Potential investments expected in Subic Freeport following visit of Thai biz delegation

A delegation of Thai business leaders, led by Her Excellency Makawadee Sumitmor, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Philippines, recently visited Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) to explore promising investment opportunities in this strategic economic zone.

The delegation was warmly received by Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, Chairman and Administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), who highlighted the region's strategic location within the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) and its potential as a hub for trade and industry.

On 26 July 2026, at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), members of the Thai business delegation met with SBMA’s Business and Investment Group (BIG) officers to discuss avenues for collaboration and potential investments in the SBF.

Ambassador Sumitmor emphasized the strong investment potential for Thai companies in sectors such as energy, logistics, technology, digital innovation, and various service industries. Representatives from the Thai embassy, the delegation, and PTT Philippines Corporation expressed optimism about future partnerships.

The delegation also toured key facilities and businesses within the Freeport, identifying strategic areas for investment in the LEC. PTT Philippines Corporation, a leading oil and energy company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thailand’s PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (PTT OR), serves as a strong foundation for expanding Thai ventures within the region.

The Subic Bay Freeport Zone plays a crucial role as a western maritime gateway in the Luzon Economic Corridor, linking major economic centers including Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas. The LEC initiative aims to enhance infrastructure and logistics, fostering greater connectivity through substantial planned investments.

Thailand is actively pursuing opportunities in trade, logistics, and manufacturing within the Philippines’ LEC. The relative proximity of Subic Bay to Thailand, accessible by sea within three to four days, offers significant logistical advantages for Thai businesses seeking regional expansion.

Current Thai investments, exemplified by PTT Philippines, set the stage for expanded engagement across the corridor’s energy and freeport sectors, signaling growing bilateral economic cooperation. (30)

Read More

Subic Freeport’s 10 Outstanding workers in 2025 named

The Search for the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers of 2025, co-organized by the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. (SBWDFI) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), hailed its awardees in a ceremony held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on Wednesday, November 26. 

Now in its 24^th year, this year's recognition rites, themed “Dakila ka, Manggagawa,” centered on the various individual achievements of the honorees who have uplifted this premier Freeport’s reputation as a bastion of commendable employment practices that are achieved through collaboration with industry partners.

 

“Today we celebrate the strength and excellence of the Subic Bay Freeport workforce. The ten Outstanding Freeport Workers embody discipline, professionalism, and dedication—values that drive the continuous growth of our community,” SBWDFI president and SBMA Labor Department manager, Atty. Melvin Varias said. 

 

According to the chairman of the Board of Judges, Philippine National Police-Olongapo City Public Information Officer, P/Lt. Mary Ann Sadaba, the Board received a total of 21 nominations, 12 in the supervisory positions and nine in the rank and file positions, each demonstrating remarkable contributions to the success and growth of the Freeport. Then, “carefully evaluated each candidate based on several key categories.” 

 

The 2025 Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers were Rowena M. Picardal of the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation; Charrie Mae M. Borja of Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center Baypointe, Inc.; Abraham S. Ayson of Wistron Infocomm (Philippines) Corporation; Darren N. Dacanay of PTT Philippines Corporation; Maureen S. Dela Cruz of PlayAsia Support Subic Ltd. Inc.; Katrina Anne R. Valenzuela of PlayAsia Support Subic Ltd. Inc.; Jenny Y. Dela Cruz of Royal Duty Free Shops, Inc.; Lex Byron D. Magrata of the SBMA Public Relations Department; Alvin A. Dagdagan of the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation; and Alpha Eris M. Reyes of Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center Baypointe, Inc. 

 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, who was the guest of honor, also rendered his congratulatory message to the awardees. 

 

“Sa ating mga Outstanding Freeport Workers, you are not just valued. You are essential. Ang inyong talento, dedikasyon at sipag ang nagpapatakbo sa puso ng Subic Bay Freeport Zone,” he added.  

 

He also lauded the SBWDFI, which for 24 years has been honoring individuals who do not simply perform their duties, but uplift industries, inspire peers, and strengthen the very foundation of the community. 

 

The Search for the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers honors individuals from various Freeport locators for their excellence in their respective fields of expertise and for their significant contributions towards achieving productivity and industrial harmony within the freeport. (MPD-SBMA) 

Read More

SBMA honors 175 service awardees

A total of 175 service awardees were honored during the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)’s 11th Loyalty Awards Ceremony at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on November 17, 2025.

The SBMA Loyalty Awards aim to recognize employees who have served in government for ten years, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years.

The ceremony was graced by Civil Service Commission-Central Office’s Assistant Commissioner for Professionalization and Cooperation Atty. Judith A. Dongallo-Chicano.

“This celebration stands as a testament to your dedication and commitment. We celebrate not only the number of years you have devoted to public service. Each of you has been part of the continuing journey of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. SBMA stands strong today because of people like you. You have been part of every improvement, every achievement, and every story of progress that defines this institution,” Dongallo-Chicano said.

44 awardees in the ten years of service were recognized, including a posthumous award for an employee who passed away in August 2024; 5 awardees in the 15 years of service; 114 awardees in the 20 years of service; nine awardees in the 25 years of service; and three awardees in the 30 years of service.

Meanwhile, the said awardees, together with the Employee of the Year 2024 finalists, whose awarding ceremony also coincided with the Loyalty Awards ceremony, were accorded a tribute through a grand entrance with the Jose de Piro Kabataan Orchestra, a non-profit organization from Dinalupihan, Bataan.

Nora P. Sevillejo, one of the three awardees in the 30 years of service, delivered her inspirational message expressing heartfelt gratitude to her colleagues and to the SBMA, being her second home for the past three decades.

“I am deeply honored to stand before you today as we celebrate the recipients of the Loyalty Awards. 30 years in service, this recognition holds great significance not just for the individuals receiving it, but for all of us who have had the privilege to work alongside all of you,” Sevillejo said.  

“Loyalty is a value that is built on trust, commitment, and unwavering dedication. It is not measured by time alone, but by the quality of service. The individuals we honor today have demonstrated all these qualities and more. SBMA has been more than just a workplace. It has been a place where I have been able to build a career, and be part of a community,” she added.

Sevillejo recalled she started as a volunteer in the Tourism Department with fellow awardee Judith Stenseth in 1994. She was assigned to the Financial Planning & Budget Department, and the latter to the Treasury Department, after a few months as a volunteer. From then on, Sevillejo has strictly monitored the capital expenditures of SBMA according to rules. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

Turnaround operations for MV Costa Serena commences in Subic Bay Freeport

This premier Freeport has stepped up its services as it marked a significant milestone in the cruise ship industry, becoming the turnaround hub for the MV Costa Serena cruise ship on September 26, 2025.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño shared that the processing of passengers for the cruise turnaround was conducted at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC).

245 passengers from the Port of Busan, South Korea, disembarked the MV Costa Serena while some 2,700 passengers boarded the cruise ship for a six-day tour to other Asian countries.

The ship departed the Port of Subic Bay, en route to Keelung, Taiwan, followed by Ishigaki, Japan, ending its six-day journey at the Port of Manila.

“Turnaround cruises” refers to the practice where a cruise ship's itinerary starts and ends in the same port, typically a major city like Miami or Rome, allowing for passenger and crew changes, and ship servicing before the next group boards. 

These “turnaround ports” facilitate a continuous cycle of voyages, as opposed to repositioning cruises, which are one-way trips that move ships to a new homeport for a different season, often resulting in more sea days and unique itineraries. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

3rd Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit in Subic Bay Freeport concluded

This premier Freeport recently concluded the 3rd Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) last September 12, 2025.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño lauded organizers and participants for the resounding success of the three-day event, which ran from September 10 to 12, 2025.

 

Themed “Building Green Legacies: Sustaining Nature, Celebrating Culture, and Empowering Industry,” the summit was well-attended by business leaders and communities who plan to shape the Freeport and the rest of Central Luzon into a greener, more inclusive future.

 

Aliño gave his presentation on “Sustainable Subic: Tracking the Race to Zero,” which discussed the plight of Subic Bay Freeport’s bid to become the first carbon-neutral economic zone in the country.

 

He said that the agency’s first move was to map out the SBMA’s pathway to carbon neutrality, which entailed turning over of solar-assisted electric vehicle charging stations for the e-buses, and regular community-based projects and activities such as coastal cleanups and collecting recyclables.

 

“We aim to make sustainable Subic stakeholder engagements, initiatives, and activities like these a way of life here in Subic Bay,” he added.

 

During the summit, distinguished guests namely, Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Maria Esperanza Frasco, DOT Director for Office of Film and Sports Tourism and concurrent OIC Region IV-B Director Roberto P. Alabado III, DOT Region III Director Richard G. Daenos, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region III Executive Director Engr. Ralph C. Pablo, all expressed their full support for the summit.

 

The three-day activity included a trade expo of local products, various ecotours of “green” destinations, and lectures on “Heritage Conservation: Living Traditions in the Modern World” by UP Cebu’s Dr. Laya B. Gonzales, and “From Relics to Relevance: Museum as Custodians of Archeology, History, and Heritage for Sustainable Development” by National Museum of the Philippines Dr. Michael P. Canilao.

 Also, a lecture on “Green Infrastructure: Designing Cities that Breathe” was given by Philippine Green Building Initiative Arch. Michaela Rosette M. Santos-Tayag, followed by “From Plate to Planet: Food waste, Recycling and the Power of Segregation” by Zed Avecilla of the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), Rina Papio and Nikki Sevilla of the Philippine Alliance for Sustainable Solutions (PASS).

 

The summit wrapped up with more lectures from Philippine Institute for Development Studies Dr. John Paulo Rivera on “Youth in Sustainability: Shaping tomorrow’s Green Leaders” and “Sustainable Tourism: Protecting Underwater Cultural Wonders while Welcoming the World” by National Museum of the Philippines Curator Bobby Orillaneda.

 

The entire event was highlighted by the Sustainable Tourism Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Awards to honor champions of sustainability in the tourism industry. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

Ret. US Navy educates SBF stakeholders on Box Jellyfish Awareness and Treatment

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Public Health and Safety Group (PHSD) has tapped the expertise of United States Navy retired Chief Petty Officer Michael Walls to educate stakeholders here on Box Jellyfish Awareness and Treatment.

 

Around 218 participants, mostly SBMA employees, locators, residents, guests, and other SBF stakeholders, Association of Ambulance Operators in Olongapo and Zambales, and other medical responders, especially locators in the beach resort business, took part in the seminar held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on May 9, 2025.

 

"We are seeing more jellyfish now than in previous years," Wells said.

 

“Stings from the box jellyfish can be fatal, especially in children," Walls added. He expounded further by imparting ways on how to avoid incidents of jellyfish stings, as well as immediate treatment when subjected to such.

 

According to the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman-College of Science, the box jellyfish is known for its distinctive box-like appearance and potent venom that can cause potentially systemic effects, which if not immediately addressed, could be fatal.

 

The Chironex yamaguchii, a dangerous species of box jellyfish known to originate from Japan, is also present in Philippine waters, as well as in the Indo-Pacific and Western Pacific regions. Their tentacles can inflict extreme pain, cause skin injuries with welts, and even trigger heart attacks and death.

 

The Box Jellyfish Awareness and Treatment seminar, which aims to promote critical knowledge that could help save lives in case of a box jellyfish sting, is part of the SBMA’s Public Health and Safety Group’s Health and Wellness Caravan. (MPD-SBMA)

 

Read More

SBMA gathers Luzon entrepreneurs for fund bootcamp project

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), through its Business and Investment Group, welcomed aspiring entrepreneurs from different regions of Luzon to the Start-Up Grant Fund Boot Camp.

 

The three-day boot camp, which will run from February 26 to 28 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), was organized by the Sulong Central Luzon Start-up Consortium, Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DoST-PCIEERD), and Bulacan State University.

 

During the boot camp, partner agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will equip the participants with essential skills in line with the Start-up Grant Fund (SGF) Program, such as Innovation and Business Model Thinking, Business Case Development and Market Insights, Pitching and Presentation Mastery, and Proposal Writeshop to perfect grant application.

 

Engr. Dennis Dela Cruz, SULONG Central Luzon Project Leader, opened the event by acknowledging startups and startup enablers present, while Dr. Julius Caesar Sicat, DOST III Regional Director, shared insights on the current state of agriculture, innovation, and science and tech in Region 3.

 

Also, Engr. Edward Paul Apigo, PCIEERD SGF Program Manager, introduced the DOST PCIEERD's programs for startups and startup enablers, highlighting the SGF Program's benefits.

 

Meanwhile, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato W. Lee III and Business and Investment Department for Information and Communications Technology (BID-ICT) manager Engr. Panfilo S. Jurilla expressed their unwavering support in making this event happen. Let's innovate, collaborate, and grow together. (MPD-SBMA) 

Read More

400 Masonic riders join historic 1st-ever Unity Ride to SBFZ

At least 400 members of different Masonic Riders Clubs from all over Luzon joined the first ever Unity Ride and converged at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC).

The Unity Ride, which started from the different hometowns of different Masonic Riders’ Clubs, entered the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) thru the Tipo Security Plaza, toured the San Bernardino road en route Olongapo City, and finally to SBECC for its final stop.

“I preferred it to be held here in Subic (Freeport) to make it historical for the riders to be in the country’s top tourist destination because this is a dream destination for them,” Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino said.

Paulino, who is also the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, added that the Unity Ride was aimed unifying all Masonic Riding Clubs and Associations and maintaining harmony among the masons by promoting the Masonic Year “Clear Vision of Masonic Harmony” thru this unity ride.

Organized by the Sons of Luzon Pilipinas and the Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association, they were joined by East and West, Travellers, King Solomon, and Vespa riders, among other riders’ clubs.

Coming all the way from Lipa City, Batangas, Bro. Gil Quiambao, Jr. of the Sons of Luzon, the organizing group, said that the Unity Ride, which was in coordination with the SBMA, to unify all Masonic Riding Clubs and Associations.

The Unity Ride 2022 is a motorcycle ride is open to all Mason motorcycle riders and enthusiasts. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

Subic to host Miss Philippines-World finals with full health-safety protocols

The Miss World Philippines coronation night will be held here tomorrow at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) with full safety protocols following full endorsement for the event to proceed from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the pageant’s final ceremony here was only approved after rigorous vetting of Covid-19 health procedures and subsequent assurances by organizers that they will strictly follow protocols set by the IATF.

“This will be another bubble event like the other ones Subic had hosted for basketball and volleyball tournaments, as well as some national conferences,” Eisma said.

“The SBMA Board approved the request of ALV Event International, Inc., the organizer of the Miss World Philippines, to have the event here in Subic only after the Regional Task Force (RTF3) conducted an online coordination meeting with us and the organizers,” she added.

Eisma said among the requirements set were: full vaccination of all attendees; conduct of daily antigen tests, including guests, during the pageant; 24-hour posting of marshals with placards to act as health and safety protocol checkers, along with usherettes; and daily health declarations/reports with QR-coded IDs for contact tracing.

“Aside from the 44 candidates, there will also be guests and members of the organizing committee who will be taking part in the event. And we all want them to contain themselves for the duration of the event,” Eisma added.

“We’d like to stress here that we have set a 1:30 marshal-guests ratio to ensure enforcement of health protocols and that there will be only 800 attendees in a 5,000-capacity venue,” she also said.

Meanwhile, Miss World Philippines national director Arnold Vegafria expressed his gratitude for the approval to stage the coronation night at the SBECC.

He said that his promotion submitted its proposal to SBMA to stage the coronation night in Subic on September 21 and received r3ecommendation from the SBMA board of directors four days later after thoroughly establishing required safety measures.

“Rest assured that all IATF and SBMA health protocols will be strictly enforced by our EWP medical director-in-charge as recommended in the SBMA Board resolution,” he added.

The coronation night will feature 44 candidates vying for seven crowns in the pageant. These are titles for Miss World Philippines, Miss Eco Philippines, Miss Eco Teen Philippines, Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas, Miss Multinational, Miss Philippines Tourism, and Miss Environment International.

The Miss World Philippines pageant, which is one of the most prestigious beauty pageants in the country, is on its 10th edition this year. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

MEN'S BEACH VOLLEYBALL / MUAY THAI - The 30th SEA Games in Subic Bay (In Photos)

Day 3 of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, December 4, 2019, Subic Bay Cluster.

[1] The men’s beach volleyball game between Malaysia and Cambodia at the Subic Sand Court on Dec. 4.

[2] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma watches the men’s beach volleyball game between Malaysia and Cambodia and leads in cheering for the foreign athletes.

[3] Filipino muay thai duo Jerome Calica and Joemar Gallaza carry a dazzling performance to win the gold medal in the Male Waikru & Mai Muay event at the Subic Bay and Exhibition Center on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

[4] Thailand women’s duo Thanawan Thongduang and Ruchira Wongsriwo spar for a gold-medal finish in the Waikru & Mai Muay Thai event at the Subic Bay and Exhibition Center on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

[5] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma with Muay Thai silver medalists Irendin Lepatan (left) and Rusha Mae Bayacsan who won in the Waikru Mai Muay Thai women’s competition at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on Dec. 4 with 9.45 points.

[6] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma congratulates Philippine Muay Thai athletes Jerchen Calica and Joemar Gallaza after winning the gold for men’s Waikru at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on Dec. 4.

[7]Employees of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)clean up portions of the triathlon venue along Subic’s Waterfront Road on Dec. 4 after rains and winds from Typhoon ‘Tisoy’ affected SEA Games venues in the Subic Bay Freeport.

Photos & captions by the SBMA Media Production Department/Roderick Cerezo/Carrie T. Aspa/Dong Andres

Read More

PENCAK SILAT / CHESS - The 30th SEA Games in Subic Bay (In Photos)

Day 2 of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, December 3, 2019, Subic Bay Cluster

[1] Singaporean trio Nuwaid Hasif Bin Zainal Abidin, Muhammad Nazrul Bin Moho Kamal and Hamillan Arash Bin Juffrie perform to win the gold in the men’s Seni Regu finals of pencak silat at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in the Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 3.

[2] Malaysian duo Mohd Taqiyuddin Bin Hamid and Sazzlan Bin Yuga demonstrate their routine to win the gold in the men’s Seni Ganda finals of pencak silat at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in the Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 3.

[3] Indonesian Puspa Arum Sari shows her best form to win the gold medal in the women’s Seni Tunggal event of pencak silat at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in the Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 3.

[4] Eugene Torre, the first Filipino grandmaster, sees action in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games chess competition at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in the Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 3

[5] Philippines’ woman grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna meets Vietnamese woman grandmaster Hoang Thi Bao Tram in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games chess competition at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in the Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 3.


Photos & captions by the SBMA Media Production Department/ Jun Dumaguing/Robin Tuazon

Read More

Edmar Tacuel clinches gold in men's pencak silat

Philippines bet Edmar Tacuel strengthened the country's bid for an overall championship after delivering a gold medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games pencak silat men's seni tinggal singles event at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center Monday.

Tacuel scored a total of 470 to cop gold. Singapore's Muhammad Rahman placed second with 461, while Indonesia's Ding Sulistianto settled for bronze with 460.

According to the SEA Games 2019 website, Pencak silat is a traditional Indonesian martial art, which is "a full-body fighting form incorporating strikes, grappling and throwing in addition to weaponry." Every part of the body is used and subject to attack. (Ma. Angelica Garcia/JST, GMA News)

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/othersports/717515/edmar-tacuel-clinches-gold-in-men-s-pencak-silat/story/

Read More

SBMA chief cites ‘corps of heroes’

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma congratulated on Friday the finalists and winner of the agency’s 2018 Employee of the Year (EOY award, saying it was her pride to lead a “corps of heroes” in the Subic agency.

“There’s no better way to celebrate heroism than by getting together and cheering them on, and making sure they are appreciated,” Eisma said during the awarding rites.

“They are here right now being feted because it is also a celebration of each and every one of us. We are the corps of heroes. You are the corps of heroes of the SBMA,” she added.

The SBMA chief also praised the agency’s employees for giving more than what they can give without expecting anything in return.

“That’s what makes me so proud to lead this organization. Because we have employees who exemplify what malasakit is, who exemplify integrity, character, passion, and love in every day that they come in for work,” Eisma also said.

The awarding, which took place at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on Jan. 25, named Nida Linda C. Rojo as the agency’s 2018 EOY.

Rojo was nominated for excellence in supervising the tourism linkages and VIP services unit of the SBMA Tourism Department, and for delivering results above expectations.

Tourism manager Mary Jamelle Camba added that Rojo adapts well in both office and field activities, a trait that was key to representing Subic Bay in travel fairs and expositions locally and internationally.

Aside from Rojo, who was also awarded EOY of the Chairman and Administrator’s Group, five other finalists were named EOYs of their respective strategic business units (SBUs).

They are: Karren Balajadia of the Land Asset Development Department (LADD), who was named EOY of the Business and Investment Group; Christine Joy Robrico of Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department, EOY of the Operations Group; Alexander Canlas of Law Enforcement Department, EOY of the Public Services Group; Helen Castillones of the Ecology Center, EOY of the Regulatory Group; Ronald Rondez of Labor Department, EOY of the Support Services Group.

The winners were cited for their excellent performance beyond the call of duty and for various innovations in the workplace.

The SBMA Employee of the Year Awards is a project of the SBMA Human Resources Management Department to recognize and reward exemplary services rendered by employees in line with the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

The finalists were selected according to the following criteria: industriousness and productivity, 50 percent; quality customer service, 30 percent; and malasakit and honesty, 20 percent.

Chairman Eisma said that some of the winners of the SBMA EOY awards had gone on to win Pagasa awards, the Civil Service Commission’s honor awards program for outstanding government workers. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA 2018 Employee of the Year Nida Linda C. Rojo accepts the torch passed onto her by the previous EOY (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma (4th from left) congratulates SBMA 2018 Employee of the Year Nida Linda C. Rojo, along with (L-R) SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Support Services Ramon Agregado, CSC-Zambales Dir. Jose Gea, SBMA tourism manager Jamelle Camba, SBMA Dir. Ma. Cecilia Bitare, SDA for Regulatory Amethya dela Llana, and SDA for Business and Investment Renato Lee. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

SBMA urges locators: ‘Connect, or go extinct!’

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has urged business locators here to invest more in technology to remain competitive, or simply be left behind.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said companies operating in the Subic Freeport have to strengthen their capacity to interconnect computing systems and application platforms because it is the key to meeting the growing demands in the local and international markets.

“We should always be on the cutting edge,” Eisma said. “Investors in Subic, especially, should try to keep up with the changing demands of their clients and the global market through faster transaction and real-time monitoring.”

“If they don’t think about connectivity, they’d go the way of the dinosaurs—they’ll be just as extinct as far as competition goes,” she added.

The SBMA official made this exhortation at the side lines of the first Information and Communications Technology Forum held recently at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), where the country’s telecommunications giants PLDT, Smart Communications, Converge ICT Solution, and Globe Telecom/Innové showed off their latest products and services.

Among the new offerings by PLDT and Smart Communications were applications on cloud computing and hosting, co-location, and managed security and network services.


On the other hand, Globe exhibited its “Shopify” platform and vehicle tracker, while Converge ICT displayed its pure fiber internet system.

Eisma said the need for speed and computing power, as well as for improved locator operations and customer experience, were the reasons why the SBMA, through its Business and Investment Department for Information and Communications Technology, organized the forum.

“Things have changed by leaps and bounds in the last 20 years,” Eisma said, recalling that when she first joined the SBMA as volunteer in 1992 they were all using pagers and the bulky black mobile phones.

“Back then we thought that was really cool, but who would have known 20 years ago that we will now be chatting on Facebook, or video-conferencing on the phone?” she added.

Eisma said that in these days when virtual interface is already possible, the application of technology has become so essential to doing business anywhere in the world.

“Clearly, connectivity is the only way to go—and this is true in the various growth capitals of the world, as well as in Subic. We should be forward-looking because that’s how we will survive the competition,” Eisma concluded. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma underscores the necessity of technology in doing business at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

SBMA, DOLE, DepEd, investors unite to close labor gaps

Government agencies here are now working closely with the education sector and local business locators to harmonize efforts at closing the mismatch between available jobs and available manpower in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and nearby communities.

Some 1,200 officials from government and private sectors, as well as educators and students, gathered at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) here last week for the Annual Labor Congress organized by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to tackle the issue of labor gaps.

Among the attendees were representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE),
Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and local government units (LGUs).

SBMA Labor Department manager Severo Pastor Jr. explained that the one-day congress serves as venue to address employment issues, help students choose the right academic or technical course to take in college, and assist the education sector to determine what relevant courses or skills training they should offer.

“Most often, students enrolled in courses that are not suitable for jobs offered by investors in the Freeport, or that courses that would likely get more employment offers were not offered in schools,” Pastor noted.

As both these case result in employment gaps, Pastor said the academe should take necessary actions to address the skills-employment mismatch by offering courses relevant to the skills needed in the locality, particularly by Subic investor-companies.

“There should be a continuous flow of skilled or professional workers needed by investors in the Subic Freeport, so that we can sustain the local economy,” he also said.

SBMA records indicate that there are now a total of 1,587 business locators in the Subic Freeport, with more than 134,000 workers employed.

Meanwhile, Dir. Ben-Hur Baniqued Jr., head of TESDA- Zambales, revealed that as of October 2017, there are 7.8 million workers available in Region III. However, unemployment in the region is at 76%, which is way higher than the national average, he added.

“Underemployment (in the region) is tremendous,” Baniqued remarked. He said that while the government is considering Central Luzon as an alternative hub to decongesting Metro Manila, the industries, especially investors in the Subic Freeport, must help the academic sector by providing free training to students through on-the-job programs to further develop the local workforce.

At present, Baniqued said, there are about 430 private institutions in Region III that provide more than 2,000 Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs for aspiring job applicants.

In the same forum, SBMA Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Kenneth Rementilla painted a rosy picture for job generation in the Subic Bay Freeport, pointing out that the SBMA has been actively promoting business in Subic through investment missions abroad.

He added that the Subic agency has been hugely successful in drawing new investments, mostly in manufacturing, as well as leisure and tourism sectors.

Rementilla also said that because the Subic Bay Freeport is largely located within the fenced-in portion of the former US military facility here, the SBMA is now looking into expansion schemes to address the shortage of land area for further business development and to create more jobs for local workers. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)


PHOTOS:

[1] Business locators, students and teachers, as well as concerned government agencies attend the Labor Congress organized by the SBMA on June 28 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] SBMA Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Kenneth Rementilla (center) and PMAP-Subic President Edith Geniza hand over a certificate of appreciation to TESDA Provincial Director Ben-Hur Baniqued Jr. after he addressed the Labor Congress held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on June 28. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

Subic Freeport eyes huge tourism ROI from 4-day Ad Summit

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) expects a huge bonanza for tourism establishments here with the hosting of the Ad Summit Pilipinas 2018 on March 7 to 10at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC).

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said that with about 5,000 participants going to what is recognized as the country’s biggest advertising and marketing event, the four-day Ad Summit would provide substantial revenue to tourism-related establishments, as well as media mileage to Subic Bay.

“It’s the hotels and restaurants and theme parks that would benefit most from this forthcoming event in Subic, and I hope that they’d make the best out of it,” Eisma said.

“But as a whole, the Subic Bay Freeport would be a winner in terms of promotion and media exposure and that is the best ROI (return on investment) that we get out of this event,” she added.

Eisma said that the SBMA would receive some P8.7 million in direct and indirect benefits from hosting the four-day convention.

“This will be on top of the income to be made by business establishments in the Freeport, as well as accredited suppliers during the event. So the actual ROI is quite huge, overall,” she pointed out.

According to the SBMA Tourism Department, the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies (4As), which organizes Ad Summit, has committed around P7 million in media mileage to the SBMA for the upcoming event.

These include press releases and feature articles in print and online media; posters, flyers and banners for marketing and promotion; official television commercial and radio plugs; as well as exposure on social media.

Meanwhile, organizers would also have to pay the SBMA close to P1.2 million in SBECC utility fees and ad permits.

On the other hand, the Subic agency would earn an estimated P450,000 from the environment and tourism administrative fee (ETAF) charged by local hotels on their guests, and around P60,000 in ETAF from theme parks in the Freeport.

SBMA Tourism Department head Jem Camba said that some delegates to the summit bring along family members, who would visit parks and resorts in Subic and patronize local restaurants and shops in the Subic Bay and Olongapo City area.

Camba said organizers are charging each delegate P19,000 for Ad Summit inclusions like entrance to plenary sessions and talks, officially-sponsored meals, shuttle service within the summit venues, and admission to the awards night, parties and special events.

“However, this fee won’t cover hotel accommodation and breakfast, so this is where local businesses would earn from,” she explained.

Subic will be hosting Ad Summit Pilipinas for the third time since the biennial advertising and marketing convention organized by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies (4As) debuted here in May 2014. The upcoming event is themed “DIY Your ROI,” as the advertising industry takes a closer look at the various impacts of creative work.

Organizers predicted that the Ad Summit will be a jampacked event, as they assembled a panel of speakers who will focus on new paradigms and innovative creative solutions to effect financial, as well as social, impact.

The Ad Summit will also feature the Creative Guild’s Kidlat Awards, which the group is promoting to be the country’s most prestigious creative advertising competition. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

The Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, venue of Ad Summit Pilipinas 2018

Read More

Subic Freeport to host Ad Summit 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PHOTO:

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

Read More

Cycling: SEA Games vets rule ITT

Mark Galedo, Marella Salamat and Jay Lampawog shone brightest among the country’s top guns of cycling by ruling the individual time trial (ITT) races of the Philippine National Cycling Championships for Road inside the Subic Bay Freeport.

Galedo clocked 43 minutes and 6.876 seconds to win the gold medal in the men’s ITT raced over a 31-km course, snatching in the process the coveted national champion’s jersey from the PhilCycling.

The former SEA Games gold medalist also banked the top purse of P50,000 from PRU Life UK, which bankrolled the PRUride ph 2018.

Galedo’s fellow national team members George Oconer and Rustom Lim completed the podium, finishing the race-against-the-clock race 19 and 30 seconds behind.

“I will proudly wear this jersey,” said Galedo, who, like all the other 25 riders who raced the ITT, had to pedal through Subic’s strong winds that rushed from almost all directions along the entire route.

Pru Life UK Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Allan Tumbaga, world top-ranked cyclist Filipino-American Coryn Rivera, Prudential PLC Head of Sponsorship Diane Pender and PhilCycling Secretary General Atty. Billy Sumagui awarded the prizes to the winners.

Salamat, the SEA Games ITT queen, was hardly challenged in her pet event and won the 21-km women’s race in 34:49.163. She also grabbed the P50,000 prize.

Taiwan’s Chng Ting Ting settled for the silver medal while Jermyn Prado, winner of the women’s road race last Friday, was third.

Lampawog, on the other hand, took the under-23 title, crossing the finish of the event also raced on the men’s course in 45:02.038. (Manila Bulletin)

Morales, Prado top elite races

Jan Paul Morales won a sprint finish against Ronald Oranza and Jermyn Prado won pulling away to rule the Philippine National Cycling Championships for Road over a technical and treacherous route Friday in Subic and Bataan.

A total of 96 riders answered the gun for the men’s elite race of the PhilCycling but it was Morales, a many-time national team member who emerged as one of the biggest winners of the event that awarded the coveted national champions’ jerseys to the victors.

“I really went for the win but I had to work hard for this one,” said Morales moments after his victory that earned him not only P50,000 in cash from organizer Pru Life UK but also an all-expense paid trip to the Prudential Ride London in July.

Morales clocked three hours, 42 minutes and 55 seconds – same time as Oranza –over the 137-km course that included a treacherous climb to the Dambana ng Mga Bayani at Mt. Samat in Mariveles, Bataan.

Felipe Marcelo and Jonel Carcueva figured in a race incident close to the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center finish and shared third place in one of the races that highlight the PRUride PH 2018.

Oranza brought home P25,000 while Marcelo and Carcueva shared the third and fourth place prizes of P15,000 and P12,500, respectively.

Also earning tickets to London and R50,000 each were Prado and Men Under 23 winner Ismael Gorospe. (Tempo)

PHOTO:

SBMA Deputy Administrator for Regulatory Group Atty. Ruel John Kabigting (left), signals the send off for cyclists participating in the Subic-leg of PRUride Ph 2018, said to be one of the biggest cycling events in the country at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention ground Friday. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More