PBBM to Aliño—take care of SBMA and its people

Newly installed Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño has vowed to take good care of the agency and its people.

This was his statement during a press briefing at the SBMA administration building on Monday. The Agency Chief shared that he was given the mandate by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to look into the needs of Subic Freeport stakeholders and help resolve problems of the business communities inside.

“The President also instructed me to steer Subic Bay Freeport to the next level, which means go forward. With the help of the Board of Directors, who are all very professional, I believe that we can achieve that goal hand-in-hand,” Aliño added.

Aliño replaced former Pandan, Antique Mayor Jonathan D. Tan as the chairman and administrator of the government owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) this month, with his promotion as the Senior Undersecretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The new chief took his oath of office before President Marcos on January 12 at Malacañan Palace.

“In my case, I am 73 years old, the legacy I want to leave is a good mark, all for the glory of God, country, and for SBMA, and for its people who have significantly helped me. I am also leaving this good mark for my family. I promised them that after my stint, regardless of time, hindi nila ako ikahihiya. For me its very important,” he said.

A devout Catholic with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the De La Salle University, Aliño was also the former chairman and president of the STAR Group of Companies which offers port operations services for bulk and break-bulk cargo with Subic Bay as one of its locations, Grain Terminal Services Inc and sister company Mega Subic Terminal Services Inc .

Aside from his achievements in port operations, Aliño was also involved in other business industries such as supply chain, power and energy, construction, industrial trading, entertainment and tourism.

The new SBMA head was also chairman of the Subic Bay Yacht Club from 2015 to 2018 and in 2023. He also remains active in civic and non-government organizations like the Marinducare Foundation, a group providing livelihood and civic assistance to poor communities in Marinduque, the hometown of Aliño’s parents. (MPD-SBMA)

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President Marcos Jr. appoints businessman Eduardo Aliño as new SBMA chief

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed and sworn in Eduardo L. Aliño as the new chairman and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Aliño took oath before Marcos as the new SBMA head in a ceremony at the Malacañan Palace in Manila Friday, January 12. 

Aliño replaces former SBMA chairman and administrator Jonathan Tan who will assume a new post at the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Tan was also sworn in on Friday as DILG undersecretary.

Aliño is the chair of the Subic Bay Yacht Club, as well as president and chairperson of the S.T.A.R. Group of Companies, a major player in integrated supply chain services and port operations.

He is also the president and chairperson of Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal Services, Inc. and Mega Equipment International Corp., among other posts.

Tan, on the other hand, served as mayor of Pandan, Antique from 2010 to 2019.

Tan is also a businessman who owns the JDT Construction and Supply and serves as president of JDT Trading. (SNL)

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SBMA Chairman warns unscrupulous traders to follow protocol or get banned

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan warned port users here engaged in truck trading to follow protocol or get banned from doing business inside the Freeport.

Chairman Tan in a meeting with 100 stakeholders on Thursday said that the agency is clamping down on illegal activities that are proliferating in the Freeport.

One of the most common is underdeclaration of the weight of shipped trucks to reduce the payment of their duties and taxes. Also common is the fraudulent upgrading of the trucks' year model through bribery, aside from the irregular shortening of process time or skirting of port policies by truckers who want their shipments processed earlier than scheduled.

“This is a fair warning to everyone. The President told me to give you a chance, he told me to save the truck industry. The processing of imported trucks should be done as stated by law,” he said.

“Most of the truckers here use bribes to speed up the processing of their papers. We will stop this illegal activity and will abide by the process on the releasing of trucks,” he added.

The SBMA is in the process of procuring a weighing scale that will be used on November 15, providing the agency equipment to determine the actual weight of imported vehicles and improve the deterrence of illegal activities in the port area.

“You have until November 15 to straighten your businesses or we will revoke your permit. This order is coming from the President, and I will coordinate with BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio to ensure that you are all following the protocols,” he said.

The agency chief further admonished that no one should ask for money using his name, that he will give his number to the truckers so that if anyone tries to ask for money, they can contact him.

Tan said that for the past 30 plus years, this has been the norm in the Subic Freeport, adding that things will be different. “Ngayon bago na, kung hindi niyo magawa ng tama yan, I will have to revoke your permit,” he concluded. (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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SBMA chair keeps high confidence about Subic tourism recovery after lifting of public health emergency

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan shared that his confidence that the tourism industry’s full recovery here in the country’s premier Freeport zone remains high.

This statement came as President Ferdinand R. Marcos lifted the public health emergency in the country thru Presidential Proclamation No. 297 effective July 21, 2023.

“This encouraging development provides us with an optimistic outlook of the travel and tourism industry in the country,” Tan said.

Tan was guest speaker at the Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP) 2023 Luzon Cluster Regional Consultative Forum, where he addressed some 200 members, tourism stakeholders and guests.

Dubbed as “Sustainable Tourism: Leading the Recovery and Profitability of Business Operation in the Post-Pandemic Era,” the regional consultative meeting aims to bring together government and industry stakeholders to hear concerns and protect stakeholders.

During the meeting, participants and panelists discussed issues, concerns and plans to formulate joint programs ensuing that the interests of the stakeholders will be heard and protected.

In his speech, Tan took pride of the 99% tourist arrivals in 2022, which is relatively higher than 89% in 2019; and as of June 2023, 5.15 million visitor arrivals and 436,000 tourist arrivals have been recorded cumulatively.

“While increasing job generation and tourism patronage has always been our goal for our tourism sector, however, my leadership now is gearing towards holistic development of the Subic Bay, making it a highly competitive and sustainable business and investment hub. This is captured in our new vision for SBMA, which is Subic Bay Freeport is the preferred sustainable investment hub and eco-tourism destination in Asia Pacific by 2030,” Tan added.

He further said that the goal is to improve the investment climate to attract more investors, increase revenue and general more resilient jobs for the residents.

Among the major development plans that will complement and drive the growth of the local tourism are the establishment of public e-vehicle transportations, construction of the corporate center, adoption of a smart city, and sustainability guidelines for the agency and the business locators.

Meanwhile, he also said bared other plans to revitalize the recovery and profitability of business operations in the Freeport, namely: (1) holding of the Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit on September 2023; (2) revival of cruise tourism by the first quarter of 2024 with the maiden arrival of Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas, as well as the maiden arrival the MSC’s Splendida; (3) economic cooperation on Halal industry to make Subic Bay a Muslim-friendly destination; (4) and rebranding of Subic Bay to align with goals and appeal to new customer segments.

During the same meeting themed “Hopping on Towards Sustainability,” TCP president Roberto Zozobrado acknowledged the SBMA’s continuous support as an associate member and a partner in implementing TCP programs.

Luzon-based travel and tourism stakeholders who participated in the forum were comprised of representatives from the following industry: accommodation; travel and tour services; land, air and sea tourist transport services; conventions and exhibition services and suppliers; tourism estate development; and other accredited tourism enterprises coming from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. (MPD-SBMA)

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LOOK: SBMA Chief Jonathan Tan meets with TWG to address public transportation needs in SBFZ

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan confers matters with the Technical Working Group (TWG) for Transportation to address concerns regarding the need for public transport providers within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“Our nightlife here needs reviving since most of the restos and bars close early because of the lack of available transportation after 9 pm. Yes we do have taxis, but for a simple employee of a restaurant or bar, taking the cab everyday would certainly hurt his or her income,” Chairman Tan said.

The official shared that the agency is eyeing the purchase of electric buses and creating more bus stops, especially in housing areas such as Binictican and Kalayaan. (MPD-SBMA)

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LOOK: Marcos administers oath of new SBMA chief Jonathan Tan

Manila - President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday (May 17, 2023) administered the oath of office of Jonathan Dioso Tan as the new chairman and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

The oath-taking ceremony was held at the President's Hall in Malacañan Palace, based on a video uploaded by state-run Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM) on its official Facebook page.

Tan served as mayor of Pandan, Antique from 2010 to 2019 (PNA). 

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Tan formally assumes SBMA post

Former Pandan, Antique mayor Jonathan D. Tan has formally assumed post as chairman and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in a modest turnover ceremony on Tuesday (May 16) at the grand lobby of the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC).

Tan symbolically received the reins of the SBMA as Board of Director Atty. Tomas Lahom III handed over the SBMA flag, with the rest of the directors behind him.

Agency officials and members of the media witnessed the rites.

Tan, a public servant and businessman who served as mayor of Pandan, Antique for three consecutive terms, was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. last April 28 and was sworn in to office by Palace’s executive secretary Lucas Bersamin on May 3.

During his acceptance speech, Tan acknowledged the support he has been receiving since day one. At the same time, he also urged everyone to continue that synergy and cooperation as he cited an African philosophy.

"'I am because we are' – an African philosophy of Ubuntu, which reminds us that our sense of self is shaped by our relationship with others. My success is your success, and your failure is my failure. Let’s not just lift ourselves up, but lift our colleagues, as well. And whatever it is that we do individually and collectively, reflects the leadership of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority,” he said.

“My dear colleagues, some say that public service is a thankless profession. But I encourage you to look at your glass half-full rather than half-empty because when you change your perspective, you begin to see the world from a different light. We can all be great when we serve others,” he added.  

As a committed public servant, he vowed to continue his trademark initials “JDT,” which stands for Jobs, Development, and Tourism.

Tan replaced former Olongapo City mayor Rolen C. Paulino, whose courtesy resignation was accepted by Malacañang on April 15. Paulino has recently been appointed to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) as a member of the Board of Directors. (MPD-SBMA)

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New SBMA chief discloses new direction for SBFZ; asks employees’ support

Newly appointed Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan disclosed his leadership’s new directions and development plans, emphasizing the role of employees to attain them.

The new chief revealed his plans for Subic Bay Freeport to SBMA employees for the first time during the agency's flag ceremony on Monday, May 8.

“We start with revisiting our vision and mission that will guide us to set new directions and development plans, including strategies to achieve our goals for the free port,” Tan said.

“Setting the new direction of the Freeport is the first major step to know where you want to go and my leadership is clear about that,” he added.

“We want to create a progressive and sustainable business community. We want to regain the trust and confidence of our present locators. We want future locators to see what we can offer them. We want a better work environment for us all,” he further said.

Tan also expressed his confidence to the people of the SBMA and shared simple rules of engagement to establish good work relationships.

“Respect, open communication, collaboration, and teamwork are our rules of engagement. We will ensure that the welfare and well-being of our employees are checked. We are a big happy family here at SBMA,” Tan emphasized.

He acknowledged the SBMA people, who are known for the spirit of volunteerism, to be among the driving forces of commitment and dedication as powerful forces to serve the clients.

“Our passion to serve should be driven by our collective actions to work without coercion or by mere compliance alone. It is to work with pride and dignity on what we do and why we serve that makes volunteerism a genuine call for service,” Tan reminded employees.

Tan, who was a three-term Mayor of Antique, said that it was public service and his intention to help the community that brought him to SBMA. As the new head of the agency, he reminded everyone of what it means to serve.

“Change starts with people and in people. It starts with us. Let’s work together for a better and stronger Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority,” Tan said. (MPD-SBMA)

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Palace appoints Antique ex-mayor Tan as new head of SBMA

Malacañan Palace has appointed Jonathan Dioso Tan as the new chairman and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on April 28, 2023.

The former mayor of Pandan, Antique has replaced former SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino after the latter filed his courtesy resignation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last month. Paulino, the former mayor of Olongapo City, stepped down from his office on April 15.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Jonathan Tan is a Filipino politician and businessman who served as mayor of Pandan, Antique from 2010 to 2019.

He was one of the Philippines' Most Outstanding Mayors in 2012 together with city Mayors Alfredo Lim of Manila, Benjie Lim of Dagupan, Meynardo Sabili of Lipa, Edgardo Pamintuan of Angeles, Jennifer Austria-Barzaga of Dasmariñas, and Len Alonte-Naguiat of Biñan. He was the only municipal mayor who bagged the award on that year.

He served as President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines – Antique and elected as PRO of LMP-National from 2013 - 2016. He was also the Secretary of the Northwest Panay Peninsula Biodiversity and Conservation Council.

One of his major accomplishments was making Pandan a recipient of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4P's, an anti-poverty project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Tan's initiative to source out funds from Senators paved the way for more development projects in the municipality. 

His trademark, JDT, aside from it as an abbreviation of his name, stands for Jobs, Development and Tourism. He managed to enhance the tourism industry in the town as Pandan was included in the 77 Tourism Development areas identified by the Department of Tourism.

Preparations for the turnover of post is underway. (MPD-SBMA)

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Former SBMA chief wins 2nd Stevie for innovative COVID-19 contingencies in Subic

Former Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma has won another Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards this year as  “Thought Leader of the Year.”

According to the award-giving body, the award is given to individuals with innovative ideas who demonstrate the confidence to promote or share them as actionable or distilled insights.

Eisma, who is now a director of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), was bestowed the silver Stevie for her Covid-19 contingency plans for the Subic Bay Freeport that paved the way for businesses inside the Freeport to endure the effects of the pandemic.

During her term, the agency has implemented measures that ensured, not only for businesses to thrive but the safety and security of the stakeholders in the Freeport as well.

Innovations such as business teleconferencing; disinfection protocols and mass testing; emergency isolation facilities; online bidding for products and services; virtual job fairs; online medical consultation; and a “bubble” concept for sports tournaments, seminars and workshops, and other events to boost local business operations, were maximized during that time.

These measures not only sustained jobs and investments in Subic, but also led to significant economic growth during the worst period of the pandemic: P3.2-billion revenue, P1.3-billion new committed investments, 682 new jobs, and $1.12-billion imports and $1.03-billion exports in 2020, the first year of the pandemic.

These records were even eclipsed in 2021 with a P3.47-billion revenue, or an 8 percent income growth; 142,177 workers, or an employment increase of 2.31 percent; 1,737 business locators; and P17.29-billion new investments that topped the 2020 record by P15.74 billion or 1,011 percent.

This was the second time that Eisma received a Stevie award. In 2018, a year after becoming SBMA’s first female CEO, Eisma also won a silver Stevie as “Female Executive of the Year for Government or Non-profit” under the individual women awards category.

Meanwhile, she also received a bronze Stevie for the SBMA for “Organization of the Year” under the category for government or non-profit with more than 10 employees.

Eisma felt “humbled and honored” with the recent recognition and expressed her gratitude to the public for their continuing support, she said in a social media post.

The winners in the 2023 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards were announced last week from more than 800 nominations for innovative achievements in the 29-nation Asia-Pacific region.

Gold, silver, and bronze Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 150 professionals around the world, organizers said.

The “Stevies,” which is considered as the business equivalent of the Oscars, is given annually by the American Business Awards organization to recognize accomplishments and contributions of companies and business people around the world.

The winners will be celebrated at a virtual ceremony on June 27. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Statement on resignation as SBMA Chairman and Administrator

I have formally tendered my courtesy resignation as Chairman and Administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, effective April 15, 2023, TO GIVE THE President A FREE HAND to choose who he deems best to steer the SBMA/ Subic Bay Freeport Zone to greater heights in terms of management and new business opportunities.

Despite having a fixed term of 6 years as provided in Republic Act 7227 or the Bases Conversion Development Act”, I shall adhere to instructions from the Office of the President as an obedient soldier and dedicated public servant. I trust the good judgement of the President as he knows better.

It has been a challenging yet fulfilling journey for me when I was appointed to the position last March 1, 2022, since the country was just graduating from the onslaught of the Covid19 pandemic. However, with the support of employees and stakeholders of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, coupled with the “Fast, Friendly and Flexible” business motto which I have implemented to help locators get back on their feet, the SBFZ is now fast AND FIRMLY ON THE road to recovery and economic upturn.

My sincere gratitude goes to the men and women of the SBMA who have supported me in my brief but memorable and heartwarming time as their leader, mentor, friend and ally, and to the local and national leaders who have helped me realize my plans and programs for the Freeport.

My dedication and passion to serve the country does not end here.

I will always be of service to the public even in my capacity as a simple citizen of the Republic of the Philippines.

I am grateful. I am blessed. Godspeed!

Rolen C. Paulino

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SBMA chair lauds employees for apprehension of smuggling try in Subic

"Not on my watch!"

This was the statement made by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino during a media briefing here on Tuesday to warn those attempting to smuggle goods through the freeport. 

Paulino was reacting to reports that the Subic Bay Freeport “should be closed” to prevent smuggling. He cited that the apprehension of smugglers should be commended instead, citing that the SBMA is working closely with other government agencies in preventing smuggling in the country. 

The Freeport has been under fire from Albay Congressman Joey Salceda after the representative cited that the Subic Freeport should be closed due to the alleged “rampant smuggling” here. The chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means said that they will probe the Freeport for the supposed smuggling.

Chairman Paulino cited that prior to the docking of the ship, the SBMA conducts a Ship Pre-Arrival Meeting (SPAM) to verify the shipments and see if there were any misdeclaration, misclassification or undervaluation in their cargoes. 

Suspicious shipments will be held for investigation by corresponding government agency and will be charged accordingly. 

He said that the entry of items inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone is not smuggling in itself. It is still subject for joint inspection by the SBMA seaport department, together with the Bureau of Customs (BoC), the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for verification of documents before they issue a pass. 

“If these items got out of the Subic Freeport gates without the proper documents, then that would be considered smuggling,” Paulino stressed. 

Moreover, he said that the seizure of smuggled items in the Subic Bay Freeport before it gains entry into Philippine territory is a sign that the SBMA and other government agencies tasked to guard the entry points are doing their job. 

“We believe that Representative Salceda is only looking out for the good of the country, but closing the Subic Bay Freeport is not the answer to stop the smuggling, especially of agricultural products,” Paulino said. 

The chairman said that, consequently, hundreds of thousands of workers here would lose their jobs, the billion-dollar transshipment businesses here would closed, billions of pesos in revenues would not be collected ergo will not be turned over to the national government.

“Closing the Freeport would mean that hundreds of foreign and local companies will relocate, some of the biggest tourism sites will close, and military presence in the area will have no direct support from other government agencies,” he said. (MPD-SBMA)  

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Paulino welcomes appointment of new SBMA directors

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino welcomed the appointment of new members of the Board of Directors in a statement released by the agency here on Tuesday.

Paulino cited that the appointment of the new members would mean the continuity in the operations of the SBMA, citing that more companies are now gearing towards investing inside this premier Freeport Zone.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently appointed six new directors, reappointing two others in an appointment letter sent by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on December 27.

Among those who were appointed as members of the SBMA’s Board of Directors included Honorio Cabaguio Allado III, Jose Mari Balandra Ponce, Kenneth Lemuel Go Rementilla, and Amable Bancod Tolentino, all representing the private sector.

The President also appointed Allan Troy Dandan Baquir and Edelberto Salgo Mozo to represent the National Government and the Business and Investment Sectors, respectively. The president also reappointed Tomas Fausto Lahom III and Maria Cecilia Bobadilla-Bitare to continue their work as SBMA directors.

“The SBMA is pleased and honored over the appointment of the members of the SBMA Board of Directors. With that, we can now continue with the development of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone,” Chairman Paulino said.

Currently, the agency has approved foreign direct investments worth P32.98 billion, which accounted for 71.34 percent of the total P46.23 billion approved by all Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) in the country during the second quarter of 2022.

Paulino attributed the big leap from P20.5 million approved investments in the same period last year to the aggressive efforts of the SBMA business group in attracting investors in Subic Bay.

The Subic Bay Freeport workforce is at 146,711 working for 3,731 companies here. Paulino cited that Olongapo has the biggest number of workers with 65,363 employees, followed by Zambales with 27,027.

The official also said that most of the workers are males at 102,070 against the 44,641 female workers, mostly working in the service providing companies. The service sector makes up 74.25 percent of the workforce, followed by the manufacturing sector with 13.76 percent.

The two categories are followed by the construction sector with 8.38 percent, and marine-related services with 3.61 percent. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA celebrates 30th anniversary with modest, employee-centered ceremonies

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently celebrated its 30^th founding anniversary honoring the men and women who have worked hard to make the agency what it is today, a self-sustaining government agency.

During the all-employee anniversary program, Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino recalled the time when volunteers started rebuilding the former US military bases after the Americans had pulled out. He lauded all employees for the efforts throughout the agency’s existence.

“It has been 30 years since the 12 senators rejected the extension of the bases treaty in 1991. We didn’t know what was in store for us then. What we didn’t know was something bigger was bound to happen—for me to be working with the best government-owned and –controlled corporation (GOCC) employees in the country, the SBMA employees,” Paulino proudly said.

The anniversary celebration continued until the evening for the kick-off ceremony of combined celebration between the SBMA and the City Government of Olongapo, as well as a reunion with former SBMA Chairmen and Administrators, and the lighting of the Christmas tree, officially launching the Yuletide season at the Boardwalk Event Center.

During the evening program, the former Chairmen and Administrators were honored through an audio-visual presentation entitled, “Hailing the Captains and First Mates of the Economic Flagship of the Philippines.”

Former Chairman and Administrator Roberto Garcia, former Administrator Armand Arreza, and Atty. Marvin Diño on behalf of former Chairman Martin Diño partook in the celebration, all of them thanking employees for a job well done, and wishing the best for the SBMA.

“I think this is really the spirit of SBMA, the volunteerism, the willingness to help, and do good everything for the success of SBMA. I want to thank all of the past chairman and administrators, all of the board of directors, all of the management and staff, you have done a wonderful job in bringing SBMA to where it is today—the largest and the most progressive free port in the country today,” Garcia said.

Earlier that day, Paulino led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Volunteers’ Shrine, together with the top management officials and the Board of Directors. It was followed by a motorcade en route to the administration building 229, where the awarding of the 2021 Employee of the Year highlighted the anniversary program.

Emerging from the ranks of Employees of the Year of their respective Strategic Business Units (SBUs) were Peter Moneda of the Public Services Group for Category 1 and Engr. Jomel Libut of the Regulatory Group for Category 2.

Moneda is known for having offered SBMA offices in need of solutions to cooling problems by salvaging A/C parts from old unserviceable units to rehabilitate and repair five units of 7.5 tonnes split-type A/C, two units of split-type evaporators, and a window-type A/C. This made the agency save a total of 110,000 pesos for the period that he became Employee of the Quarter of his SBU.

Meanwhile, Engr. Libut is hands-on in overseeing the implementation of major pipeline projects of the SBMA including seven road rehabilitation projects and the perimeter fence rehabilitation from Kalaklan to Kalayaan. All that, and at the same time, being the division chief of the utilities department all year-round.

The raffle draw for all the employees capped off the morning ceremonies, where 60 bags of rice, 3 rice cookers, a window-type A/C, a personal refrigerator, an electric fan, 2 mountain bikes, a 43” and 55” LED televisions, and some cash prizes were given away.

However, before the raffle draw took place, a flash mob interrupted the program and surprised Paulino as he also celebrated his birthday on the same day.

Still earlier on Monday, the SBMA also honored 238 awardees who have achieved ten years, or more, of continuous and satisfactory service in the government during the 8^th SBMA Loyalty Awards Ceremony at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC). 17 awardees were honored for their 10 years of service; 10 awardees for 15 years of service, 35 awardees for 20 years of service, and 176 awardees for 25 years of service.

Awardees were given commemorative items according to their length of service, sash, certificates or plaques of recognition, and cash incentives.

On Wednesday, the Port Operations Group staged a gift-giving activity dubbed as "Give Love on SBMA Day," where ten children with special needs were beneficiaries of gifts and a familiarization tour of the BRP Hydrographer Presbitero, a research and survey vessel docked at the Riviera Pier of the Ship Repair Facility (SRF).

“I wish for more wisdom, so that I could lead the SBMA, most of all, in generating more employment opportunities to residents of Olongapo City, Zambales and Bataan provinces,” Paulino said, also mentioning the biggest Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training center will soon rise in the Subic Bay Freeport to augment skill requirements of industries coming in.

Lastly, he attributed to the former Chairmen and Administrators the ease of leading the SBMA now for they have done a good job establishing the agency then. (MPD-SBMA)

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