Subic Bay Marks 10 Years of the South China Sea Arbitral Award with a Fleet-Wide Water Salute

Subic Bay was the scene of a striking maritime tribute on Sunday, July 12, as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) took part in the national commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award. 

Twenty-eight vessels gathered in the bay for a coordinated water salute, joining similar observances happening across the country.

The tribute unfolded at 10:00 a.m. in front of the SBMA Administration Building. Six tugboats took center stage, spraying arcs of water into the air in a synchronized display, while all 28 participating vessels sounded their horns together in a shared moment of tribute to the landmark ruling.

The fleet itself told its own story of cooperation: eight Philippine Navy vessels, two United States Navy ships, three MARINA-accredited vessels, a squadron of tugboats, and a handful of commercial cargo ships that opted in voluntarily to stand in solidarity with the observance.

Answering a National Call

According to SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao, the event came together after the Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns called on agencies nationwide to take part. Once SBMA received the directive, its Seaport Department moved quickly, reaching out to maritime stakeholders and partners to pull together the day's roster of vessels.

Yambao described the salute as a gesture of remembrance and respect — a way for SBMA to stand with the rest of the country in honoring a ruling that has shaped the Philippines' maritime story. He credited the Seaport team's coordination for bringing so many vessels together on short notice.

A Statement Beyond Symbolism

For SBMA, the participation carried weight beyond ceremony. As a government-owned and controlled corporation and one of the country's leading port authorities, the agency framed its involvement as a demonstration of support for national efforts to uphold international maritime law.

That message was echoed from the top: SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño pointed to the importance of respecting the rules-based international order, framing the day as a reaffirmation of the Philippines' commitment to the peaceful, lawful use of its maritime territory.

Part of a Bigger Picture

Subic Bay's water salute was one piece of a broader nationwide commemoration marking a decade since the arbitral ruling affirmed the Philippines' maritime entitlements under international law. 

Beyond the spectacle of tugboats and horns, the day underscored something less visible but arguably more important: the ongoing cooperation between government agencies, the maritime industry, and international partners in defending peace, stability, and the rule of law in Philippine waters. (SNL)

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PH, US sign deal to develop the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas freight railway

The Philippines and the United States have signed an agreement to pursue the development of the proposed Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) freight railway, a strategic infrastructure project designed to alleviate port congestion in key trade hubs and foster broader economic growth and connectivity.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon and US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Acting Director Thomas Hardy signed the agreement in Arlington, Virginia, on Wednesday (June 26).

In a statement released by the DOTr, the USTDA said that its technical assistance for the SCMB Railway involves transport model development, a port-rail integration study, and an analysis of the legal and institutional framework, among other activities.

Hardy said the project “underscores the US-Philippine alliance’s vital role in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. By supporting the development of the SCMB Railway, we are ensuring that key infrastructure will flourish, increasing economic cooperation to develop an essential trading route that will mutually benefit American and Philippine citizens.”

Dizon said the 155-kilometer railway is designed to connect three of the country’s major ports—Manila, Subic Bay, and Batangas—enhancing logistical efficiency and regional connectivity.

“As a freight cargo railway, the SCMB Railway is seen to solve port traffic and congestion in Manila Port, while ensuring the timely movement of products to and from adjacent major transport hubs,” Dizon said.

Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick D. Go said the project enhances the initiative to link major economic hubs under the Luzon Economic Corridor.

“Once operational, the SCMB Railway will attract investments, create new opportunities for businesses, and most importantly, generate quality jobs that will benefit millions of Filipinos,” Go said. (SNL)

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PH, US, Japan tie up to boost Luzon Economic Corridor, connectivity between Subic Bay, Clark, Manila & Batangas

The Philippines, United States and Japan have partnered on a venture that will boost connectivity between the key economic hubs of Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas comprising the Luzon Economic Corridor.

According to a joint statement of the leaders of the three nations following a trilateral meeting in Washington, D.C., the Luzon Economic Corridor is the latest economic corridor of the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) and the first in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Today we are launching the Luzon Economic Corridor, which will support connectivity between Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas in the Philippines,” the joint statement said.

Through this corridor, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States commit to accelerating coordinated investments in high-impact infrastructure projects.

These projects include rail, ports modernization; clean energy and semiconductor supply chains and deployments, agribusiness and civilian port upgrades at Subic Bay.

Japan has long been supporting connectivity in this area, including rails and roads, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

“We plan to work with multilateral organizations and the private sector to attract quality, transformative investments,” the statement said.

“Together we intend to hold a trilateral event promoting investment in the Luzon Corridor on the margins of the Indo-Pacific Business Forum in Manila in May—the premier U.S. commercial event in the region,” it added.

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation also intends to open a regional office in the Philippines to facilitate further investments across the Philippines.

According to the statement, the Luzon Corridor is a demonstration of the three nations’ enhanced economic cooperation, focused on delivering tangible investments across multiple sectors.

Japan, the Philippines, and the United States are also partnering to expand cooperation and investments in other areas of the Philippines. (SNL)

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SBMA joins PH humanitarian contingent to Türkiye

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority's multi-awarded Search and Rescue team joins the Philippine contingent deployed to help victims of the Feb. 6 magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Türkiye.

SBMA's 9-man SAR team headed by Fire Department Chief Ranny D. Magno is part of the Filipino Search and Rescue contingent that arrived in Istanbul on Thursday noon (February 9).

"Our response team just confirmed that they landed at Istanbul. Our OCD (Office of Civil Defense) representative messaged at 12:08 p.m. (PST) that they landed," said OCD joint information center head Diego Agustin Mariano in a message to reporters.

He added that the Philippine contingent departed from Manila for Istanbul around midnight.

These personnel were aboard Turkish Airlines Flight TK 85.

The Filipino contingent consisted of 85 personnel, of which 33 are from the Armed Forces of the Philippines; 21 from the Army's 525th Engineer Combat Battalion, 51st Engineer Brigade; and 12 from the Air Force 505th Search and Rescue Group.

Other contingent members are as follows, two from the OCD, 10 from the Metro Manila Development Authority, nine from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, and 31 emergency medical technicians (EMTs) from the Department of Health.

Earlier, Defense officer-in-charge Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said they aimed for this team to rely on their own and not be a burden to the host country.

The contingent will also bring goods to be donated to the quake victims. These goods include clothing and sleeping kits for winter, and hygiene and sanitary kits, which will be provided by the OCD, together with the private sector and local government units.

"This is our contribution to humanity, and the President ordered us for the response teams to prepare for deployment, for the people of Türkiye," Galvez said.  (SNL/PNA)

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Philippine Navy Commissions its First Ever Missile Frigate BRP Jose Rizal

The Philippine Navy commissioned its first ever guided missile frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), during a ceremony held Friday (July 10) at Alava Wharf, Subic Bay, Zambales.

The event was attended remotely via video (due to the pandemic) by Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte as guest of honor and the Philippine Navy’s flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo.

The commissioning ceremony should have taken place on June 19, date of the birthday of the ship’s namesake Dr. Jose Rizal. However, when the ship arrived in Subic on June 15, the crew of 65 had to quarantine for two weeks after one of its crew member tested positive for COVID-19. Following the quarantine, the frigate went through the final inspection before final acceptance.

The Philippine Navy announced earlier this week that BRP Jose Rizal will be participating in this year’s RIMPAC exercise along-side the U.S. Navy and 10 other nations. (NavalNews.com)

Read more--> https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/07/philippine-navy-commissions-its-first-ever-missile-frigate-brp-jose-rizal/

PH Navy starts ‘new era of dev’t’ with BRP Rizal: PRRD

MANILA – The commissioning of the BRP Jose Rizal, the country’s first missile-frigate, marks the start of the Philippine Navy‘s “new era of development and transformation,” President Rodrigo R. Duterte said Friday.

"Today is the beginning of a new era of development and transformation for our Philippine Navy as we witness the commissioning of (the) Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Jose Rizal,” Duterte said in a taped video message flashed on the screen during the handover, christening, commissioning, and blessing of the frigate at the Alava Wharf in Subic Bay, Zambales.

The BRP Jose Rizal, a multi-role frigate built by South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries, is capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-surface war, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare operations.

The President expressed optimism that with the BRP Jose Rizal, the Philippine Navy would be more motivated to serve the country.

“I convey my deepest gratitude and appreciation to (the) Philippine Navy for always delivering the highest standard of service to our country and our people,” he said. “I am hopeful that you shall likewise be doubling the passion and commitment you have already manifested in ensuring the peace and progress truly deserved by our country.”

The procurement of the frigate was signed in 2016, along with another frigate, the BRP Antonio Luna that was launched in November 2019.

Read more --> https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108655

PHOTOS:

[1-2] The Philippine Navy commissioned its first ever guided missile frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) in ceremonies held at the Alava Wharf, Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (MPD-SBMA)

[3] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma Eisma attends the commissioning by the Philippine Navy of the BRP Jose Rizal in Subic Bay Freeport. Secretary of National Defense of the Philippines Maj. Gen. Delfin Negrillo Lorenzana (3rd right) leads the commissioning ceremony while being accompanied by PAF chief Lieutenant General Allen T. Paredes, Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Gilbert Italia Gapay, SBMA chief Eisma, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., and Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Jamero Bacordo. (MPD-SBMA)

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Bio-molecular labs in Subic, Clark to open this week

Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO Senator Richard Gordon on Sunday said two bio-molecular laboratories in Subic and Clark will open within the week to boost the PRC’s testing capacity amid the rising cases of COVID-19 in the country.

In a statement, Gordon said the two laboratories passed the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine’s proficiency test on Friday and were accredited as certified COVID-19 testing centers.

The Subic laboratory, which is located at the PRC Logistics and Training Center inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and the Clark laboratory, which is located at Clark Freeport Zone, are capable of running up to 2,000 tests per day.

“This is a very welcome development. We can do a total of 4,000 tests per day in the two new facilities, which will enable us to run an overall total of 16,000 tests a day. And with the hotel capabilities of both Subic and Clark, repatriation flights for overseas Filipino workers can now be directed to the airports in the two cities,” Gordon said.

Aside from the facilities in Subic and Clark, he said the PRC will open up eight other testing centers in Batangas, Laguna, Mandaue City, Isabela, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga City, Bacolod City, and Surigao.

The PRC will also add ten more PCRs in the Port Area molecular lab, which will enable the agency to conduct a total of 46,000 tests per day.

“According to the WHO (World Health Organization), we have to test 13 percent of the population so we can determine the disease’s positivity rate. For Metro Manila, alone, that would be 1.7-million and it would take ten months or 308 days to test 13 percent of its population at 46,000 tests a day. So we really have to ramp up testing to ensure victory over COVID,” Gordon said.

So far, the Philippines recorded 25,392 cases of COVID-19, including 1,074 deaths and 5,706 recoveries. (Ma. Angelica Garcia, DVM, GMA News)

PHOTO:

The Subic laboratory is located at the PRC Logistics and Training Center inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/742575/bio-molecular-labs-in-subic-clark-to-open-this-week/story/

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PN’s first missile-capable warship arrives in Subic

The Philippine Navy greatly boosted its current fleet with the low-key arrival of its first missile capable frigate, to be named BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), in Subic, Zambales, on Saturday.

From a five-day maiden voyage in Ulsan, South Korea, the frigate was accorded the traditional passing honors with BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17) and three multipurpose assault craft (MPACs).

The event was documented during a fly-by of two anti-submarine helicopters, the Agusta Westland (AW) 159, and AW109. Prior to this, a meeting procedure was held between the frigate and BRP Andres Bonifacio with AW109 in the vicinity of Sta. Cruz, Zambales, before it was finally escorted to its designated anchorage area.

While at anchor, the sailing crew will undergo two-week quarantine in adherence to strict health protocols to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID19). The Technical Inspection and Acceptance of the frigate will commence after the quarantine period.

Breakthrough in Navy’s transformation 

The arrival of the country’s first missile-capable frigate is a “testament” to the government’s resolve to modernize the military as well as a “breakthrough” in the Philippine Navy’s transformation journey, Malacañang said.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque affirmed that the government remains committed in building a strong and credible maritime force to protect the country’s seas from threats.

The 2,600-ton ship, named after the country’s national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, is the latest addition in the Philippine Navy’s fleet that can fire guided missiles and torpedoes.

“We are pleased to announce the historic arrival to the Philippines of BRP Jose Rizal, our country’s first ever guided-missile frigate. The arrival of the country’s most advanced warship, delivered during this administration, is a testament to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s commitment to modernize our armed forces,” Roque said.

“This forms part of the national leadership’s initiative to enhance the country’s defense capabilities to secure our seas against current threats,” he added.

Roque said they consider the arival of the new ship “a breakthrough in the Philippine Navy’s transformation journey in our goal of building a strong and credible maritime force.”

BRP Jose Rizal 

The frigate will tentatively be commissioned into service on June 19, Rizal’s birthday. The 351 by 46-feet warship weighs 2,600 tons.

It is capable of “fighting the four dimensions of warfare” namely anti-air warfare (AAW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and electronic warfare (EW) operations, and is equipped with surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles, torpedoes, and launchers.

It will also be equipped with a Hanwha Systems’ Naval Shield combat management system (CMS), regarded as the “brain” of military warship, which integrates all shipboard sensors and weapons.

This means that the ships will be able to detect and track air, surface and sub-surface targets. The same type of CMS was used by the Korean, Malaysian and Indonesian navies.

The frigate is the lead ship of its class and was built together with its sister ship, BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), which is set to be delivered in September this year The two missile frigates are part of an ₱18-billion contract between the Philippines and South Korea through shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in October 2016.

Each frigate costs ₱8 billion, with some ₱2 billion allotted for their systems and munition. (Martin Sadongdong and Genalyn Kabiling, Manila Bulletin)  

READ MORE --> https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/24/pns-first-missile-capable-warship-arrives-at-subic/

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INTER-AGENCY TASK FORCE ON EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES (IATF) RESOLUTION NO. 14: SALIENT POINTS RELEVANT TO THE FREEPORT

1. The IATF organized the Response Cluster and Incident Management Team at the national, regional and local levels, designating the DOH to lead the response clusters and the Department of Interior and Local Government to lead the incident management teams.

LGUs must coordinate with the Regional Response Clusters headed by the Regional Directors of the DOH.

2. The IATF allowed the accommodation of distressed or stranded overseas Filipino workers in hotels, which ceased operations since the imposition of the enhanced community quarantine. OWWA shall provide certifications for distressed OFWs.

3. It immediately suspended the issuance of visas to all foreign nationals, as well as visa-free privileges based on visa waiver agreements, holders of Hong Kong, Macau, Macau-Portuguese passports and British national overseas passports. Foreign spouses and children of Filipinos are exempted from the above suspension.

Foreign nationals with visas previously issued by foreign service posts will not be allowed entry into the country, except for accredited foreign government and international organization officials and their dependents

4. Business process outsourcing and export-oriented establishments were given until March 22 to prepare alternative work arrangements, such as temporary accommodations for their workers, the need to shuttle employees and the transfer of necessary equipment to facilitate work from home arrangements.

5. Exempted from the quarantine are the following government officials and their skeleton workforce:

a. Media entities/personnel provided that only the 50% (maximum) of their workforce are allowed.
b. Members of Congress and their chiefs of staffs
c. Department Secretaries, undersecretaries, assistant secretaries
d. Bureau Directors of the different government agencies under executive branch
e. Ombudsman and deputy ombudsman
f. Justice of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, and the Sandiganbayan
g. Judges of regional, metropolitan, and municipal circuit trial courts, and prosecutors
h. Local chief executives and close-in staffs

6. Exempted from the quarantine are the following private entities/individuals and/or their skeleton workforce:
a. Cargo vehicles (maximum of three personnel)
b. Delivery services (food, medicine, water, and other basic necessities
c. Employees of manufacturing plants (food, medicine, medical supplies, and other essential products)
d. Employees of retail establishments (groceries, supermarkets, convenience stores, public markets, pharmacies, drug stores)
e. Logistic Services (cargo handling, warehousing, trucking, freight forwarding, and shipping lines)
f. Hospital and medical clinics
g. Food preparations
h. Water refilling stations
i. Banks and capital markets
j. Power, energy, water, IT, and telecommunications
k. Waste disposal services
l. Export and BPO companies
m. Airline and aircraft maintenance employees (including pilots and crews)
n. Ship captain and crew
o. Hotels that have bookings as of March 17
p. Energy companies and their third-party contractors
q. Pastors, priests, imam (for funeral services)

7. Manufacturing, BPOs and export oriented companies must have able to arrange accommodations and shuttle services for their employees. The deadline is extended until MARCH 26, 2020.

/SNL

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Japan, Philippines to cooperate on development plan for Subic Bay

Japan will help the Philippines redevelop the former U.S. naval base at Subic Bay, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced.

Philippines Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi confirmed the plans after they met in Manila on Thursday (January 9). The pair agreed to cooperate in “drawing up a master plan, which would bring out potential for economic development in the Subic Bay area,” according to a Japanese government statement.

Subic Bay was once home to thousands of U.S. sailors and their families before the Navy vacated its bases there in 1992. It’s still a regular port call for U.S. warships and for Marines who practice beach landings nearby in Zambales province.

The strategic harbor’s importance has grown amid Chinese efforts to build military facilities on artificial islands and claim sovereignty over territory to the west in the South China Sea.

Last June, the U.S. Navy announced it was “exploring the viability of a shipyard in Subic Bay for use as a potential repair and maintenance facility.”

The shipyard’s owner, Hanjin Philippines, declared bankruptcy earlier in 2019 owing $900 million to South Korean creditors. A pair of Chinese firms subsequently expressed an interest in buying the facility, sparking alarm in some quarters.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency will help develop the Subic Bay plan, which aims to develop knowledge-based industries, logistics terminals, public utilities and roads to grow the local economy, Bloomberg reported Jan. 9. (Seth Robson, Stars and Stripes)

https://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/japan-philippines-to-cooperate-on-development-plan-for-us-navy-s-former-home-at-subic-bay-1.614696

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Triathlete John Chicano gives PHI its first gold in 2019 SEA Games

The Philippines is on the board in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games as John “Rambo” Chicano got his first gold in men’s triathlon.

Chicano registered the Philippines’ first win - as well as its first medal overall - in the regional meet by finishing with a time of 1:53:26, Sunday at Subic Bay Boardwalk.

This is the 28-year-old’s first gold in the biennial event as back in 2017, he placed second to Nikko Huelgas.

It was a 1-2 finish for the Filipinos with Kim Remolino claiming silver by logging a time of 1:55:03.

The 19-year-old was actually the pacesetter after the swimming course while Chicano was actually at fourth.

“Rambo,” as he is fondly called, however, dominated the biking and running phases en route to his breakthrough win.

Completing the podium is Indonesia’s Ahlul Firman Muhammad who finished at 1:57:10. (sports.abs-cbn.com)

PHOTO:

Chicano at the finish line, registering the Philippines’ first win in the regional meet by finishing with a time of 1:53:26, Sunday at Subic Bay Boardwalk.

https://sports.abs-cbn.com/seagames/news/2019/12/01/triathlete-chicano-gives-phi-first-gold-sea-games-63861

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Canada trash shipment leaves PH

The chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has lauded the reshipment of trash from Canada Friday, saying it was a joyous occasion. Sixty-nine trash-filled container vans that have been languishing in the Philippines for over half a decade are finally en route to where they came from: Canada.

The Maersk's MV Bavaria docked in Subic Bay around 3 p.m. Thursday, and left past 7 a.m. Friday.

Aside from the garbage, the ship also has 150 shipping containers as it is taking the regular commercial route.

MV Bavaria will make a stop in Taiwan before heading straight to the port of Vancouver in Canada where it is due to arrive on June 22. Canadian media reports have said the garbage will be incinerated in Burnaby.

MV Bavaria is expected to arrive at the Port of Vancouver in Canada on June 22. Local Canadian Press reported, once back in Canada, the garbage will be burned in a waste-to-energy facility in Burnaby.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma Eisma said the departure of the unwanted shipment was a momentous occasion.

"We thank President Rodrigo Duterte for his decisive action that brought about a satisfactory conclusion to this sordid chapter in our history. This is one proud moment for all Filipinos," she said in a statement.

She noted that the SBMA documented the whole procedure from the time MV Bavaria docked in Subic’s New Container Terminal-1 to the loading of the containers Thursday to the ship's departure.

Groups celebrated the event, saying they were "jubilant" after the ship left port.

“We feel jubilant that 69 containers of Canadian rubbish are now homeward bound after being stranded here for so long,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition. “The Philippines is not the world's dumpsite. Never again shall we allow other countries to trash our dignity, our people's health and the environment.”

Kathleen Ruff of RightOnCanada, a rights advocacy campaign based in the North American country, said it was a "victory for the environment and a victory for the rule of law."

“The Canadian government is now finally going to comply with the Basel Convention and take responsibility for its own wastes. This is what environmental responsibility means," said Ruff.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro "Teddyboy" Locsin Jr. said Canada paid for fumigation, ship side loading, and shipping, which was estimated to cost around P10 million.

The International Container Terminal Services Incorporated waived all costs on land.

MV Bavaria is expected to arrive at the Port of Vancouver in Canada on June 22, after a stopover in Taiwan. Local Canadian press reported the garbage will be incinerated in Burnaby.

The 69 container vans of trash are what remains of the more than 2,500 tons of waste illegally shipped in batches in 2013 and 2014 by Canadian company Chronic Plastics Inc. The company declared the trash in 103 container vans as "recyclable plastic scraps."

Customs officials earlier said the contents of 34 container vans have already been disposed of.

Environmental activists from Ecowaste Coalition, however, said only 26 container vans have been accounted for. They called on the government to disclose where the contents of the eight other container vans were dumped

The Manila Regional Trial Court is still hearing cases on alleged violations of environmental and customs laws against Canadian firm Chronic Plastics and customs brokers involved in smuggling the garbage. (CNN Philippines)

PHOTOS:

[1] The port in Subic Bay in the Philippines where a transport vessel, MV Bavaria, is berthed to load waste (theguardian.com) 

[2] SBMA Chairman & Administrator Wilma T. Eisma speaks with journalists after witnessing the departure of MV Bavaria from the Port of Subic. (MPD/SBMA)

[3] MV Bavaria sails out from the Port of Subic, together with 69 containers of mixed household waste sent by a Canadian private company to the Philippines in 2013 and 2014 (CNN Philippines)

http://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/5/31/sbma-canada-trash-reshipment.html


SBMA'S OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE PULLOUT OF CANADIAN TRASH FROM SUBIC BAY


"Finally, the containers of garbage transported from Canada and stored at the Subic Bay Freeport for several years now have been pulled out as of today, May 31, 2019.

"A total of 69 garbage-laden containers — 67 of which have been in Subic for the past few years, and 2 recently brought in from Manila — were loaded onto MV Bavaria, a Liberian-flagged container ship commissioned to transport the containers back to Canada.

"The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority documented the whole procedure — from the docking of the ship at Subic’s New Container Terminal-1 in the afternoon of May 30, to the loading of all the 69 containers last night, and up to the departure of the vessel from Subic Bay early this morning.

"We thank President Rodrigo Duterte for his decisive action that brought about a satisfactory conclusion to this sordid chapter in our history.

"This is one proud moment for all Filipinos."

Atty. Wilma T. Eisma
SBMA Chairman & Administrator

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Seychelles triathlete makes history in Philippines’ first full Ironman

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT - Pride of the Seychelles Nick Baldwin has just made many different forms of history on Sunday here.

Baldwin bested six other fellow male professional triathletes. to claim the top spot in the 2018 Century Ironman Philippines – the first-ever full-distance Ironman race in the country.

“This is awesome. I’ve heard a lot about the Philippines and it was really special to win the first one here,” he told reporters with a big smile after winning. “I hope they have more and I hope I get to come back again.”

The 30-year-old logged a total time of 8:50.13 in the race covering 3.8 km of swimming, 180 km of biking, and 42.95 km of running.

His time was six minutes better than his closest competitor – leaving no doubt about the very first personal championship for him.

More than that, Baldwin’s win also made him the very first Seychelles triathlete to win an Ironman race.

The Seychelles is an Eastern African archipelagic country found in the Indian Ocean. It has a population of 94, 228, as per the UN.

Read more --> https://sports.abs-cbn.com/generalsports/news/2018/06/03/seychelles-triathlete-makes-history-ph-s-1st-full-ironman-42441 



1,278 triathletes join first-ever PHL full Ironman in Subic Freeport

A total of 1,278 triathletes joined the Century Tuna Ironman Philippines 2018 here on Sunday, helping cement Subic’s reputation as the triathlon capital of the country, as the business and tourism enclave hosted the first full marathon event to be held in the Philippines.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Wilma T. Eisma formally signalled the start for the full marathon that engaged participants in a challenging yet picturesque course in this free port.

“We are very elated over the fact that the first full marathon was held here in the Subic Bay Freeport,” Eisma said. “This is certainly a momentous occasion for us. Subic is now a glorious part of Philippine sports history.”

The Ironman Subic event featured a gruelling 3.8-km swim, 180-km bike, and 42-km run course that challenged even the toughest triathletes from all over the world.

But with hundreds of locals competing in the event, it also showed that the Filipinos are embracing the sport that has been around the Subic Bay Freeport for more than a decade.

“Competing in a full triathlon requires a high level of commitment from the athletes to train for long, hard hours for at least five months. And Century Tuna is proud to be at the forefront of promoting health and fitness in the country,” said Greg Banzon, vice president and general manager of Century Pacific Food, the event sponsor.

“The expected scale and scope of attention the event generated in the country and the global triathlon community gives us a very big stage to shout out our message of living a healthy lifestyle through proper diet and exercise,” he added.

Around 830 local triathletes competed in the event that also drew bets from 47 countries, including 78 each from China and Japan, 54 from the United States, 47 from Singapore and 29 from Australia. Great Britain and Northern Ireland also fielded a combined 18-triathlete delegation while Korean sent in 16.

The race started at Subic’s Triboa Bay with the swim leg of the event at the ACEA Resort before the field tackled the 2-loop bike race at the Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). It was capped by a punishing 2-loop marathon along the coast of Subic Bay.

The holding of the full distance Ironman in the Philippines was a significant leap for the development of the sport in the region, said Ironman Asia Managing Director Geoff Meyer.

“The past decade has been an extraordinary achievement of growth of Ironman and triathlon in the Philippines, and is a true testament to all Filipinos who are now largely represented at races all over the world. I am incredibly proud of what Ironman and Sunrise Events team have achieved together, and of the community of triathletes who have been part of the journey,” said Meyer. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SEA Games triathlon champ Nikko Huelgas waves the Philippine flag to send off a batch of triathletes in the 2018 Ironman Subic Bay on Sunday. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] Indonesian Andy Wibowo makes a wet finish to top the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 event at the Subic Bay Freeport. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[3] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma joins the awarding of winners in age-group categories for Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[4] Runners in “underwear fashion” take to the streets on Saturday during the 2018 edition of the Century Tuna Underpants Run, a side event in the Ironman 70.3 triathlon event held in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA honors Subic-based SAF Marawi veterans

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) formally honored on Monday the members of the Subic-based Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) contingency team who volunteered for the operations to free Marawi City from the ISIS-led terrorists of the Maute Group.

During the flag ceremony here last Monday, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma led officers and employees of the agency in recognizing the courage and heroism of each of the 42 members of the 2nd Special Action Battalion who are headquartered at the Naval Magazine Facilities in the Subic Bay Freeport.

“None of us is perfect by nature, but you are perfect in showing us what we can do to defend our country and its people,” Eisma told the police contingent under the command of Police Superintendent Mario Mayames Jr.

“You volunteered to fight the terrorists, and you did a great service to our nation,” Eisma added.

During the recognition ceremony where employees cheered the police officers, Eisma announced that aside from a certificate of commendation, the SBMA will give each policeman P10,000 cash as a token of appreciation for upholding peace and order in the Freeport and other parts of the country.

The SAF were part of the joint military and police forces that ended the war in Marawi after five months of fighting.

For his part, Mayames recalled that before deployment to Marawi, the SAF volunteers underwent a two-week refresher course in combat skills, armaments and equipment. Yet their training in mountain, jungle and urban warfare did not prepare them for the Marawi experience, he added.

“The situation in Marawi was very rare. Unlike before where we conducted urban warfare and our enemies were holed in one or three buildings, in Marawi the enemies were in all the buildings and had a 360-degrees firing range. Our firing range was only 180 degrees,” Mayames said.

Still he noted that after the three months in Marawi, the Subic-based 2nd SAF battalion only suffered two wounded among its 42 members.

Mayames also recounted feeling pity for the devastation suffered by the city. “And I can’t help asking myself, was it really heroism that we did in Marawi?” he added.

“We just went there killing the enemies and (in effect) destroyed all of Marawi. Was it really heroism?” an emotional and teary-eyed Mayames asked.

The SBMA employees cheered and said, “Yes.”

The SAF commander also explained later why it was necessary to bomb and destroy the whole Marawi.

“We could not penetrate each building because of snipers who were holed up for cover underground,” he recalled. “The aerial bombings were necessary to put the enemy at bay so that the soldiers and police could launch an assault against them.” (RAV/MPD-SBMA)


PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma expresses the agency’s commendation of the courage and heroism of Subic-based SAF officers who volunteered to serve in the operations to free Marawi City from terrorists. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[3] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma presents the agency’s recognition of the courage and heroism of Subic-based SAF officers who volunteered to serve in the operations to free Marawi City from terrorists. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA recalls past struggles in building PHL’s first free port

Hundreds of former volunteers and current employees and officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on Friday recalled the hardship they overcame in building the first Philippine free port and renewed their commitment for a sustainable and more progressive Subic.

In a ceremony graciously attended by former heads of the agency, participants and guests in the culminating activity of the month-long SBMA 25th Anniversary Celebration remembered momentous events since Subic Bay Freeport was established in 1992.

Foremost among the images evoked here was the historic time when the Stars and Stripes was lowered for the last time in this former American military base, and an enormous 20-by-40 foot Philippine banner was raised.

On Friday, as SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma Eisma led in unveiling a marker for the country’s biggest national flag here, she reminded everyone of the parallelism between the struggles for national independence and the sacrifices made by SBMA volunteers to forge a brighter and better future for the community and the nation.

“It is on this very site where battles have been fought between foreign countries, seeking dominion over these precious waters and land; where the Filipino nation finally gained full sovereignty over this place; and where 8,000 volunteers answered the clarion call of SBMA founding chairman Richard Gordon and stood united and undaunted by the huge task of securing the facilities around after the Americans left in 1992,” Eisma said.

“Which is why it is but necessary for us to consecrate this ground as a witness to the sacrifice and courage of Filipinos, and for the flag as a symbol of their bravery and pride,” she added.

“Flying the Philippine flag here 24/7 permanently should be a matter of pride and honor, not just for us at SBMA or the Freeport, but for every Filipino. For it is indicative of the kind of nationalism that is expected from each and every one of us,” Eisma also said.

The anniversary celebration also served as a reunion for former top officials of the Subic agency.
Among those who arrived to remember Subic’s historic past were SBMA’s founding chairman and administrator and now Senator Richard J. Gordon; former Chairman and Administrator Felicito C. Payumo, who succeeded Gordon; former Administrator Armand C. Arreza; and former Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia.

The former officials assisted Chairman and Administrator Eisma and other agency officials in giving recognition to pioneer investor-companies, former Subic volunteers, and current SBMA employees.

Gordon, in his message at the unveiling of SBMA memorabilia here, indicated the continuing concern of former SBMA officials for the Subic Freeport and revealed some level of cooperation among them. He said that he and Payumo share their endorsement of the proposed underground road network that would interconnect Subic with Manila.

A tribute to Subic volunteers that was held at the Volunteers Shrine became the culminating event of the month-long celebration that began on November 6.

The other culminating events included a pass-by air show by the Philippine Air force, water salute by Salvtug tugboats, a silent drill by Philippine Merchant Marine Academy cadets, and an exhibition by the SBMA Marching Band.

Starting Friday, the SBMA and various tourism establishments in the Freeport also held a night bazaar and food festival at the Remy Field here, which included two nights of musical entertainment.

The Subic Pride Parade scheduled on Sunday, Nov. 26, was also included in the program to cap the celebration. (HEE/RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, assisted by National Historical Commission Executive Director Ludovico Badoy (left) and SBMA Deputy Administrator for Administration Ruel John Kabigting, unveils a marker authorizing the permanent hoisting of the Philippine national flag at the Subic Bay Freeport during the SBMA 25th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, Nov. 24. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] SALUTE TO SBMA: Tugboats execute a water salute while Philippine Air force planes do a pass-by overhead during the SBMA 25th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, Nov. 24, at the Subic Bay Freeport. AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[3] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma and SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Ramon O. Agregado return a salute by honor guards during a pass in review held on the SBMA 25th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, Nov. 24. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[4] Senator Richard G. Gordon, opens an SBMA memorabilia exhibit at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall during the SBMA 25th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, Nov. 24. Assisting him are, from left: former SBMA COO Rodolfo “Inky” Reyes; SBMA Directors Julita Manahan, Maria Cecilia Bobadilla-Bitare and Benny Antiporda; former SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza; SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Mar Sanqui; and SBMA Port Marketing manager Ronnie Yambao. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[5] Senator Richard G. Gordon and former SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza peruse SBMA memorabilia exhibited at the the Harbor Point Ayala Mall during the SBMA 25th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, Nov. 24. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[6] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma joins a parade of employees during the SBMA 25th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, Nov. 24. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Philippines’ biggest national flag to be hoisted permanently in Subic Bay

Local visitors and tourists alike can now enjoy the majestic view of Subic Bay with the dignified Philippine national flag flying on its pole 24-hours a day, including weekends.

This developed following the amendment of Republic Act No. 8491, also known as “The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” to designate the Subic Bay Freeport Zone as a place where the Philippine flag should be permanently hoisted.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said that she has received from Executive Director Ludovico Badoy of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) a copy of NHCP Board Resolution No. 8, s. 2017, which amended Section 19 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 8491.

“This allows us to fly the Philippine flag 24 hours a day, and every day of the week,” Eisma said. “And this is an honor we gladly receive, and a matter of deep pride for the SBMA,” she added.

Eisma said that as the SBMA is holding a month-long celebration for its 25th year anniversary that will culminate on November 24, the Philippine flag would again be at the center of the celebration because most of the activities are held in front of the SBMA administration building where the huge flag is located.

She added that a plaque from the NHCP attesting to the agency’s privilege to continuously fly the Philippine flag will be installed on the base of the flagpole fronting the SBMA office along the Waterfront Road here.

In June this year, SBMA Deputy Administrator for Administration Ruel John Kabigting wrote the NHCP regarding the SBMA’s intention to keep the Philippine flag, the biggest in the country, constantly flying, even during weekends and holidays.

“We wanted to give thousands of tourists who come to Subic Freeport the opportunity to behold and pay homage to the Philippine flag,” Kabigting said.

He noted that Philippine flag at the SBMA office is 44 feet long and 22 feet wide, and because it is flown atop a 120-feet high flagpole, is highly visible from many points in the Freeport.

“However, it is pitiful that visitors coming during weekends only see the flagpole without the huge Philippine flag flying at its top,” Kabigting said.

Kabigting said that flying the biggest Philippine flag in the country is a matter of pride and honor for every Filipino, “especially at this time when our sovereignty, territorial and exclusive economic rights are being challenged in the West Philippine Sea, and most recently the rebellion in the Marawi City.”

According to SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Public Works Marcelino Sanqui, the flagpole upon which the biggest Philippine flag is hoisted also has historical symbolism.

He said the 94 feet in its total height of 120 feet stands for the 94 years of American occupation of Subic Bay; the next 18 feet for the heads of states who attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference in Subic in 1996; and the remaining eight feet for the 8,000 volunteers who helped preserve Subic Bay facilities when the United States Navy withdrew in 1992.

Sanqui, who supervised the erection of the said flagpole in 1997, said the flagpole itself symbolizes national dignity and liberty, volunteerism and malasakit, and progress and development.

“It is dedicated to all volunteers who served and contributed their time, effort and skills to preserve and protect the former US Naval Base, which is now a bustling industrial center and tourism destination,” he added. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

The biggest Philippine flag in the country flies proudly at the SBMA main office in the Subic Bay Freeport. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Bay named Asia’s ‘Fastest Growing Free Trade Zone’

The Subic Bay Freeport Zone has again gained international attention when it garnered two awards in the International Finance Awards 2017 given out by the London-based International Finance Magazine (IFM), a financial market information group.

Under the Financial Awards category, the Subic Bay Freeport Zone was named the “Fastest Growing Free Trade Zone” in Asia while the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was recognized in the same category for its “Best Social Responsibility Initiative”.

The IFM awards recognize and honor individuals and organisations in the international finance industry that make a significant difference and add value, as well as herald the highest standards of innovation and performance.

Organizers said the IFM awards make a concerted effort to shine the spotlight on organizations in niche segments and those that exhibit brilliance in the unsung corners of the finance industry.
The other winners from the Philippines are: BPI Asset Management, as “Best Asset Manager”; Omnipay, as “Best Payment Solutions Provider”; and RCBC Bankard Services Corporation, “Best Credit Card Offerings”.

The awards will be handed out next year during the IFM Annual Award Ceremony scheduled on January 26 in Singapore.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma Eisma said it is “both an honor and privilege to be counted among IFM’s roster of excellence.”

“These awards, which come on the eve of SBMA’s 25th year anniversary, inspire us not only to celebrate our past but more importantly, to forge our country’s future for the sake of our children and future generations by continuing to make a difference and adding value to Filipino lives,” she added.

Subic Bay’s first award recognized its emergence as a flagship of the Philippine economy and a catalyst of growth in the region.

To date, the Subic Bay Freeport has a total of more than 126,000 workers employed by a total of 2,897 companies variously engaged in shipbuilding and other marine-related business, tourism, ICT, manufacturing, and services. With committed investments surpassing the $1.4-billion mark in the first quarter of this year, SBMA officials expect Subic to make more significant strides in the Philippine economy in the coming years.

The second award cited the SBMA for identifying the social needs of the indigenous Ayta community in the Subic Freeport area and taking the initiative to positively impact the social status, earning potential and access to services of the members of the tribe.

Last week, the Subic Bay Freeport was also recognized as the Best Sports Tourism Destination of the Year during the Third Sports Industries Awards and Conference Asia held in Bangkok, Thailand.

In the same event, the SBMA won the silver award for Best Sponsorship of a Sport, Team or Event for sponsoring triathlon events here in 2014 to 2016.

Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman Eisma was adjudged among this year’s winners in the search for the “100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World”, which recognizes Filipino women who are influencing the face of leadership in the global workplace.

Eisma received the award during the 14th Filipina Leadership Global Summit scheduled on October 25-29 in Toronto, Canada. (JRR)


PHOTOS:

[1] Fastest Growing Free Trade Zone in Asia award

[2] Best Social Responsibility Initiative award

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USS Stethem arrives in Subic Bay

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) arrived in Subic Bay for a brief port call that highlights the strong community and military connections between the Philippines and the United States.

The ship’s crew will use the stop to conduct some minor repairs with the assistance of Philippine companies.

The United States and Philippines continue to build upon their 70-year history of partnership through defense cooperation, port visits, and military training activities.

The American and Philippine militaries have worked together on areas of mutual interest including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and maritime security.

USS Stethem is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

PHOTO:
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) transiting waters east of the Korean Peninsula in March.

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Japan's largest naval ship to visit Subic Bay in June

Helicopter carrier JS Izumo, one of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s largest vessels, will pay a visit to the Philippines this coming June.

“The JS Izumo, the largest of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s vessel, will be visiting Subic Bay, Philippines this coming June and we’re looking forward to that visit,” Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado said after the turnover ceremony of the two Beechcraft King Air TC-90 aircraft in Sangley Point, Cavite on Monday.

Japan's helicopter carrier JS Izumo (DDH-183)

Mercado said the PN was still planning possible events with the Japanese ship and personnel.

“We are still planning whatever activities that we are going to have with them, but definitely they are going to allow the visit by some of our troops to have an idea of that particular vessel,” Mercado aid.

He also said that he was able to board the ship during a recent visit to Japan.

The construction of the JS Izumo began in 2011 at an IHI Marine United shipyard in Yokohama, with 113.9 billion yen (USD1.5 billion)funds set aside in 2010 budget.

Ships of this class were initially intended to replace the two ships of the Shirane class, which were originally scheduled to begin decommissioning in 2014.

JS Izumo, weighing 27,000 long tons and measuring 248 meters long, is the largest Japanese naval vessel since World War II.

She was laid down on Jan. 27, 2012 and launched on Aug. 6, 2013. The ship began sea trials on Sept. 29, 2014 and was commissioned on March 25, 2015. (Priam Nepumuceno, PNA)

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LOOK: The M/V Susitna arrives in Subic Bay

The M/V Susitna, a 195-foot military prototype vessel sits atop a barge as she arrives in Subic Bay Friday afternoon (Dec. 02).

Acquired by the Philippine Red Cross, it will serve as a multi-purpose vessel for emergency units’ fast transport and landing, relief supply transport, sea rescue, mobile operations command post and also for humanitarian education and training ship.

PRC Chairman and Senator Richard J. Gordon said a ship was essential for the PRC and the Red Cross Movement, as well, in order to effectively perform its humanitarian mandate in the Philippines and the Asia Pacific Region.

"Since it is designed for direct beach landings and to operate and land cargo and passengers on unimproved areas and damaged ports and wharfs, we won’t have to go through what we have experienced during Yolanda again,” Gordon said.

Read more here: http://www.manilalivewire.com/2016/07/philippine-red-cross-acquired-the-mv-susitna-ferry-to-effectively-perform-humanitarian-duties/

Lights from the heavy load carrier BigLift Happy Star illuminate the twilight sky in Subic Bay Freeport. The carrier is tasked to lift the M/V Susitna from atop a barge and settle it down onto the waters of Subic Bay.

https://www.facebook.com/SubicBayFreeportZone/

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Chinese firm eager to invest in tourism ventures in Subic

A CHINESE firm is keen on investing in the Philippines, following the thawing of previously icy diplomatic ties between Manila and Beijing.

In a news statement, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Bai Fan, CFO of the Beijing Tourism Group Co. Ltd. (BTG), expressed the company’s intent to invest in the Subic Bay free-port zone.

“Subic has many beautiful types of scenery and has a lot of potential to the market, and it is also close to Manila. I think this is the best time to invest in the Philippines, since you have good relationship with China,” Fan said. The DOT did not say, however, in what area of the tourism industry BTG intends to sink in its money.

The new Chinese investment was revealed on the heels of an agreement signed between the DOT and the China National Tourism Administration of Beijing to implement a tourism cooperation program from 2017 to 2022. The agreement includes, among others, a framework to encourage investments in tourism infrastructure, and a scheme to increase tourism traffic in both countries.

BTG is a holding firm based in Beijing that operates hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and other tourism-related enterprises, as well as catering, entertainment, department stores and shopping malls, through several subsidiaries.

According to its web site, the company was founded in 1998 and, since then, has grown to be one of China’s top 10 tourism companies, and ranks among the country’s top 500 firms. A budget hotel subsidiary, the Home Inns Group, is listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange in New York.

BTG was among the Chinese companies that met with Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon T. Teo on Thursday. The DOT chief was part of the official delegation of President Duterte on his first state visit to China. In their meeting, Teo highlighted investment opportunities in the Philippines’s fast-growing tourism sector, especially in the hotel sector. She said the Philippines would also welcome Chinese investments in infrastructure and aviation.

Teo pointed out that the Philippines will need over 100,000 rooms, especially in the four- and five-star categories, as the DOT targets to increase tourist arrivals to 12 million by the end of President Duterte’s term in 2022.

“We encourage you to invest in the Philippines now, as our country and China strengthen our bilateral trade and business relations,” she said, adding that the Philippines “enjoys the highest growth rate in international arrivals in Southeast Asia.”

In the same meeting, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) Chief Operating Officer lawyer Guiller Asido discussed fiscal incentives available to tourism zone investors.

“We are offering a tax holiday for six years to investors, as well as tax exemption on equipment that you will bring in,” he said. Formerly known as the Philippine Tourism Authority, Tieza is a unit of the DOT tasked to “develop, manage and supervise tourism-infrastructure projects in the country,” as well as set up tourism economic zones.

The DOT secretary also encouraged the Chinese investors to consider other destinations in the Philippines, such as Samal Island in Davao; Bataan; Bohol; and Siargao in Surigao del Norte.

The Asean is composed of Brunei Darussalam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The regional group has a free-trade agreement with China, which was signed in November 2002. (Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo, BusinessMirror)

In Photo:
Philippine Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon T. Teo (center) with members of the Philippine delegation, which includes Tourism Assistant Secretary Rolando Canizal (first from left, standing), and TIEZA’s Guiller Asido (right, seated), with key Chinese investors. (BusinessMirror)


Read More: http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/chinese-firm-eager-to-invest-in-tourism-ventures-in-subic/

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