SBMA names airport engineer Employee of the Year

An engineer in the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) was named 2014 Employee of the Year during the awarding ceremony held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on Thursday.

Engr. Aldrin Sadang, supervising airways communicator, who was also named Employee of the Year for the Aviation and Maritime Operations Group of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), emerged as the best candidate among the six finalists in this year’s search for the agency’s outstanding employees.

“I should admit that I was a bit stunned when I learned about my nomination. Immediately, I can only utter ‘Thank you, Lord’ because being nominated in a prestigious search like this is a big thing,” Sadang said during his acceptance speech.

“I am pleased to have received this award. To everyone, especially to our Chairman Roberto V. Garcia and the members of the Personnel Selection Board, thank you for your choice and for your trust in me. I will continue to do my best to justify your trust and contribute productively to SBIA and to SBMA as a whole,” he added.

Sadang, who has been working in SBIA since 1995, helped the agency in saving a hefty P41 million by restoring the 19-year old airport’s weather observation system (AWOS).

The MILOS 500 and MIDAS 600 environmental data collection system of the AWOS was declared “beyond economical repair and due for replacement” by its supplier, but was restored to usefulness because of Sadang’s ingenuity and persistence.

The other five finalists in the search for the SBMA Employee of the Year were: standards supervisor Czarina Fragata, planning officer Jaime Menor Jr., roads and bridges supervisor Engr. Edgar Reyes, head administrative officer Lourdes Edejer, and accounting specialist Regina Gloria. They were also named Employees of the Year for their respective strategic business units.

Fragata, representing the Business and Investment Group, was nominated for her effort in the implementation of the Environment and Tourism Administrative Fees (ETAF). The ETAF helped boost the agency’s revenue generation.

Menor of the Chairman and Administrator’s Group was instrumental in the agency’s qualification with the Performance-based Bonus (PBB) that employees benefitted from. He has also been constantly helping other departments with his technical skills in computer database and statistics.

Reyes, who represented the Public Services Group, was responsible for generating savings worth P484,100 for the first quarter of 2014 alone from initiatives like traffic signage fabrication, recycling of traffic barrier, and edge marking and line canal.

Edejer, of the Regulatory Group, serves as the head administrative officer for the Ecology Center and has provided clerical assistance during project implementations by her department. Ecology Center was one of the agency’s top performing departments in 2014.

Gloria, from the Support Services Group, facilitated the payment of reconciled accounts of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the National Power Corporation (NPC) amounting to almost P29 million.

SBMA Director Benjamin Antonio III lauded the all finalists, as well as the Employees of the Quarter on behalf of Chairman Roberto Garcia.

“It’s tough to work for an agency like the SBMA. We all know that SBMA is not your typical government agency whose concern is as vast as SBMA’s. We have an airport, we have a seaport; we take care of investors, we take care of our own infrastructure, and we don’t get subsidy from the national government, yet we even give back to the national government,” Antonio said.

“So working in SBMA is complex. Working in SBMA entails a certain type of persistence,” he added, stressing the dedication of the outstanding employees.

Now on its ninth year, the search for the SBMA Employee of the Year is a project of the SBMA Human Resources Management Department, in line with the Civil Service Commission’s PRAISE program, which is aimed at recognizing and rewarding exemplary services rendered by employees. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] Engr. Aldrin Sadang of the SBMA Aviation and Maritime Operations Group receives his trophy from Atty. Ramon Agregado, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services, while SBMA Director Benjamin Antonio III watches, after Sadang bested other finalists during the search for the 2014 Employee of the Year held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] Engr. Aldrin Sadang of the SBMA Aviation and Maritime Operations Group shows his 2014 Employee of the Year trophy during the awarding ceremony for the search for the SBMA 2014 Employee of the Year held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA 2014 record income up 40%

For the third consecutive year, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) hit new record highs in its 2014 financial performance, as it scored a net income of P1.556 billion vs the 2013 income ofP1.11 billion, a substantial increase of 40%.

“Revenues from port operations, tourism and industrial commercial leases rose to P2.442 billion or 21% vs 2013 figures, while EBITDA or operating profit hit P1.391 billion or 51% over the previous year,” SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia announced recently.

With the port congestion in Manila, many importers shifted to Subic, causing port revenues to hit P909 million or an increase of 45%. Significantly, containerized volumes jumped to 77,000 TEUs or an increase of 105%. Locator export volumes likewise increased to U$2.3 billion or a 59% increase from the previous year.

Tourism likewise registered substantial revenue gains with a substantial 61% jump driven by a 12% hike in tourist traffic. MICE events (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) chalked up an increase of 150% while sports events rose 75% to make Subic Bay the number one tourist destination in Central Luzon according to DOT records.

Industrial and commercial leases likewise hit P1.050 billion, up 13% from previous years, as more businesses flocked to the Freeport. These and other expansion projects of existing locators caused jobs to increase from 89,584 in 2013 to 96,958 in 2014, providing 7,374 new jobs or an increase of 8%.

Reflecting the Agency’s robust growth on all fronts are the cash collections of the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s P1.8 billion and the Bureau of Customs’ P15.290 billion, which improved by 27% and 36% respectively in 2014.

Lastly, the 5% tax collected from locators in the Freeport rose to P497 million, or a 35% increase over 2013. SBMA remitted this amount with P199 million going to the eight local government units surrounding the Freeport, while P298 million was remitted to the National Government Treasury. The total contribution of SBMA to the national economy therefore amounted to P17.638 billion.

According to Garcia, the agency’s sterling three-year record performance could be attributed to good governance, the implementation of its strategic initiatives, and the hard work of the agency’s management and employees. (KMF/CorCom-SBMA)

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SBMA to hold training-program on CSR

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) wants the locators of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) to regard corporate social responsibility (CSR) not as a mere philanthropic initiative but as a mature, refined discipline.

Victor Persius Chan, CSR manager of Redondo Peninsula Energy Incorporated (RP Energy), issued this call on Wednesday during a media briefing held at the Buma Hotel, Moonbay Marina Area, this Freeport.

Several media group were invited to the SBMA’s briefing on its upcoming “CSR 101”training program, which will take place on January 21 to 22, 2015 at the Subic Holiday Villas.

The two-day training program, organized by the SBMA together with its CSR partners, RP Energy, and the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, has been dubbed “From Philanthropy to Strategy: Moving SBFZ towards Sustainability”, in reference to the goal of enhancing the awareness and understanding of the practice of CSR within the Freeport.

The SBMA invites officers and managers from the following fields to join the training-program: CSR, community relations, public relations, and human resources.

Business owners, who are interested in executing sustainable development programs in relation to their respective businesses, may also participate.

Resource speakers from different multinational companies will share their knowledge and expertise concerning various aspects in the practice of sustainable CSR programs.

“The program hopes to professionalize the practice of CSR and gear it towards sustainable practices, which will benefit all of the communities and businesses around the Freeport. In particular, it will sharpen and improve the practice of CSR among SBFZ practitioners,” said Armina Belleza-Llamas, manager of the SBMA Public Relations Department.

Donna May Tamayo, executive director of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, described the CSR initiatives of the SBFZ locators mostly as “reactive” activities, which largely depend on the most pressing challenges that have been confronting the area.

“Most of the CSR activities were just responses to the usual problems that the Freeport encounters such as the disaster risk management. But not much has been done regarding the other concerns of the community. We also want the CSR practitioners to focus not only on the disaster-related programs,” stressed Tamayo.

Meanwhile, Chan discussed the program’s learning sessions, which include lectures and workshops on executing strategic CSR programs, creating CSR partnerships, and managing social impact reports and evaluations, among others.

“The participants can expect to learn how they can market their ideas to management and the media. They will get tips on effectively selling their CSR programs to the shareholders,” said Chan, citing the success of “Protect the Bay” initiative, which aimed to ensure the sustainability of Subic Bay by supporting the local government unit’s rehabilitation and protection efforts in various areas within the bay as well as the local enforcement of environmental policies.

The proceeds of the activity will go to the Giant Clam Seeding Project of SBMA as part of the Protect the Bay program.

Registration for the event costs P3,500, inclusive of meals, training kit, certificates, and loot bags. Interested participants may contact the CSR 101 secretariat for the registration form via phone number (047) 252-3180, fax number 252-3190, or email admin@sbfcc.com and csr@rpenergy.ph.

For more information about the program, the applicants may also reach Victor Persius Chan (09998846462), Armie Lllamas (09175579946), and Donna Tamayo (09285591095). (Sun Star Pampanga)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/12/19/sbma-hold-training-program-csr-382845

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10,000 workers needed in Subic Freeport

The Subic Bay Freeport is in need of more than 10,000 workers to help boost the investment here, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia announced during a press conference on Tuesday.

With the massive growth in port traffic and more orders being made to Freeport investors, he said the current number of workers here will not suffice.

He added that in ensuring fast processing of containers here, the SBMA needs to double its current number of cashiers.

The shipbuilding company Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines (HHIC-Phil) alone needs 10,000 more workers due to the influx of orders to build cargo vessels, said Garcia. (Jonas Reyes)

http://www.mb.com.ph/luzon-newsbits-for-november-27-2014/

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SBMA officials, staff spread early Christmas cheer

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), a government owned and controlled corporation (GOCC), is composed of employees with an employment status of either plantilla or contract of service (CS).

Most of those CS employees are the old ladies who sweep the streets and some building inside this premier Freeport. And being CS means that their bonuses are incorporated in their salaries, leaving almost no spare to save on a rainy day.


With most of them under “Salary Grade: 3,” expect that their monthly pay to stay within P7,000, not really enough to send their children to college. Now that the Yuletide season is upon us, these elderly women will be celebrating Christmas and New Year with only their usual monthly salary.

But the SBMA is not without any kind-hearted employees among its rank-and-file and executives. In a simple yet meaningful early Christmas gift-giving, employees and their bosses dug deep into their pockets and gave their less-fortunate workers of the SBMA food packs last weekend.

Spearheaded by the agency’s Legal Affairs Department, around 300 rank-and-file employees were given food packs by their fellow SBMA workers and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary’s 111th Squadron.

PCGA 111th Squadron Commander Randy Escolango said that these are just small tokens for the services rendered by the less-fortunate workers to the SBMA. Escolango, a deputy administrator of the SBMA, said that both the Legal Affairs and the PCGA chipped-in to give these workers some Yuletide cheer. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
GIFT-GIVING — (From left) Captain Henric David, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) director, and PCGA 111th Squadron Commander Randy Escolango distribute a food pack to an employee of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority in their early Christmas gift-giving event last Friday.

http://www.mb.com.ph/sbma-officials-staff-spread-early-christmas-cheer/

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US-based “Pusong Pinoy” traders eye business in Subic Freeport

United States (US)-based Filipino entrepreneurs belonging to the Federation of Philippine-American Chambers of Commerce (FPACC) are scouting for trade opportunities in the country of their birth and are considering putting up businesses in the Subic Bay Freeport.

A FPACC delegation of 65 members arrived here on Monday for the Luzon leg of the U.S. Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines and met with officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), local industry leaders, and heads of local government units.

The mission, which was scheduled on October 17 to 24, was organized by the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc. to help promote Central Luzon as an ideal investment destination.

Gus Mercado, head of mission and executive director of FPACC, said the trade mission aims to bridge and facilitate business and cultural ties between business people through the Philippine-American chamber network.

He said that the delegates represent various endeavors and businesses, but all are entrepreneurs in their own right and represent the crème dela crème of the Filipino community in the United States.

He said that the delegation have expressed interest in real estate, eco-tourism, manufacturing, light-industrial machinery, and retirement facility.

“The majority of us here were born in the Philippines, and we have what they call pusong Pinoy,” Mercado clarified.

“Our non-Filipino members of the delegation will understand why although we’ve been away for so long, we still have pusong Pinoy. Deep in our hearts, we are still Filipinos,” Mercado added.

He also noted that despite its conversion into a free port, Subic Bay “is probably the only place in the Philippines where the US traffic laws are still being enforced.”

In the same meeting, SBMA Chief Operating Officer Joven Reyes warmly welcomed the group and briefed them about the free port and the local business climate.

He said that the SBMA was created by virtue of Republic Act 7227 “to promote and develop the Subic Special Economic Zone into a self-sustaining industrial, commercial, financial and investment center.”

He added that with the SBMA’s mandate to generate employment and attract productive foreign investments, the agency has succeeded in turning Subic into a home of almost 1,500 business locators and more than 90,000 skilled workers.

Reyes also informed the visitors that the SBMA has performed well in the past few years, posting a net profit of P1.2 billion last year and increasing its net operating budget by 66 per cent as of August this year.

The event held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center also provided an opportunity for members of the FPACC to meet their local counterparts for networking opportunities. Some local companies also put up an exhibit of products during the meeting.

Among those who met with the trade delegates were Olongapo City mayor Rolen Paulino, Zambales provincial administrator Jun Omar Ebdane, representatives of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce and the Olongapo City Chamber of Commerce, and officials of the Department of Trade and Industry-Zambales.

Paulino and Ebdane turned over symbolic keys to Olongapo and Zambales, respectively, to the mission head. (RFD-MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chief Operating Officer Joven Reyes (left) and Atty. Joy Alvarado, head of the SBMA Business Group, exchange views with a member of the US Trade Mission during a networking meeting on October 20 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. (AED)

[1] SBMA Chief Operating Officer Joven Reyes receives a certificate of appreciation from Ethel Reyes- Mercado, honorary Consul General of Texas, USA, during the visit of members of the US Trade Mission on October 20 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. Looking on is Gus Mercado (right), executive director of the Federation of Philippine-American Chambers of Commerce and head of mission. (AED)

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Protest vs Pemberton shuts down Subic gates

SUBIC FREEPORT ZONE, Philippines – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) put the Subic Freeport on lockdown for a few hours Saturday, October 18, due to a protest against the alleged killer of transgender woman Jennifer Laude.

For about 2 hours on Saturday afternoon, nobody was permitted entry into the Subic freeport – not even residents and workers who were on their way to their respective companies – after militant groups protested infront of the USS Peleliu, where the US marine who allegedly killed Jennifer Laude is being held.

Julita Laude, mother of the victim, and members of militant groups who accompanied her, were able to enter this former US naval base to symbolically serve a subpoena to the suspect, US marine Joseph Scott Pemberton.

"I am here as a mother, and I want [the US marine} to show his face so I can ask why he killed my son. Why did he have to do that to my son?," Julita Laude said.

Julita's daughter Marilou, who is the principal complainant against Pemberton, had another concern.

"We want to know if [Pemberton] is still really here. We want to see him personally," she said.

But the group was barred from getting near the ship by barbed wire fences and security guards.

The law enforcement department of the SBMA also showed up in pick up trucks and tried to get the group to disperse.

This was also when the SBMA shut down the gates to the freeport zone, triggering anger among residents and workers alike.

Asked why they were locking down the freeport, a law enforcement officer told Rappler that they were ''just following orders."

Unable to return to their homes, residents of the Subic freeport vented their ire on social media.

Kemp Velarmino, a resident of the freeport and executive director of an NGO, who was stranded with hundreds of others, asked ''has SBMA gone insane? That's too much and totally unacceptable."

"They can't even give us a reason [for the lockdown]," said Cherylle Raguini, another resident. "It this the proper response? Inabala na ang buong bayan? Para saan? Para sa security and safety?"

Another netizen, Marion Grace, said that the panicked reaction of the SBMA revealed that ''they don't know the protocols to handle the protestors." (Randy V. Datu, Rappler.com)

PHOTO:
Relatives of murdered Filipino transgender woman Jennifer Laude, including her mother Julita Laude (L), stand in front of the port gate where USS Peleliu (back) is docked at Subic, October 18, 2014, to bring a notice to the murder suspect Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton who is detained onboard the ship. (Robert Gonzaga/AFP)

http://www.rappler.com/nation/72427-protest-pemberton-laude-subic

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SBMA net operating income up by 66%

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is confident of breaking its record operating profit established last year, as the agency’s net operating income increased by 66 percent as of last August.

SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia announced this during the flag ceremony early this week, adding that the agency’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) or net operating income this year would likely surpass last year’s level.

“The performance of the agency continues to be very strong. As of August, our revenues are up by 22 per cent from the same period last year and expenses are down by 16 per cent,” Garcia announced.

“The good news is that our operating revenue, which is really the measure of the efficiency and effectiveness of the strategic initiative that we have launched, has gone up, raising our net operating income by 66 percent,” he added.

Garcia explained that the 66 per cent increase in net operating income was derived from the P385 million increase this year on top of last year’s P580 million.

He further said that as of August last year, operating revenue was at P1.3 billion, and less operating expenses worth P720 million resulted in a P580-million net operating income.

“Meanwhile, this year’s operating revenue increased by 21 per cent to P1.57 billion, and minus the operating expenses worth P607 million, or a 16 per cent decrease, would result to a P965-million net operating income, or 66 percent more spending power and fiscal flexibility in our financial management efforts,” Garcia said.

In 2013, the SBMA shattered its all-time record after posting P1.2 billion in net profit, along with the highest gross revenue of P2.1 billion and the highest EBITDA of P992 million in the 21-year history of the Subic agency.

Garcia said the SBMA is now further improving its financial condition to develop facilities here and attract more investments in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, as well as improving employment security of the agency’s workers. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA locators required to sign Integrity Pledge

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is set to require locators, suppliers and contractors of the Subic Bay Freeport to sign the Integrity Pledge in line with its commitment to promote ethical business practices.

According to SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia, the agency would encourage local government units it has transactions with to be part of the initiative.

The move is being taken to make other stakeholders in the freeport involved in the agency’s commitment to eliminate graft and corruption.

In July, the SBMA signed the Integrity Initiative which is a private sector led effort aimed at helping the country escape from the vicious cycle of corruption through strengthening ethical standards in the society.

The initiative is a formal and concrete expression of commitment to abide by ethical business practices and to support a national campaign against corruption.

Upon signing of the pledge, the SBMA has implemented various measures to ensure transparency and implemented strict guidelines on receiving and giving of gifts, contributions, sponsorships and other tokens from or to all sectors.

“As a matter of fact, the SBMA is already implementing appropriate internal systems and controls to prevent, detect, and respond to any unethical conduct by our personnel, ensure good governance, and institutionalize the values of integrity and accountability in our business transactions,” he said.

To facilitate the implementation of measures aimed at promoting ethical business practices within the freeport, Garcia said the agency will also be forming a monitoring team.

He noted that the SBMA has long been involved in promoting ethical business practices through the eradication of one major source of corruption which is red tape.

The agency has been working to simplify processes and expedite transactions in accordance with Republic Act 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007. (Louella D. Desiderio, Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/business/2014/10/13/1379429/sbma-locators-required-sign-integrity-pledge

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SBMA institutionalizes Integrity Program

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), in line with its corporate governance initiative and in support of President Aquino’s “Tuwid na Daan” program, is now moving to institutionalize the Integrity Pledge (IP) program, which requires ethical business practices.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the program will cover all officials and employees of the agency and will promote measures to eliminate graft and corruption in transactions within the free port.

Garcia also said that under the program, the SBMA will require Subic Bay Freeport stakeholders like business locators, as well as suppliers and contractors to sign the Integrity Pledge to remain in good standing with the SBMA.

The SBMA will also encourage local government units (LGUs) that transact business with the SBMA to sign the pledge. The SBMA provides revenue shares to eight LGUs that are contiguous to or affected by the operations of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Garcia, as head of the SBMA, signed in July last year the Integrity Pledge, which expressed the agency’s commitment to abide by ethical business practices and to support a national campaign against graft and corruption.

He said that upon signing of the Integrity Pledge, the SBMA implemented various measures to ensure transparency and implemented strict guidelines on receiving and giving of gifts, contributions, sponsorships and other tokens from or to all sectors.

“As a matter of fact, the SBMA is already implementing appropriate internal systems and controls to prevent, detect, and respond to any unethical conduct by our personnel, ensure good governance, and institutionalize the values of integrity and accountability in our business transactions,” Garcia also noted.

He added that the SBMA has long been eradicating one major source of corruption, the red tape, in its offices by continuous simplification of processes to expedite transactions in accordance with R.A. 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape act of 2007.

Proof of this effort, Garcia said, is the agency’s certification for ISO 9001:2008, which refers to quality management system that ensure that customers get consistent and good quality products and services.

In a recent briefing on “Improving the Business Climate Thru Integrity Initiative,” Jose Solomon Cortez of the Integrity Initiative Office explained that the program aims to prevent corruption in public contracting to the effect that neither the government agency nor the bidders will pay, offer, demand, or accept bribes, or collude with competitors to obtain contract.

Garcia said that all these measures are designed to impress upon everybody that the SBMA is seriously committed to help break the cycle of corruption.

He said that a monitoring team will be formed to facilitate the implementation and document the success of the agency's initiatives. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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Record 50,000 volunteers join Zambales coastal cleanup drive

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—More than 50,000 volunteers rallied for the cause of the environment on Saturday, scouring the beaches for trash during the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) held on the 272-kilometer coastline of the Zambales province.

Students from local schools, as well as employees from local government units swelled the ranks of residents and members of various community groups that composed the clusters of participants in the Zambales ICC event.

The 50,000-plus turnout broke the 27,000 record set last year when Zambales contributed the second-biggest ICC delegation in the country and the Philippines, with a total of 182,408 volunteers.

Organizers said it was providential that the event, originally set for September 20, was postponed because of Typhoon Mario, which flooded parts of Central Luzon, including some communities in Zambales.

“Because of the good weather, more people were able to join up,” noted Roberto Garcia, chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Garcia had mobilized hundreds of SBMA employees for the event, pointing out that the project dovetails with the SBMA’s ongoing “Project Facelift” that was designed to enhance the natural beauty of the free port and boost local tourism.

In Olongapo, Mayor Rolen Paulino said residents have trooped to 17 cleanup sites identified by his office. These include coastal areas in the villages of Kalaklan and Barretto, and riverbanks in Mabayuan, Santa Rita, Kalalake and Pag-Asa.

In Zambales all the 11 municipalities on the coast fielded their own ICC teams to clean up beaches, river deltas and even mangrove areas, said Vice Gov. Ramon Lacbain II.

ICC-Zambales took off from an international project aiming for science-based solutions to the problem of ocean trash.

Aside from collecting trash along the coast, participants also segregated the various kinds of garbage collected, weighed them, and recorded the haul to come up with a database.

The local event was organized by The Lighthouse Marina Legacy Foundation, Harbor Point, and the International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians in coordination with the provincial government of Zambales, SBMA and the city government of Olongapo.

Organizers said more than 50,000 participants in the whole Zambales had preregistered for the event, with hundreds more of walk-in joiners expected on the actual cleanup day.

Coordinators from Zambales, Olongapo and the Subic Bay Freeport had earlier pledged to come up with at least 30,000 participants this year after noting the exponential rise in ICC turnout over the years. (Henry Empeño, BusinessMirror)

In Photo:
Members of the Philippine Coast Guard gather driftwood and other coastal debris during the 2014 International Coastal Cleanup at the Subic Bay Freeport.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/record-50000-volunteers-join-zambales-coastal-cleanup-drive/

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Subic cuts container-port fees by more than 80%

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has announced the reduction of port charges at the New Container Terminal (NCT) here by more than 80 percent effective on October 1.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said in a news conference on Friday that the agency will reduce the harbor fee at both NCT-1 and NCT-2 from the current $0.046 per gross register tonnage (GRT) to $0.008, and the berthing fee from $0.0345 per GRT per day to only $0.004.

Garcia said Subic’s container terminals and the extension port in Batangas will impose the new unified rates to attract more shipping lines, as well as to support President Aquino’s initiative to ease port congestion in Manila.

Before the implementation of the new rates, the Port of Batangas charged a harbor fee of $0.0810 per GRT and a berthing fee of $0.0390 per GRT per day.

“In the case of Subic, the new harbor fee is 83 percent lower than the regular rates here, while the new berthing fee is 88 percent lower,” Garcia pointed out in Friday’s briefing.

“However, the reduced rates will be applicable only at the NCT-1 and NCT-2, and not at the other ports in Subic,” Garcia added.

The NCT-1 is currently being used by regular shippers like Yokohama Tires and HLD Pipes, while NCT-2 has recently been declared, along with the Port of Batangas, as an extension of the Port of Manila under Executive Order 172.

Garcia also clarified that the reduced rates at NCT will be effective for the next six months from October 1. “After that, the rates will increase a little for the next six months, but will still be lower than the regular rates today,” he added, ticking off the second phase of unified Subic-Batangas extension port rates at $0.0410 for harbor fees and $0.0200 for berthing fees.

Garcia said that, in reducing port fees at the NCT, the SBMA expects to lose as much as $10 million to $15 million.

“But we hope to recoup the losses in the long run, as we’re also doing this to encourage new lines to come over, as well as to show our appreciation to existing shipping lines that had stuck with Subic in all its lean years,” he added.

In the same occasion, Garcia unveiled a proactive market positioning program for the Port of Subic to further attract both shippers and shipping lines to the Subic Bay Freeport.

This includes continuous communication with stakeholders like shipping lines, locators and port users; establishment of a simplified accreditation process for port-related services like trucking, freight-forwarding and customs brokerage; systems integration for real-time monitoring and management of container inventory bound for NCT-1; and enactment of domestic tariff for local shipping lines for companies that ship from Subic to other domestic ports.

He also bared other plans to further develop Subic as a center for maritime trade. These include the development of a P2.1-billion bypass road to be used exclusively for the transport of container vans here; the establishment of a one-stop shop to facilitate release of shipments and minimize corruption; installation of fiber-optic system dedicated for the Subic seaport; the expansion of a gatepass management system; and the implementation of the Subic Bay Greenport Program.

Garcia said Subic’s NCT has lately experienced a spike in container traffic, with projections of 70,000 containers this year compared to 38,000 last year, ever since overstaying containers in Manila ports were moved to Subic for temporary storage. (Henry Empeño, BusinessMirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/regions/39058-subic-cuts-container-port-fees-by-more-than-80

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Subic Freeport to undergo facelift to attract more visitors

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced a major initiative to improve facilities and enhance the natural beauty of this free port with the end in view of boosting the tourism industry here.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the agency’s “Operation Facelift” is designed to bring Subic at par with other tourist attractions in like Singapore and Guam.

Garcia noted that the Subic Bay Freeport is known for its natural assets like the lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and native wildlife that lure tourists into the area.

“However, as years went by, some of the structures and spaces seem to have been neglected or left unattended and havebecome eyesores,” he said.

Garcia noted that the American military, which previously occupied the Subic Naval Base, had kept the area as a beautiful and comfortable place to relaxation.

“Even after the Americans had left, people from all over the country came to see and enjoy Subic, especially when investors came and built theme parks, hotels and restaurants, and duty-free stores and malls,” he said.

Garcia added that for its natural and man-made attractions, Subic has been named by the Department of Tourism (DoT) in October 2012 as its unequivocal choice as the “Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon.”

In December 2012, Subic was also identified by the DoT “as one of the Top Destinations in the Country” due to its wide array of quality tourist facilities and the high level of visitation it generated.

Garcia said that “Operation Facelift” would bring back the natural beauty of Subic that tourists and local residents have come to love and be proud of.

He said the tourism development program will also inject technology into the system, like replacing grasses with the low-maintenance “frog grass” variety and planting selected species of trees that need little maintenance.

“Honestly, SBMA cannot do this alone; that is why we welcome everyone who would volunteer to help in this endeavor,” Garcia said.

“We hope that volunteers from companies, civic organizations and schools, as well as residents, would help us in painting street curbs, planting trees and flowering plants, repainting building walls, and cleaning the streets,” he added.

Garcia also enjoined business locators and residents in the Freeport to support the beautification drive by keeping their areas orderly and clean.

“These little tasks mean a lot because, taken together, they would make for a cleaner, more beautiful, more attractive and more marketable Subic,” Garcia added. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic hikes port fees on unclaimed shipment

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority said it will increase the daily port fees by 500 percent to P5,000 from P1,000 for every unclaimed container starting next month to force consignees to collect their cargoes and prevent congestion inside the Freeport.

“After the Bureau of Customs has inspected, cleared, and issued release documents for the container, the consignee should immediately remove it from NCT-2 [New Container Terminal 2], otherwise a penalty of P5,000 a day will be charged against him,” said SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia.

NCT-2 and NCT-1, which is being used by existing port users in Subic, have a combined capacity of 600,000 twenty-foot equivalent units.

The agency retained the right to collect fees from the ships and containerized cargoes, after an agreement was signed to annex Subic Port as an extension of the Port of Manila to help solve the dense cargo traffic in Manila.

SBMA also maintained its right to reject any cargo or ship that might pose risks to the health, environment and security of inhabitants and stakeholders of the Subic Freeport.

Garcia said to help solve the problem, it was agreed upon that a ferry would start shipping the remaining 4,000 overstaying containers from Manila to Subic twice a week, or more frequently as needed.

He also assured the public that the agency would maintain orderliness at NCT-2, one of the two container terminals in Subic Port, and considered measures to prevent traffic congestion due to the expected rise in the number of trucks hauling containerized cargoes in and out of the Freeport. (Othel V. Campos, Manila Standard)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/09/12/subic-hikes-port-fees-on-unclaimed-shipment/

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Is Subic prepared for port congestion?

While government think tanks take a long, hard look at Subic Bay as, perhaps, the solution to the worsening congestion at Manila ports, the question now looms: “Is Subic Freeport ready to take on the challenge?”

Valenzuela City Representative Sherwin Gatchalian has filed a resolution for the house panel to conduct an inquiry into the viability of Subic Freeport in sharing the load of processing containers in order to decongest port operations in Manila.

If Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Robert Garcia were to answer the question, he would have no hesitation in saying that Subic is ready to take the challenge.

“Subic Freeport’s New Container Terminals (NCTs) are more than capable of handling its fair share of container vans,” said Garcia.

He said that the NCTs can handle 300,000 container vans each and that the current volume of Twenty-footer Equivalent Units (TEUs) is only six percent of what Subic Freeport can handle.

Rest assured, he said, that it is business as usual for cargo handling in Subic as the agency is segregating the Subic shipment from the TEUs being transferred from Manila.

“Operations in Subic Freeport would still be the same as their work won’t be hampered by the proposed transfer of cargoes in Manila. Subic locators would still have their own space for their shipments,” Garcia said.

Aside from cargo handling operations, Garcia is also eyeing a road that will connect the NCTs to the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) that will not affect Subic Freeport road users. The proposed road would cost P2 billion and would cut through a path behind the Subic Techno Park to avoid taking the usual roads in Subic, shortening the travel time for cargo handlers.

But the proposed road would still have to wait since the agency does not have enough funds to finance the construction. Garcia hopes that the national government would fund the proposed road. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/is-subic-prepared-for-port-congestion/

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SBMA projects P1.17 billion in net earnings for 2014

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) projects net earnings of P1.017 billion by year end, having reached the level of P737.89 million in June 2014 compared to the P992 million total in 2013.

This, as SBMA has again notched impressive financial performance in the first semester of 2014, surpassing even its record-breaking first half performance last year when it turned in a net profit of P1.2 billion, the agency’s highest in its entire 21-year history.

According to the SBMA’s midyear accomplishment report, the state-owned corporation obtained positive results in the first six months of 2014 in all the key results areas like investment generation, customs duties and tax collections, export production, as well as job creation.

In terms of committed investments, the SBMA amassed $267 million in the first six months of 2014, a 400 percent improvement over the $53 million record in the same period the previous year.

Meanwhile, freight-on-board exports rose by 173 percent, with $185,088 million in the first semester 2014 compared to $67,476 million last year; while employment generation managed a 1 percent growth, from 89,436 in 2013 to 90,425 in 2014.

Likewise, cash collections by the Bureau of Customs (BoC) here grew by 44 percent, from P4.945 billion in the first half of 2013 to P7.099 billion in 2014; while taxes collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) rose by 25 percent, from P737 million in the first half of 2013 to P919 million in the same period this year.

SBMA officials said the continuing improvement in the agency’s financial performance stemmed from prudent fiscal management over the past few years under the helm of Chairman Roberto Garcia, which successfully implemented various measures to balance the budget and promote a healthier financial condition for the organization.

Records from the SBMA Finance Group indicated that, in particular, port revenues showed an increase of 52 percent in the first half of 2014 to cement a positive financial performance for the Subic Bay Freeport. The port revenues totalled P457.29 million, compared to P300.94 million in the same period last year.

Tourism revenues also grew by 20 percent, from P6.9 million last year to P8.29 million this year, resulting to a 27 percent increase in the SBMA’s total operating revenues that increased from P946.01 million in first half 2013 to 1.198 billion this year.

The agency also posted a 62 percent increase in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), from P454.10 million to P737.89 million. The increased earnings, officials said, would allow the agency to recoup by the yearend despite a midyear slowdown in net income before tax from P767.27 million in January-June 2013 to P337.26 million this year.

In view of SBMA’s improved fiscal performance, the agency was able to remit P243 million in dividends this year to the National Treasury, the first time it did in more than a decade.

It also released P93.7 million in revenue shares early this month to local government units contiguous to the Subic Bay Freeport, and P14.8 million in rental fees to the Ayta Ambala tribe for the use of parts of their ancestral domain in the Subic Bay Freeport. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

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DOLE taskforce inks pact for industrial peace in CL

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- With the aim of upholding industrial peace and job preservation in Central Luzon, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 3, in coordination with member-agencies of the newly forged Central Luzon-Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating and Monitoring Committee (CL-RICMC) recently signed a Memorandum of Commitment (MOC) at the Dole regional office in the City of San Fernando.

The CL-RICMC, which was conceived last June 2014, comprise the DOLE RO3 as lead agency, along with the regional offices of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 7th Infantry Division, Philippine National Police (PNP), and the region’s major economic and freeport zones which include the Clark Freeport Zone, Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Luisita Industrial Park in Tarlac, TECO, and Pampanga Economic Zone.

DOLE Regional Director Ana Dione reported to Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz that officials representing the CL-RICMC member-agencies entered into a memorandum of commitment in order to fully and effectively implement the Dole's Administrative Order 104, Series of 2012, otherwise known as the “Operating Guidelines on Inter-Agency Coordinating and Monitoring of Labor Disputes.”

In this memorandum, the DOLE will take lead in information-gathering from tri-media or any sources on brewing labor disputes and displacement of workers due to strikes/lockouts. It shall immediately initiate pro-active assistance and provide alternative means of dispute resolution through either the Dole's Single Entry Approach (Sena), adoption of flexible work arrangements, or in the worst case, proper implementation of retrenchment procedures. Dole and its attached agencies will also provide technical assistance and developmental interventions such as alternative livelihood programs and skills development schemes to affected workers.

DOLE Assistant Regional Director Geraldine Panlilio, who is the official spokesperson of the CL-RICMC, shall handle media-related affairs and the establishment of a command center in the strike area where the CL-RICMC may convene.

Meanwhile, should labor disputes arise within the Freeport or economic zones, management of the said zones will coordinate with the DOLE, as well as its attached agencies, and shall actively participate in the above-mentioned activities as well.

The AFP and PNP on the other hand, who will be on stand-by mode as a peace-keeping team, will ensure the maintenance of peace and order, enforcement of laws, and implementation of legal orders of duly constituted authorities.

Signing the memorandum of commitment with Director Dione include NCMB National Director Reynaldo Ubaldo, NCMB Regional Director Maria Teresita Cancio, Administrative Officer Elizabeth Dizon on behalf of NLRC RO3 Regional Director Mariano Bactin, Colonel Wilfredo Villahermosa on behalf of Brigadier General Glorioso Miranda (AFP 7ID), IPSSupt Danilo Florentino on behalf of PNP Regional Director PCSupt Raul Petrasanta, Provincial Director Benhur Banigued on behalf of TESDA Regional Director Teodoro Gatchalian, POEA head Paterno Juridico, Deputy Administrator for Operations Engr. Emmanuel Pineda on behalf of AFAB Chairman Deogracias Custodio, Criselda Pascual on behalf of SBMA Labor Department Manager Severo Pastor Jr., CFZ head Evangeline Tejada, and LIP/TECO/PEZ head Primitivo Perañas Jr.

Dione, who personally thanked all CL-RICMC member-agencies for their support and cooperation during her welcome message, stressed the importance of partnership and convergence among government agencies in addressing the country’s perennial socio-economic issues on labor disputes and unemployment.

"We are very thankful for your support and cooperation on this important undertaking. Your presence here signals our partnership. The convergence of our programs and services are geared towards the development of coherent and evidence-based approaches to ease the adverse effects of labor disputes by exploring all means to give way to a lasting and a more peaceful resolution between management and laborers, especially in cases where there is presence of imminent or actual strikes," Dione said.

"Through our partnership and proactive information-sharing with one another, we can sustain labor and management relationship through continuous labor and employment education, mainstreaming of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and implementation of innovative approaches towards workers' empowerment," she added.

Meanwhile, NCMB Director Reynaldo Ubaldo said in his keynote message that the NCMB, under the instructions of Labor and Employment Secretary Baldoz, is targeting to institutionalize the creation of RICMC in all regions.

"We are hopeful that all DOLE regional offices, just like here in Central Luzon, would be able to establish their respective RICMC’s because the power of convergence can make a difference in addressing labor disputes and we have a pipeline of developmental interventions that would help ease and resolve industrial conflicts which are geared towards productivity and harmony within industries," Ubaldo said.

The RICMC’s objective is to take lead in job preservation, explore all remedies necessary and feasible settlement to potential or actual strike, picket or lockout, or labor dispute especially those who are considered high profile cases, and those imbued with national interest, and undertake coordinative efforts through information-sharing and data gathering. (PR, Sun Star Pampanga)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/08/20/dole-taskforce-inks-pact-industrial-peace-360860

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SBMA gives Subic Aytas P14.8 million for land rental

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) achieved another milestone in improving the lives of the indigenous Ayta tribesmen in this free port when it handed over to tribal leaders on Monday millions of pesos representing payment for the use of the Ayta ancestral land here.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia handed over the check in the amount of P14,791,440.00 to Conrado Frenilla, chieftain of the Pastolan Aytas here, in the presence of other tribal elders, as well as representatives of the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) headed by Regional Director Salong Sunggod.

The check represents the share of the Ayta Ambala tribe of the village of Pastolan in the lease rentals of business companies located within the Ayta ancestral domain from May 2009 to December 2013.

“This day is historical for the SBMA,” Garcia said during the turnover held after last Monday’s flag-raising ceremony. “At last we have fulfilled one of the major commitments of the agency for our Ayta brethren under an agreement that we have signed with them,” he added.

The Ayta Ambala tribe holds a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) representing ownership of the more than 4,280 hectares of land covering the Kalayaan and the Binictican housing areas in this free port, as well as the tourism areas of Apaliin, Pamulaklakin, and El Kabayo, among others.

The joint management agreement (JMA) between the SBMA and the Ayta tribe authorizes the Subic agency to undertake systematic management and development of parts of the ancestral land to help uplift the economic, cultural and social life of the tribe based on the programs implemented by the government.

Under the JMA, the Pastolan Aytas will collect 5% of the gross income paid by the investors for rent of the land starting May 12, 2009, when the CADT was registered. In addition, each Aeta family will receive P20,000 a year.

Other benefits include hiring of qualified Aeta workers; implementation of community development assistance programs; construction of schoolrooms for high school, and the hiring of four teachers; establishment of a community clinic with detailed medical personnel from the SBMA Public Health and Safety Department; and an annual donation of P100,000 each for village fiesta and Christmas celebrations.

In receiving the SBMA allocation, Frenilla said that they will use the fund to develop their community, improve the Pamulaklakin tourist facility, and send qualified and deserving students to colleges.

“Malaking bagay talaga ang itinutulong sa amin ng SBMA. Tulad ngayon, mapag-aaral na namin ang mga kabataang Ayta sa kolehiyo para lalo pang mapaunlad ang kanilang buhay,” said Frenilla.

He added that a small amount of the fund will also be used for a modest celebration in order for all tribe members to really feel the benefits from the SBMA.

Frenilla also noted that community members who initially objected to the JMA are now returning to the village after seeing the improvements in their community since the JMA was signed.

NCIP’s Dir. Sunggod said, for his part, that this was the first time in the country that an indigenous people’s group received a share of payment for the use by investors of their ancestral land.

“Ito ang unang-unang pangyayari sa ating bansa na hindi lamang kinilala ang karapatan ng mga katutubo sa kanilang lupang ninuno, kundi ibinigay pa sa kanila ang karampatang pakinabang,” Sunggod said.

He added that the SBMA could be a model for other agencies in the country in terms of providing assistance and undertaking developments to improve the lives of indigenous people. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
[1] SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia (second from left) holds a symbolic check representing payment for the use of Ayta ancestral lands with Chieftain Conrado Frenilla (right) and SBMA Director Wilfredo Pineda. With them are (from left): NCIP Director Salong Sunggod, Mrs. Marivic Garcia, and other SBMA officials. (AED)

[2] Members of the Ayta Ambala tribe in the Subic Bay Freeport join SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia and Chieftain Conrado Frenilla, along with SBMA Public Relations manager Armie Armas and other employees, in displaying a symbolic check representing payment for the use of Ayta ancestral lands in the Subic Bay Freeport. (AED)

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SBMA, Subic EnerZone renew MOA for “Adopt-An-Ambulance” program

Subic EnerZone Corporation (SEZ), the power provider in this Freeport, adopted anew all ambulances of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as part of its corporate social responsibility program and added a 25 per cent increase to the maintenance allocation for the vehicles.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia and SEZ assistance vice president and general manager Warell Kern Sario, representing SEZ senior vice president and COO Dante Pollescas, signed the memorandum of agreement for the firm’s “adopt-an-ambulance” program.

The SEZ-SBMA cooperation project started in 2007, with the donor allocating P100,000 annually for the maintenance of the eight ambulances of the SBMA.

This year, however, the allocation was increased by 25% to P125,000.

Garcia described the “adoption” as a clear manifestation of the how effective the public-private partnership program works, where a private corporation cooperates or assists a government agency in the implementation of a program that benefits the general public.

“Our ambulances are an integral part of the Freeport’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program,” Garcia said.

He explained further that with the EMS, the SBMA is able to deploy a medical emergency reaction team at any given emergency situation, to any place within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and, if needed, to nearby towns and provinces.

EMS is a component of the SBMA Emergency Rescue Group, which is composed of personnel and logistical support units from the SBMA Health and Safety Group. Other members included personnel from the agency’s fire and law enforcement departments.

For SEZ, the program fulfils the company’s CSR thrust, which is designed to benefit the entire Subic Bay Freeport community.

“We believe in the primary responsibility of the SBMA EMS, and how important these ambulances are to be available anytime they are needed,” Sario said.

He added that the P125,000 will help fast-track the purchase of needed spare parts for the vehicles to ensure the reliability of service at all times. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (left) concludes an agreement with EnerZone Subic AVP and General Manager Warell Kern Sario for the Adopt-an-Ambulance program that will provide an annual allocation for the maintenance of ambulances used by the SBMA Emergency Medical Services Group. Witnessing the signing of the agreement are Dr. Solomon Jacalne, head of the SBMA Public Health and Safety Group (standing left), and Edgar M. Caluza, administrative manager of EnerZone Subic.

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SBMA to release P93.7-million LGU revenue shares for 1st sem 2014

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is set to release a total of P93.7-million in revenue shares to local government units (LGUs) adjacent to and affected by the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the funds would be available for the eight adjacent and affected LGUs starting August 4.

The amount to be released consists of P87.32 million in shares for the first semester of 2014 and P6.38-million in the 10-per cent retention share for the first semester of 2012.

“This is part of our commitment to our neighboring LGUs to spur development in the local communities
and help achieve President Aquino's goal of inclusive growth,” Garcia said, adding that the amount is 26 per cent higher than the P74.5 million released in the same period last year.

The SBMA also released last February a total of P81.3 million in revenue shares for the second half of 2013.

For this period, Olongapo City will again receive the biggest share of P22.7 million, while Subic, Zambales will get P14 million; Dinalupihan, Bataan, P11.8 million; San Marcelino, Zambales, P11.3 million; Hermosa, Bataan, P9.6 million; San Antonio, Zambales, P8.3 million; Morong, Bataan, P8.1 million; and Castillejos, Zambales, P8 million.

The LGU shares come from part of the five percent corporate taxes paid by Subic Bay Freeport-registered enterprises, of which two per cent goes directly to the SBMA treasury while the other three goes to the national coffers through the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

The direct payment scheme was initiated by the SBMA some four years ago to hasten the release of LGU shares, which aim to augment LGU funds for developments projects on health, education, peace and order, and livelihood generation programs.

The LGU share is determined according to the following criteria: population, 50 percent; land area, 25 percent; and equal sharing, 25 percent. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

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