245318/five-gov-t-satellite-offices-open-inside-subic-bay-freeport-zone

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SBMA confers awards to 15 top Subic Freeport investors

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has conferred its first Mabuhay Business Awards to 15 business locators here who have strengthened the local economy and contributed significantly to the growth of the country’s gross domestic product.

Organized by the Office of the Chairman and Administrator and the SBMA Business Group, the Mabuhay Business Awards were given to the top 15 locators whose combined investments have reached a total of US$3 billion and together have employed over 40,000 workers.

“These locators have breathed life into the local economy,” said SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia. “They have transformed vacant parcels of land into busy commercial establishments and factories; a target range into a leading shipbuilding facility in the world; and a marsh land into a hi-tech manufacturing facility producing high value electronic components used by global brands.”

“The awards we’re giving them are just a small measure of our appreciation in helping build the Subic Bay Freeport into what it is now,” Garcia added.

According to SBMA Deputy Administrator for Business Ronnie Yambao, the 15 investor-awardees were chosen from the 1,536 Freeport-registered companies based on their actual investments, jobs generated, and multiplier effect caused by the locators’ business operations.

For the general business sector, the awardees were: Honeywell Ceasa (Subic Bay) Co., Inc., a P435-million firm providing repair and overhaul of aircraft wheels, brakes and other aircraft equipment; Petron Freeport Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Petron Corp., with P422-million investment in Subic; and Anglo Asia Commodities Corp., a P350-million investment engaged in export/import, warehousing, and transshipment of general cargoes and merchandise.

For the information and communication technology sector, the awardees were: PLDT Subic Telecom Inc., a P550-million project that provides telecommunications services in the Freeport; S-Corp Philippines, Inc., a P166-million company with 1,800 workers in the field of technology services; and Moon Kkang Talk, Inc., a P97-million investment with 173 workers that provides online direct response marketing, live order taking services, on-line learning center, among others.


For the leisure sector, those cited were: Subic Bay Town Center, Inc., with investment of P1.6-billion for the operation of the Harbor Point Mall; Royal Duty Shops Inc., also a P1.6-billion investment that engages in retail business; and Fertuna Holdings Corp, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cosco Capital Inc., with P554M million committed investment in the field of retail, real estate, liquor distribution and other specialty business.

For the logistics sector: Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corp., with P3.4-billion worth of investment in fuel terminal and storage tank farm that can hold 4.6 million barrels of petroleum and petroleum-related products; Subic Bay International Terminal Corp., a P906-million company that manages and operates the New Container Terminal 1 and is committed to further develop the facilities; and Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal Services, Inc., with investment of P683 million for bulk grain handling for Central and Northern Luzon grain importers.

Then for the manufacturing and maritime sector, the awardees were: Hanjin Heavy Industries Inc., Phil., Subic’s biggest investor with over US$2 billion investment and a total of 33,863 workers; Sanyo Denki Phils., Inc., a P3.2-billion company with 3,500 workers engaged in the manufacture of electric machineries, appliances and computer and electronic wares; and Tong Lung Phils. Metal Industry Co., Inc., which has over P2.1 billion in investments and over 2,100 workers for the manufacture of residential and commercial locksets and door closer.

The Subic Bay Freeport and the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga remain to be major contributors to the country’s economic development, as their combined export values last year provided about 11 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

The SBMA said that Subic and Clark’s combined export value last year amounted to around US$6 billion and was very significant to the gross regional domestic product (GRDP), which contributed 11 percent to the Philippine GDP. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia, along with other SBMA officials, joins locator-awardees during the first SBMA Mabuhay Business Awards ceremony held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on December 11, 2015. Fifteen of the biggest business locators here were recognized for their significant contribution in strengthening the local economy and to the growth of the country’s gross domestic product. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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