Partnership for Second Chances: SBMA, BJMP Launch Reintegration Program

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Regional Office III (BJMPRO-III) have signed a landmark agreement to help Persons Restored of Liberty (PRLs) reintegrate into the workforce, creating pathways to employment and social inclusion beyond incarceration.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and BJMP Region 3 Director Jail Chief Superintendent Ma. Annie A. Espinosa formalized the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on June 4 at the SBMA Administration Building, with senior officials from both agencies in attendance.

Aliño said the Workplace Reintegration Program enhances public safety while extending rehabilitative efforts to PRLs.

“I strongly believe that it is not only our civic responsibility but more importantly, a just and humane act of service to our fellowmen,” he noted.

The program will facilitate skills-matching and employment opportunities within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, enabling PRLs to become productive members of society.

Espinosa emphasized that the initiative reflects both institutions’ shared commitment to reformation beyond incarceration, empowering individuals with dignity, purpose, and responsibility.

Last year, SBMA also partnered with the Department of Justice-Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA) on a similar reintegration program, making SBMA the first government-owned and controlled corporation to support workplace reintegration for parolees, probationers, and pardonees.

Officials said the new partnership with BJMPRO-III reaffirms SBMA’s dedication to inclusive employment and community-building, while strengthening BJMP’s rehabilitation thrust across Central Luzon. (SNL)

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SBMA, Leechiu Property Consultants strengthen partnership to advance investments in SBF

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials met with executives of Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) to explore collaborative initiatives to accelerate tourism growth and investment promotion here.

Led by SBMA Business and Investment Group’s Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) Renato Lee III, discussions focused on expanding high-impact tourism segments including cruise ship tourism, wreck diving, forest trails, and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) activities.

David Lee-Chiu, CEO of Leechiu Property Consultants highlighted Subic Bay’s deep-water port and strategic location as key advantages in positioning the Freeport as a competitive cruise ship destination in Luzon. 

Lee-Chiu also noted that increased cruise calls would drive growth across hospitality, retail, transport, and local enterprises.

Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Alino also mentioned “wreck diving” as a strong niche market, with Subic Bay’s historic shipwrecks that continue to attract both domestic and international divers. 

Also discussed was the development and promotion of forest trails and eco-tourism experiences, recognizing Subic Bay Freeport’s protected forest areas as prime assets for sustainable tourism, nature-based recreation, and eco-adventure activities.

Both parties underscored the need to enhance MICE capabilities through investments in convention facilities, hotels, and integrated developments to capture corporate and international events. (MPD-SBMA)

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Arizona State Legislature visits Subic Bay Freeport for potential partnership

The Arizona State Legislature recently visited this premier Freeport, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the Philippines and the Philippine-US relations, while eyeing potential economic partnerships with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

“The visit is a testament to the strong relationship between the Philippines and the United States,” said SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Business and Investment Renato Lee III as he welcomed the US delegation.

During the visit on October 23, Arizona State Representative Tony Rivero shared that the chairman of the International Relations Committee for Arizona initiated the visit after a meeting with the Philippine ambassador in Washington in 2017, as Arizona is currently exploring economic development opportunities. 

“We want to establish a trade office to facilitate business investments between Arizona and the Philippines. This is a historical moment due to shared history and potential future collaborations in international trade,” cited Representative Rivero.

Rivero emphasized the importance of building a workforce and educational ties to drive future growth, highlighting the strategic importance of the Philippines in a challenging regional context.

He said that the visit is part of a broader effort to revolutionize Arizona's international relations and economic partnerships, adding that he is impressed with the innovation and potential for tangible outcomes from the discussions in the Philippines.

The delegation also discussed mounting concerns in maritime regional security with the Philippine Coast Guard. 

The visit aims to strengthen the relationship between Arizona and the Philippines, with a focus on economic and educational collaborations. Arizona representatives from both the Republican and Democratic parties are united in extending partnership opportunities.

The Arizona delegation included Committee of Science and Technology Rep. Justin Wilmeth; Democrat from District 11 Rep. Junelle Cavero; Democrat from District 22 Rep Elda Luna-Najera; and Democrat from District 24 Rep. Lydia Hernandez; Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations (PCFR) Operations Manager Maria Monserrat Apud; Department of Foreign Affairs Principal Assistant at the Office of American Affairs Miguel Antonio Gonzales; and other officials of the Arizona State Legislature.

Third District of Bataan Representative Maria Angela “Gila” Garcia joined the delegation during their visit to Subic Bay Freeport to showcase the many ecozones in Central Luzon, which may be explored by the Arizona State Legislature, including the Freeport Area of Bataan.

After the visit, the delegation toured the various facilities in the Freeport, reaching up to the Redondo Peninsula where Agila Subic is located. The group was impressed of how business and environment seamlessly coexist without compromising one another. (MPD-SBMA)   

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SBMA, Taipei BioInnovation Park partnership eyed

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is looking into entering into a joint venture with the Taipei BioInnovation Park (TBIP).

 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño was impressed with the TBIP’s biotechnology and biomedical facilities in his recent trip to Taipei, Taiwan.

 

“This visit to the Taipei BioInnovation Park was a truly unique learning experience. We proposed the expansion of SBDMC (Subic Bay Development and Management Corporation, Inc.) business activities in Subic Bay Freeport to include biotechnology and biomedical activities,” said Chairman Aliño.

 

The SBMA chief cited that the proposed expansion project is aligned with the agency’s plans and programs.

 

“The proposed expansion plan should complement our mandate to promote the Subic Special Economic Zone as a self-sustaining, industrial, commercial, financial, and investment center and green port city by attracting and promoting productive foreign investments that will generate employment opportunities in and around the zone,” he said.

 

Chairman Aliño was joined by SBMA Directors Ruel John Kabigting and Teodoro Del Rosario, and Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado during his three-day visit to Taiwan, upon the invitation by Century Development Corporation (CDC).

 

The SBMA delegation also went to Pingtung to visit MOS Burger’s newly completed processing plant Pingtung Agricultural Biotechnology Park (PABP). The MOS Burger food processing plant is a joint venture between An-Shin Food Services Co. and MOS Food Services.

 

Located in Taiwan’s Pingtung County, the PABP is the only national agricultural biotechnology park in Taiwan and the only one in the world that has established an agricultural high-tech industrial cluster.

 

The park has more than 110 agricultural enterprises of value-added natural products, aquaculture, livestock biotechnology, agricultural materials and facilities, and technical services.

 

These companies are connected, forming a huge industrial supply chain that creates a strong synergy effect in the global market.

 

According to SBDMC President Willy Wang, the invitation for the site visit was to provide the SBMA with a glimpse of Taiwan’s first BOT development project focusing on biotechnology industry, and to explore joint venture opportunities.

 

He added that the TBIP provides incubation space for emerging biotechnology, leading companies that integrate research and development (R&D), trial production, and business office functions.

 

CDC is a shareholder of the United Development Corporation, a joint venture partner of the SBMA in the SBDMC, Inc., which has pioneered industrial park planning. It is also known for its successful development of the Nankang Software Park, one of the most advanced industrial parks in Taiwan. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, Port of San Diego eye partnership to make Subic Freeport into a smart port city

With its vision to transform this premier Freeport into a smart port city, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is considering a partnership with the Port of San Diego.

During their visit here on February 6, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and Port of San Diego officials agreed to discover and identify areas of collaboration between both ports.

“We offered to the Port of San Diego to explore areas in Artificial Intelligence, Automation, Break Bulk Cargo Handling and Management, Shore Power Connection, Cruise Ship Terminal and Market Development and Ship Repair,” SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao said.

He added that the officials of the San Diego Port extended the invitation to Chairman Aliño to visit the Port of San Diego and explore other port-related initiatives since both ports proclaimed a partnership as sister ports in 2018.

“We see the potential of Subic Bay Freeport in developing trade and commerce between our two ports,” Port of San Diego Commissioner Gil Anthony Ungab said expressing his desire to further explore opportunities that will benefit both ports.  

Also, Port of San Diego Director for Maritime Joel Valenzuela said there are many similarities between the Ports of San Diego and Subic Bay; and that they are excited to strengthen and continue to develop our partnership in maritime and other related industries.

Meanwhile, Chairman Aliño said that the SBMA welcomes the partnership between the two ports as the vision to develop concrete projects will be mutually beneficial to both ports.

According to the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the Port of San Diego is one of America's top 30 containership ports, bringing in nearly 3 million metric tons (3,000,000 long tons; 3,300,000 short tons) of cargo per year through the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal and the National City Marine Terminal.

Aliño said that the proposed partnership is in line with the SBMA’s vision of becoming a port city and that the partnership with the Port of San Diego is a vital step in advancing Subic Bay Freeport’s interests in maritime project development, automation, cruise terminal development and operations, artificial intelligence, and trade development.

SDA Yambao said, “This is a positive step in expanding the global reach and trade network of the Port of Subic Bay in the United States.”

The SBMA also has a sister-port agreement with the Virginia Port Authority to develop trade and exchange best practices in breakbulk and cruise ship logistics management and operations. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA pioneers in workplace reintegration of parolees, probationers

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Parole and Probation Administration (PPA), an attached agency under the Department of Justice (DoJ), recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that supports the reintegration of probationers, parolees, and pardonees into the workplace.

The MOA was signed between SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and Department of Justice-Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA) Administrator Atty. Bienvenido O. Benitez Jr. on Thursday, at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom.

According to Aliño, the workplace reintegration program is a silver lining for those who were deprived of liberty and be part of the social mainstream again.

“If you are a parolee, probationer or pardonee, people will tend to look down on you because of the social stigma from your past actions.  I honestly think though, that they should not be denied their right to work and provide financial support to their families,” he said.

He added that this stigma has hindered most of them from reintegrating into a workplace, as they are usually shunned by companies due to their past records.

Atty. Benitez expressed his gratitude to the SBMA for supporting the PPA’s workplace reintegration program since the agency is the first among the government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) that supported the project.

He lauded the efforts of the SBMA Labor Department led by Atty. Melvin Varias, for being instrumental in the realization of this proposal to reintegrate the parolees, probationers and pardonees (also known as clients) into the workplace,  to create employment opportunities and help rebuild the lives of former persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

According to the general conditions of the agreement, the SBMA and the PPA will jointly develop a workplace reintegration program for these clients that specifies its objectives and includes a register of the knowledge, skills, and competencies that these persons already have or acquired for skills-matching.

The SBMA and the DOJ-PPA will jointly monitor and evaluate the Workplace Reintegration Program.

The agreement also states that the supposed employment shall not constitute an employee-employer relationship between the SBMA and the clients, but shall be a partnership or joint venture between the agency and the DOJ-PPA, even beyond the scope of the agreement.

As the MOA also provides, the clients shall be personally responsible for any and all liabilities, injury to his/ herself or to property/ies or persons attributable to his/ her own fault or negligence while in the employ of employer establishment.

Meanwhile, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Atty. Ramon O. Agregado said that the SBMA is more than willing to help these clients get back into the workplace, adding that providing equal employment opportunities for them would be an honorable undertaking for the agency.

“For our part, we will facilitate the endorsement of potential and qualified clients through a Register of Eligibles (ROEs) to Subic Bay Freeport Zone locator-companies under the Workplace Reintegration Program,” he said.

He added that the SBMA will provide a quarterly update to the DOJ-PPA on the program, and coordinate and work closely with the administration in order to provide the needed support to achieve the MOA's objectives.

According to Atty. Benitez, the DOJ-PPA also plans to propose the program to Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC). (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, SEC sign agreement for investor education campaign

The Securities and Exchange Commission formally signed an agreement with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority to reaffirm its commitment to educate and protect the investing public against unauthorized investment schemes and promote financial literacy through investor education. 

SEC commissioner Karlo S. Bello signed the memorandum of agreement with SBMA chairman and administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño on Feb. 27 at the SBMA Administration Building here. 

The agreement named SEC Communication, Advocacy and Network (SEC-CAN!) as a channel for the SEC and SBMA to collaborate on information, education and communication initiatives aimed at raising awareness on business and capital markets, financial literacy, smart and sustainable investing, company registration process and reportorial requirements. 

It shall also undertake activities relative to the implementation of the SEC Anti-Scam and Illegal Taking of Investments Group (SEC-ASTIG) which is focused on raising awareness of and educating the general public on investment scams and other fraudulent schemes. 

“Our partnership represents more than just a contract, it embodies our shared vision, values, and commitment to excellence. Through this agreement, we are forging stronger bonds, fostering innovation, and paving the way toward sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone,” Bello said. 

For his part, Aliño expressed profound gratitude for this collaboration that, he said, will boost economic activities and development in Subic Bay. It will also protect the locators, stakeholders and the whole freeport zone community against illegal investment-taking activities and other predatory practices carried out through the misuse of the corporate vehicle, he added. 

Under the agreement, the SEC and SBMA will work together to design and develop financial literacy programs and investment scam awareness activities, allowing the stakeholders of Subic Bay to gain knowledge on financial and debt management. 

Also present during the signing ceremony were SEC Tarlac Extension Office director Richard R. Laus, SBMA deputy administrator for business group John V. Aquino and SBMA business and investment department for ICT officer-in-charge Panfilo S. Jurilla. (punto.com.ph)

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Japan pledges assistance for Subic Bay master plan

Japan has pledged to extend technical assistance for the development of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and its surrounding areas, according to the Department of Finance (DOF).

In a statement, the DOF said Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has conveyed Japan’s commitment to provide assistance in crafting a master plan for the regional development of Subic Bay.

This happened during their bilateral meeting on Monday on the sidelines of the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.

“The two leaders affirmed that the Japanese assistance is a testament to the deepening strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines,” the DOF said.

According to the DOF, the proposed master plan would outline possible projects in Subic Bay and its surrounding areas, particularly in the fields of road network development, logistics terminal development, disaster risk management and other public utilities development.

Japan remains to be the top provider of official development assistance (ODA) loans and grants to the Philippines, totaling $8.26 billion as of December 2018. This accounts for 46 percent of the country’s total ODA loan portfolio.

Since 2016, the DOF said Manila and Tokyo have signed 10 loan agreements, which provide Japanese funding support for big-ticket infrastructure projects under the Duterte administration’s Build Build Build program. (Mary Grace Padin, Philippine Star)

PHOTO:

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.


https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/11/08/1966831/japan-pledges-assistance-subic-bay-master-plan

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Loan facilities now open to MSMEs in Subic Bay Freeport

A financial assistance program is now available here for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that are accredited to deliver goods and services in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma Eisma said the SBMA has partnered with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to provide loan facilities to MSMEs and other logistics-focused companies as part of the agency’s port marketing initiative.

The SBMA had initiated talks with the LBP as early as February last year to push for the loan facility under the agency’s program to assist MSMEs operating in the Freeport, she said.

According to Land Bank Subic Bay Branch Manager Edwin Manalo, interested MSMEs can avail of the loan facility through the Zambales Lending Center, a unit of the Land Bank that was formerly located in Dinalupihan, Bataan.

“As the number one government financial institution, Land Bank is always here to help the community on their financial needs. With the transfer of our Lending Center to Subic, we will be in a better position to help the public, especially MSMEs needing financial assistance,” he added.

Land Bank is a universal bank owned by the Philippine government with a special focus on serving the needs of farmers and fishermen and keeping them financially viable to help promote countryside development.

Zambales Lending Center Manager Ma. Marita San Diego said that this partnership with the SBMA is especially intended for corporations, private enterprises, cooperatives, as well as non-SBFZ companies that are accredited to deliver goods and services in the Freeport.

She said that processing time for MSME loan would take around 45 days, after the applicant submitted a complete set of the requirements.

San Diego added that her office has already received several some applications after the center relocated from Bataan to Subic Bay.

One of the applicants, she said, is a transport cooperative that proposes to field electric buses at Subic’s CBD area to provide a cheaper alternative to the riding public.

The proponent reportedly plans to put up initially a fleet of 10 electric buses, with designated stops and charging stations. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic expects increased port operations with Taiwan-based shipping lines

Port operations in the country’s premier Freeport is expected to experience increased activities as the Government of Taiwan expressed keen interest in forging a partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

In a recent visit to the free port, executive officials from Taiwan Maritime and Port Bureau led by Deputy Director General Lee Yuan-Wan manifested to SBMA OIC-Administrator Atty. Randy Escolango the possibility of building a transshipment partnership between Taiwan and Subic Bay.

The partnership aims to increase the volume of container traffic between the Port of Subic Bay and Taiwan Ports, thru Yang Ming Shipping Lines.

In response, Escolango urged the Taiwanese officials to encourage industries in Taichung to use the Port of Subic as their gateway in the region.

The visit of the Taiwanese delegation to the Port of Subic is a result of SBMA’s participation in the 22nd Philippines-Taiwan Joint Economic Conference held on October 27-28 in Taipei, Taiwan.

The "Southbound Policy" of the Government of Taiwan has initiated concrete measures in prioritizing countries south of Taiwan, including the Philippines, in the area of trade and investments.

Due to this paradigm shift, the Philippines is taking advantage of this opportunity to capture the matured growth of industries in Taiwan in the fields of high-value manufacturing, innovation, logistics and transshipment, renewable energy, e-commerce and financing.

Escolango noted that Taiwan is the Philippines' 6th trading partner with US$7.85 billion worth of bilateral trade in 2015.

At present, there are 52 Taiwanese companies in Subic Freeport, mostly inside the Taiwanese-run Subic Bay Gateway Park, with over US$500 million worth of investments generating 12,500 jobs. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)


PHOTO:
SBMA Office of the Administrator OIC Atty. Randy Escolango (left) explains the developments at the Port of Subic to visiting Taiwanese maritime officials.

(From left) Escolango, Taiwan Port and Maritime Bureau Deputy Director General Lee Yuan-Wan, Hsu Chia-Chu of International Affairs Planning Division and Maritime Affairs Administration Division Technical Specialist Tu Wen-Yun.

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SBMA, Taiwanese port firm sign MOU to better utilize Kaoshiung port

The Taiwan International Port Corporation (TIPC) has signed in April a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in the Philippines on the transit or transfer goods at Kaohsiung Port.

The Philippines has seen phenomenal economic growth in recent years and the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, with 15 piers, is a focus for economic development by the Philippine government as it is close to Clark International Airport, as well having its own international airport, all of which makes Subic Bay a valuable investment target, state-run TIPC said.

Huang Yi-ming, senior supervisor of TIPC’s Kaohsiung branch, said the Subic Bay Freeport Zone houses 1,300 companies from around the world, including Taiwanese firms Wistron Corp, Hitachi Taiwan and Tong Lung Metal Industry Co.

These companies need logistics warehouses, and the partnership agreement between the two ports could motivate more manufacturers in the zone to consolidate their products at Kaohsiung Port before shipping them to the US, elsewhere in Asia and to other nations, he said.

Subic Bay has seen 50 percent growth in cargo handled since 2013, and the SBMA has forecast growth of 30 percent this year, Huang said.

TIPC spokesperson Stephen Liu said the long-distance shipping business, particularly to the North America, has been Kaohsiung Port’s strong suit. "Through Kaohsiung, one can also go on to ports in China,” Liu added.

Compared with ports in Hong Kong and Singapore, Kaohsiung offers competitive rates for transit goods containers, Liu said, adding that the exchange between the seaports would draw more investments in both seaports. (Taipei Times)

PHOTOS:
[1]  SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia (right) exchanges pleasantries with members of the Taiwanese trade delegation led by TIPC Chairman Chih-Ching Chang in a meeting held early this year as part of the delegation's visit to Subic Bay. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] TIPC Chairman Chih-Ching Chang (left) presents SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia with a memento during the visit of Taiwanese investors to the Subic Bay Freeport in January this year. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read more: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2016/04/27/2003644944

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SBMA, Virginia Port Authority forge alliance of cooperation

WASHINGTON, D.C.- The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Virginia Port Authority (VPA) established an Alliance of Cooperation on 05 March 2016 in a ceremony held at the Virginia International Gateway Terminal in Portsmouth, Virginia.

The Alliance was established by a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Roberto V. Garcia, SBMA Chairman and Administrator; and John F. Reinhart, VPA CEO and Executive Director.

The MOU will provide a framework for information sharing aimed at generating new business by promoting the all-water route between the Subic Bay Freeport and The Port of Virginia. The Alliance will also explore joint marketing efforts; share non-confidential data that may be useful for developing the bilateral relationship of the ports; exchange information resulting from market studies that may be mutually relevant; look at the possibility of developing joint- or cross-training seminars; and transfer technical or technological capabilities.

Chairman Garcia underscored the MOU’s importance to deepening the Philippines-US economic relationship.

“This MOU is landmark and pioneering. It provides an opportunity for Subic Bay Freeport and the Port of Virginia to learn from each other with a view to cooperating on areas of mutual interest and concern in pursuit of economic development. The choice of Subic Bay Freeport also reaffirms the long-standing historical ties and friendship between the Philippines and the United States,” Chairman Garcia said.

Russel J. Held, Vice President for Economic Development of the Virginia Port Authority, expressed optimism that the MOU will allow the two ports to share best practices with each other, and positively impact on jobs creation, tax space, and the economic well-being of the communities outside the gates of the two ports.

“Learning from each other is what the agreement is all about,” said Mr. Held.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Benjamin Antonio III and Wilfredo Pineda, Members of the SBMA Board of Directors; Marcelino Sanqui, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations; Ronnie Yambao, SBMA Deputy Administrator for Business and Investments; Warren Harris, Executive Director of the Virginia Beach Economic Development Office; Scott Hall, Deputy Executive Director; and Ms. Naomi Estaris, COO/VP of Sister Cities Association of Virginia Beach.

In a statement, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. also welcomed the signing of the MOU.

“This Alliance clearly reaffirms the dynamic and robust Philippine-US economic partnership. It is our hope that this Alliance of Cooperation between SBMA and VPA can deepen and strengthen not only the relationship of the Subic Bay Freeport and the Port of Virginia, but also trade and investment between the Philippines and the United States,” Ambassador Cuisia said.

At a meeting organized by the Virginia Beach Economic Development Office after the signing ceremony, Chairman Garcia and his delegation also met with Delegate Ron Villanueva, a Filipino-American member of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation.

The Philippine delegation and Delegate Villanueva had a wide-ranging discussion on issues relating to transportation, shipping, port operations, and opportunities for investments in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. At the same meeting, the delegation also fielded questions from the heads of a number of Virginia SMEs who are seriously interested in investing in the construction, real estate, and manufacturing sectors.

The SBMA is the Philippine agency that administers and manages the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, including the Subic Bay Freeport. The Port of Subic Bay is strategically located along major shipping routes in the South China Sea, which makes it an ideal transshipment point to and from the trans-Pacific, Japan, Korea, China, and the rest of Southeast Asia. It has a natural deep navigational channel with berthing facilities, and is easily accessible by land to and from Metro Manila as well as North and Central Luzon.

The VPA administers the Port of Virginia, which comprises six general cargo terminals. It is also strategic with deep shipping channels, zero air-draft restrictions, located in the US Mid-Atlantic with access to two-thirds of the US population within a day’s drive or two-day double-stack rail to/from the Midwest, quick access to the open sea and friendly labor relations.

The initial idea for such an Alliance was developed during a visit by a Virginia Beach delegation to SBMA. Olongapo City and Virginia Beach are sister cities.

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia and VPA President for Economic Development Russel J. Held exchanged copies of the Memorandum of Understanding establishing an Alliance of Cooperation between SBMA and VPA on 05 March 2016 at the Virginia International Gateway Terminal in Portsmouth, VA, USA.

[2] SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (2nd from right) exchanges views with Delegate Ron Villanueva, Chairman of the Transportation Committee of the Virginia House of Delegates (leftmost). At right is SBMA Director Benjamin Antonio III.

http://www.philippineembassy-usa.org/news/4907/300/SBMA-VIRGINIA-PORT-AUTHORITY-FORGE-ALLIANCE-OF-COOPERATION/d,phildet/

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Subic a role-model for promotion of IP rights and welfare

The initiatives of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in uplifting the living conditions of the indigenous people (IP) living within the Subic Bay Freeport has become a model for other economic zones hosting similar tribal communities.

Recently, the Ateneo De Zamboanga University (ADZU) invited SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia to the forum “From Zamboanga to Subic, In Search for Partnership” that aimed to pick up insights from the SBMA’s experiences with the Pastolan Ayta tribe with whom the agency had signed a joint management agreement (JMA) for the use and development of tribal lands.

The forum, which also sought to deepen understanding of the Zamboangueños on the two-fold issue of land use and land ownership between the Subanon tribe and the Zamboanga Economic Zone was held at the Garden Orchid Hotel in Zamboanga City.

ADZU director Loreta Sta. Teresa said the SBMA inputs will “concretize the writings and the experiences summarized in the book report” developed after conducting a study trip in Subic and Clark free ports.

The forum, Sta. Teresa added, “will be a venue to materialize what ADZU envisioned for a new Mindanao where multi-cultural communities live in peace and harmony.”

In his presentation, Chairman Garcia explained that with the signing of the JMA between the SBMA and the Pastolan Aytas, the indigenous tribe started collecting five percent (5%) of the gross income paid by the investors for rent of the land, starting May 12, 2009, the date when the Ayta’s certificate of ancestral domain title (CADT) was registered.

Above this, the SBMA also has started to give each Ayta family P20,000 annually, an amount which is increased further on the 6th, 11th, 16th, and 25th year. The agency also donates P100,000 each year for the fiesta and Christmas celebrations at the Pastolan Ayta village.

Garcia also said that able-bodied Aeta workers are given priority in any job hiring for the construction of the US$450-million solar and wind project located at a 20-hectare area near Pastolan.

He added that the SBMA also turned over the management of the Pamulaklakin Tribal Park to the Aytas after completing the transition period for management training.

The Aytas also benefited from SBMA community development assistance programs, the construction of two schoolrooms for high school, and the establishment of a community clinic with detailed medical personnel from the SBMA Dispensary.

Garcia said the SBMA initiated the establishment of the JMA in recognition of the Ambala Ayta tribe of Subic Bay’s CADT, which proves the tribe’s ownership of the more than 4,280 hectares of land covering the Kalayaan and the Binictican housing areas, the Apaliin and the Pamulaklakin forest areas, and the El Kabayo tourism area, among others.

The JMA and its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) were signed by the SBMA management and the Ambala Ayta tribal council in 2013.

The JMA upholds the rights of the Aytas to uplift the economic, cultural and social conditions of their tribe based on the programs being implemented by the government, and provide for a systematic management and development of the ancestral land, as indicated in the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan, while ensuring the promotion of Ayta rights.

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Chairperson Zenaida Brigida Hamada-Pawid had commented that the JMA between the SBMA and the Ambala Ayta could “serve as template for all agreements entered by all indigenous people with regards to the use of their ancestral lands by any investors and business group.”

Pastolan chieftain Conrado Frenilla, meanwhile, said the JMA has become the culmination of the tribe’s long-fought struggle to gain recognition for their indigenous heritage. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia (extreme right) explains the agency’s joint management agreement with the Ayta tribe in the Subic Bay Freeport during a forum at the Ateneo De Zamboanga University. Also in photo are (from left): Atty. Jonathan Adaci, head of the NCIP Ancestral Domains Office; Martin Guinilac, president of Labuan-Patalon-Limpapa-Subanen indigenous cultural community; Salvador Lazaro, head of the Project Office for Special Concerns; and Bonifacio Tolentino, Ayta elder at the Ambala Pastolan village in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (AMD/MPD-SBMA, ABL/PRD-SBMA)

[2] SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia (second from left) and Subic Ayta leader Bonifacio Tolentino receive tokens of appreciation from Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra, PIME, (right) founder of the Silsilah Dialogue Movement, at the culmination of a forum on cultural communities at the Ateneo De Zamboanga University. (AMD/MPD-SBMA, ABL/PRD-SBMA)

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SBMA signs MOU with Korea’s “Silicon Valley”

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Daejeon TechnoPark, one of South Korea’s leading technological institutions, in the metropolitan city of Daejeon.

Known as the “Silicon Valley” of South Korea, Daejeon Technopark is the second biggest center of Administration and Science and Technology, and plays a key role in Korea’s domestic economic development.

SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto V. Garcia and Dr. Park Jun Byung, Daejeon Technopark president and CEO, and Daejeon City vice mayor for administrative affairs and director general of science, culture and tourism, signed the MOU in Daejeon City last July.

Also present during the signing ceremony were SBMA director Benjamin Antonio, and several other city and Technopark officials as witnesses.

“The agreement basically aims to build up strategic and collaborative partnerships between SBMA and Daejeon Metropolitan City (DMC), which is South Korea's fifth largest metropolis and science and technology capital,” Garcia noted.

Common collaborative efforts between SBMA and DMC are expected to bring mutual growth and benefit to their respective stakeholders, particularly in the areas of industrial technology, business development and exchange, global network construction, knowledge resource sharing, and support marketing.

According to Garcia, the MOU will allow both SBMA and DMC to promote joint business matching, research projects and cooperative networking among business and research institutes.

The two parties have also agreed to carry out various exchange programs such as technology development, staff training and workforce exchanges in order to foster mutual understanding.

“This is a very significant development for the Freeport, especially considering that Daejeon is home to various private and public research institutes, centers and science parks, the more notable of which include the Electronic Telecommunications Research Institute, the Korean Aerospace Research Institute, the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, the Korea Institute of Energy Research, the National Nanofab Center, and research and development centers of Samsung and LG, among others,” Garcia added.

After the signing, Garcia and Antonio met with Daejeon mayor Yeom Hong-chul and proceeded to Chungnam University, one of the largest government universities among the 18 universities in Daejeon.

At Chungnam, the SBMA officials met with the university vice president, Prof. Oh, who described how a Technopark, in the true sense of the word, should be set up, and that is, in collaboration with an educational institution and a testing/research center.

Prof. Oh is also the secretary general of the World Technopark Association (WTA) and has been involved in setting up techno parks in many parts of the world, including Kenya, Mongolia, Indonesia, Egypt and Sri Lanka.

“With a MOU with Daejeon in place, we hope to develop and replicate that kind of techno park here in the Freeport,” Garcia said. (KMF_SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (left), Daejeon Technopark officials present a memorandum of understanding they signed for the collaborative partnership between the SBMA and Daejeon Techno Park in South Korea.

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