SBMA Chairman's group, Operations group finalists bag SBMA Employee of the Year 2023 awards

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)’s Chairman and Administrator’s group bagged both Employee of the Year (EOY) 2023 awards for Category 2 and Category 1 respectively, tying with the Operations group finalist in Category 1. 

Chairman and Administrator Group finalists Lex Byron Magrata of the Public Relations Office (PRO) and Ryan Joseph Garcia of the Planning and Development Office (PDO) were named EOY 2023 for Category 2 and 1 respectively; the latter tied with Operations Group’s Domar Reolizo of the Seaport Department. 

“This special occasion allows us to honor and celebrate the unwavering dedication, commitment, and excellence as demonstrated by our extraordinary team members,” SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said in his welcome remarks. 

According to Aliño, the EOY is primarily selected by the Group Selection Panel (GSP) of their respective Strategic Business Units (SBUs), namely, Chairman & Administrator Group (ChAd), Business & Investment Group (BIG), Operations Group, Public Services Group (PSG), Regulatory Group (REG), and the Support Services Group (SSG). 

Aliño explained that at the very start of the nomination process, employees will be nominated according to their innovation &/or productivity, quality customer service, and malasakit and honesty. At the end of the year, their respective GSPs will come up with a finalist for Category 1 and Category 2 who will represent their SBUs. 

He also said that the finalists will undergo an interview by the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Committee which will decide who the EOY would be. 

Reolizo, hired by the agency as a clerk at the Port Management Division of the Seaport Department in 2018, made his mark with his proficiency in Google functions after barely six years in the government service.  

He automated the Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department’s and Seaport Department’s current system—the online overtime request, the seaport employee leave monitoring system, the Google scan image for seaport manual documents, and the online admission system--by maximizing the use of the G-Suite tools. 

In his acceptance speech, he thanked his family and the Operations group for the opportunity to be where he is now. 

Tying with Reolizo in Category 1 is Garcia, who initially was a driver-slash-messenger for the PDO in 2019. Still, he performed above and beyond his duties which made him one of the most reliable and integral parts of the department. 

He authored the guidelines for the procurement and distribution of the agency’s tokens to centralize the procurement of various kinds of tokens upon the request of the Accounting Department, Financial Planning and Budget Department (FPBD), and Procurement and Property Management Department (PPMD) to the PDO, being the expense account manager for tokens. 

Likewise, he expressed gratitude to everyone behind his success—his family, his superiors, and the agency. 

Meanwhile, Magrata, the EOY 2023 for Category 2, expressed his deep gratitude to OIC-DeputyAdministrator for Corporate Communications Armina Llamas for the trust and confidence accorded to him and his division’s staff. 

Magrata and his staff in the SDD were transferred to the PRO in November 2022 from the Ecology Center. 

In less than two years of his stint with the PRO, Magrata has been instrumental in securing a land area of more than four hectares at Sitio Kinabuksan worth P2.4 million in annual rental revenue when he worked promptly with the Office of the Solicitor-General (OSG) in drafting judicial affidavits that resulted to the court’s favorable decision to SBMA. 

He also assisted the court’s sheriff in delivering notices of Writ of Execution to informal settler respondents. Because of his engagement in a dialogue with respondents, 20 out of 38 have vacated the SBMA property. 

Other finalists were Frankie Ebidag (Business and Investment Group), Reynaldo Casimero (Public Services Group), and Rolando Cabrera (Support Services Group) for Category 1; and Jojit Catungal (Business and Investment Group), Capt. John Dulnuan (Operations Group), Rolando Lomboy (Public Services Group), and Raquel Bautista (Support Services Group) for Category 2. 

No representatives from the Regulatory Group were presented in both Category 1 and Category 2. 

The SBMA’s EOY awards program started in 2006. Initially, finalists were selected from an array of Employees of the Month of the SBUs, which in 2011 became Employee of the Quarter; and in 2019, Category 1 and Category 2 were launched to allow competition on their respective levels. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA reaps ₱2.96-M savings from SPS project in 2023

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) reaped ₱2.96-million savings from using solar power energy from January to December of 2023.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño attributes these savings to the solar power system (SPS) project that the agency has undertaken as early as 2017.

“We are grateful that this renewable energy project saves a lot for the agency. With this, the agency could now just focus on important financial obligations,” he said.

Aliño added that the SBMA is currently reaping benefits from the solar power system projects in six areas, namely: Malawaan Park, Bldg. 229, Bldg. 255, Bldg. 662, Regulatory Bldg., and the Remy Field.

“Especially now that the weather is scorching hot, we need to protect our employees from heat stroke, and it will not cost us a single centavo because we are now harvesting from these solar power system,” Aliño added.

According to Engr. Eddie Ventura, SBMA Telecommunications Department officer-in-charge, this project was established in compliance with Republic Act 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, an act promoting the development, utilization and commercialization of renewable energy resources and for other purposes.

Ventura shared that for Remy Field, which started only in March 2023, and consumed 76,663 KWh at 9.3882/KWh, the SBMA saved ₱719,727.58. Also, in Bldg. 255, which consumed 70,475.55 KWh from January to October 2, savings amounted to ₱661,638.56. However, the system was temporarily shut down to give way for the building’s roofing rehabilitation project.

For the Regulatory Bldg., a savings of ₱652,386.02 was reaped from the 69,490KWh consumption; while the 52,434.43KWh consumption at the Bldg. 662 translates to ₱492,264.92 savings. Also, ₱439,680.76 was also saved from 46,833.34KWh consumption at the administration building.

Ventura recalled that the SPS project started in 2017 as a result of an external seminar on SPS conducted by Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (IECEP)-Zambales Chapter that electronics engineers attended.

Then Telecommunications Department manager, the late Engr. Joey A. Lacanlale, assigned Engr. Jefferson B. Llantada of the department’s Projects and Technical Services Division (PTSD) to do a research and use solar powered lightings in Malawaan Park.

Later on, an experimental 10-Kw Grid Tied SPS at Regulatory Building was done in 2018 and was successful. Hence, the department pursued more SPS projects spearheaded by Engr. Antonio G. Rafanan.

Ventura added that the solar power system project was implemented, primarily, to save on power consumption expenses and sell its excess energy to the Electric Cooperative; to comply with the green initiative, which is an effort to reduce pollution and waste, conserve resources and maintain 

an ecological balance, and the Power Savings Program; and also to promote sustainable development.

Meanwhile, Rafanan explained that with the SPS project, the agency not only reduced the use of non-renewable resources of energy, it is also started selling unused harvested power back to the grid in 2022.

He said that the Grid-Tied and Hybrid systems were also configured and applied to use net-metering, which is another source of savings for the agency aside from consuming harvested solar power.

The SPS project cost amounted to ₱22,643,760.83 in total. This includes ₱400,892.86 Off-Grid system in Malawaan Park, which started in 2017; ₱3,493,000 Grid-Tied in Regulatory Building, which started in 2018 at 10KW, then upgraded to 50KW in March 2022; ₱6,854,000 Grid-Tied in Bldg. 229 and Bldg. 255, as well as ₱3,095,000 Grid-Tied in Bldg. 662, all of which started in March 2022; and ₱8,800,867.97 Hybrid system in Remy Field, which started only in March 2023. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA hits all-time high in Operating Revenue of ₱4.116B in 2023

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has once again breached its record on operating revenue with a total of ₱4.116 billion as of December 2023, an all-time high record in the history of the agency.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Aliño, this figure also marks the second consecutive year that the agency breached the ₱4-billion mark in operating revenue. He added that in 2022, the agency recorded an operating revenue of ₱4.057 billion.

“This is a stellar record for the SBMA. Last year’s ₱4.116 billion operating revenue is higher than 2022’s operating revenue by ₱59 million, which is 1.5 percent higher. Kudos to the men and women of the SBMA for achieving this goal,” he added.

The report from the SBMA’s Finance Group noted that there was an increase in revenue in 2023 despite the effect of the receipt of payment from Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines as compliance with the Order of the Court.

In 2023, the SBMA also recorded its highest monthly operating revenue of ₱415 million in April, which trumped the previous record of ₱395 million in January of 2022. “This is the SBMA’s first breach of the ₱400 million monthly revenue mark,” Aliño said.

Meanwhile, Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Support Services Atty. Ramon O. Agregado said that the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for 2023 is 23 percent higher compared to the same period the previous year.

“As of December 31, 2023, the net income before tax with subsidy is ₱2.72 billion, which is lower by 5 percent or ₱111 million compared to the same period last year. But the net income without subsidy and gain on forex revaluation is ₱1.933 billion, 38 percent or ₱532 million higher compared to the same period last year,” he added.

The SBMA Finance Group also reported that there was an increase in revenues from the Land and Billing Leases and the Seaport Operations, with a record of ₱1.590 billion and ₱1.595 billion, respectively. The biggest revenue increase was derived from the hospitality and entertainment sector, recording ₱40 million in revenues, a 122 percent increase from 2022’s ₱18 million.

The report also cited that Housing Leases also increased from 2022’s ₱71 million to 2023’s ₱77 million, while the Airport Operations recorded a jump from 2022’s ₱106 million to last year’s ₱165 million. Despite the increase of revenues, the Regulatory Income of the SBMA dipped by 25 percent from 2022’s ₱585 million to last year’s ₱437 million.

“As for Miscellaneous Revenues, the SBMA recorded an increase of 8 percent, from 2022’s ₱196 million to last year’s ₱213 million,” the official stated.

Chairman Aliño lauded the agency’s commitment in providing service to the stakeholders of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, adding that these stellar records will be broken in the coming years as long as the SBMA continues to stay true to its vision and mission.

“As long the SBMA commits to maintain investor confidence by pursuing continuous improvement, leveraging on technology and providing robust infrastructure, and as long as the agency empowers people and communities through shared stewardship and sustained good governance, Subic Bay Freeport is certain to become the preferred sustainable investment hub and eco-tourism destination in Asia Pacific by 2030,” he said. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA hails Subic companies for outstanding 2023 accomplishments

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) hailed the companies investing inside this premier Freeport for their outstanding performance this year at the Mabuhay Awards 2023 held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on Friday, December 15.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan led the awarding ceremony as the agency handed out trophies to 20 companies who have shown exemplary and innovative accomplishments during the year 2023.

The ceremony commenced with the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) category with Smile Concepts Implants and Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic winning the Micro category, Consummare, Inc. for the Small category, and Autokid Subic Trading Corporation for Medium category.

The chairman also presented the trophy for New Business of the Year to F & V Global Food OPC, followed by the awarding of the Service Business of the Year.

For the Service Business of the Year category, Exact Star Subic Bay Corporation doing business under the name and style of Buwelo won the Information and Communication Technology Industry. 

This was followed by the Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC) for the Logistics Industry Special Achievement Award.

For the Service Business of the Year in General Business Industry Special Achievement Award, Supportive Manpower Services, Inc. bagged the trophy, with Victory Gym and Athletic Club, Inc. winning the Health and Wellness Business of the Year.

Royal Duty Free Shops, Inc., meanwhile, won the Service Business of the Year, Leisure Industry Special Achievement Award.

The second part of the award ceremony includes the awarding of the Top Exporter of the Year to Sanyo Denki Philippines, Inc. 

The Top Importer of the Year went to Swire Agrotech Agricultural Products, Inc., which was formerly known as Subic Agrotech Agricultural Products, Inc. The

Eco-innovation award was given to Pacific Ace Subic Bay Corporation formerly known as CD Ventures for their green building, promoting the preservation of the environment while merging with business.

Browave (Philippines) Corporation and Da Fu Yuan Corp. both won the Business Developer of the Year, while the Corporate Social Responsibility Award went to Jobin SQM, Inc. for their exemplary CSR initiatives which benefitted their host indigenous Ayta community.

Four companies won the Loyalty Business Award for the Longest Running Company inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, which include the Subic Technics, Inc., Subic Duty Free Shop, Inc. (Meat Plus Café), Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation (PCSPC), Absolute Service, Inc. Philippine Branch, and Brent International School Subic, Inc.

Chairman Tan said that the SBMA will never falter in recognizing investors and companies inside the Freeport for their notable achievements, contribution to the community, and their innovative ways of bringing Subic Freeport into a modern and eco-friendly zone. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA takes over aviation services company for failure to pay almost 20M dues

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has taken over the facilities of Aviation Hub Asia, Inc., an aviation services company inside this premier Freeport, for failing to comply with the agency’s lease agreement.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan, the SBMA Board of Directors has approved Resolution No. 23-10-0296 that pre-terminates the lease agreement of Aviation Hub Asia on October 3, 2023.

The issuance of the resolution from the Board came after the company failed to settle unpaid lease rentals, comply with development commitments, and the non-submission of Performance Bond.

The erring company has an outstanding obligation amounting to P19,122,335.97 and US$106.02 in unpaid lease rentals, penalty on performance bond, among others.

The company has continuously failed to comply with its development commitment and non-submission of Performance Bond within the period stated in the Notice of Default with Demand to Pay dated September 30, 2022. The SBMA pre-terminated and cancelled the company’s lease agreement and repossessed their properties.

The properties that the company leased included portions of a hangar area, office space, shed and open space located at Building 8066, Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) Southwest Apron, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Tan said that the development commitment that the company failed to comply includes the renovation of five maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hangars and offices, storeroom and pilot briefing rooms, two additional new aircraft hangars for refurbishment and MRO within three years from the signing of their lease agreement dated March 19, 2019.

SBMA served a notice of re-entry into, repossession and take-over of leased premises with demand to pay dated October 17, 2023 that was received on November 3, 2023. The notice took effect on Monday, some 30 days from the receipt of the notice.

This is in line with the SBMA Chairman's determination to clear out erring locators engaging in the practice of landbanking or failing to do good with their development commitment. 

With this action, Tan believes that new and honest investors will be in the offing. (MPD-SBMA)

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Senate gives SBMA's 2024 budget a speedy nod

Without any hesitation, the Senate has approved the proposed budget of P681 Million for fiscal year 2024 of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) during a plenary session at the Senate of the Philippines on Tuesday.

The proposed budget sponsored by Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito was approved without further interpolation by the Senate during Plenary Session No. 30 presided by Senate President Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri.

According to Ejercito, the recommended appropriations for the SBMA for fiscal year 2024 will focus primarily on the rehabilitation of Subic Bay Freeport and its facilities, and will fund two continuing projects, mostly road and infrastructure projects.

Minority Floor Leader Senator Koko Pimentel readily approved the proposed budget citing that he will no longer post questions regarding the said budget stating that it was a reasonable amount of subsidy.  

Senator Pimentel also expressed his admiration for SBMA Chairman Jonathan D. Tan noting the official’s friendly, pleasant and unassuming disposition, and as a former mayor, Sen. Pimentel said that Tan is competent to run the Freeport zone.

Pimentel also shared that the SBMA Chief also revealed his plans on how to fight smuggling “to the fullest extent of his authority as SBMA Chairman and Administrator.”

Meanwhile, Senate President Zubiri said that the Senate is in the process of amending the CREATE law purposely to return the powers to the economic zones which is now a priority measure of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

He added that the Ways and Means committee of the House has just passed and approved the version, “which basically brought it back to the old regime, because the new regime was not working unfortunately.”

He then congratulated the SBMA for the two-minute interpellation and approval of the Agency budget. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA takes over leased land of erring truck trading company

In consonance with the objective of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to attain increased economic activity, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan has adopted a position to buckle down on erring locators, giving way to upright investors for more revenues and employment opportunities.

Earlier today, the agency Chief thru SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Atty. Ramon Agregado led the repossession of the leased premises of the Nile Niigata Subic, a truck trading company located along Boton Highway, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

In a letter to Nile Niigata President Muhammad Kafeel, Chairman Tan cited that the lease term of the company had already expired last January 31, 2022.

He further noted that the company has unsettled accounts with the SBMA amounting to almost P5Million. The said arrears represented the company’s unpaid lease rentals, Common Use Service Area (CUSA) fees, and the five percent share of the Aeta indigenous cultural community which had already accrued interests and penalties as of November 8, 2023.

Tan also mentioned that despite the foregoing defaults, he granted a final grace to fully settle their outstanding obligations and comply with the rules of the SBMA, on or before October 31. “Unfortunately, they failed to make a settlement despite the utmost liberality the SBMA has extended,” he added.

“While we try to understand the financial predicament of our locators, still, this is a business we need to run efficiently for our stakeholders and the country in general. This is why we are hell-bent and determined now more than ever, on taking over properties of erring locators so we can offer them to other legitimate companies that can help steer the country’s economy on an upward trend. The “how” is called “tough love.”

Nile Niigata was engaged in trading, import and export of trucks, buses and heavy equipment, including spare parts. It is also into trading of industrial construction and agricultural machineries and equipment, including conversion and repair parts. The company occupied 1,588 square meters of area of leased property, with a direct lease with the SBMA. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA hosts 1st Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit

About 400 individuals from various sectors attended the 1st Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit at Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

This is a project of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department, in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Promotions Board.

In his message, DOT Regional Director Richard Daenos emphasized that sustainable tourism is a commitment.

“Sustainable Tourism is no longer just a concept but a commitment we make to the environment, our communities, and future generations,” he said,

Daenos furthered that tourism becomes a force for good if it benefits local economies and empowers the people and the planet.

Anchored on the theme "Practical Approaches Towards a Greener Philippines", the two-day event provided an avenue for industry experts, visionaries, and other partners to spark dialogues and educate on the topics circling sustainable tourism.

Among the highlights of the summit was the Central Luzon activation of Bisita, Be My Guest (BBMG) of DOT and Department of Migrant Workers.

BBMG is an incentivized promotional campaign wherein Filipinos, especially Overseas Filipino Workers and Overseas and Former Filipinos, who invite foreigners to visit the country will be entitled to a raffle ticket and have a chance to win special prizes.

It will run until April 30, 2024. (SNL)

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SBMA repossesses former Duty Free Shop for multiple violations

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has taken over the property of Duty Free Superstore, Inc. (DFSI) on Wednesday as the agency continues to clamp down on companies with contractual defaults.

The DFSI formerly occupies Building 332 and its adjacent lot at Burgos St., Naval Station. With an area of 651 square meters, while the adjacent lot has an area of 463 square meters.

Duty Free Superstore Inc. has a contractual default of non-payment of lease rentals, common use service area (CUSA) fees, and other charges that amounted to P15,932,595.16 as of March 2017.

“We conducted a clearing/ transfer of personal properties from the premises,” SBMA Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan,

The company has a lease agreement with the SBMA dated September 16, 2003, with a 25-year lease term that should have ended on September 15, 2028. The building and the adjacent lot was previously repossessed by the SBMA Legal Department on April 11, 2017.

Duty Free Superstore, Inc. has subsequently filed a Petition for Voluntary Insolvency at the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court, which was dismissed on September 2, 2020.

We want to continue with our thrust to repossess and reutilize idle lands inside the Freeport to promote a more efficient and vibrant business climate here,” Tan added.

During a hearing with Senator JV Ejercito, Tan said that the agency has currently repossessed 10 parcels of unused land, with 20 more lined up for repossession, adding that the agency is conducting audits to ensure business vibrancy at the Freeport. (MPD-SBMA)

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Senate lauds SBMA Chief for new policies in the Freeport

Deputy Majority Floor Leader Senator Joseph Victor ‘JV’ Ejercito during the latest senate budget hearing on Thursday publicly congratulated Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Jonathan Tan for introducing new policies that will shape a brighter and more vibrant future for the free port.

Ejercito particularly cited the land auditing and repossession of properties of erring locators.

“Congratulations on your efforts to steer Subic Bay Freeport into becoming an active catalyst for economic growth and development. I am confident that Subic will soon regain its once brilliant past!” Sen. Ejercito said.

Since Chairman Tan assumed office, he has been working on various initiatives which include the audit and repossession of erring locators. Aside from this, he is also keen on implementing a streamlined business process in compliance with the Ease of Doing Business Act to attract more investors, increase revenues and generate more employment. He has also ordered the strict monitoring of illegal trade and the conduct of anti-smuggling activities.

Tan assumed office in May this year and has been working with an open door policy since then. His office warmly welcomes locators with various concerns and finds resolutions to them.

Tan is extremely keen in going after landbankers and erring locators. He also introduced the EASE OF DOING BUSINESS in the freeport to bring more investors in.

Chairman Tan expressed his sincere gratitude to the Senate particularly to Sen. Ejercito for acknowledging the effort his administration has initiated. Tan promises a more dynamic and investor-friendly SBMA in the days to come. (MPD-SBMA)

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911 emergency hotline launched in Subic Freeport

In line with the agency's SMART Subic Project, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) inaugurated the Go Live SBMA 911 at this premier Freeport on Thursday morning.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan, the Go Live SBMA 911 is part of the Philippine Emergency Hotline 911 and is in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the IC Bestlink Telecoms Corporation.

Tan led the inauguration of the Go Live SBMA 911 along with DILG Patrol 911 Executive Director Diosdado T. Valeroso and IC Bestlink Telecoms Corporation officer Danny Dela Cruz at the Regulatory Building of the agency.

“I am excited for the activation and full operation of the Philippine Emergency Hotline 911 here in Subic Bay Freeport, in partnership with the DILG. This will make our emergency response assistance more efficient and systematic,” he said.

“Likewise, with the training received by SBMA employees from the DILG, I am confident that they are more competent, capable, and prepared to handle and respond to emergency situations anytime,” he added.

The DILG Community Development Team conducted the said training to employees from various SBMA departments involved in emergency response such as the Telecommunications Department, Law Enforcement Department, Fire Department, and the Public Health and Safety Department.

The Go Live SBMA 911 is a prelude to the implementation of the SMART Subic Project currently being conceptualized by the agency. “We want a safe and secure community in the Freeport, and we can achieve this by turning our community into a Smart City,” Tan said.

The official also cited that the agency will continue to protect investors and businesses, employees, workers, residents and other stakeholders of the Subic Bay Freeport. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA repossess 3 more properties of erring locators

True to its mandate of utilizing land areas efficiently, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has taken over three more properties inside this premier Freeport on Tuesday.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan, the agency took over two buildings from Parabion, Inc. at the Cubi Triboa District within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, adding that the area has a size of 1,176 square meters.

“The company has committed contractual defaults that prompted the SBMA to take over their properties. One is failure to comply with development commitments, and two for non-payment of lease rentals and Common Use of Service Area (CUSA) fees,” he said.

The company has amassed a debt in CUSA close to 10 million pesos as of July 28 of this year.

“We already sent them a final notice of default with demand to pay on November 22, 2022, then we sent them a notice of pre-termination and repossession on July 28 that was served on August 10. This is pursuant to SBMA Board Resolution No. 23-07-0173 that was approved last July 4,” Tan added.

Tan also pointed out that the agency took over Bldg. 8321 along Zambales Highway, Cubi Triboa District, and Bldg. 8359 along Bataan Road, also in the Cubi Triboa District.

The third property that was taken over by the agency was owned by Ramphos Corporation, a company that manufactures and sells amphibious ultralight aircraft.

The property is a 966-square-meter portion of Bldg. 8045-C at the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA).

The company has an expired lease agreement with the SBMA since September 11, 2020, prompting the eventual take over by the SBMA last September 5, 2023.

The chairman confirmed that the company has contractual defaults such as non-payment of lease rentals (building spaces), CUSA fees, ACC and SOA fees amounting nearly PhP10 Million as of July 28 of this year.

The SBMA chief urged companies inside the Subic Bay Freeport to pay their dues diligently to ensure their seamless business operations inside this premier Freeport. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA re-certified ISO compliant by International Auditors

DQS Certification Phils. Inc. has recently re-certified the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for its compliance with ISO 9001:2015 and 14001:2015 standards.

According to Vicente Evidente, Jr., SBMA Planning and Development Office (PDO) manager and the agency’s Quality Management Representative (QMR), the third-party surveillance audit is the DQS’s first face-to-face audit here since the pandemic, with the previous audit held online.

“We just had the second surveillance audit by the DQS, our first face-to-face audit since the pandemic. It entailed a more rigorous inspection than the online audit,” Evidente said.

“The DQS audit team found that the SBMA is compliant with the ISO standards, with special mention of the Seaport department for its compliance with the International Ship & Port Facility Security (ISPS) that contributed to its high compliance ratings,” he said.

Evidente also explained that an ISPS code establishes essential security requirements for ships, ports, terminals, carriers, seafarers, and cargo as a means to prevent maritime security hazards or any mishaps.  

During the two-day audit of ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015, the agency’s frontliner-departments were scrutinized for their compliance with the standards of Quality Management System and Environmental Management System, respectively.

Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan lauded the men and women of the agency for successfully fulfilling the requirements for the said standards.

Tan added that this would boost the agency’s thrusts namely, to attract more investments, create more employment and earn revenues.

“The SBMA’s compliance with the international standards of Quality Management and Environmental Management would definitely translate to higher investor confidence and the achievement of our objectives,” Tan said.

Tan also announced that another certification, the ISO 45001:2015 or the Occupational Health and Safety Management, is being documented by the SBMA Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD). (MPD-SBMA) 

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Erring company in Subic Freeport closed by SBMA

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan led the repossession of a 1,500-square meter land area from an erring company as part of the agency’s thrust to regain areas for reutilization for other investors.

“We are repossessing leased areas of companies that do not comply with the agreement between them and the SBMA, and offer these areas to other investors,” Tan said.

The repossession of property transpired today at the Silver Arrow Import and Export Services, Inc. located at Lot 1, Boton Area, Argonaut Highway. The 1,500-sqm. land area of the company was repossessed due to contractual defaults.

According to Tan, the company failed to comply with its Investment and Development Commitment as provided in Section 7, Article II of the Lease Agreement between the company and the SBMA. Part of the said default is the failure of the company to develop the area with a funding allocation of at least US$1,000,000.

He added that the development commitment on the Leased Property should have a minimum cost of US$500,000 which includes the construction of a warehouse within two years from the issuance of its building permit.

“Aside from the Investment and Development Commitment, the company’s contractual default also includes non-compliance with the Omnibus Policy on Performance Bond, and failure to submit documents for the issuance of a building permit,” he said.

The said building permit is for the construction of a warehouse as stated under the company’s Development Commitment. Tan added that this is so despite the unreasonable length of time that had already lapsed since the execution of the lease agreement last July 28, 2015.

The SBMA had already served two notices before executing the repossession, with the Final Notice of Default with Demand to Pay dated June 19, 2023 that was served on June 26, 2023; and the Notice of Pre-termination and Repossession dated July 28, 2023.

“We are following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s mandate to streamline operations within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, and fully utilize land areas that are not being developed. But we are leaving space on the table for negotiations with the erring company so that they may continue with their operations efficiently,” Chairman Tan said.

The official said that this is the first of many repossessions that the SBMA will conduct as the agency clamps down on erring companies who have skimped on their obligations to the SBMA. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA Chairman assures stricter measures against smuggling

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan assured the public that smuggling will be thwarted during his term.

The statement came after Tan and Bureau of Customs (BOC) District Collector Atty. Carmelita Talusan conducted an inspection of counterfeit goods worth P240-million in a warehouse in Subic Bay Freeport on Tuesday.

According to Tan, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has mandated him to look into the smuggling of goods inside the Freeport, citing that the apprehension of the shipment of counterfeit goods is thru the collaboration between his agency and the BOC Port of Subic.

Chairman Tan said that the SBMA will provide any assistance necessary to the BOC Port of Subic to ensure that smuggled goods would be confiscated before entering other Philippine territories. 

“The cooperation between the SBMA and BOC Port of Subic will definitely yield positive results following the mandate that the President has given me. By working together, our agencies will certainly provide a more secure Subic Bay Freeport Zone that is free from smuggling,” Tan said.

The two officials inspected the shipments of counterfeit goods at a warehouse in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone on Tuesday wherein 1,269 cartons of misdeclared t-shirts were found. Talusan said that the estimated value of the two shipments totaled P240 million.

Atty. Talusan also mentioned that the cargoes arrived on June 14, from its port of origin in Dhaka, Bangladesh. She added that they conducted the examination on June 26 on the shipments consigned to Bonne Volonte Consumer Goods.

The BOC official also cited that the shipment violates Section 155 of Republic Act No. 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, relative to Section 1113(f) of RA No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

Talusan also disclosed that some of the brand owners who provided certificates of counterfeit goods include Emerald Garment Manufacturing Corp. (makers of RRJ, Stylistic and Mr. Lee), and Federis & Associates Law Offices for Uniqlo and Cotton On. (MPD-SBMA)

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15 SBMA employees enhance electrical skills from Gigamare’s CSR

Some 15 employees of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently completed Customized Electrical Training Course at the Gigamare, Inc. Training Facility at the East Ilanin Forest of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

According to Human Resource Management Department manager Vivian Abalos, this training course is the second training course offered by Gigamare as part of their commitment to the SBMA to give skills enhancement training courses to its employees free of charge.

She said that back in February this year, the first batch of SBMA employees underwent air-conditioning skills training at the said facility, adding that there will be more employees who will take part in other various skills training courses.

“Their training course would normally cost $1,100 per head. That is how much the agency saves with every employee we send to Gigamare for skills enhancement training. This includes shuttle services back and forth, meals during training, use of equipment and other materials related to the training,” Abalos explained.

During the first day of the five-day electrical training course, topics discussed were Electrical Safety and Basic Electrical Theory; electrical hazards; characteristics of matter; electrostatics, resistance and conductance; basic electric circuit; electricity and power; and resistor color coding.

For the second day, the topics included introduction to direct and alternating currents; series direct current circuit; direct and alternating current and voltage; alternating current advantages; and installation of tube light circuit.

Third day topics include: meter basics; ammeters; voltmeter; ohmeters; multimeters; and installation of series/ parallel circuit/ 3-way switch.

For day four, DC and AC motors; principles of operation; motor loads; direction of rotation; practical direct current motors; basic alternating current motors; and construction and operation of AC and DC motors.

Day five topics include: Basic motor control; introduction motor; starters/ controllers; symbols and diagrams; control circuits; motor starting methods; configure the power and control circuit of full voltage starter and reduced voltage starter; wiring the power circuit and control circuit of full voltage starter; and wiring the power circuit and control circuit of reduced voltage starter.

Gigamare, Inc. has committed to provide skills training to SBMA employees on a quarterly basis. According to the company, this is part of their corporate social responsibility for this premier Freeport.

Gigamare was established 15th of April 2013 acquiring Wärtsilä Corporation’s training infrastructure in Subic; continuing the company’s operations in the Philippines. Their mission is to provide innovative and high-quality products and services leading to safe and efficient operations for maritime, offshore, oil and gas, energy, and mining segments.

The company offers environmental and economic training solutions for an improved human factor aided by performance gap analysis. Our unique hands-on academy offers close to real-life experience on operating, repairing, and maintaining equipment and shipboard simulators. (MPD-SBMA)

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