SBMA supports DepEd, Sanyo Denki partnership to train SHS graduates

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) expressed its full support for the Department of Education’s (DepEd) initiative to send senior high school (SHS) graduates for training with Sanyo Denki Philippines, Inc. (SDP).

Called the “Building Bridges Together from Enrollment to Employment” initiative, DepEd Regional Office 3 and the SDP signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the company’s building on May 4, 2026, witnessed by the SBMA.

SDP President Kenji Yanagisawa and DepEd Assistant Regional Director Jessie L. Amin signed the MOA, which was also witnessed by SDP Division Manager Cynthia Renion, and other SDO officials from Central Luzon.

SBMA Chief of Staff Atty. Von Rodriguez, who attended on behalf of SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, said the initiative is part of DepEd Regional Office 3’s program to align educational outcomes with industry standards through strategic collaborations with the private sector.

“With this initiative, DepEd plans to enhance the workforce transition and employability of SHS graduates, starting with 120 students from the Schools Division Offices (SDO) of Bataan, Zambales, and Olongapo City,” Rodriguez said. 

This will expand to SDOs in Tarlac, Angeles City, and Mabalacat City.

Meanwhile, Yanagisawa said that people are the source of sustainable growth. He stressed the need to align education programs with employment demands, urged students to utilize the initiative, and extended his appreciation to DepEd and the stakeholders.

Amin expressed support for the partnership as it indicates a commitment to secure the future of the learners.

“Our greatest gift to humanity is our kindness to our children,” Amin said, adding that companies currently seek three qualifications: technical competence, technological skill, and soft skills, highlighting the latter as the priority.

The “Building Bridges Together from Enrollment to Employment” initiative aims to elevate SHS “exit points” by ensuring learners possess the specific skills and competencies required by modern employers.

Central Luzon is currently experiencing a robust labor market, characterized by high employment rates and a strategic shift towards higher-value industry and services sector jobs, necessitating a tighter match between worker skills and industrial demands.

In this region, SHS graduates demonstrate high foundational literacy, yet they face significant challenges in direct labor market entry due to a persistent job-skills mismatch. While the region achieved the highest basic literacy rate in the country at 92.8% as of 2024, only a small fraction of SHS graduates successfully transition into the workforce. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic 2025 workforce pegged at 170K-strong; up by 4.4%

The workforce in the country's premier Freeport totaled 171,653 in 2025, according to the annual report by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).  

According to a report from the SBMA Labor Department, this figure reflects a 4.4 percent increase from last year's 164,400 recorded in 2024.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the increase in the number of workers here results from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s mandate to provide more employment opportunities for Filipinos.

He said that Olongapo City remains the biggest source of manpower, with 70,769 residents working here. He added that this was followed by Zambales with 31,621; Bataan with 22,897; National Capital Region with 7,077; Pampanga with 5,492; Tarlac with 2,199; and the remaining 31,598 from other parts of the country, including foreign workers.

Around 70.60 percent of workers, or 121,187, are male, while the remaining 29.40 percent, or 50,466 workers, are female, and employed by 4,744 Subic companies. 

Despite the disparity, female workers outnumbered male workers in the manufacturing sector, with 18,951 females and 18,242 males employed across 111 manufacturing companies in Subic.

Meanwhile, the Subic Bay Freeport’s services sector remains the biggest employer, which clocked at 67.32 percent of the workforce, with the manufacturing sector making up 21.67 percent. These are followed by the construction sector with 7.36 percent, and shipbuilding/marine-related services with 3.64 percent.

Aliño added that the services sector also has the biggest number of companies, with 4,129, followed by the construction sector with 356 companies, then shipbuilding/ marine-related services with 148 companies, and lastly the manufacturing sector with 111 companies.

He further said that more companies are still looking for employees, thru the SBMA Labor Department's regular conduct of job fairs and posting job openings via online portals and bulletin boards at their offices near the Subic Bay Gym.

“Jobseekers can click on the SBMA Career Portal, where we provide an official list of vacancies from various Freeport locators. We encourage applicants to check the Subic Gym bulletin board for scheduled examinations and interviews,” he said.

For further information, Aliño advised job seekers to browse the SBMA official website mysubicbay.com.ph, and look for the “Jobs For You” section. (MPD-SBMA)

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861 SBMA COS, JO employees get 5-day wellness leave per CSC-COA-DBM Joint Circular No. 1

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Board of Directors has approved the Grant of Ancillary Benefits to Contract of Service (COS) and Job Order (JO) employees, including five days of Wellness Leave. 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño explained that the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has approved a five-day paid Wellness Leave for government employees, starting January 1, 2026. 

This supports the primary goal of the government to provide a better quality of life for Filipinos thru mental and physical health and well-being initiatives, by allowing up to three consecutive days off, separate from existing vacation/sick leaves. This applies to public sector officials and employees. 

Aliño added that the Board approved the Grant of Ancillary Benefits through Board Resolution No. 26-01-1655 on January 27 which was then issued on January 28, 2026, following Joint Circular No. 1, Series of 2025 by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), Commission on Audit (COA), and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Under CSC-COA-DBM Joint Circular No. 1, s. 2025, government COS and JO workers are entitled to ancillary benefits such as overtime pay (based on CSC-DBM JC No. 2, s. 2015), reimbursement for official local travel, and a potential 20% premium on daily pay, subject to fund availability and contract stipulations. 

Additionally, the said SBMA Board Resolution authorizes the agency to provide ancillary benefits to COS and JO employees, such as Compensatory Time Off (CTO), Flexible Working Arrangement (FWA), Reimbursement of Authorized Official Travel Expense, and Wellness Leave.

Aliño further said that the grant of these benefits is intended to empower COS and JO workers to more effectively fulfill their contractual obligations, particularly where service exigencies require extended work hours, mobility beyond official stations, and the continuity of SBMA operations.

They may also receive a year-end gratuity pay of up to ₱7,000 for 2024, depending on the length of service.

These benefits are generally applicable to national government agencies, state universities and colleges (SUCs), and government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs), subject to budget availability.

The adoption of FWAs has been institutionalized across both public and private sectors to enhance productivity, promote work-life balance, and ensure business continuity during disruptive situations.

The SBMA employs 631 COS and 230 JO employees as of December 31, 2025. (MPD-SBMA)

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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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MD honored as SBMA's best employee of 2024

A medical doctor received the highest honors as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recognized outstanding employees during the Employee of the Year 2024 Awards Ceremony.

Dr. Arlene Cesa of the Support Services Group, a Medical Officer IV and officer-in-charge of the Medical Division of the Public Health and Safety Department, was named SBMA Employee of the Year (EOY) 2024-Category 2 during the awards ceremony held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on November 17.  

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño led the awards ceremony and welcomed guests and awardees to the event.

“Our finalists, chosen through a rigorous process, truly embody what it means to be a breed apart. Employees who go beyond routine, think outside of the box, and serve with creativity, integrity, and compassion. Public service is both a responsibility and an honor. It is not defined by rank nor title, but by the trust we uphold, and the excellence we bring to even the smallest task. Transparency, accountability, and dedication are the values that elevate the ordinary work into extraordinary service,” Aliño said.  

In her acceptance speech, Cesa accepted the award not only for herself as an individual, but for her entire department.

“This is not about one person, but about the whole of Public Health and Safety Group, particularly the Health and Safety Department, in both creation and redemption. When we offer our daily efforts in union with the Lord, our profession becomes more than labor. It becomes a way to sanctify the world,” Cesa said.

“The journey of becoming a health care professional humbles us. We can encounter human sufferings, face our own limitations, and realize we can’t fix everything. And that’s okay. That awareness makes us more approachable, more compassionate, more humane. Humility makes us more humane, and our patients will feel that. Our patients will not only remember our medical knowledge. But they will definitely remember how we made them feel,” Cesa added.

Cesa is well-known in the agency for her calm demeanor towards patients and her colleagues, as she demonstrates a team-player mentality.

In the span of 24 years in the agency, it has been her practice to accommodate patients even when off-duty, stay beyond working hours when needed, and even volunteer as a reliever for her colleagues.

Her bottomless source of energy has pushed several health-related projects to be implemented by the department, such as the quarterly health caravan, which is an information campaign involving SBMA employees and SBF stakeholders alike, as part of the agency's bid to secure certification of ISO 45001:2018, or the Occupational Health and Safety International Standards.

Other contenders in the Category 2 were Julious Macam of the Chairman & Administrator’s Group, Beatrix Anagaran of the Business & Investment Group, Librado Canara, Jr. of the Operations Group, Roderic Grueso of the Public Services Group, and Rossell Abuyo of the Regulatory Group.

Meanwhile, Helen Castillones of the Regulatory Group bagged the EOY 2024 in Category 1.

Catillones holds a Secretary I position in the Ecology Center, and does overall administrative tasks for the department. But she also works in the Policy and Monitoring or Waste Management Division. Despite the tasks at hand, she finished her Bachelor’s Degree in Office Management in August 2024.

She became a finalist for taking charge of the regular recycling day in housing areas in the Subic Freeport in Binictican, Kalayaan and Cubi. She also initiated the department’s digitization of records and trained personnel from the Pastolan Forest Conservation Group on filing and data management.

Other contenders in Category 1 were Grace Encina of the Chairman & Administrator’s Group, Cresencia Maulas of the Business & Investment Group, Marifel Sazon of the Operations Group, Marjorie Anne Tiania of the Public Services Group, and Sheila Mae Mari of the Support Services Group.

The EOY 2024 Awards ceremony was followed by the Loyalty Awards ceremony, where 175 service awardees were recognized, including a posthumous awardee. These awardees include employees who served the agency for ten years, 15 years, 20 years, 25 years, and 30 years. (MPD-SBMA)

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DOLE launches “Benteng Bigas Meron na” program in Subic Bay Freeport; benefits 300 workers

Around 300 qualified workers were among the first wave of beneficiaries of the “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) na” program launched by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño recalled that when President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. appointed him to lead the agency, he was asked to “take care of Subic Bay workers.”

“Here in Subic Bay, we regard our workers as the bloodline of our economy, and I’m glad that this program would greatly help the minimum wage earners here,” Aliño said. 

The BBM program, in coordination with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Labor Department, was launched yesterday, September 4, 2025, at Cresc Incorporated in the Moonbay Marina, Central Business District here.

SBMA Labor Department manager and OIC-Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs Atty. Melvin Varias, said that the DOLE-led program aims to bring ₱20-per-kilo rice to the workforce of the Subic Bay Freeport. 

Varias added that the program here, spearheaded by DOLE Chief Labor and Employment Officer Reynante Lugtu, is a flagship program of President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr. to stabilize rice prices and make basic goods more accessible. 

Kazutomo Murata, Cresc Inc. president, thanked DOLE and SBMA for being chosen as among the first companies to benefit from the program. 

“I am glad that you have President Marcos, who loves you. We don’t have this in Japan,” said Kazutomo. 

Meanwhile, Aliño added that aside from the government programs, the agency has three projects that would benefit the workers, namely: dormitories, to bring workers closer to their place of work; development of the Mini Golf Course into a park, to provide a place for unwinding; and the e-bus, which the agency is working on at least a very minimal fare, if not free. 

The beneficiary workers were given a maximum of ten kilos each, and will be paid through salary deduction by the Cresc Inc. administration.  

Cresc Incorporated is a leading consumable printer ink manufacturer based in Japan. The company is the second company in the Subic Freeport in the printer refilling trade. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA establishes EODB lane for ID processing for SBF locators

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has recently established the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) lane, a special lane dedicated to the batch processing of identification cards for employees and workers here.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato Lee III, who recently inspected the agency’s frontline services on May 30 with the SBMA Anti-Red Tape Unit members, also visited the SBMA-Office Services Department (OSD)’s Pass Issuance and Control Division (PICD).

 

To facilitate the efficient processing of SBMA IDs for companies with many employees, the PICD institutionalized batch processing through non-appearance processing for 20 or more applicants or off-site processing for 100 or more applicants.

 

“It only takes 24 minutes per application for both non-appearance processing and off-site processing. Last year, the OSD-PICD was able to process 5,273 applications from various SBF companies through off-site ID processing, and 2,948 applications as of May 2025,” Lee said.

 

“While processing individual applications at the OSD is generally straightforward, the overall processing and waiting tend to increase when applicants come in groups,” he added.

 

In addition to the OSD-PICD, Lee also inspected the Motor Vehicle Registration Office, the Telecommunications Department, the Ecology Department, the Building Permit Department, the Visa Processing Office, the Business Group’s Logistics Department, the Manufacturing and Maritime Department, the Leisure Department, and the Tourism Department.

 

The Anti-Red Tape Unit inspection was accompanied by stakeholders, including the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC). It also coincided with EODB month as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared May as the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Month.

 

This year’s theme is “From Red Tape to Red Carpet: Better Business Movement in a Bagong Pilipinas” which promotes the government’s collective efforts in fostering a more conducive business environment that benefits every Filipino in the Bagong Pilipinas. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA to hold Labor Day jobs fair with 2,300 job opportunities

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will hold a jobs fair in time for its Labor Day celebration at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall here, with more than 2,300 job opportunities available to job-seekers on May 1, 2025.

 

Labor Center Department Manager Atty. Melvin Varias disclosed that around 45 companies in and around the Subic Bay Freeport Zone will participate in the said jobs fair.

 

Varias added that aside from the jobs fair, a 3-kilometer Fun Run will jumpstart the Labor Day activities. There will also be the Relax Enjoy Siesta Timeout (REST) Free Massage, and the Sulong SBMA Singing Competition, which will all be held at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall’s Activity Center. 

 

“Last year, 26 job seekers were hired on-the-spot. Of the 26 hired, 21 applicants were hired by Da Tian Subic Shoes Inc., manufacturer of popular shoe brands here. While two of them were hired by YZ Consultancy Services Incorporated, and the other three were hired by Coffee & Tea Connection,” Varias said.

 

“We hope that we can fill the number of vacant positions to ensure that the companies in need of workers would operate smoothly. The high demand of our locators’ products has resulted in the need for higher production, hence, the higher demand for employment,” he added. (MPD-SBMA) 

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P1.1B dormitory complex to open in Subic Freeport

 A P1.1-billion dormitory complex is set to be constructed soon to become the site for a "home away from home" for some 6,000 employees working here. 

 

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño on March 19, 2025 led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a five-storey building.

 

"This is why I cannot hide how overjoyed I am today,"  SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said about the realization of his dreams for SBF workers. 

 

The chairman was elated over the start of the realization of his dream of providing housing facilities to the workers of this premier Freeport. 

 

“To me, this is the first step towards the realization of a strong, comfortable and peaceful way of life for our Freeport workers, the same as the dream of our dear President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for every Filipino in the country,” he added.

 

“In fact, this dormitory project is in response to the President’s instructions in connection with his Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino, or 4PH program,” he continued.

 

Isuzu Gencars Inc. General Manager Edgard Cabangon said that the collaboration between his company, the SBMA, and RDBT Construction Corporation has identified several worker dormitories as priority projects that recognize the need for affordable, accessible, and decent housing within the Freeport.

 

He said that by building these dormitories close to factories, industrial areas, and technoparks, it not only improves the workers' efficiency, but also helps companies and employees reduce the cost of living.

He also cited that this initiative will also ease traffic congestion by reducing the number of vehicles and commuters on the road, contributing to a greener and more sustainable environment. 

 

According to Cabangon, this proposal is the first of its kind in the Freeport zone, which offers large-scale accommodations catering to workers, employees, and even students of nearby schools and colleges. 

 

RDBT Construction Corporation will be constructing the five buildings, which includes four dormitory blocks and an administrative building, all of which are rising at five storeys, on a one-hectare parcel of land. 

Architect Rafael Demacio Tecson, RDBT Construction Corp. CEO said that each dormitory block will have 188 units, with an approximate bed capacity of 1,500, which is 6,000 beds in total. 

 

Tecson said that the common areas will be designed to allow natural ventilation, which is key for the green structure development. This does not only improve indoor air quality, but also promotes the health and well-being of everyone using the space. 

 

Each dormitory is designed for eight occupants, shared by four people at a time. The layout shows smooth traffic flow, allowing residents to take turns using the shared bath, toilet and lavatories without overcrowding.

 

The ground floor will be used as commercial spaces including laundry services, 24/7 convenience store, a cafeteria, coffee shops, and restaurants, providing essential services for the workers throughout their stay. 

 

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Group Renato Lee III said that the dormitory complex is a testament of both investor confidence in the SBMA and our readiness for the influx of jobs in the zone. 

“We are very optimistic in the investment attractiveness of the country because of the benefits of CREATE MORE or RA 12066, the government's efficiency and accountability brought about by the strict implementation of the EASE of Doing Business Act or RA 11032 and the overall reduction in the cost of doing business here in the Philippines,” Lee said.

 

“I have no doubt that we will be able to generate more investments in the coming years. When you generate investments, you generate jobs. But what is crucial here is not just Subic Freeport being investment-ready, but employment-ready as well,” he added.

 

Lee added that it is where the project plays a crucial role in the overall direction of the SBMA by making sure that the Freeport workers are also taken care of. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport workforce pegged 4.8% increase at 164,400 in 2024

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has pegged its 2024 workforce at 164,400 showing a minimal but steady increase of 4.8 percent.  

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño attributed the increase in the workforce to the number of orders in the manufacturing sector that drove the workforce from 2023’s 156,811 workers to this year’s 164,400.

He said that the manufacturing sector of the Subic economic zone employed 27,484 workers by 110 companies in 2024, compared to 21,433 workers in 2023.  

“And we are anticipating more employment opportunities in Subic Freeport because of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s aggressive efforts to bring more foreign companies to invest in the country since it has been his administration’s thrust to create more jobs for Filipinos through foreign direct investments,” he said.

The manufacturing sector of Subic Bay Freeport has employed workers from Olongapo City (13,738), Bataan (3,843), Zambales (8,154), Pampanga (188), National Capital Region (140), Tarlac (79), and other areas (1,342).

Aliño added that the services sector of Subic’s workforce still has the biggest number of workers with 116,776 employees employed by 4,014 companies in 2024. It recorded an increase of 1,134 workers from 2024’s 116,776 employees, compared to 2023’s 115,642 employees.

The companies in the services sector employed workers from Olongapo City (46,857), Bataan (14,984), Zambales (17,999), Pampanga (4,419), National Capital Region (5,441), Tarlac (1,727), and other areas (25,349).

The shipbuilding/marine-related services sector, with 153 companies, recorded an increase of 309 workers to 6,187 employees in 2024 compared to 5,878 employees in 2023.

The male-dominated sector recorded 5,512 male workers and 675 female workers. It employed workers from Olongapo City (2,742), Bataan (693), Zambales (1,543), Pampanga (59), National Capital Region (347), Tarlac (11), and other areas (792).

Meanwhile, the number of employees in the construction sector reached 13,953 and employed by 320 companies. Another male-dominated industry, these 320 construction companies employed 13,357 male workers and 596 female workers coming from Olongapo City (4,749), Bataan (1,747), Zambales (2,214), Pampanga (603), National Capital Region (916), Tarlac (296), and other areas (3,428).

Aliño said that an increase of 95 workers was recorded in the construction sector, with 13,953 workers recorded in 2024, and 13,858 workers recorded in 2023.

The SBMA chief said that with the current trend the Subic Bay Freeport workforce is experiencing, any fluctuation in the country’s unemployment rate would not adversely affect the number of workers here since the steady increase is a good sign of a constant upward pace in the employment sector. (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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SBMA, DHSUD sign MOU on employee housing in Subic Freeport

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) at the Corporate Boardroom of the Administration Building, for the establishment of employee housing here in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ).

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the MOU on the housing project inside the SBFZ will benefit the employees of the agency. 

Meanwhile, DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar stated that the housing project is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

“This housing project will greatly benefit SBMA employees especially those who fall within the low income bracket, so they can also afford to buy housing units that they can call home. Thank you Secretary Acuzar for this wonderful gift to the SBMA workforce,” Aliño said.

The SBMA official also shared that the Socialized Housing Project will last up to 50 years where the beneficiary will be given a Certificate of Ownership of Leasehold Rights, instead of a title. 

“Those who will qualify as beneficiary shall receive a five percent subsidy on the interest rate from the DHSUD. In addition, while PAG-IBIG's regular interest rate is 6.25 percent, under the 4PH Interest Subsidy Program of DHSUD, it will be just 1.25 percent,” Aliño said.

Secretary Acuzar vowed his full support to the SBMA's shelter provision initiatives for its workers and locators alike, citing that the former US naval base's strategic location and infrastructures that are already in place are ideal for the development of inclusive housing communities under 4PH.

DHSUD Undersecretary Emmanuel Pineda, Regional Office 3 Director Julius Enciso, the SBMA Board of Directors, SBMA officials and other DHSUD officials witnessed the signing ceremony. (MPD-SBMA)

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500 SBF, Olongapo City workers unite in human cross to support the World Day for Safety & Health at Work

Around 500 participants of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Labor Department’s Zumbathon event gathered at the Remy Field here as an affirmation of their support to the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

Participants of the human cross came from various Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) locators, local government unit (LGU) of Olongapo City, Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital, Allied Care Experts Medical Center-Baypointe, Lab1, Zumba group of Olongapo City, Batang Gapo Riders Club, and the SBMA.

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work, which was slated on April 28, was celebrated on May 3 to coincide with the Labor Day activities prepared by the SBMA Labor Department.

Now in its second year, the formation of the human cross event was organized by Dr. Evelyn Lozano-Natividad, President of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine in partnership with the SBMA Labor Department.

Natividad expressed her heartfelt gratitude not only to the participants but also to the generous sponsors who provided light snacks, freebies, medical samplers, as well as premium items for the Zumbathon winners.

Wearing green shirts, participants of the human cross also enjoyed the Zumbathon, which followed right after the assembly.

Among the sponsors were Adva Shield, Anlene, Bonamine, Flanax, Kalbe, Multicare, OCPLCI, Olongapo City Medical Society, Philippine Academy of Family Physicians, Inc., Polarmarine, Rotary Club of Metro Olongapo, UAP, Westmont, Inova Pharma, and Pocari Sweat.  

Also joining the event were Olongapo City Vice Mayor Jong Cortez, SBMA officials including Chief of Staff Atty. Rodriguez, Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Atty. Ramon Agregado, Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs Atty. Mike Quintos, Dr. Arlene Cesa, Dr. Asean Briones, Dr. Cesar Julius Farin, and Management Information Systems Office manager Vergil Joseph Lansangan. (MPD-SBMA) 

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