Partnership for Second Chances: SBMA, BJMP Launch Reintegration Program

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Regional Office III (BJMPRO-III) have signed a landmark agreement to help Persons Restored of Liberty (PRLs) reintegrate into the workforce, creating pathways to employment and social inclusion beyond incarceration.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and BJMP Region 3 Director Jail Chief Superintendent Ma. Annie A. Espinosa formalized the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on June 4 at the SBMA Administration Building, with senior officials from both agencies in attendance.

Aliño said the Workplace Reintegration Program enhances public safety while extending rehabilitative efforts to PRLs.

“I strongly believe that it is not only our civic responsibility but more importantly, a just and humane act of service to our fellowmen,” he noted.

The program will facilitate skills-matching and employment opportunities within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, enabling PRLs to become productive members of society.

Espinosa emphasized that the initiative reflects both institutions’ shared commitment to reformation beyond incarceration, empowering individuals with dignity, purpose, and responsibility.

Last year, SBMA also partnered with the Department of Justice-Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA) on a similar reintegration program, making SBMA the first government-owned and controlled corporation to support workplace reintegration for parolees, probationers, and pardonees.

Officials said the new partnership with BJMPRO-III reaffirms SBMA’s dedication to inclusive employment and community-building, while strengthening BJMP’s rehabilitation thrust across Central Luzon. (SNL)

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SBMA partners honored in 1st Green Anchor Awards

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), in collaboration with Subic Bay International Terminals (SBITC), honoured its port stakeholders in the first Green Anchor Awards at the ACEA Subic Beach Resort on November 24, 2025.

The Green Anchor Awards is SBMA’s flagship recognition program for its partners in the port and logistics sector. 

Coinciding with the SBMA’s anniversary celebration, the recognition rites honoured companies and organizations for their cargo contributions that drive commerce, sustainable practices that protect the environment, and partnerships that foster a thriving business environment in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“Green Anchor Awards aim to celebrate freeport companies that choose to go beyond compliance; those who innovate, invest, and adapt their operations because they understand that sustainability is not just a requirement, but a responsibility," said SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño. 

"It is also smart economics as the world moves toward greener value chains, cleaner shipping, circular waste practices, and low-emission operations. The ports that lead in sustainability will be the ones most competitive in the future,” Aliño added.

The Emerald Awards were given to 15 awardees who have made a significant impact through the generation of cargo volume and the reliable delivery of essential goods that sustain communities.

These companies include: San Miguel Foods Corporation; FLS Group Philippines; Worldwide Logistics Group, Philippines; Yokohama Tire Philippines Incorporated; Nestle Philippines Incorporated; Juken Sangyo Philippines Corporation; Philippine Resins Industries Incorporated; HLD Clark Steel Pipe Company Incorporated; Datian Subic Shoes Incorporated; Ecossential Foods Corporation; Maersk Lines Limited; Evergreen Lines; SITC Container Lines; Mediterranean Shipping Company; and CMA-CGM Lines.

The Emerald Special Awards were given to five companies for their exemplary performance in implementing effective programs, strategies, and CSR activities that promote sustainable practices. 

The awardees were Subic Bay Freeport Grains Terminal Services Incorporated; Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation; Pure Petroleum Corporation; Subic Bay International Terminals Corporation- ICTSI Subic Incorporated; and United Auctioneers Incorporated.

Meanwhile, the Partners in Progress Awards were presented to private organizations and government institutions, “whose steadfast collaboration has been instrumental in shaping the Subic Bay Port community.” 

These were the Association of International Shipping Lines Incorporated (AISL); Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners and Organization  (ACTOO); Philippine Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc. (PCCBI), Subic-Clark Chapter / Brokers Association; Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Subic; and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

According to Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao, the Green Anchor Awards is a pioneer recognition platform in the country established by a GOCC to celebrate champions of trade growth and sustainability initiatives in support of its vision of a Green Port City. 

“Subic Bay has been blessed with one of the most unique environmental landscapes in the country—waters that sustain marine life, forests that protect biodiversity, and a coastline that continues to drive economic activity. As stewards of this bay, we have a duty to ensure that development does not come at the expense of future generations,” SBMA Chairman Aliño said. 

For his part, SBITC Executive Director Philippe Baudry said, “As a partner of the SBMA in this event, we share SBMA’s vision of a greener Subic Bay and believe collaboration is a key to lasting impact. Our efforts here form part of ICTSI’s (International Container Terminal Services, Inc.) global sustainability. Together, let us continue to anchor our efforts on green practices for the benefit of our communities and future generations.” (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA’s Passport on Wheels project yields 92 processed passports

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s (SBMA) Passport on Wheels (POW) project at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall on April 29, 2025, was able to process 92 passports in record time of 4 hours. 

SBMA Human Resource and Management Department (HRMD) Manager Vivian Abalos shared that the successful processing of the 92 passports was just a portion of the total 200 passport applications since the other 108 that were supposed to be processed did not materialize due to incomplete documents and payments.

  

Abalos extended her gratitude to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Harbor Point Ayala Mall for their cooperation in the said corporate social responsibility (CSR) project of the agency.

The SBMA has been conducting the POW project even before the pandemic, and it has helped stakeholders within and around the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) in conveniently processing their passport applications and renewals. 

 

Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño explained that the SBMA does not issue passports, but rather, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). He said that this project is a part of the agency’s CSR program in collaboration with the DFA.

 

“This project aims to provide convenient access to passport services for individuals within the Subic Bay area. The SBMA brings passport application and processing services directly to Subic Bay Freeport to extend convenience to SBF residents, employees, and their dependents,” he added. (MPD-SBMA)

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30 Subic companies honored at the Mabuhay Business Awards

30 freeport locators were recognized during the annual Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Mabuhay Business Awards 2024 held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on December 13, 2024.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño explained that the 30 awardees were recognized, out of the 1,909 locators, for their exceptional contribution to the business growth of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone this year. 

Aliño added that the SBMA Mabuhay Awards embodies the agency’s commitment to recognizing the outstanding contributions of these locators who have significantly impacted the domestic economy; hence, “Mabuhay.” It symbolizes life, enthusiasm, and positivity.

Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato W. Lee III said that these 1,909 companies not only contributed to the business growth of the Subic Bay Freeport but also provided employment to 162,891 workers.

“Aggregate investments amounting to P577.99 billion as of the third quarter of 2024 accrued to the SBMA and the Total Operating Revenue generated from 1992-2023 has amounted to P64.36 billion. In the first half of 2024, the SBMA released a total of P204.7 million Net Revenue Shares, higher than last year’s same period,” he said.

“This is why the SBMA holds the Mabuhay Business Awards, to recognize our top performing locators. 

This year, after a rigorous deliberation, the SBMA has determined the 30 top performing Subic Bay Freeport locators,” he said.

For the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) of the Year Award, the awardees were the MJY 88 Medical Clinic, La Banca Travel and Tours Corp., and the Grand Food Venue Corp. that owns Xtremely Xpresso, Subic Ben’s Kitchen and Iron Grill Asian Fusion.

For the New Business of the Year, the recipients were Skarya Builders Inc., Maritime Expert General Services Corporation, Bistro Italiano Corp., Good Manufacturing Leathers Inc., Intelligent Outsourcing Inc., MSK Group Work Incorporated, Strategic Channel for Career Development Corporation, Swire Agrotech Agricultural Products Inc., Pure Petroleum Corporation, Sands of Triboa Resorts and Spa Inc., Subic Bay Yacht Club., Norden Subic Entrepreneurs Inc., and Grainpro Philippines Inc.

For the Top Importer of the Year, the award was given to Raizen Asia PTE. LTD., while the Top Exporter of the Year went to the Sanyo Denki Philippines Inc.

For the Eco-Innovation Award, the SBMA hailed the Subic Smart Community Corporation.

Subic Bay Town Center, Inc. bagged the Health and Wellness Business of the Year award. 

The SBMA hailed the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation for the Corporate Social Responsibility Award. 

For Business Developer of the Year, the awardees were Aolly Home Inc. and  Sachi Subic Inc.

The accolades for the Loyalty Business Award were given to Idess Interactive Technologies Inc., Subic Bay Multi-Purpose Cooperative, MOF Company Subic Inc., Royal Duty-Free Shops Inc., and Mikuni Terminals Mechatronics Philippines Corporation. 

The top performer for Excellence in Occupational Health and Safety Practices was Tong Lung Philippines Metal Industry Co. Inc.

Meanwhile, a Special Award was given to the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce Inc. 

Lee said, “Our awardees do not only have remarkable profiles in terms of their economic growth contributions but they also have shown exemplary and notable accomplishments in delivering quality service, and have gone the extra mile to contribute to the sustainable development of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and its neighboring communities.”

He added, “As the SBMA continues to thrive in our mission to maintain investor confidence and to empower our people and communities through shared stewardship and good governance, the agency will not falter in acknowledging our locators’ contributions and accomplishments. And this is one of our ways to show you how important you are to us, the Mabuhay Awards.” (MPD-SBMA) 

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50 PWDs experience work immersion in SBMA offices, other establishments

Some 50 persons with disabilities (PWDs) experience work immersion in various offices of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), other business establishments here and in Olongapo City. 

This came after the SBMA recently forged a partnership with the local government of Olongapo City to facilitate the work immersion of PWDs inside this premier Freeport. 

The SBMA’s Labor Department, as well as the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) Olongapo City, the Work Immersion Program for PWDs in Government and Private Business Establishments are aimed at providing PWDs a ten-day actual work experience in companies here and in Olongapo City.

According to Labor Department Manager Atty. Melvin Varias, there are a total of 50 PWDs who were given the chance to work—34 of them are deployed to companies inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. 

“Of the 34 PWDs, ten worked at the Grand United Property and Service Management, Inc.; eight were sent to the Subic Bay Travelers Hotel and Event Center; four worked at the Eddie and Julie G Food Corp. at the Jollibee Main Gate; three worked at the SBMA’s Financial Planning and Budget Department; three went to the SBMA’s Accounting Department; five worked here at the SBMA Labor Department; and one was sent to the SBMA Office Services Department,” Varias said.

Meanwhile, PDAO Head Rizalino Jose bared that the proposal for the Work Immersion Program was conceptualized in March of this year. He said that during this program, PWDs will be given opportunities to value, experience and prove their worth as equals with the typical workforce.

“Our target PWD beneficiaries range from mild to manageable disabilities,” he added.

Jose said that their daily minimum wage salary rate of P580 will be funded by the Office of City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr., adding that the first batch of internship was held last May 27 to June 7, while the second batch is from June 10-21, 2024.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño lauded the work immersion program for PWDs, citing that the Subic Bay Freeport is the perfect venue for PWDs to experience that there is equality in the workplace. 

“Our Labor Department is working hard to provide a harmonious working environment inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. By providing PWDs with the opportunity to work at companies here, it only proves that the SBMA does not tolerate discrimination in the workplace,” he said.  

Currently, the Subic Bay Freeport zone has a workforce of 159,762 as of April 2024. This will eventually increase as new investors continue to establish their businesses here. 

“These new companies investing in Subic Freeport would mean a possible expansion of the workplace immersion program for PWDs, giving more opportunities for them to prove that they can be productive citizens of the country,” Aliño said. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Dugo para sa Puso, a Valentine's Day blood drive

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) OIC-Deputy Administrator for Corporate Communications Armie Llamas joins personnel of the Regional Maritime Unit-3 led by PLtCol Sami Lorenzo RMU3 and Olongapo Maritime Police Station chief Police Lt. Mariel Cuizon for a photo souvenir during a bloodletting activity held on Valentine’s Day, February 14 at the Subic Gym of Subic Bay Freeport.

The SBMA and the Philippine Red Cross-Olongapo Chapter spearheaded the bloodletting drive dubbed "Dugo para sa Puso”, which aims to augment the blood requirements in the City of Olongapo and nearby areas in the Freeport.

 

Other organizations such as the Rotary Club of Subic Pearl, Philippine Navy, Batas Eagles Club, and different SBMA departments supported the said activity. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, Subic tourism stakeholders donate food packs to PDLs

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and various tourism-related locators here pitched in to donate food packs to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in Olongapo City on Tuesday.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C Paulino said that the outreach program is part of the 2022 National Tourism Week celebration, which aims to pay something forward to the community as the tourism sector gradually bounces back from the pandemic.

"To provide some solace to the PDLs of Olongapo City Jail is a good deed worthy of praise to our tourism stakeholders. Mabuhay Po kayo!" he said.

With the pandemic almost over, the tourism sector is looking good with the influx of tourists increasing. Paulino added that come Yuletide season, the agency can expect more tourists. 

With the SBMA Tourism department spearheading the outreach program, the donations they have collected reached 173 pieces of dressed chicken and 20 sacks of 25kg rice.

Tourism Manager Mary Jamelle Camba said that companies namely, Subic RCA Intl., Great Supreme, Fiesta Communities Inc, Buena Casa, Segara Suites, Crown Peak, De Pesters Pest Management and Consultants thru the Camba Family, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and individuals namely Rodel Mayor and Julius Macam were also among the generous donors of chicken and rice.

"In addition to in-kind donations of Acea Beach Resort’s 53 sacks of 25 kilos of rice, and Vacation Villas at Subic Homes’ 3 sacks of rice, the number of donated rice is now at 76," Camba said.

Camba also said that Chowking HP Ayala Mall donated 15 food packs; MSK Group donated more than 900 food packs, 3,000 pandesal, and four cases of bottled water; Yakiniku donated 27 cup noodles; Samgyupsalamat donated two boxes of tissue rolls; Xtremely Xpresso donated dry goods, energy drinks, and diapers; and Subic Bay Yacht Club donated alcohols, soaps, and toothpastes. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA, SBF locators help adults w/ special needs face independence in the real world

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) ventured in yet another first-of-its-kind partnership, to support the workplace immersion program for adults with special needs of students from the Vanguard Academy.

SBMA officials led by Labor department manager Atty. Melvin Varias, together with Le Charmé Suites chief executive officer Josephine Pellicer and Meat Plus Café Group operations manager Eizon Wilmar Sampang, welcomed 11 students of the Vanguard Academy (VA) in a send-off ceremony last July 2, 2022.

“On behalf of our chairman and administrator Rolen C. Paulino, and our Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Atty. Ramon Agregado, I would like to congratulate the Vanguard Academy for making this possible here in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone,” remarked Atty. Varias.

“This pilot immersion program is somehow noble to us because it involves students with special talents. This is unique to us. I hope that this multipartite partnership will be sustained even in the coming years because we believe that we can help prepare them for possible gainful employment in the future,” he added.

The Vanguard Academy, a special education institution in Makati City, Metro Manila, has collaborated with the SBMA Labor department to send off 11 young adults with special needs to selected SBMA departments and Freeport locators where they will work as on-the-job trainees (OJTs).

Five of them were assigned to SBMA departments (three for Tourism and two for Law Enforcement), four to Le Charmé Suites (two each for the cafeteria and hotel front desk), and two to Meat Plus Café.

In 2021, the VA launched the Workplace Immersion Program (WIP) on an online platform due to the pandemic. Students completed the program with the school’s partnerships with Viva Entertainment, Ayala Foundation and Bonifacio Art Foundation, where the OJT work focused more on the visual arts skills of the students.

The Academy is also taking it up a notch this year by piloting WIP on a face-to-face platform allowing them to work on-site but with guidance by job coaches from the academy.

One of their goals is for their students to have assisted or fully independent part- or full-time employment in small or large businesses by empowering individuals of all abilities, regardless of age, diagnosis whether typical or special that they may eventually be able to contribute to and be part of the society.

A few weeks back, the VA’s job coaches conducted an orientation session with its WIP partners on the basics of handling adults with special needs. Then, proceeded to assisting the students as they undergo the formality of a job interview by their respective employers, and a tour of the facility the students will be working in.

Jean Patricio, Vanguard Academy director for Academics, Employment and Independent Living Skills said that they always use the term “all abilities” to refer to different levels of abilities, whether typically developing, or individuals with autism, individuals with Down’s Syndrome, individuals with intellectual disability, or individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and so on.

“We are using WITH—with autism, with Down’s syndrome and not their actual names like autism, Down’s syndrome. It’s always WITH because we want to highlight that those diagnoses are just a part of them and not who they are. These individuals are more than their diagnosis,” she added.

During the opening program and send-off ceremony, the SBMA, Le Charmé Suites, Meat Plus Café, and Vanguard Academy officials sealed the agreement to formally commence the implementation of the two-week WIP of 11 adults with special needs.

Students, parents, job coaches and even partner establishments were anxious about the implementation of the program because these adults with special needs will be away from their comfort zone for two weeks.

However, one parent, Roy Ebora, father of three student participants namely, Kyle Kurt and John, said that the WIP is very well appreciated.

“From my perspective, this kind of program brings hope to parents like me that they will learn life skills. To people who are not in the normal spectrum, as development psychologists call it, having life skills is actually not that simple. And as we know, society in general, can be a little bit harsh to people who are not part of the normal group,” Ebora explained citing that one of his fears is if his children would be able to integrate themselves to society when they are gone.

Meanwhile, SBMA chairman and administrator Rolen Paulino expressed elation about having adults with special needs completing their training here in the SBF.

“This is great! Aside from the regular individuals we have in our workforce, we have “differently abled” individuals in our workforce. Now, we have trainees with special needs. I look forward to having them as workers sometime soon,” Paulino said.

Paulino also mentioned that in Subic Bay Freeport welcomes workers of all kinds of groups, including members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer community. With that, he reiterated the call to potential investors who want to make it happen in the Philippines to invest in Subic. (MPD-SBMA) 

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DTI, SBMA launch ‘Balik Eskwela Diskwento’ caravan

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), launched on Thursday the Balik Eskwela Diskwento caravan, the first since the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) hit the country two years ago.

DTI officer-in-charge provincial director Enrique Tacbad said the caravan is being held annually before the opening of classes to give students and parents, especially the low-income earners, the opportunity to buy school supplies and uniforms at discounted prices.

 

“This is the first physical Diskwento caravan we (have) held in Subic Freeport since 2019 because of the pandemic. Conducting Diskwento caravans is a challenging role for DTI during the pandemic,” Tacbad said in an interview.

He said the agency had used different strategies to keep on providing discounted goods to areas affected by calamities, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic while assuring the safety of the staff and personnel.

 

Balik-Eskwela Diskwento caravan program is tying up with local small and medium entrepreneurs or suppliers to promote and sell their products at discounted prices normally ranging from 10 percent to 50 percent of the regular prices in the market.

 

Tacbad said with the return of the physical Diskwento caravan, they are expecting to surpass the PHP1.195 million earnings generated during the 2021 caravan in various locations in Zambales.

 

There are 40 SME exhibitors-sellers from Central Luzon and Marikina City that participated in the caravan, selling school supplies, food products and handicrafts.

 

The caravan is being held at the parking lot of Ayala Harbor Point here.

 

Meanwhile, SBMA Deputy Administrator Ruel John Cabigting welcomed the Diskwento caravan in Subic and became part of the project to help the residents to afford school supplies and other commodities.

 

“It is an honor to become a partner with DTI,” said Cabigting, adding that SBMA is fully supporting the small and medium enterprises as this helps provide jobs and income for the residents and the community.

 

The Diskwento caravan in Subic Freeport will run until May 20. (Ruben Veloria, PNA)

Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1174756

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SBMA releases P154.87-million LGU shares

Despite the global economic downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) still gave out revenue shares amounting to more than P154 million for the first semester to eight neighboring communities.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma handed over the checks to officials from the beneficiary local government units (LGUs) who arrived at the SBMA office in succession to observe social distancing on Thursday, Sept. 10.

Olongapo City remains to be the recipient of the biggest share with P36,020,102.98; followed by Subic, Zambales with P23,677,221.95; Dinalupihan, Bataan P19,262,853.00; San Marcelino, Zambales P18,561,184.24; Hermosa, Bataan P16,125,939.80; Castillejos, Zambales P14,496,222.41; Morong, Bataan P13,458,376.24; and San Antonio, Zambales P13,271,704.95.

The latest LGU release was taken from the agency’s revenue collections from January to June this year.

The LGU share is determined according to population (50 per cent), land area (25 per cent), and equal sharing (25 per cent).  Olongapo, which is a highly urbanized city, always received the biggest chunk of the shares.

The shares are given to LGUs twice a year and are derived from two percent of the five-percent gross income taxes collected from business locators in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.  Shares for the January to June period are released in August, while shares for July to December are given out in February the next year.

Eisma stressed that the LGU shares were meant to augment local resources and enable stakeholder communities to carry out development projects in health, education, peace and order, and livelihood generation.

She also pointed out that the total LGU shares given out this semester decreased a bit from the P175.7 million given out for the July to December period last year because of the slowdown in local business because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, Mayor Elvis Soria of San Marcelino, Zambales said the LGU shares would be a big boost to local communities as they grapple with the effects of the pandemic.

“While the LGU shares are usually budgeted for development projects, we hope it can be realigned for use in our Covid-19 response, too,” Soria said.  

The LGU of Morong, Bataan had requested for another schedule for the release of its share. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairman Wilma Eisma hands over LGU shares to local officials representing Olongapo City; the municipalities of Subic, Castillejos, San Marcelino, and San Antonio in Zambales; and Dinalupihan, Morong, and Hermosa in Bataan.

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Taiwanese firm to develop P15-B techno-eco park in Subic Freeport

The first eco-friendly industrial park will be up soon in this free port to house light industrial factories, commercial facilities, residential buildings, and a nature park.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the project to be called the Tipo Hightech Eco Park (THEP) will be located in a 200-hectare property atop the gently rolling hills of Tipo, which is also the site of an expressway leading to this free port.

Eisma said the development will be undertaken by Xantheng Subic International Corp., a Taiwanese company which committed an investment of P15 billion for the project. The firm is also behind the development of a high-end condominium complex at Triboa Bay here.

According to THEP Project Manager Jeff Lin, Xantheng Subic’s project will generate a workforce demand of over 500 during the development period alone. More employees will be hired when factories and business start operating, he added.

Meanwhile, the project is also expected to deliver to the SBMA some P5 million monthly in land rentals alone.

During the launch of the THEP project held at Peninsular Hotel here last week, Chairman Eisma elicited a promise from the investors to give priority hiring to qualified upland farmers of Tipo and Mabiga villages, who were part of a “social fencing” project of the SBMA which started in 2002. The 136.59 hectares they occupied under the SBMA program will be part of the THEP.

“I want you to promise me that when the factories and business are up, you will give priority to hiring these families or their children,” Eisma said, referring to the 65 families who were part of the social fencing program.

The SBMA official also thanked the farmers for their cooperation, and for allowing a very smooth and pleasant negotiation and turn-over.

Lin said the THEP was conceived to accommodate the growing population of Taiwanese investors in the Subic Bay Freeport. However, the management does not discount giving room for other nationalities, he said.

“The business atmosphere in here is very conducive and attractive, especially with the on-going road and infrastructure projects of the SBMA. Many Taiwanese companies and investors from other countries, too, are interested to locate here,” Lin said.

According to the master plan submitted by THEP to SBMA, the development will include 101.47 hectares for light industries, 17.99 hectares for a commercial complex, 7.11 hectares for mixed use, 23.16 hectares for residential buildings, and 23.16 for a nature and environment conservation park.

There will also be a reserved area for utilities use and other purposes for a total development area of 209.27 hectares.

Eisma also congratulated Xantheng for coming up with the idea of an industrial park which will incorporate environmental conservation.

Eisma said this will be a first of its kind to be implemented in the Subic Bay Freeport. (CAE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[2] THEP Project Manager Jeff Lin explains the benefits of the project during the launching of the Tipo Hightech Eco Park (THEP) on October 9.

[1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma asks investors to employ Subic upland farmers during the development of the Tipo Hightech Eco Park (THEP).

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Volunteer cleanups propel Subic Freeport tourism

Hundreds of volunteers from the various community organizations, schools and government agencies converged here on Sunday to clean up the beach along the popular Boardwalk Park here in preparation for the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay triathlon event here on June 2.

The volunteers from the Philippine Coast Guard-Subic, its auxiliary PCGA 111th Squadron, the Philippine National Police, Ramon Magsaysay University in Subic, Zambales, and local schools Aura College and Gordon College, scoured the coast for trash, and bagged them for sorting and eventual disposal.

But this was nothing extraordinary, said SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, who takes pride in a strong culture of volunteerism among stakeholders of the Subic Bay Freeport.

“This Freeport may have its natural attractions to thank for being a major tourist destination in the country today, but it is the culture of volunteerism here that keeps the local tourism industry moving forward,” Eisma said.

“Without the cooperation and support of the Subic Bay area community, the SBMA would not be able to make Subic the top tourist destination in Central Luzon for the last six years,” she added. “Volunteers help keep Subic tourism alive.”

The initiative of stakeholders that include SBMA employees, Freeport business locators, socio-civic organizations, residents, and even visitors to volunteer in clean-up activities here is a result of Eisma’s call for “malasakit” or concern for the common good.

This summer, as Subic prepared to host a mix of sports, entertainment and religious events, volunteer groups led by various SBMA departments buckled down to work to keep beaches, river banks and vacant lots clean and pleasing to the eye.

Today, members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Subic Station, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) 111th Squadron, and the Subic Bay Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SBMPC), conduct monthly coastal clean-up along Malawaan Park and Boardwalk area.

“PCGA is mandated to support and assist the community in the protection of the marine environment and its resources, so we are happy to volunteer in cleaning our beach areas, especially in Subic Bay,” said Commander Eduardo Mabita Jr., director of the PCGA division in Subic.

Other groups such as Toyota Avanza Pilipinas (Olongapo Chapter), Lions Club of Olongapo, Gordon College and Aura College, the Police Regional Maritime Unit (Subic) are among the regular participants of the beach clean-ups along the Boardwalk Park here.

The Boardwalk Area is a favorite place for outdoor concerts, and will be the venue for several beach and water sports events in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games that Subic will host on November 30 to December 10.

Jem Camba, manager of the SBMA Tourism Department, noted that with 1.7 million guest arrivals last year, the Subic Bay Freeport continues to hold its position as the best tourist destination in Central Luzon based on the Department of Tourism’s 2018 report.

“With the help of our Subic Bay stakeholders, we are able to provide excellent customer service and create worthy and enjoyable events, and thus make Subic Bay a perfect getaway destination,” Camba also said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

Various stakeholder groups participate in the clean-up along the Boardwalk Park in the Subic Bay Freeport in preparation for the Ironman 70.3 triathlon on June 2. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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PLDT-Subic donates police outposts to SBMA

Seven new police outposts were turned over by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company-Subic (PLDT Subic) to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as part of the company’s contribution to promote safety and security in this Freeport.

PLDT Subictel Chairman Eric Alberto formally presented the donation to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma after unveiling an outpost located on Rizal Highway corner Aguinaldo St. near the Subic main gate recently.

The seven outposts, which cost more than P1 million, sported a brand-new look with its bold black theme and vibrant SBMA emergency hotlines painted on walls.

Four new outposts are located at Subic’s Central Business District: Rizal Highway corner Argonaut Highway; Rizal Highway corner Burgos Street; Rizal Highway corner Aguinaldo Street; and Rizal Highway corner Manila Avenue.

Three others are at the Binictican housing area: one at the Binictican main sentry station; one more at the sentry near Pamulaklakin Village; and the third at the sentry gate going to El Kabayo.

PLDT Subictel officials said this corporate social responsibility (CSR) project includes the repair and repainting of the existing security outpost at the Kalayaan main sentry station.

They added that the company would also put emergency phone numbers for the Binictican and Kalayaan housing areas on the police outposts located therein.

Meanwhile, Chairman Eisma expressed the agency’s appreciation for Subictel’s continued support in the SBMA’s safety and security program for the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

She reiterated that the PLDT-Subictel CSR project is a testament to the company’s “malasakit” for this premier free port.

The Subic Telecommunications Co., or Subictel, is a subsidiary of PLDT and operates the telephone system in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairman Wilma Eisma (center) with PLDT-Subictel Chairman Eric Alberto and other officials of the SBMA and Subictel during the turnover ceremony for the new police outposts donated by PLDT.

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DFA mulling consular office in Subic Bay Freeport

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is now considering the establishment of a permanent consular office in this free port to better serve the public in the Subic Bay area and nearby parts of Central Luzon.

DFA Assistant Secretary Neil Frank Ferrer announced this during the agency’s passport processing project that was held last week at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

“This is our commitment—to bring our services closer to the public, closer to you people. We will not be just an ad hoc passporting on wheels. Our intention is to put up a permanent presence here,” said Ferrer, who joined the DFA team here to coordinate and look for a possible location for an office.

The DFA official added that with a permanent consular office in Subic, the agency will also be able to provide services like document authentication, assistance to nationals, and delayed registration of birth, marriage or death for Filipinos abroad.

“It will be a complete service, like a mini-DFA,” Ferrer said. “We are excited in having that office put up here soon.”

In January last year, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said she has requested the DFA to conduct passport processing here at least twice a year and, later on, to establish full consular services at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Eisma made the request after noting the huge number of passport applicants who queue for processing each time a passport-on-wheels team arrived in Subic.

Ferrer said the DFA has already established 34 consular offices across the country.

Recently, it opened seven new consular offices in Malolos, Bulacan; Ilocos Norte; Isabela; San Pablo, Laguna; Antipolo, Rizal; Tagum City, Davao del Norte; and Clarin, Misamis Occidental, he said.

SBMA deputy administrator for administration Ruel John T. Kabigting, who welcomed the DFA group during the passport processing project, said that he has been receiving positive feedback on passport processing events here.

“Applying for a passport in Subic became very convenient for the people because there is no need for them to travel to the regional office or to Manila. And they are thankful for this project,” Kabigting said.

A total of 818 passport applications were processed here in the March 29 project at the Harbor Point, according to the SBMA technical working group for corporate social responsibility (TWG for CSR), which is the prime-mover of the mobile passport processing project.

This was the third passport processing project of the SBMA TWG for CSR that was held in cooperation with the DFA, Harbor Point Ayala Mall, and Converge ICT.

The TWG for CSR consists of about 50 SBMA employee-volunteers who render public service to the public through projects like passport on wheels, firearms licensing, and civil registration. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

H1undreds of applicants queue for the processing of their passport during the DFA-SBMA Passport on Wheels project at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall on March 29, ample proof that a consular office is needed to serve the public in the Subic Bay Freeport area. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, Subic firms send P70k donation to Orion fire victims

Employees of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as well business locators in the Subic Bay Freeport sent in more than P70,000 worth of donations to victims of the fire that razed more than 600 houses in Orion, Bataan late last month.

SBMA Public Relations Department manager Armie Llamas said the Subic agency mounted a donation drive for the fire victims and collected some 25 boxes of assorted supplies from various SBMA departments and companies operating in the Freeport.

The donations consisted of sleeping mats, water pails, plates and drinking cups, various toiletry items, blankets, pillows, canned goods, and used clothes. These were turned over last week to Orion, Bataan Mayor Antonio Raymundo, Jr.

In a separate project, the SBMA’s 89.5-FM Subic Bay Radio also collected a significant volume of donations as it asked listeners to contribute in the aftermath of the Orion fire.

Acting station manager Menandro Magcale said that good Samaritans from the Subic Bay Freeport and Olongapo City provided 5 cavans of rice, 6 boxes of canned goods, 4 boxes of noodles, 3 boxes of bread and biscuits, 2 boxes of assorted packed food, 3 boxes of hygiene products, assorted kitchen and house ware, and beddings and mattresses.

The station likewise collected some 100 pairs of shoes and slippers, as well as a dozen huge plastic bags of used clothes.

The radio station staff, along with volunteer students from Aura College in the Freeport, delivered the donations on Feb. 8 to social welfare workers at the main evacuation center in the Bataan School of Fisheries in Orion.

SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma, meanwhile, lauded the SBMA employees, business locators and other stakeholders in the Subic community for showing concern for other people who are in need.

“Your gesture of love and kindness for others, especially our neighbors in Bataan, best exemplifies the culture of benevolence and malasakit that we are cultivating in this community,” Eisma added.

Reports said that more than 1 6,000 individuals fled to temporary evacuation centers after a fire broke out at Sitio Depensa in Barangay Capunitan, Orion on January 29.

Abetted by strong winds, the fire razed down more than 600 houses made of light materials that were home to mostly fishermen and informal settlers. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Public Relations Department head Armie Llamas (center) and PRD Community Relations Officer Malou Dungog lead the turnover of goods donated by SBMA employees and business locators in the Subic Bay Freeport for Orion fire victims.

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