Subic Freeport’s 10 Outstanding workers in 2025 named

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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Mechanic is Subic’s first ‘Worker of the Republic’ awardee

A mechanic from one of the locator-companies in this free port has been honored as one of The Outstanding Workers of the Republic (Tower) for 2019, the first Subic Bay Freeport employee to receive the award.

Roberto Duran Jr., who works as pipe repairman at the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation (PCSPC), became one of the seven workers from among the more than 43 million Filipinos in the labor force to be given the award this year.

The other awardees are Benigno Acasio of Manila Water Co.; Isaiah John Duyag, Nestle Philippines; Gerald Taguiam, SIA Engineering; Johnny Talaban, NOCECO; Allan Unabia, Wyeth; and Robert John Uy, Moog Controls.

Duran, who left his family in Cagayan province to look for a job in Subic, first landed as a contract worker at the PCSPC. His job included sweeping the street in the PCSPC compound and assisting other workers.

But his dedication to work soon earned him the trust of supervisors who helped him get hired for a regular position. He is now in charge of the maintenance and repair of assets such as pipelines, valves, meters, and pumps.

“Being away from my family is hard to bear. But I really thank this company for the trust and continuous training they provide for their employees which I used to reached where I am today,” Duran said in Filipino. “I have a wonderful job that helps my family and sends my children to school.”

On Monday, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) also honored Duran during the flag-raising ceremony.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Ramon Agregado described Duran’s award as “a clear testament that local workers are not only the best in the Subic Freeport, but also among the best in the country.”

PCSPC Human Resource manager Catherine Tipan-Stewart said the management regards Duran an inspiration to his co-workers: a young father who started out simply wanting a job to earn money to send to his wife and children in Cagayan, but ended up as an outstanding worker in the company.

“He started out as all-around worker doing anything he was told to do. But with a strong desire to learn, he soon picked up other skills, got the chance to become part of the maintenance team, and later got promoted to become industrial mechanic,” Stewart said.

She added that in the 19 years that Duran had been with PCSPC, he had not only shown devotion to duty and enthusiasm for work, but also ingenuity that contributed to the efficient repair and maintenance of assets with minimal disruption to everyday operation.

Duran’s outstanding performance not only earned him recognition at PCSPC, but also from the SBMA which chose him in November last year as one of the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers for 2018. Six months later, Duran became a Tower awardee.

The Tower Awards, which was founded in 1975 by the Rotary Club of Manila, honors the nation’s most outstanding non-supervisory workers and recognizes their importance and contributions to the economic and technological progress of the country.

It also serves to inculcate pride in excellent and outstanding work, and helps develop critical, innovative/inventive and creative thinking at the workplace and a mindset for quality and productivity in the workforce. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] Subic worker Roberto Duran proudly shows his award as one of “The Outstanding Workers of the Republic.”

[2] Subic’s first Tower awardee Roberto Duran (middle), along with officials of the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation, is honored by SBMA officials and workers.

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10 outstanding Subic Freeport workers named

Twelve employees from various companies in this premier free port made it to the list of the 10 Outstanding Freeport Workers for 2018, joining the growing body of awardees who made their mark in their respective workplaces year after year.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, along with other SBMA officials, presented the awards during a recognition ceremony on Nov. 23 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center here.

“It never fails to amaze me how we have gone such a long way,” Eisma said in her message, referring to the 26 years that the Subic Freeport existed and recalling the services of the more than 8,000 volunteers who helped establish Subic during its infancy.

“We are honoring 12 outstanding Freeport workers today and it only shows that excellence and malasakit continue to live with us here,” Eisma added.

The SBMA chief also thanked the awardees, as well as all stakeholders in the Subic Freeport “who had given that dedication to Subic to move us forward, so that investors continue to come by providing them a safe and clean place for their business.”

Lawyer Severo Pastor Jr., who heads the SBMA Labor Department and also serves as president of the Subic Bay Workers Development Foundation (SBWDF), which organizes the annual event, said the awards started out 17 years ago with “an urgent need to celebrate and recognize those who have excelled in their companies while continuing to thrive in their service to the community.”

Pastor explained that out of the more than 300 nominees this year, the board of judges selected 10 candidates whose score ranged between 90% and 98%. However, four candidates garnered the same scores in two spots so that 12 winners emerged, he added.

This year’s outstanding workers are: Maximo Bello, Jr. of FBM Systems and Electronics, Inc., Maria Lorena Aguania (Nicera Phils.), Gary Manglicmot (Pacific Ocean Underwater Solution, Corp.), Roberto Duran, Jr. (Phil. Coastal Storage and Pipelines Corp.), Marilyn Mae Martinez (PayAsia PA Support Subic Ltd.), Jefrene Sarmiento (PTT Phils. Trading Corp.); Simeon Carlos, Jr. (Nicera Phils. Inc.), Arnel Faminialan (Phil. Coastal Storage and Pipelines Corp.), Menandro Magcale (SBMA Media Production Department), Alfredo Cerezo (Subic Enerzone Corp.), Dominica Cureg (Subic Water and Sewerage Corp.), and Ruffy Gonzalez (Wistron Infocomm Phils. Corp.).

For her part, Olongapo City Police Office Superintendent Avelina De Guzman, who headed the board of judges, reminded the awardees that while they may experience disappointments in work, these should only help them grow.

“Brace yourselves for the many challenges ahead, and remember to learn from them,” she said. “Continue to work towards your dream, be proud of your accomplishments and be especially proud that you were awarded as top workers of the year.”

Meanwhile, two other activities organized for the benefit of local residents were simultaneously held at the Harbor Point mall here to coincide with the 26th SBMA anniversary celebration on Nov. 23-24: a mobile passport processing and a job fair.

Thousands of jobseekers lined up for the job fair that offered some 4,500 openings in various locator-businesses in the Subic Bay Freeport. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
[1] Winners of the 10 Outstanding Freeport Workers Award show their trophies during the recognition rites at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. (MPD-SBMA)

[2] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma joins the winners of the 10 Outstanding Freeport Workers Award along with (L-R) DA for Administration Ruel John Kabigting, OIC-DA for Legal Mike Quintos, and DA for Port Rani Cruz. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA chief to Subic outstanding workers: Be ‘malasakit’ advocates, too

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma has challenged outstanding workers here to lead the Subic workforce in caring for the Freeport with “malasakit” and passion.

During the recent awarding ceremony for the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers at Cinema 4 of Harbor Point Ayala Mall here, Eisma encouraged the winners to cultivate and practice a sense of community, as they are considered model employees.

“You are the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers. I salute you,” Eisma said. “But, I challenge all of you to be the leaders to lead your people, to lead your company and co-workers to care for this place, to make us even better.”

The SBMA official told the awardees and the audience that what motivated the pioneer employees in Subic 25 years ago should still apply today, pointing out that she was among those who came forward and volunteered their services to give the community a better future.

“And here we are now. Can you imagine? Before the Americans left, they created 35,000 jobs. But now, we have more than 120,000 workers employed by more than 2,000 investor- companies. And you have to keep this going,” she said.

Eisma added she felt sorry that some Freeport stakeholders had lost the value of malasakit or passion for the common good, given the way people are taking care of each other and the community they are living in.

“This is our home and it is not my sole responsibility to fix this. It’s also yours. So, I challenge all of you to take care of one another, to take care of the Subic Bay Freeport,” she also said.

As an example, Eisma pointed out that instead of simply noticing the trash in some areas in Subic and posting them on social media, stakeholders should take the initiative to pick them up, or report the same to her office.

“I’m not saying we should cover up problems like this, but the business of SBMA is tourism, and the business of the Freeport is investments. If we keep on washing our dirty linen in public, it will only shoo away the tourists and the investors. So, please reach out to me,” she said.

Eisma added that stakeholders can even punch 8888, a Malacañang hotline dealing with complaints against government officials. “I really want to keep this place clean. You know why? Because this is my home, and even after my term as chairman and administrator, you would still see me here,” she added.

Today’s crop of top workers included a former dish washer, a welder, and a warehouseman who were honored for excellent performance and remarkable dedication and commitment to their respective jobs.

Eisma also encouraged the winners to give their all their best, reminding them that “Here in Subic, it doesn’t matter what kind of job you keep; what really matters is how you do it well.”

A total of 11 workers won the recognition this year, according to the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. (SBWDFI, which gives out the awards, because two finalists had tied up in one place.

The 2017 outstanding workers in Subic are: Philip Villa, chef at Segara Villas and Hotel; Vergel Osorio, warehouseman at CRESC Inc.; Nilo Del Rosario, welder/pipefitter at Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corp.; Engr. Marnue Veneracion of the General Facilities and Design Engineering Section of Nicera (Phils.); Engr. Alexander Poblete, Product Engineer II at Nicera (Phils.); May Ordaz, planning and purchasing supervisor at Koushin Mechatronics; John Louis Ducus, Meter and Revenue Protection Engineer at Subic Enerzone Corp.; Joseph Paje, Logistics Specialist at SubicWater; Joseph Malana, inventory controller at PTT Philippines Corp.; Jaylyn Zapata, external relations assistant at PTT Philippines; and Engr. Reynante Reyes, maintenance engineer at Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corp. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Winners in the year’s search for the 10 Outstanding Freeport Workers like up after receiving their awards from officials of the SBMA and the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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LOOK: The Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers of 2016

The winners of the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers pose for a souvenir photo during the awarding ceremony held at the Ayala Harbor Point Mall in Subic Bay Freeport zone.

Dennis Pablo, from an Aeta community of Iram in Olongapo City and works at Cresc Inc., proudly shows his plaque after being recognized as one of the awardees of the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers.

Dennis Pablo joins his family for a souvenir photo.

SBMA Office of the Administrator Officer-in-Charge Randy B. Escolango (6th from left) and Senior Administrator Ramon O. Agregado (9th from left) joins the winners of the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers for a souvenir photo. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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2016 ten outstanding Subic Freeport workers awarded

An Aeta tribal member and a school paper adviser complete the ten workers in this freeport who were recognized Friday (Nov. 25) for their exemplary performance and contributions in their respective workplace.

The Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers, also known as “Ten-O,” is an annual event initiated by the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. (SBWDFI), a non-government entity established by Freeport-based locators and investors, in partnership with the Labor Department of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

SBMA Labor Department manager and concurrent SBWDFI president Atty. Severo Pastor, Jr. said that the ten awardees are the epitome of the best Filipino workers in the country.

The “Ten-O” were selected among more than 100,000 freeport workers, hundreds of which were nominated to undergo a battery of interviews, performance appraisal and screening by the board of judges.

The selection focused on the advocacy of welfare and values of workers, to honor and recognize the “best among the best” for their discipline, dedication and commitment to excellence.

Officials from the SBMA and TESDA led the Freeport workers and executives in the recognition of the ten outstanding workers.

Among the ten awardees is a member of the Aeta tribal community and a school paper adviser who, because of their passion and dedication to their jobs, have performed exceptionally in their own field.

Dennis Pablo was a high school graduate from the Aeta tribal community of Iram and currently works as maintenance leader at Cresc Incorporated whose dedication to work and his knowledge in technical matters contributed to increase productivity. Cultural differences did not hinder him from contributing ideas that improved the company’s products;

Sergio Ontuca, a respected professor, program head and moderator of school organ of the Mondriaan Aura College, unselfishly gave his precious time in the curriculum development area, particularly in languages and social sciences and inspired students who found themselves gifted with the power of pen. Ontuca, who started as a part-time college instructor, is also well-loved by faculty members, non-teaching personnel and students.

Other awardees include Mark Dwin Alqueza, a Spare Parts Interpreter at DunBrae Subic who provides timely and efficient service to customers and service technicians in Australia in the sourcing and provision of spare parts. He has been consistently rated as an excellent customer service provider who stays true to the company’s core values and vision;

Jeaneth Alvarez, Quality Controller at Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation. She monitors the quality of the fuel being received, stored and delivered by checking the certificates of analysis, making sure that all parameters are within specifications. She also acts as adviser to the Operations superintendent and manager, providing recommendations concerning fuel quality;

Catherine Bondoc, Document Controller Supervisor at FBM Systems and Electronics, Inc. who continually performs document control, internal and external audit, ISO certification maintenance, among others, and for six years has been an excellent asset for the company. Persistent and with positive attitude, she influences her co-workers and promotes good teamwork—qualifications that made her an Excellent FBM Employee 0f 2016;

Mark Henson Calunod, is a dedicated and highly deserving employee who serves as the head butcher at the Subic Duty Free Shop Inc. (Meatplus Café). Serving for 12 years, he exuded dependability, efficiency and consistent punctuality;

Engr. Rolinda Escaño, Process Shift Engineer for SubicWater. Engr. Lyn moved her peers and colleagues to work and thrived in an environment where culture of competence, honesty professionalism and teamwork have been exemplified.

Riza Gallardo works at Wistron InfoComm Phils. Corp. as function leader, Gallardo has a strong knowledge in materials management such as planning, purchasing, controlling and monitoring of material inventory, and has system control over activities of over 60 different warehouses of the company. She also helped the company attain two major audit certificates: ISO 9000, an international standard related to Quality Management Systems and ANSI ESD S20.20, an international standard related to the global need of electronics industry;

Albert Manuel works at the Mega Subic Terminal Services Inc. as information and document personnel and concurrently pollution control officer. Manuel is a consistent outstanding employee because of his honesty, dedication and enthusiasm to his job, and a leader who serves as source of inspiration among peers to get the best out of their duties; and

Nhoel Pulido, a Management Information System (MIS) Engineer II at Nicera Philippines whose main task as database administrator manages the company’s whole logistics, production and financial database records. His competency earned him the management’s trust to administer the company’s file and application servers, as well as its application systems. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic traders recognize 10 outstanding SBMA cops and firemen

Ten police officers and firemen of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) were cited on Wednesday by the business community here as “heroes who confront dangers to save others’ lives.”

In a ceremony at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center following the State of the Freeport Address (SOFA) by SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, the Subic Bay Chamber of Commerce Inc. (SBFCCI) headed by its president Rose Baldeo, named the Outstanding Law Enforcers and Fire Fighters FY 2015-2016.

Baldeo, who is also president of Global Terminals & Development Inc. (GTDI), said the awards are a manifestation of gratitude from stakeholders of the Freeport for the heroism of police and fire officers of the SBMA.

“These officers are heroes in their own rights,” said Baldeo, noting the contributions of law enforcers and fire fighters in maintaining peace and order, and protecting lives and properties inside the Freeport and in nearby communities.

“They are always there when we need them anytime, anywhere. They sacrifice the time supposedly spent for their families, and, most of all, they face dangers to save other people’s lives,” she said.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia also congratulated the awardees, adding said that it was due to their courage, dedication, and “malasakit” that the SBMA and the SBFCC honor them.

“We are very happy to know that our locators and investors recognize the values every SBMA worker possesses. The courage, dedication, and malasakit, plus theintegrity of each and every SBMA employees are well represented by this year’s and our very own ten outstanding law enforcers and fire fighters,” Garcia said.

The 10 awardees are: Edmund Avecilla, who is a recipient of several awards and certificates of recognition by different organizations as resource speaker, instructor, and environmental and livelihood advocate;

Jay-Arr Basa, who showed extraordinary bravery and expertise in retrieval operations, including the immediate recovery of three drowning victims in Candelaria, Zambales, in September 2015, and risking his own life to help the victims of the great earthquake that hit Nepal last April 25, 2015.

Elsie Cabral, named one of the Unsung Women Heroes of 2014 by the Soroptimist International of the Philippines, handled cases involving violation of women’s and children’s rights, and was a recipient of commendations from Olongapo City Council and the Senate of the Philippines in 2014, and the organizer of the outreach project “My Rolling Paaralan” in Olongapo City;
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Johnny Co, assigned at the Special Reaction Division and an active member of the SBMA Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee, was cited for being always at the scene of emergency wherein his skills and expertise are needed;

Hedion Esteban, with proven excellence in firefighting, water search and rescue (WSAR), urban search and rescue (USAR), and high-angle search and rescue, is one of the heroic rescuers who were sent to help in Nepal after the great earthquake that hit last April 25, 2015;

Richard Johnson conducts SWAT skills briefing, demonstration and firearms familiarization at various schools, government agencies and non-government organizations, and is part of the SBMA Emergency Response Team who actively supported the operations during the conduct of the APEC Summit in January 23-February 6, 2015;

Benigno Medina is a recipient of various certificates of appreciation and commendation from different organizations and agencies for his valuable efforts in traffic education and road networking discipline, force protection, as well as his active support during the APEC Summit in 2015;

Romeo Paulmino was part of the SBMA Emergency Response Team who participated in major rescue operations, such as in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan during Typhoon Lando, the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Nepal, clearing and flushing operations in Olongapo and Subic after Typhoon Odette, and retrieval and clearing operations in Tacloban, Leyte for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda;

Jesus Payumo is a recipient of various recognitions and commendations for his outstanding performance in enforcing the law, including the apprehension of suspects of attempted robbery at Duty Free Superstore in August 2014 and the arrest of larceny suspects of cable wires at Pastolan Village, Hermosa, Bataan on February 4, 2014; he is also a recipient of commendation from the Office of Civil Defense Region 3 for his valuable support during last year’s APEC Summit; and

Edwin Santos, was part of the Philippine Rescue Team who went to the heavily damaged remote areas of Nepal following the devastation of a 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

The recipients were cited for performing their duties above and beyond the call of duty, and exemplifying the spirit of a true Filipino. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] Ten employees from the SBMA Law Enforcement and Fire Departments selected as most outstanding by the Subic Bay business community. (AMD-MPD/SBMA)

[2] SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (fourth from left) joins the 10 Outstanding Subic Freeport Law Enforcers and Firefighters, along with other SBMA officials, during the awarding rites organized by the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce last Wednesday. (AMD-MPD-SBMA)

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Janitor, former pedicab driver among 10 outstanding workers in Subic Freeport

A janitor and a former pedicab driver were among those conferred on Wednesday as Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers here for exemplary performance and contribution in their respective companies.

The workers were​ honored in a ceremony held at the Subic Bay Arts Center by the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. (SBWDFI) which was established by Subic-based business locators to honor and recognize the “best among the best” ​of Freeport​ workers who ​had ​shown​ discipline, dedication and commitment to excellence in their work.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Roberto Garcia said that the conferment is one of the most significant part of the 23rd year anniversary celebration of the SBMA this month, as the honorees represented the best of Filipino workers in Subic.

“These outstanding workers represent the dedication and heroism of the more than 100,000 skilled and English-speaking workers in Subic Bay Freeport today who are loyal, competent,​ and credible,” Garcia added.

SBMA Labor Department manager and concurrent SBWDFI president Atty. Severo Pastor Jr. said the ten awardees were selected from hundreds who were nominated and subjected to a battery of interviews, performance appraisal​,​ and screening by the board of judges chaired by DOLE Regional Director Anna Dione.

The awardees included ​janitorial attendant James Elago from the Subic Bay Workers/Volunteers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Inc. who was cited for committed and excellent service, giving first-rate confidence that the office is clean and in order during his five-year tour of duty; and Jonathan Beduya, a pedicab driver who started as an on-the-job-trainee and then rose to become the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) supervisor of PTT Phils. Corp.

Meanwhile, Jomar Ramos, senior production engineer from Nicera Phils., made it to the Top 10 for treating failure as an opportunity to success, thereby contributing to organizational sustainability and improvement of overall organizational effectiveness and capabilities.

Meldrid Mendoza, another awardee, started ​at​ the lowest level as molder at Koryo Subic, Inc. in 1998. She is now the Line Leader at ​the ​Molding Section​,​ which has the biggest number of workers in the company, and was selected twice as model employee and an Employee of the Year in 2014.

Another worker from PTT Phils. ​wa​s Lenie Manalili, a finance analyst and one of the company’s most outstanding employee for 2014, who had been part of the competence team of PTT​,​ which helped the company save P240,000 in its annual project. She is​considered​ a team leader who motivates her fellow workers and assists them on how they can perform their tasks well.

From CRESC Inc. ​wa​s Geraldine Lustre, a research and development leader who rose to become R&D supervisor for her numerous extraordinary and award-winning contributions to the company, such as safe and cost-reduction cleaning solution (2013), and the introduction of a work process that ​cut down​ production​ cost​.

​W​ith a positive attitude that influences his co-workers, Joel Galang of FBM Systems and Electronics, Inc. has maintained sustained superior performance in producing high quality work, such as maintaining handling equipment at peak serviceable condition without any operating error, thus making him worthy of the Sustained Performance Award given by the company.

Described as “the face” of her company, Medelyn Clavo, the senior accounting supervisor of Nakayama Precision Industries, Inc., helps maintain excellent service reputation that Nakayama enjoys for the past nine years.

From Sanritsu Technology Subic, Inc., Bobby Arabe, ​a​ production junior supervisor, maintained perfect work attendance as he ​delivered​ his job requirement​s​ satisfactorily with high quality level.

Lastly, Ruth Adoremos, the PD Operator and Senior Tester from Wistron Infocomm Phils. Corp., is responsible for the high standard qualification tests process for new electronic and computer model/products, including assembly and disassembly, and has formulated several training and evaluation materials​,​ which​ have​ helped enhance employees’ performance. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] The Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers receive their award for exemplary performance and outstanding contribution to their respective companies. (AMD,EVS/MPD-SBMA)

[2] SBMA officials, led by Chairman Roberto Garcia (center), congratulate the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers for 2015. (AMD,EVS/MPD-SBMA)

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10 most outstanding Subic Freeport workers named

The Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. (SBWDFI) has announced this year’s 10 Most Outstanding Freeport Workers who have made positive contributions towards achieving productivity, harmony, and industrial peace inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Atty. Severo Pastor Jr., head of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Labor Department and SBWDFI president, identified the winners as Alvin Begosa, Yehleen Cecilio, Gigi Estalilla, Dindo Dante Gonzaga, Edwin Madayag, Richard Nicdao, Romwel Pangilinan, Pedro Tadena Sr., and Gomer Tolentino.

The 10 awardees received plaques of recognition, cash prizes, and gift certificates, as well as words of appreciation from Subic Freeport officials.

Speaking during the awarding ceremony at the Subic Bay Arts Center (SuBAC), SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia said the 10 outstanding workers symbolize the professionalism, dedication, and passion of Filipino workers for the job entrusted to them by their respective companies.

He noted that Subic’s continuing increase in revenue collections, construction boom, and tourism growth only show that the Freeport is being maintained and operated by the finest workforce in the country today.

“Truly, if all workers in the country would only follow the examples shown by our 10 outstanding workers, the Philippines will not only have 7 percent gross domestic product, but more. And we can be assured of a better future ahead,” Garcia said.

Pastor, meanwhile, stressed that the SBWDFI has formulated this year a more tedious competitive selection process where candidates were chosen from the more than 90,000 workforce of the Freeport.

He added that to establish integrity in the selection process, an independent board of judges was formed. This was composed Dr. Zenia Mostoles, Zambales DepEd Superintendent, Dir. Virginia Bondoc of TESDA-Zambales, and Dir. Maria Teresita Cancio of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board- Region III, as head of the body.

Pastor said that the winners were noted for their outstanding performance and accomplishments. The first awardee, Alvin Begosa, started as room attendant at the Subic Bay Travelers Hotel in 2010 and rose to become property custodian today.

Meanwhile, Yehleen Cecilio of Polarmarine started as planning staff in 2003 and after four promotions due to her positive attitudes toward work, she is now the Production Support Section Supervisor.

Gigi Estalilla, a staff at the SBMA Public Relations Office, was a finalist in the 2008 search for SBMA Employee of the Year, and holds positions in a cooperative group in the Freeport, the newly-formed SBMA Employees Association, and the Zambales chapter of the LGBT group Ladlad.

Dindo Dante Gonzaga is a production foreman at Delta Production Phils., where he teaches co-workers on how to improve their products.

Edwin Madayag, of Hitachi Group, has worked with the company since 1998 as machine operator with devotion and faithfulness.

Hazel Valera, of GrainPro Phils., where she worked for seven years and was promoted to Senior Manager for Supply Chain.

A SBMA Volunteer in 1992, who was also employed as Production Plant Operator by the SBMA Public Works Group until his absorption by the Subic Water and Sewerage Company, Richard Nicdao is a dedicated employee who serves beyond schedule.

Meanwhile, from being a lifeguard at the Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium since 2009, Romwel Pangilinan was promoted recently as officer-in-charge of safety events after showing his loyalty and dedication.

Another worker from Delta Production Philippines, PedroTadena Sr., was cited for sharing the skills and knowledge he learned from the company with his co-workers.

Lastly, Gomer Tolentino of Nicera Phils. started out as Electronics Design Engineer in 2001 and is now the Senior Product Manager of the firm. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Awardees of the 2014 Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers proudly display their trophies during the awards ceremony held at the Subic Bay Arts Center on Monday, November 24. The search is an annual project of the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. (AED/MPD-SBMA)

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Ten outstanding Subic Freeport workers recognized

Ten workers who have shown exemplary performance and contributions in their respective companies were recognized by the Subic business community during 2013 Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers awarding ceremony at the Subic Bay Arts Center on Friday.

The search for outstanding workers, which began 12 years ago, is annual project of the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. (SBWDFI), which was established by business locators here to promote the welfare of workers, strengthen their values, and honor workers who showed discipline, dedication and commitment to excellence.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia, who was guest speaker during the event, said the awarding was one of the most significant parts in the celebration of the 21st founding
anniversary of the SBMA.

The SBMA official also told workers here that the major advantage of Subic over Vietnam, Myanmar and other countries in Asia, is not the cost of labor but human resources.

“English-speaking Filipino workers, even with their ‘carabao’ English, can communicate with foreign managers,” Garcia pointed out. “But the most important value of Pinoy workers is that they are loyal and credible workers.”

SBMA labor manager and concurrent SBWDFI president Severo Pastor Jr. said that the 10 awardees are the cream of the crop who represent the best of Filipino workers.

The awarded were chosen from hundreds of nominees who underwent a series of interviews, performance appraisal and screening by the board of judges headed by its chairman Evelyn Grace Sorongon, national president of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP).

The awardees are Engr. Maricon Amano, inventory management assistant at the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation; Lydia Baltazar, manager and CEO of the Subic Bay Multi-Purpose Cooperative; Edmund De Jesus, community development officer at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s Ecology Center; and Roseman Dinco, senior staff, and Israel Fontilla, line foreman, both of Wistron Infocomm Phils., Corporation.

The awardees also include Lovella Jarobel, a professor at the Mondriaan Aura College; Norlangen Morales, printing/assembly section head at Koryo Subic, Inc.; Justin Jay Navarro, engineering group manager at Subic EnerZone Corp.; Engr. Gorgonio Sisante, senior product engineer at Nicera Philippines; and Eduardo Sitjar, senior operator at the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation.

For her part, PMAP Subic chapter president Merlin de Gracia said the 10 awardees exemplify the Filipino workers who are scattered around the world.

“The Filipino workers are the real driving force of our economy. You are the Philippines’ most valuable wealth,” she said.

The ceremony on Friday also recognized five Subic-based companies who were chosen to receive the Good Corporate Governance Award. These are Cartridges Recyclers Services Corporations (CRESC), Inc.; Global Maritime Logistics Support, Inc.; Hitachi Terminals Mechatronics Phils. Corp.; Nicera Phils. Inc.;
and Subic Enerzone Corp.

“These companies are examples of what we wanted to achieve in Subic. They were recognized for continuously working towards excellence,” said Chairman Garcia.

He also noted that the companies promote and maintain high levels of occupational safety standards, just salaries and benefits to workers, and participation in community services. They also observe labor codes and ethics and promote good worker-management relationships. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia (5th from left) joins onstage this year’s winners in the search for the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers during the recognition ceremony at the Subic Bay Arts Center on Friday, November 22, 2013.

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10 outstanding Subic Freeport workers honored

This year’s crop of “the best among the Freeport’s best” was finally known last Friday when the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. (SBWFI) recognized the 2012 Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers who exemplified discipline, dedication, and commitment to excellence in their respective jobs.

The 11th batch of outstanding workers were chosen by SBWFI in cooperation with the Labor Department of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) from the more than 92,000 workers currently employed by various companies registered in Subic.

The winners were chosen by a panel of judges headed by Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary for Special Concerns Jose Mari Oquiñena, Maribeth Gopez of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), and Ricardo Ednave of the Department of Education. The awarding, which was also attended by Leonida Romulo, labor attaché at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Maria Cristina Mangalindan, officer in charge of NCMB-DOLE in Region 3, was held at the Harbor Point mall here.

This year’s outstanding Subic workers are: Gilbert Buhain of Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corp., Ryan Griva (Subic Enerzone Corp.), Charo Guerrero (Polarmarine Inc.), Mark Anthony Magno (Subic Marine Exploratorium, Inc.), Christine Manamtam (Wistron Infocomm Phils. Corp.), Dandy Millama (Wistron Infocomm Phils. Corp.), Jed Sprint Pino (Pacific Ocean Underwater Solutions, Corp.), Maria Luisa Pulanco (Nicera Phils. Corp.), Daisy Tagpines (Wistron Infocomm Phils. Corp.), and Virginia Umbina (Subic Water and Sewerage Co., Inc.).

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, who was guest speaker in the event, described the outstanding workers as “heroes of the Freeport” for their role in making Subic a catalyst in the economic development of the country.

“If all the workers would follow the examples the ten outstanding workers had shown, I am confident that the Philippines would have a very bright future ahead,” he said.

“Kayo ang nagpapakita kung gaano kagaling ang mga manggagawang Pilipino,” Garcia added.

Meanwhile, Oquiñena lauded the winners for their legacy of excellence. “Because of the stories you have shared with us, you made us more proud to be Filipinos. Thank you for being a source of good news about the Filipino,” Oquiñena said.

According to SBWFI records, the 10 outstanding workers were cited for their exemplary performance on the job. Buhain, who his known among colleagues as the “Action Man,” co-authored the formulation of an activated-carbon system to eliminate gas fumes and is widely acknowledged for his accurate and precise designs and execution of innovative projects.

Meanwhile, Griva was recognized for initiating Subic Enerzone’s Adopt-an-Area Program that made power distribution in the Freeport more efficient and reliable.

Magno, an assistant supervisor at Ocean Adventure’s Creative and Performing Arts Section, conceptualized and developed artistic direction for shows that made every visit to the said marine theme park a lasting and memorable experience.

On the other hand, Manamtam is an ISO14001 coordinator who authored different ISO and departamental procedures elevating the quality of performance standard at Wistron Infocomm.

Safety supervisor Millama, meanwhile, was able to maintain company-wide zero-accident mark through the creation of effective health and safety procedures.

Pino, who firmly believes that “no job is too difficult to handle if one truly believes in his self,” is an employee who stopped a fire accident that saved the life of a co-employee, as well as company properties.

A proactive and persistent leader, Pulanco contributed excellent ideas for process improvement that greatly enhanced work flow and created an effective production system. It also gained her the highest performance appraisals from her Japanese supervisors at Nicera Phils.

Guerrero, who handles quality management system and ISO programs, managed to boost her organization’s performance to reach sales of US$852,700, which is 39% higher than that at the time she assumed the post in 2008.

A key person in the management section, Tagpines was instrumental in gaining ISO9000, ESD S2020 and DELL QPA certification, and equipping her company with fruitful knowledge both in manufacturing and after-sales service operations.

Meanwhile, Umbina, a hardworking employee who rose from the ranks to become one of her company’s dedicated supervisors, ensures that all Subicwater’s 35,757 customers are billed correctly and on time.

The search for the 10 Outstanding Freeport Workers is an annual recognition program that started in 2001. The awarding coincides with the celebration of the turnover of the former US Naval Base to the Philippine government and the start of operation of the Subic Bay Freeport. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Awardees in this year’s search of the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers proudly display their trophies during a ceremony held at Ayala Mall’s Harbor Point, highlighting the 20th anniversary celebration of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

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‘Heroes of the Freeport’ set for citation

The Subic Bay Freeport Development Foundation, Inc. (SBFDFI) is set to recognize the finest workers in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in the upcoming Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers Awards night.

Lawyer Severo Pastor Jr., head of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Labor Department, said the 10 outstanding employees will be chosen from a field of 37 nominees originally recommended by their respective employers

He said that this year’s awardees will be selected from among the nominees submitted by 13 locator-companies in the zone, as well as seven nominees from the SBMA.

The awards, which are given annually by the SBFDFI in the past 10 years, will be a fitting tribute to the “heroes of the Freeport,” as the SBMA calls the workers here.

Pastor said that Subic workers are now globally-competitive workers, as proven by the continued stay of multi-national companies in Subic despite the economic crisis that has affected the United States, Japan, and parts of Europe.

“These workers, who were nominated, selected and had qualified for the awards are therefore considered the best of the best. They are exemplary employees not only of the corporations they represent, but also of the whole Subic Freeport,” Pastor added.

The nominees for the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers Awards went through a rigid process of selection, as those who were nominated by their respective companies were screened and thoroughly interviewed.

Among the panelist that conducted the final interview of the nominees are Atty. Michael Angelo Villamor, who represented SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia; Dr. Roland Fronda, district school superintendent in Olongapo City; and Olongapo businessman Ramon Del Rosario.

The awarding will be held on November 29, Pastor said. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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Subic Freeport honors 10 outstanding workers (updated)

Out of the 90,000-strong workforce in this former US military base, ten exceptional workers were elevated to “local hero” status recently after making it to the ranks of this year’s Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers.

The ten outstanding workers were announced on Wednesday during a ceremony held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) as part of the Subic Volunteers’ Day celebration. The event was organized by the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation Inc. (SBWDFI).

The ten awardees were Jesus Vener Mallen and Alfredo Sadora of Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation, Benamor Labadan and Francisco Roberto of Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc., Jean Castro of Nicera Philippines Inc., Elvira Reyes-Mullis of the Subic Bay Development and Management Center Inc., Mark San Gabriel of Subic Water and Sewerage Company Inc., Marissa Tamayo of NIDEC Subic Philippines Corporation, and Larry Aquino and Nedelyn Catiis of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

In the awarding ceremony, SBMA administrator Armand Arreza lauded the ten winners, noting that they were selected through a rigid screening process that emphasized efficiency, positive work attitude, leadership capabilities and interpersonal maturity.

“The awards that we give out this afternoon do not only represent the best in the more than 1,350 companies located here, but the best of the Filipinos as well,” said Arreza.

“It is not because of the sweet talk done by me and (SBMA) Chairman Feliciano Salonga that investors come here; it is precisely because of the hard work and dedication of workers that these extraordinary ten represent— they show that Subic is the home of world-class workers,” Arreza said.

Meanwhile, SBWDFI president Severo Pastor, who also heads the SBMA Labor Department, pointed out the importance of the annual search for outstanding workers, which is now on its ninth year, by stressing that the annual search institutionalizes the initiatives and programs for customer service and employees’ welfare.

“A great mind balances business practices with people’s welfare and corporate wellness,” Pastor intoned. “Aside from pleasing the firm’s clients, the company management must also nurture the welfare of its employees, who should be considered as the internal customers of the firm,” Pastor explained.

“I sincerely believe that this (award) will inspire more and more workers— the actual driver’ of the businesses here— to attain greater heights, bringing with them their company and also, the economy of the Subic Bay Freeport,” he concluded.

The SBWDFI, which manages the search for the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers, was established in 2001 to help promote SBMA’s thrust for industrial peace and harmony between employees and employers in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

This year’s awards program was organized in cooperation with the SBMA Labor Department and the Mondriaan Aura College. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO:
SUBIC’S PRIDE: The winners in the 2010 search for Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers.

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10 outstanding Subic workers awarded today

As part of the annual celebration of Volunteers Day here, 10 “local heroes” will be honored today (November 24) for their economic contributions to their respective companies and the Subic Bay Freeport.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) labor manager Severo Pastor Jr. said the awardees in the search for the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers (TOFW) will be feted by the SBMA and the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation Inc. (SBWDFI) in an appropriate ceremony at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Now on its ninth year, the TOFW award has turned out workers who personify excellence in their respective fields of expertise. The winners are selected through a rigid screening process that emphasizes efficiency, positive work attitudes, leadership capabilities and interpersonal maturity.

Pastor, who also heads the SBWDFI, said the awards body “recognizes the vital role that Freeport workers contribute in making Subic a prime mover for economic growth and community development.”

“This year, 42 Freeport workers have been nominated for the awards, and only 23 made it as finalists,” Pastor said. “Now, we shall award the final 10 and confer on them the title of outstanding workers for other employees to emulate.”

According to records of the SBWDFI, two of the finalists in this year’s competition come from the SBMA and the rest come from various locator companies here. Two finalists come from the Philippine Coastal Storage & Pipeline Corp., two from the Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium, Inc, one from Nidec Subic Phils. Corp (Sankyo Seiki), another from Nicera Phils., Inc., one from the Subic Bay Development & Management Corp. Inc., and another from the Subic Water and Sewerage & Co., Inc.

The awarding ceremonies for the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers will be held at 3:00 pm at the Subic Bay Exhibition & Convention Center. The event will coincide with a reunion among former SBMA volunteers that will be held at the Volunteers Park here.

The SBWDFI, which manages the search for outstanding workers in Subic, was established in 2001 to help promote SBMA’s thrust for industrial peace and harmony between employees and employers in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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Subic Freeport honors outstanding workers

Ten workers, who have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields, were recognized recently by the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. (SBWDFI) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) — the eighth batch of workers to be honored under the annual “10 Outstanding Freeport Workers” awards.

SBMA chairman Feliciano Salonga led Subic officials in recognizing the outstanding workers, noting that “the quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to his commitment to excellence, regardless of his chosen field of endeavor.”

“It is therefore our great honor to have with us the best workers in the country who contributed their talents and wisdom to make Subic as it is now — progressive and one of the top investment and tourism destinations in Asia,” Salonga added.

SBMA administrator Armand Arreza, meanwhile, noted that perseverance, initiative, and concern for the common good are characteristics shared by Subic’s best workers — the same attributes of a globally competitive worker.

“These stemmed from the spirit of volunteerism that has empowered the Subic workers ever since,” he added.

This year’s search for the 10 outstanding workers in the Subic Bay Freeport began in July when the SBWDFI sent out nomination forms to all companies in the free port, as well as the different departments of the SBMA, said SBMA labor department head Severo Pastor Jr. Pastor also heads the SBWDFI.

Pastor revealed that from a field of more than a hundred nominees, only 25 advanced to the final selection process that was carried out by a three-man panel chaired by Dr. Julia Mallari, director of the University of the Philippines Subic/Clark program.

From the 25 finalists, the 10 outstanding workers were chosen.

They are: Juan Afidchao, electronics technician supervisor (SBMA TransComm Department), who is credited for the efficient installation, repair, rehabilitation and maintenance of SBMA telephone lines and units. The work he did from January to August this year alone has resulted in savings of more than P100,000.

Melvin Bactad, training specialist (SBMA HRMD), has contributed greatly to the empowerment of his fellow workers and to the development of a highly proficient and committed work force in the SBMA. Bactad facilitated 35 courses in the past year, or an average of three per month — one of SBMA’S most productive years in terms of internal trainings.

Edmond David, process shift engineer (Subic Water & Sewerage Company), saved the free port from a disastrous situation with his expertise and exceptional ability to handle a crisis, preventing a water outage in March 2009. For three days, he directed the operation of the Binictican Water Treatment Plant to ensure unhampered water supply in the Subic Bay Freeport.

Florante Frias, bulk operations superintendent (Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corp.), was instrumental in the discovery of pilferage cases in the petroleum tank farm and stopped a crime of economic sabotage. This fortified their clients’ confidence in the company and earned him the respect of his fellow workers, management and the Freeport community.

Mariel Go, industrial engineering technician (Wistron Infocomm, Phils.), provided real-time support to the production line, helping improve manpower efficiency, line productivity and yield rate, thereby notably enhancing the efficiency rate of new cell lines to 99.58 percent within six weeks.

Magnolia Lagrama, production worker (Nicera, Phils. Inc.), was twice named as the best production worker of Nicera in the frequency adjustment process. Lagrama does not refuse any assignment and performs well in whatever task she is given in the product line, thus making her name synonymous with assured output at any given time.

Virgilio Manzano, fire marshall (SBMA Fire Dept.), is one of the gallant firefighters whose participation in major emergency operations earned for the SBMA Fire Department the “Gawad Kalasag” special citation from the National Disaster Coordinating Council. He has, time and again, risked his own life to save others. Manzano is also an expert in automotive repair and maintenance, who gets old fire trucks and support vehicles back in shape.

Relly Nicolas, electronics communication engineer, (Wistron Infocomm, Phils.), has done various research and implemented many innovations that saved his company millions of pesos. He is credited for enabling Wistron to meet quality standards and on-time delivery, thereby increasing productivity and reducing “failure machine” complaints from customers.

Sharon Pasion, production worker (Nicera, Phils.), was one of the company’s employee of the year awardees in 2008, and was chosen twice last year as model production worker of the month. Being part of the final inspection group exposes her to stress and long hours of work, given the tight shipment schedules they must meet.

Joy Seridon, chemical engineer (Juken Sangyo-Phils., Corp.), was recently promoted as line leader, and has helped reduce product rejection ratio by as much as 60 percent through improved monitoring, inspection and coordination activities. She was also instrumental in establishing the company’s internal calibration team. Seridon was one of the key personnel who worked on the company’s ISO certification and succeeded in getting the renewal of the company’s ISO certification in just one audit. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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Top 10 Subic Freeport workers known

First, the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991, then the subsequent pullout of the US Navy. Then after that came the Asian economic crisis.

What enabled this free port to triumph over these adversities and rise to economic heights cannot be credited primarily to the US$8 billion worth of infrastructure left by the Americans, but rather, to Subic ’s “greatest investment” — its exceptional workforce.

To highlight the crucial role of workers in the transformation of this former US military base into a premier investment and commercial hub, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation Inc. (SBWDFI) honored this year’s batch of the “10 Outstanding Freeport Workers” during the 16th anniversary celebration of the free port.

The workers awards, which is now on its seventh year, aims to promote among the entire Subic workforce the culture of excellence displayed by volunteers who are credited for rebuilding Subic from the ashes of Mt. Pinatubo , said SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza.

Arreza, who joined some 8,000 Subic volunteers in 1993, recalled that investors started to do business here primarily because of the volunteers’ exceptional display of nationalism and concern for the community.

“They saw that the facilities left by the Americans were intact, and operations of vital installations like the airport and power supply facilities were not halted because people lent their time and skills for free,” said Arreza.

He added that the recipients of the award “are of the same caliber as those of the SBMA pioneers.”

SBMA labor manager Severo Pastor, who is also chairman of the SBWDFI, said that this year, SBMA employees qualified for the awards for the first time, along with nominees from locator companies in Subic .

The awards body also acknowledged for the first time companies that made significant impact on the free port’s development through the “Administrator’s Corporate Award”.

The awardees in this category, Federal Express (FedEx) and the Subic Power Corporation, received the award for exemplifying good human resource practices by consistently keeping the balance between business interests and employees’ welfare, providing equitable work environments, as well as opportunities for professional growth, Arreza said.

Of the 51 nominees in the outstanding workers category, only 20 finalists were chosen, said Pastor. The finalists then underwent a tougher second screening by the board of judges composed of Aurelio Pineda, executive vice-president of the Olongapo Business Club; Capt. Areston Limos, of the Philippine National Police School of Values and Leadership; and former Philippine ambassador to Saudi Arabia Jonathan dela Cruz, who served as chairman.

Pastor identified the 10 outstanding workers of the Subic Bay Freeport as: Ma. Adoracion Celeste, a technical assistant at the SBMA Human Resource Department; Levi Dalida, special investigator at the SBMA Intelligence and Investigation Office; Arleen Dulay, housekeeping attendant at the Lighthouse Marina Resort; Diosdado Ednave, security officer at the SBMA Law Enforcement Department; Severino Jovero, marine mammal training supervisor at the Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium’s Ocean Adventure; Elizier Martin, foreman at the SBMA Maintenance and Transportation Department; Vicente Salvador, welder/pipe fitter at the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corp.; Bernard Sanchez, production department head at Nicera Philippines Inc.; Paquito Torres, division chief at the SBMA Intelligence and Investigation Office; and Jaime Villafuerte, Jr., failure analysis engineering supervisor at Wistron Infocomm. (Phils.).

SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga, meanwhile, praised Subic ’s top workers, adding that Filipino workers “always belong to the cream of the crop.”

“Anywhere in the world, Filipino workers stand out,” said Salonga, citing Filipino engineers in Dubai who were commended for building excellent roads, and in Pearl Harbor, where the top three workers at one time were Filipina welders. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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