SBMA makes it to Green Destinations 2025 Top 100 stories

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s (SBMA) entry, the Recyclables Collection Program, was hailed as one of the 2025 Top 100 Stories on the global recognition list from the Netherlands-based organization Green Destinations.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, the agency was recognized in the “Good Practice Stories” in sustainable tourism from around the world for the Recyclables Collection Program.

The winning story, “Recyclables Collection Program: SBMA’s Strategy to Implement Circular Economy,” depicts how the agency implements its circular economy strategy primarily through its flagship program, the Recyclables Collection Event (RCE), which is held biannually. It involves collaboration among stakeholders to manage waste, raise funds for charity, and achieve carbon-neutrality goals. 

“This is the first international award of the SBMA for its sustainability efforts. The RCE is part of our bid to make the Subic Bay Freeport Zone the first carbon-neutral economic zone in the Philippines,” he added.

The Green Destinations Top 100 Stories award was presented during the Sustainable Destinations Forum 2025 on October 28-29 at Expo City Dubai, where the ceremony celebrating stories from around the globe was held. 

OIC-Senior Deputy Administrator for Regulatory Group Amethya Dela Llana cited that the primary goal of the Recyclables Program is to achieve a 30 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2040. The initiative also aims to make Subic Bay Freeport into the first Green Port City in the country.

Dela Llana said that the RCE is a multi-faceted approach that transforms waste management from a disposal problem into an integrated system that creates resources, fosters community involvement, and supports social causes, embodying the principles of a circular economy.

SBMA Ecology Center OIC Rossell L. Abuyo added, “The RCE is an event where SBMA departments, Subic Freeport companies, and residents donate or sell segregated common recyclables such as paper, plastics, metals, and hazardous wastes such as used oil, e-waste, busted bulbs, and expired medicines.” 

She added that proceeds from the sales of these materials are often donated to local charitable institutions, namely the Missionaries of Charity house, which is a shelter for abandoned seniors, and Bantay Bata 163. There were also instances when the funds were used to provide grocery packs for outsourced utility workers. 

The Green Destinations 2025 Top 100 Stories list highlights sustainable tourism initiatives from around the world, with winning stories announced at the Green Destinations Story Awards ceremony in March 2025. 

Del Carmen of Siargao Islands, Philippines also won an award for its transformation from mangrove cutting to a Ramsar site, or a wetland acclaimed as being of "international importance," and the Cayo District, Belize, for its sustainable tourism projects. 

Other notable award categories were Destination Management, Nature and Scenery, Environment and Climate, Culture and Tradition, Thriving Communities, and Business and Marketing. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Legacy Awards 2025 honors SBMA as Outstanding Government Agency

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was conferred as an Outstanding Government Agency for Special Economic Zone Management by the Legacy Icon Awards during the Gala Awards Presentation event held at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila in Parañaque City on August 15, 2025. 

 According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, the award not only solidifies the agency's sterling performance as a driver of economic progress, but more importantly, as a stable source of employment for the 166,000-strong workforce from various municipalities and provinces within and contiguous to the zone. 

“Our mandate has never changed. We continue to employ the Filipino masses while generating income that the national government can utilize in building a better and brighter Bagong Pilipinas. What has changed is our desire to do more,” he said.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Atty. Ramon O. Agregado received the award on behalf of Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño

During the Legacy Awards 2025 Gala night, together with OIC Deputy Administrator for Corporate Communications Armina Belleza C. Llamas, Lex Magrata, and Carlos Andres from the SBMA Corporate Communications group.

“We accept this [award] as a constant reminder for us to improve our craft to provide excellent service and the best quality of life for our stakeholders,” Agregado said during his acceptance speech. 

He also shared the award and recognized the SBMA employees, the Freeport workers, and the previous leaders who navigated the agency, the “building blocks of this achievement.”

The award entry for the judges’ evaluation was the 2024 accomplishment report of the Agency, where dividends remitted to the national coffers totaled ₱3.07 billion, ranking 7th among the top 10 largest remittances from government-owned and controlled corporations.

Additionally, revenue shares in 2024, which were distributed by the SBMA to seven municipalities and a city contiguous to the Freeport, totaled ₱347 million.

Infrastructure projects at Subic Freeport are focused on enhancing the quality of life for its stakeholders. 

Initiatives include the socialized housing project known as Subic Bay Residencias, a new dormitory, the introduction of E-vehicles, and various ongoing enhancements throughout the Freeport. These developments offer glimpses into Subic's strategic development roadmap.

 

Dubbed “Legacy Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence, Resilience, and Social Responsibility,” the Legacy Awards aim to recognize the nation’s most esteemed icons, trailblazers, and visionaries, not only for their accomplishments and legacies, but also for the inspiration they provide to individuals in the community. 

More than a celebration, the Legacy Awards 2025 is a living tribute to the spirit, resilience, and creativity of the Filipino people, inspiring today and shaping tomorrow. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Subic tourism stakeholders bare collaborative plans for ber months

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tan formally assumes SBMA post

Former Pandan, Antique mayor Jonathan D. Tan has formally assumed post as chairman and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in a modest turnover ceremony on Tuesday (May 16) at the grand lobby of the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC).

Tan symbolically received the reins of the SBMA as Board of Director Atty. Tomas Lahom III handed over the SBMA flag, with the rest of the directors behind him.

Agency officials and members of the media witnessed the rites.

Tan, a public servant and businessman who served as mayor of Pandan, Antique for three consecutive terms, was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. last April 28 and was sworn in to office by Palace’s executive secretary Lucas Bersamin on May 3.

During his acceptance speech, Tan acknowledged the support he has been receiving since day one. At the same time, he also urged everyone to continue that synergy and cooperation as he cited an African philosophy.

"'I am because we are' – an African philosophy of Ubuntu, which reminds us that our sense of self is shaped by our relationship with others. My success is your success, and your failure is my failure. Let’s not just lift ourselves up, but lift our colleagues, as well. And whatever it is that we do individually and collectively, reflects the leadership of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority,” he said.

“My dear colleagues, some say that public service is a thankless profession. But I encourage you to look at your glass half-full rather than half-empty because when you change your perspective, you begin to see the world from a different light. We can all be great when we serve others,” he added.  

As a committed public servant, he vowed to continue his trademark initials “JDT,” which stands for Jobs, Development, and Tourism.

Tan replaced former Olongapo City mayor Rolen C. Paulino, whose courtesy resignation was accepted by Malacañang on April 15. Paulino has recently been appointed to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) as a member of the Board of Directors. (MPD-SBMA)

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Eisma: Complementation key to CL tourism growth

CLARK FREEPORT – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is seeking to integrate tourist destinations in the neighboring provinces of Pampanga, Tarlac, Bataan and Zambales to further sweeten the pot for the cruise tourism program of the Subic Bay Freeport and create inclusive growth in the region.

In a briefing here with the Pampanga Press Club at the Park Inn by Radisson Clark recently, SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma said there is a need for local communities in Central Luzon to open up more attractions and strengthen each other’s tourism offerings through tactically-coordinated programs.

“Our strategy is for Subic to become the anchor cruise ship destination, but it’s actually not only for Subic but for the inclusive growth of all of us as well,” Eisma explained.

She pointed out that cruise ship passengers disembarking in Subic have frequented various destinations in Clark Freeport, as well as attractions like Las Casas De Acuzar in Bataan and mango farms in Zambales.

“The idea is to come up with curated experiences that we can commonly sell to tourists,” Eisma said. “Zambales will have agro-tourism, Bataan and Tarlac their historical sites, while we can bring cruise ship passengers for a food trip in Pampanga to sample the popular local cuisine.”

“There is a lot of opportunity, and a lot of dreams that we can realize through the cruise ship program. The key is complementation and the strategy is to sell your own destinations as well as those of your neighbor’s,” she added.

As of now, the SBMA’s cruise ship tourism program is running smoothly, Eisma said, with Subic hosting 17 ship arrivals since February and expecting up to 10 more arrivals before the end of the year.

She added that Subic has already confirmed the arrival of 20 trips for next year, including “Spectrum of the Seas”, a 5,000-capacity cruise ship being built for launching next year by Royal Caribbean International, one of the biggest cruise lines in the world.

Last month, the Central Luzon Regional Development Council cited the SBMA for developing Subic into a premier cruise ship destination in the country and noted that cruise ship arrivals in Subic this year had generated more than P85-million worth of economic activity.

These came in the form of income from cruise ship passengers’ visits to theme parks, local transportation costs, port fees, purchase of local products, dining, and other services provided by tourism-related establishments.

To further build up the Subic cruise ship program, Eisma said the SBMA is seeking the approval of a visa-free scheme for tourists arriving at the Subic Bay Freeport that would also invigorate the tourism industry in neighboring areas.

She said the Subic agency is now working with the Office of the President and concerned agencies to amend EO 271 signed by President Fidel Ramos in 1995 that allows foreign nationals visiting Subic to stay within the free port for a maximum of 14 days without visa.

“I'm very, very hopeful that our visa-free proposal will be granted soon, because once that happens Central Luzon can expect a deluge of tourists and we would surely get our hands full,” Eisma said.

She said the SBMA is continuously working with officials of Clark Freeport and government executives in Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga and Tarlac to plan out tourism cooperation programs, including the hosting of the Southeast Asian Games next year.

In the same forum, SM Clark Public Relations Manager Venus Manalang noted that the renowned mall chain has been accommodating cruise ship passengers who arrived from the Subic Freeport and expressed support to SBMA plans to promote tourism in Central Luzon.

“If the SM Olongapo City branch opens their doors earlier than the scheduled work hours to accommodate cruise ship passengers, the SM Clark branch will also find ways to heighten the interests of cruise ship passengers who will visit our branch,” Manalang said. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma explains the need for complementation to boost tourism in Central Luzon during the “News@Hues” press conference hosted by the Pampanga Press Club. Looking on is PPC President Deng Panganiban. (MPD-SBMA)

[2] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma poses with members of the Pampanga Press Club after guesting at the “News@Hues” press conference hosted by PPC at the Park Inn by Radisson Clark. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic, BCDA preparing for 2019 SEA Games

THE Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) are coordinating with the Southeast Asian Games committee in preparation for next year's international athletic meet which will be held in the country from November 30 to December 10.

This was learned from SBMA Administrator Wilma "Amy" Eisma during a meeting with members of the Pampanga Press Club at the Park Inn by Radisson Clark on Tuesday, October 16.

"We are now working very closely with the SEA Games committee," she said.

Eisma said some of the sports events including triathlon, duathlon, sailing, beach volleyball, sepak takraw, taekwondo, weight lifting, Muay Thai, chess, table tennis and others will be held in Subic. (SunStar Pampanga)

Read more --> https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1769893/Pampanga/Local-News/Subic-BCDA-preparing-for-2019-SEA-Games

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SBMA working on visa-free tourist arrivals

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is working on visa-free tourist arrivals in Subic Freeport, said SBMA chairperson and administrator Wilma Eisma when she met with officers and members of the Pampanga Press Club at Park Inn by Radisson Clark last Tuesday.

Eisma said the visa-free scheme is one of the strategies to attract cruise ship liners to dock in Subic Bay.

“One of the strategies is the visa-free for tourists passing through Subic Freeport and airport. We are currently working with Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration, and Office of the President for a possible executive order that will amend the existing one where tourists who come to Subic via the seaport and airport can come visa-free for 14 days provided that they will stay within Subic and contiguous areas,” she said.

The SBMA head expressed optimism that the visa-free proposal for Subic tourists will be granted soon. (SunStar Pampanga)

Read more -->  https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1770163/Pampanga/Local-News/SBMA-working-on-visa-free-tourist-arrivals

PHOTO:

Passengers from the cruise ship MV World Dream pose for photographs with dancers in native Ayta costume following their arrival in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA exec: Cruise ship program benefits entire Central Luzon

SUBIC Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chair and administrator Wilma "Amy" Eisma said the arrival of tourists on board cruise ships at Subic is benefiting the entire Central Luzon region.

Eisma disclosed this during the News at Hues media forum at Park Inn By Radisson Clark on Tuesday, October 16.

The SBMA has prepared a list of tourist destinations in Pampanga and Clark, Zambales and Bataan for the tourists.

"We are promoting Subic as cruise ship destination but it’s not only for Subic. We are also promoting other places in Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga and Clark," Eisma said. (SunStar Pampanga)

Read more --> https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1769703

PHOTO:

Street dancers in native Ayta costume perform as they welcome the arrival of the cruise ship MV World Dream, which made its maiden port call in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic wooing Taiwanese tourists

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is eyeing more visitors to the Subic Bay Freeport from Taiwan with the recent launch of direct flights to Taipei from the neighboring Clark Freeport in Pampanga.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma welcomed here on Friday several Chinese Taipei bloggers, who visited various tourism attractions in Subic with the purpose of promoting them in Taiwan.

The visitors were accompanied by Region III Tourism Officer Marilou Pangilinan, who met them at the Clark International Airport with the first Taipei to Clark flight of AirAsia Philippines, which has just resumed international flights via the Clark hub.

Eisma said the SBMA, with the help of the Department of Tourism, is working to establish Subic as a destination for Taiwanese visitors, who are now the sixth biggest group of tourists in the country.

“Subic has been blessed with many tourist attractions, and we want to use every possible means to entice visitors to come and enjoy Subic,” Eisma said.

“Having these bloggers experiencing first-hand the beauty of our place and the hospitality of our people, is one giant step in conveying our invitation to the people of Taiwan,” she added.

The bloggers group started their tour at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, where they met with the SBMA tourism officials. Then they proceeded to the Zoobic Safari nature park, where they enjoyed a “close encounter’ activity with park tigers; and thence to the Ocean Adventure marine park, where they watched animal shows.

Following a sumptuous lunch at the Acea Subic Bay Resort, which is renowned for hosting international triathlon events, the group then went on a bay cruise organized by The Lighthouse Marina Resort marketing director Zed Avecilla. The yacht tour gave them a glimpse into Subic’s mangrove forest, Ilanin Bay, and the historic World War II fort at Grande Island.

DOT’s Pangilinan said that Chinese Taipei tourists have often used Clark Airport as their entry point to the Philippines. And while the Taiwanese frequented destinations such as Bohol, Palawan, Cebu and Benguet, they have little knowledge about Central Luzon’s tourist spots, she added.

Chairman Eisma expressed the hope that through the write-ups to be made by the visiting bloggers, Taiwanese tourists looking for new areas to visit would consider Subic Bay Freeport Zone as one of their stops during their stay in the country.

According to government figures, Taiwan is the sixth biggest source of tourists for the Philippines, with about 60,000 arrivals for the period January to March this year.

Records from the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office in Manila, meanwhile, placed Filipino traverlers to Taiwan at close to 300,000 in 2017. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] Taiwanese bloggers visit the Zoobic Safari theme park in the Subic Bay Freeport, accompanied by tourism officers from the SBMA and the Region III office of the Department of Tourism.

[2] A Taiwanese blogger reacts while feeding a tiger at the Zoobic Safari theme park in the Subic Bay Freeport.

[3] SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma (fourth from right) join Taiwanese bloggers at the Subic Bay Yacht Club during their visit to promote the Subic Bay Freeport on Friday.

[4] Taiwanese bloggers aboard a yacht while touring Subic Bay with The Lighthouse Marina Resort marketing director Zed Avecilla (center).

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1st Subic Bay film festival set June 22-24

The Subic Bay International Film Festival (SBIFF), which aims to provide a platform for local filmmakers to create their art and to refocus the attention of the international filmmaking industry to the Subic Bay Freeport, will take off here on June 22 to 24 with the screening of six feature films.

Festival directors Vic Vizcocho Jr., publisher of Subic Bay News, and Arlyn Dela Cruz-Bernal, news director of Radyo Inquirer and Inquirer 990 TV, said the Subic Bay Freeport has long served as a localé for both international and local films, and remains to be a rich source of stories that could be made into movies.

“This is our chance to give back to the community by creating what we call waves of opportunities to filmmakers,” said Dela Cruz, who also has seven films to her credit either as producer, writer or director.

“We want to bring back the interest in Subic Bay as a premiere destination for filmmakers, local and international, because we have so much to offer in terms of story ideas, manpower, resources, talents and locations,” Vizcocho added.

One of the highlights of festival, they added, will be an opportunity for filmmakers to present storylines that may qualify for financing through SBIFF initiative.

For the first year of the festival, six feature films will be competing for awards: “Boy Intsik”, a film by Joel Lamangan; “Balatkayo” by Neil Tan; “Araw sa Likod Mo” by Dominic Nuesa; “Isang Hakbang” by Mike Magat; “Rolyo” by CC Woodruff Jr.; and “Old Skool” by Cia Hermosa-Gorge.

Organizers said four of the full-length feature films are old titles made in the last three years and had received recognition in other film competitions, while two others are yet to be released.

Dela Cruz explained that the first year of the festival will not be a competition for newly-made films, but a venue for filmmakers “to be seen by another group of audience, and to undergo judging for the merits of their films by another set of jury.”

Meanwhile, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Wilma T. Eisma welcomed the festival project for creating a vehicle for the development of local filmmakers, and called on members of the film industry to help in promoting “malasakit” in the society.

“Filmmakers should go beyond box-office revenues because their influence on the social and cultural fabric of society is undeniable. It is a power they can and should use to build, not destroy; to grow, not to stunt the values and morals of our people,” Eisma noted.

“I ask the people in the film industry to harness the transformative power of malasakit in cinema because yours is, no doubt, a most compelling medium for positive change,” she added.

Entries in the film festival will be screened at a Harbor Point cinema here on June 22 to 24. The screening is open for free to the public from 10:15 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

The films will compete for the eight major awards: best picture, best director, best actor, best actress, best screenplay, best in cinematography, best in production design, and best in music. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] Festival organizers and sponsors unveil the logo of the Subic Bay International Film Festival during its launch on June 8. L-R: Festival director Vic Vizcocho Jr., Olongapo Vice Mayor Jong Cortez, Director Arlyn dela Cruz-Bernal, SBMA deputy administrator Chot Kabigting (partly hidden), and Harbor Point manager Derek Quijano. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] Festival organizers, along with film directors and actors, and project sponsors unveil the logo of the Subic Bay International Film Festival during its launch on June 8. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport to host Ad Summit 2018

The country’s biggest annual advertising convention will return here next month with the staging of the 2018 Ad Summit Pilipinas on March 7 to 10 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC).

Atty. Wilma T. Eisma, chairman and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Tuesday with officials of the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies (4As) for the holding of said event here for the third time.

Eisma said the return of Ad Summit Pilipinas to this premier free port “again shows just how much the Subic Bay Freeport has become the top-of-mind location for the biggest event in local advertising industry.”

She noted that the 4As convention had historically brought a record-number of visitors to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Under the signed MOA, SBMA will provide the venue and manpower needed in staging Ad Summit Pilipinas, with the agency’s Tourism, Media Production, and Law Enforcement departments providing key support to the organizers.

Eisma said that with an expected 5,000 delegates coming from various sectors, the Ad Summit “is set to further push tourism figures in Subic this summer.”

“And we will be ready for this,” she added, pointing out that Freeport establishments could accommodate the expected number of delegates, as well as their families who might want to tour the Subic Bay Freeport Zone at the same time.

Ad Summit Pilipinas 2018 overall chair Norman Agatep said this year’s event will be themed “DIY Your ROI,” with the original meaning of Return of Investment creatively repurposed into topics like “Return on Ideas”, “Return on Innovation” and “Return on Impact.”

He added that organizers already have a full line-up of speakers for the four-day event, who are expected to wow the crowd with lectures on new paradigms and innovative creative solutions.

“We are gathering some of the most brilliant minds in the world to enlighten attendees on how best to measure brand success in the fast-evolving marketing communication industry,” Agatep said.

“Monetary profit is no longer the only relevant metric today,” he added. “It’s time to DIY your ROI.”

Ad Summit participants are also expected to watch for the Kidlat Awards, which are given out by the Creative Guild of the Philippines.

Fast on its way to becoming the most prestigious creative advertising competition in the country, Kidlat recognizes campaigns and efforts that perfectly bring themes such as “DIY Your ROI” into reality. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma (second from right) signs an agreement for the staging of the 2018 Ad Summit Pilipinas in the Subic Bay Freeport with (from left): 4As President Sue Ann Nolido, Ad Summit 2018 Chairman Norman Agatep, and 4As Philippines Chairman Bong Pacia. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport wins ‘Best Sports Tourism Destination in Asia’ award

This premier free port reaped the highest recognition as Best Sports Tourism Destination of the Year during the Third Sports Industries Awards and Conference Asia (SPIA Asia) held in Bangkok, Thailand on November 7.

With the tourism theme “Funtastic Subic Bay”, Subic bagged the gold award in the sports destination category, followed by “Visit Victoria” of Australia which received silver, and “Amazing Thailand” which won bronze.

Aside from this prestigious award, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) bagged the silver for Best Sponsorship of a Sport, Team or Event (USD$250,000), which was one of the 17 international awards given in the occasion.

The awards were received by SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado, SBMA tourism manager Jem Camba, and tourism officer Raquel Junio during the awards ceremony held at the Centara World Convention Center in Bangkok.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma Eisma said the award “validates efforts by the agency and the whole Subic Freeport community to elevate the local tourism industry and draw more visitors via sports events.”

“It also speaks well of the natural drawing power of Subic’s unspoiled environment combined with modern amenities that visitors find very appealing,” Eisma added.

Camba, meanwhile, said the award stands as an accomplishment for “Team Subic Bay” because Subic stakeholders gave their full support and best service for every sporting event held in the Freeport.

She also expressed gratitude to the Department of Tourism in Region 3 (DoT-3) and DoT-3 Dir. Ronnie Tiotuico for being supportive of Subic’s efforts to become the sporting capital of the Philippines.

Camba also explained that the SBMA received the Best Sponsorship recognition for sponsoring triathlon events here in 2014 to 2016.

Industry records show that the Subic Bay Freeport earned a ranking of 85.80 percent in the 2015 Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship (APAC) overall satisfaction scores. The race ranking was just .09 percent shy of the global standard’s 85.89 percent and pushed Subic’s ranking above the Asia-Pacific standard of 83.95 percent.

The 2015 Ironman 70.3 APAC overall satisfaction scores placed Subic, along with Cairns in Queensland, Australia, at number six among the best triathlon sites in the Asia Pacific Championship series.

The list was topped in 2016 by Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia with a satisfaction rating of 90.20 percent. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado (left), Tourism Manager Jem Camba (2nd left) and Tourism officer Raquel Junio (right) pose with SPIA Asia Judge Cynthia Carreon after receiving two prestigious awards: gold for Best Sports Tourism Destination in Asia, and silver for Best Sponsorship of a Sport, Team or Event (USD$250,000).

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LOOK: Giant human pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness

Factory workers, government employees, students, medical practitioners and members of community advocacy groups form a giant human pink ribbon at the Remy Field of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone Friday afternoon (Oct. 27, 2017) to promote breast cancer awareness.

The Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is marked in countries worldwide every October, helps to increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection and treatment as well as palliative care of this disease. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA sets P2.46 billion to rehabilitate Subic seaports

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will prioritize the rehabilitation of piers and wharves in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in order to bring to tip-top form the so-called heart and soul of this premier maritime logistics center.

Newly-appointed SBMA Chairperson and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said in a media briefing on Wednesday that the Subic agency has allotted a budget of P2.46 billion to repair and further develop port facilities in Subic.

“The piers and wharves are undeniably the biggest assets of Subic Bay, and our sea port generates the biggest income among all the SBMA units,” Eisma said, pointing out that her administration will pursue the completion of the repair projects.

“We need to put these assets in top condition so that we can service more vessels and also get top returns for our investments,” she added.

The Subic Bay Freeport has a total of 15 piers and wharves that can serve various purposes from transshipment of containerized and break-bulk cargoes, fuels and lubricants, grains and fertilizer, as well as servicing vessels and passengers.

Aside from this, the port of Subic also offers key services like cargo handling, pilot and tugboat services, ship chandling, bunkering and tendering, ship agents, onboard repair, cargo survey, underwater survey, and vessel lay-up and line handling.

Eisma said that while Subic has its own airport, its seaport is the most viable facility to develop and earn from. “With the money the government is pouring into Clark today, Subic cannot hope to compete with its airport, so we have to prioritize development of our seaport,” she explained.

Eisma said that, in particular, the Alava Pier, which services military and passenger vessels in Subic, needs to be dredged and its piles strengthened in order to accommodate bigger cruise ships.

“We have concluded talks with some cruise liners and the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. will dock in Subic starting next May, but we can’t bring in those with passenger capacity of up to 5,000 because our piers are not yet upgraded,” Eisma said.

She said that it was while attending the 2017 Asia Cruise Forum in Jeju, South Korea last August that she realized it was really necessary to rehabilitate Alava Pier to bring it up to par with global cruise standards.

Other than the repair of piers and wharves, the SBMA also plans to undertake major projects like the construction of the Magsaysay Bridge, which leads to the Freeport main gate; upgrading of facilities at the Subic Bay International Airport; concreting and repair of roads; port dredging; and building of the proposed SBMA-Olongapo Museum.

The Subic agency is also planning to build an SBMA Corporate Center to house the various SBMA offices that are now scattered among several US Navy-era buildings.

According to the proposed SBMA budget for 2018 that has already passed the Senate’s subcommittee on finance, other than the SBMA Corporate Center project which has a price tag of P3.2 billion, the repair of Subic piers and wharves will take up the bulk of the SBMA’s P3.548-billion infrastructure budget for 2018.

The repair of piers and wharves is estimated to cost P2.45 billion, while the other projects are pegged at P489.3 million for road concreting and repair; P390.7 million for the Magsaysay bridge; P83.38 million for port dredging; P80 million for the museum; and P45.4 million for upgrading of airport facilities. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairperson and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma unveils her administration’s development agenda during a briefing at Bahia Restaurant in the Subic Bay Freeport on Wednesday. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA prepares for 25th founding anniversary

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is preparing for a grand celebration this year in connection with its silver anniversary this coming November.

According to SBMA Administrator & CEO Wilma T. Eisma, agency officials have approved a month-long schedule of activities to mark the organization’s 25th year of existence and the establishment of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, now considered as one of the best success stories of military base conversion in the world.

“Turning 25 is a very special milestone, and so we are going for some very special program for the SBMA,” said Eisma, an Olongapo City native who was among the legendary volunteers that helped protect and preserve Subic Bay facilities after the U.S. Navy withdrew its forces here in 1992.

“Subic has come a very long way—thanks to the sacrifice and hard work of a lot of people over the years, and honoring these people for what they did will be a big part of the celebration,” she added.

PAST REVISITED

The celebration will carry the theme “SBMA at 25: Celebrating the Past, Forging the Nation’s Future.”

Under a program prepared by the SBMA 25th Anniversary Celebration Committee, activities will start on November 6 with a flag-raising ceremony at Bldg. 229, which is the SBMA main office, followed by a motorcade around Subic’s Central Business District.

All the while, some aircraft will undertake streamer and confetti drops, while boats will execute water cannon salutes at the bay.

Also on the first day of celebration, the SBMA Labor Department, in collaboration with registered business locators in the Subic Bay Freeport, will hold a job fair to match job-seekers with prospective employers.

SPORTS SPECTACULARS

The next event in the anniversary program will be a fun run in the morning of November 11, a Saturday. With 2-km, 5-km and 25-km categories, this sports spectacular will kick off at the Remy Field and progress along the length of Waterfront Road.

Nearby, some water cannon salutes will again take place on the bay, while the Philippine Air Force (PAF) makes some aircraft formation and skydiving display overhead.

The PAF will also present a static aircraft display at the Subic Bay International Airport.

On November 18, also a Saturday, Remy Field will be the venue for several events, including the SBMA Family Day that will feature fun games like the Amazing Race, giant volleyball, and “Laro ng Lahi.” The latter will include traditional Filipino games like “kadang-kadang”, catching the greasy pig, and “patintero.”

At 2:00 p.m., the talent show “SBMA Got Talent” will start at the Subic Gym, to be followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Boardwalk Park.

Meanwhile, there will be a three-day “Subic Bay Grand Sale” at Remy Field and all tourism establishments in Subic from Nov. 24 to 26.

This will include night bazaar and food festivals, night entertainment, discount sales from tourism stakeholders, and fireworks display.

FINALE

On Nov. 24, which marks the actual turnover of Subic Bay from the U.S. Navy to the Philippine government, the activities will start at 8:00 in the morning with an ecumenical mass in front of Bldg. 229.

This will be followed by an awarding ceremony to recognize pioneer investor companies, as well as pioneer SBMA employees. The awardees will also be honored with aerial and water salutes.

The morning program will be capped by a silent drill demonstration by cadets of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, and by performances from the SBMA Law Enforcement Department brass band and the Philippine Air Force band.

In the afternoon, a new museum featuring photo exhibits and memorabilia displays will open at the Harbor Point mall. The museum displays will be available for public viewing until Nov. 26.

At 3:00 p.m., a float and foot parade involving representatives from local government units will start at the Waterfront Road.

The parade will end at the Volunteers’ Shrine where the unveiling of commemorative items and a tribute to volunteers will take place. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic becoming top pick for movie and TV location shoots

The country’s so-called theme park capital is also earning raves as a prime location spot for filming movies and television shows because of its lush forests, scenic beaches and coasts, strong bio-diversity, and unique environment moods.

Jem Camba, head of the Tourism Department of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), said that a lot of movie and TV producers and directors prefer to bring their production to Subic because of the unique environment provided by the former US Naval Base.

Celebrity Car Wars film shoot in Subic Bay 

“Subic has almost everything you need for your required locations. We have here forests and mountains, rivers and the sea, theme parks, factories and entertainment facilities, and the remnants of the former military base,” Camba pointed out.

“This is the reason why a lot of local and some foreign movies, as well as Filipino tele-novelas, are being shot in the Subic Bay Freeport,” she added.

Camba also noted that Tourism Promotion Board CEO Cesar Montano had recently noted that a movie and television studios can be developed in the Subic Freeport.

In an interview with entertainment editor Ricky Lo, Montano said that he told SBMA Chairman Martin Diño that Subic is a perfect place for some kind of a Universal Studios.

“Subic has everything you need,” Montano said, pointing out that it has an an airport, an ocean park, a rain forest, a zoo, a port, a highway and other things that a film location must have.

Amelia Torralba-Perez of the Mandala Video and Events Production, had also described Subic as an excellent place for location shooting.

“We can find everything here in Subic,” Perez said. “We have world-class accommodations, we have good food, and for the longest time we’ve been here, people in SBMA are not giving us a hard time. That is why we are coming back here with all of our projects.”

Perez was in Subic recently for the location shoot of the History TV series “Celebrity Car Wars”, an Amazing Race-like show with cars and celebrities from Asian nations who do extreme challenges on cars like drifting and off-roading.

Perez said that since 2005, she has been referring Subic as a location site for various television and movie production, such as the Discovery Channel, BBC, TV-series Jack Irish, as well as some American, Japanese and French shows.

In June this year, an episode of the documentary series entitled “Before the 90 Days” for American Network’s The Learning Channel (TLC) was filmed in Subic with contributors American Lawrence “Larry” Passariello and his Filipino girlfriend Jenny de Guzman.

Among the first movies shot in Subic was “Goodbye America” which was released in 1997. It was an action-drama that portrayed the closing of the U.S. military base at Subic Bay and how it affected the lives of the people in the surrounding communities and the Americans who had served in the base. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport to host country’s biggest advertising confab

The country’s premier Freeport will host Ad Summit Pilipinas 2018, which will mark the return for the third time here of the biggest learning event in advertising and marketing industry in the country.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Administrator Wilma T. Eisma and Norman Agatep, chairman of the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines (4As), recently signed a memorandum of agreement for the holding of the conference at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center here on March 7 to 10next year.

Organized by 4As, Ad Summit Pilipinas is a biennial gathering of industry professionals that highlights discussions by some of the best in the world of advertising and marketing today, and also showcases a trade exhibit featuring cutting-edge business ideas, industry trends, and state-of-the-art technologies.

“It means a lot for us this vote of confidence from 4As and the organizing committee,” said Atty. Ramon Agregado, who is SBMA senior deputy administrator for support services.

He added that the decision of organizer to bring back Ad Summit Pilipinas to Subic shows a strong partnership between Ad Summit Pilipinas and SBMA. “We guarantee that we will work twice as hard to make the third edition of the Ad Summit a great success,” Agregado remarked.

With the theme “DIY Your ROI” (or do-it-yourself your return of investment), Ad Summit Pilipinas 2018 is said to challenge current mindsets on the way marketing campaigns are being evaluated. It will also explore new ways of determining brand success beyond the return of investment (ROI).

“What we hope to accomplish in Ad Summit Pilipinas 2018 is to open our eyes and minds to see the different ROIs that can helps us sharpen our measure of returns for our brands,” said over-all event chairperson Norman Agatep.

The event aims to examine ROIs through the lens of clever customization, where a brand’s performance is measured against objectives that go beyond commercial success and cross over to such returns as brand love, behavioral change, social good, environmental impact, and pop culture influence.

“The world has changed today; it is not only the opportunity of measuring money, as there are lots of forms of return of investment to consider,” Agatep explained.

“If we look at a hammer, we only see a nail. But if we look closer, we will see ideas or innovations, or influence. Return of investment could be redefined as return of insights, return of intelligence or return of impact,” he noted.

As a convention tradition, Ad Summit Pilipinas will also be home to Creative Guild’s Kidlat Awards, which is intended to establish “Kidlat” as the most prestigious advertising competition in the Philippines, honoring some of the country’s enduring luminaries and most creative and excellently-crafted campaigns.

“These are all in line with our mission to nurture a marketing communication environment that redefines creative excellence that’s in tune with an ever-restless and evolving industry,” Agatep added. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Administrator & CEO Wilma T. Eisma and 4As Chairman Norman Agatep sign a memorandum of agreement for the holding of Ad Summit Pilipinas 2018 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in March next year. Witnessing the signing are SBMA Director Stefani Saño (right of photo) and members of the Ad Summit Pilipinas 2018 working committee. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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LOOK: Binibining Pilipinas 2017 candidates in Subic Bay

The stunning candidates of the Binibining Pilipinas pageant 2017 held their swimsuit photoshoot at the Camayan Beach Resort, and also had their workshop activities at the facilities of Ocean Adventure.

The swimsuit photoshoot and workshop activities gave the Binibining Pilipinas candidates a chance to bond with each other, and prepare for upcoming events in their busy calendar, which will culminate in the Grand Coronation at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on April 30.

Bb. Pilipinas candidates also got the chance to interact with Dakila, one of the stars of the Sea Lion Marine Patrol show at Ocean Adventure. Dakila, a South American Sea Lion born at Ocean Adventure, gamely posed with the Binibining Pilipinas candidates for a photo op that everyone enjoyed.

According to event organizers, this year’s roster of candidates consists of local pageant winners, degree holders from top schools, honor graduates, artists, sports and fashion enthusiasts, and working professionals who excel in their respective fields.

Representing various provinces in the country, the official candidates bested hundreds of aspirants that went through rigorous screenings and interviews in January.

Check out Ocean Adventure's facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/oceanadventuresubicbay/

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SBMA bags top slot in Asia CEO 2016 Awards

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) added another feather to its cap as the Executive Leadership Team of the Year in the recently concluded Asia CEO 2016 Awards night.

On hand to receive the top award of the evening was former SBMA chairman and current administrator Roberto Garcia during whose term as chairman the agency’s exceptional performance and financial breakthroughs were achieved.
In his brief acceptance remarks, Garcia said that when he assumed the chairmanship in 2011, “the SBMA’s management team and staff were demoralized for having received only one salary increase for 18 years, and the agency was suffering from tremendous losses”.

“It was a challenge to them to turn around (the agency) and rally to the theme that we had, which was “Good governance makes good business”.

This, Garcia said, spurred the team “to produce historic records for SBMA in terms of revenues, profits, investments, and the number of jobs generated”.

“This award is really a testimonial to them,” Garcia added, referring to the SBMA’s present management team, which has been in place since 2007.

After thanking the Asia CEO for the honor bestowed upon the SBMA, Garcia said, “This is an inspiration and a message to my fellow workers in government that we can excel and we have excelled…that government agencies like the GSIS can deliver world-class service that can compete with the best in the Philippines”.

From among 16 awards given that evening, the GSIS received the Service Excellence Company of the Year award and was the only other government entity aside from SBMA among the roster of winners.

The Asia CEO Awards, which aims to promote the Philippines on the world stage, is the largest business awards event of its kind in the Philippines and the Asia Pacific region, representing the most outstanding grouping of local and international business people and organizations in both the private and public sectors.

The SBMA was chosen from among six (6) finalists by a board of judges, which received the highest number of submissions in the history of Asia CEO Awards.

For the Executive Leadership Team of the Year award, the judges based their choices on five (5) basic criteria, which were leadership and good governance, financial contribution, pioneering achievements, social commitment, and international recognition.

Last year, the Subic Bay Freeport, which is managed by SBMA, was recognized in the Global Free Zones of the Year 2015 Awards as overall winner in Asia, and overall winner in the sub-region of South and Southeast Asia, and commendations in the form of bespoke awards for infrastructure developments and reinvestment.

With Subic acknowledged today as the best performing free port zone in the country, the reins of the SBMA were turned over to SBMA chairman Martin B. Diño last October 3. (SNL)

PHOTO:
Former SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia (middle) relishes a proud moment in SBMA history after the agency was declared the Executive Leadership Team of the Year in the recently concluded Asia CEO 2016 Awards. With him are the top guns of the other finalists in the same category.

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SBMA chosen as finalist in 2016 Asia CEO Awards

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has made it to the list of finalists in this year’s upcoming Asia CEO Awards, the largest business awards event in Philippines and one of the biggest of its kind in the Asia Pacific region.

According to a list published in the Asia CEO Awards website, the SBMA is one of the six finalists for the Executive Leadership Team of the Year award, and the only government entity vying for the title in this category.

The other finalists are contact center and performance marketer Acquire BPO; top BPO firm Cognizant Technology Solutions Philippines, Inc.; appliance maker Concepcion Industrial Corporation; electronics manufacturer Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc.; and cargo logistics giant LBC Express, Inc.

The Asia CEO Awards, which is presented by PLDT Alpha Enterprise, recognize extraordinary leaders who have demonstrated outstanding achievement for their organizations and contributions to others.

Its purpose is to promote the ASEAN region as a premier business destination and is considered a must-attend occasion for business leaders active in the region.

The annual awards presentation was established as a natural outgrowth of Asia CEO Forum, the largest regular networking event for the business community in Philippines.

Among the awards presented are: Global Top Employer of the Year, Global Filipino Executive of the Year, Expatriate Executive of the Year, Service Excellence Company of the Year, Young Leader of the Year, Green Company of the Year, CSR Company of the Year, SME Company of the Year, Heart for OFWs Company of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Technology Company of the Year, Most Innovative Company of the Year, and ASEAN Company of the Year.

The Executive Leadership Team of the Year award, for which the SBMA has been nominated, is given to honor an executive management team of any organization that exhibited exceptional leadership skills resulting in the maximization of stakeholders’ values and has attained significant business accomplishments.

This award was presented to Clark Development Corporation during the 2015 Asia CEO Awards, and to SM Prime Holdings in 2014.

This year, the Asia CEO Awards Night will be held on October 18, at the grand ballroom of Marriott Hotel Manila, the largest in the nation. It is expected to be attended by more than 1,200 of the most senior executive managers active in Philippines and across the Asia Pacific region.

The SBMA, which manages the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, has lately received recognition for its record-setting financial performance in the last four years under SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia.

Last year the Subic Bay Freeport garnered two major citations in the Global Free Zones of the Year 2015 Awards: overall winner in Asia, and overall winner in the sub-region of South and Southeast Asia.

The Subic Freeport also received commendations in the form of bespoke awards for infrastructure developments and reinvestment. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

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