SBMA, SBF stakeholders hold 2nd Prayer Breakfast

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) gathered stakeholders to hold its 2nd Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) Prayer Breakfast with leaders of various religious sectors from surrounding localities at the Mini Golf Course on January 6, 2026.

 “This Prayer Breakfast is our humble acknowledgement that every plan, every decision, and every success must begin with faith and surrender to His will,” SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said. 

“Amid our responsibilities and challenges, we pause to seek God’s wisdom, strength, and guidance. We come together as one community, different in roles and beliefs, yet united in our trust in the One who leads, protects, and provides,” he added.

San Roque Chaplain Father Emmanuel Montes, Saalam Advocacy Group Chapter President Ustadz Sam Maharum, and Bishop Noel Pantoja of the Evangelical Church were among the religious leaders who led the ecumenical mass during the said Prayer Breakfast.

The SBF Prayer Breakfast is patterned after the Philippine National Prayer Breakfast, an annual event where leaders from government, business, and faith communities gather at the Malacañang Palace grounds to pray for the nation, emphasizing faith, unity, integrity, and service.

Inspired by the U.S. National Prayer Breakfast and founded by Gil Puyat and Francisco Ortigas Jr. in 1975, the most recent event was held on November 18, 2024, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The SBF Prayer Breakfast serves as a platform for leaders and local governments to set aside political and ideological differences and come together in prayer and seek guidance for the nation’s progress.

Chairman Aliño further said, “As we move forward into the year ahead, may God bless the work in our hands, guide the leaders of this Freeport Zone, and grant us clarity in every decision we make. May this time of prayer renew our commitment to the greater good; not only for the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, but for the people and communities we are called to serve.”

The 1st SBF Prayer Breakfast was held last January 13, 2025, and will continue to be held annually in Subic Bay Freeport, as a time out from political and ideological differences, and come together in prayer to seek guidance for the nation’s progress. (MPD-SBMA) 

Read More

Port of Subic Bay all set to host the 23rd INAP conference

This premier freeport is all set as the Port of Subic Bay takes its turn to host the 23rd International Network of Affiliated Ports (INAP) Conference on October 16.

INAP Subic Organizing Committee chairman and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Deputy Administrator for Operations Martin Kristoffer Roman explained that INAP is an organization of ports established in Japan in 1998, with Subic port as one of the founding members. 

Roman added that the two-day conference is held annually and is currently being hosted by the incoming INAP chairman's home port. 

With this year's theme, “Promoting Resiliency and Disaster Preparedness,” the Heads of Ports are expected to share their best practices in port and environmental management, to promote mutually beneficial opportunities for all the ports, especially the member ports.

Member ports, namely the ports of Cebu and Davao, Philippines; the port of Chittagong, Bangladesh; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Dangjin, South Korea; Mokpo, Korea; Kochi, Japan; Qingdao, China; and Tanjung Perak, Indonesia, are also sharing their best practices with respect to environmental protection and disaster preparedness. 

Delegates from Thailand and Vietnam will also attend the conference to observe the benefits of INAP membership.

"As for the Port of Subic Bay, we will be sharing emerging and green technologies, that will help reduce carbon footprints, and similar projects, whether completed or upcoming," INAP Subic Organizing Committee vice chairman and Seaport Assistant General Manager  Philip Lazaro said. 

Also highlighting the conference will be the formal turnover of INAP leadership from Port of Kochi, Japan to Port of Subic Bay. 

The INAP conference will also include a tree-planting activity of the Heads of Ports, a few plant tours, and a bay cruise on the waters of Subic Bay. 

Roman also expressed his gratitude to the Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation (SBITC), Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal Services Inc., and La Banca for the invaluable partnership and active participation in the smooth planning of activities for the 23rd INAPconference. 

Around 300 stakeholders, port users, residents, other locators, and neighboring local government units will be joining the 58 delegates from the member ports expected to participate in the symposium. 

In 2014, the Port of Subic Bay also hosted the INAP conference. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

Subic tourism stakeholders bare collaborative plans for ber months

The resident tourism stakeholders here presented various activities that will add boost to the tourist arrivals inside this premier Freeport for the rest of the ber months. 

The presentation of activities was made during the Talakayan sa Freeport media forum held at the Weltz Bar of the Terrace Hotel on Monday by Hospitality Alliance of Subic (HAS) President of Corporate Affairs Pamela Khonghun, who bared their plans for October, November and December here. 

“This coming October, we are promoting the Subic Bay Hauntfest 2.0, since the first one was launched last year. To recap, we held the hauntfest at the Rotonda Food Park of the Moonbay Marina with our members having their stalls and presentations,” she said.

The event was held on October 31, 2023, which included a Trick or Treat, Magic Show, Halloween Costume Competition, and a Block Party. Khonghun mentioned Luke Mijares, DJ Arhiz Picache, Sweet Patatas, Ultimasia, and 8oz as their featured performers during the Block Party.

Last year’s celebration also held the Halloween Skele-bration wherein tourists participated in the costume contest at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall. She said that tourists were able to Trick or Treat at various hotels inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“This year, we are planning to hold the Subic Bay Hauntfest 2.0 at the Boardwalk Area. There will be many activities, with most of last year’s activities to be held again this year. It will be as grandiose as last year’s celebration,” she said.

Khonghun also disclosed the newest project in collaboration with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), which is Paskuhan sa Boardwalk that will feature the “12 Days of Christmas” Food Fair, a Parol Making Competition, and a Caroling Competition. 

The HAS will collaborate with other tourism stakeholders here and create uniform Christmas lanterns to will be displayed, lighted up and featured at the Boardwalk Area and make the area lively during the Yuletide season. The group aims to boost the number of visitors in the area where most hotels are situated within a stone’s throw. 

Khonghun said that the alliance is opening its doors to local media practitioners to further promote their endeavors. 

She also expressed her gratitude to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño for continuously collaborating and supporting the endeavors of the HAS in promoting this premier Freeport as a tourist destination. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

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) 

Read More

26 HOTS at Subic Freeport’s annual Labor Day jobs fair

A total of 26 jobseekers were hired on the spot during the jobs fair held at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall on Labor Day, as part of the Labor Day celebration of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). 

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. 

 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo L. Aliño said that the agency is aggressively attracting more businesses to locate in the Subic Bay Freeport zone and generate not only revenues for the national coffers, the agency and neighboring local government units, but also job opportunities for residents of nearby communities. 

 

Around 71 Freeport locators participated to offer a total of 4,463 job opportunities for the job seekers. 

 

Out of the 4,463 total manpower needs of participating Freeport locators, 2,146 applications were received from 500 applicants. 1,157 were interviewed before the job fair ended. 

 

Earlier that day, a three-kilometer fun run was held to kick-off the Labor Day events prepared by the SBMA Labor Department, where Freeport workers from various locators participated together with their family members. 

 

The Labor department also launched the online Labor Tiktok Dance Challenge, where worker participants filmed themselves at their workplaces. 

 

Last Friday, participants of the Zumbathon formed a human cross in support of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work. 

 

Meanwhile, a Symposium will also be held on May 8 at the Labor Training Room that will tackle the Department of Labor and Employment’s Department Order number 175, series of 2017 for locators engaged in Manpower Services/Agencies (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

SBMA all set for series of events in celebration of Labor Day

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is all set to kick-off a series of activities in celebration of Labor Day with the agency’s Labor Department spearheading the activities.

According to Labor Department Manager Atty. Melvin Varias, this annual activity aims to strengthen the camaraderie between the employees of the SBMA and Subic Bay Freeport locators.

Kicking off the series of activities is the Zumbathon on April 28, where participants in green shirts will take part in the human cross formation at the end of the session to celebrate the annual World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

Varias added that free refreshments and food, along with a few giveaways will be raffled during the Zumbathon to be held at the Remy Field around 4:00 in the afternoon.

“On May 1, we will also have a 3k Fun Run for Freeport workers. The fun run will have categories for the young and the young-at-heart. Registration is free for Freeport workers and their immediate family members. The activity will start at around 5:30 in the morning at the Harbor Point, Ayala Mall,” he disclosed.

Along with the celebration, the SBMA will also conduct a job fair that will be held at the Harbor Point at 10:00 in the morning. Varias said that 43 participating companies, who are collectively offering more than 5,500 job opportunities, are determined on hiring workers “on-the-spot” to ensure immediate processing of their papers.

“We have generated QR codes, which are available at the Labor Department Facebook page, so that interested parties can scan and register online. If they have any other questions, they can call the Labor Department at 252-4092, 252-4496, and 252-4101,” he added.

Varias urged jobseekers to prepare their resume/biodata along with photocopies of their diploma or Transcript of Records (TOR), Birth Certificate, NBI or Police Clearance (if available) and other documents such as Training Certificates and Employment Certificates from previous employer. (MPD-SBMA) 

Read More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read More

400 Subic Bay Freeport, Olongapo City stakeholders join Pink Run 2022 for breast cancer awareness

Close to 400 Subic Bay Freeport and Olongapo City stakeholders joined the Pink Run 2022 to show support to breast cancer awareness, which happened last October 21, Friday. 

Dubbed as “The Pink Run 2022–D’Feeting Breast Cancer,” the event was organized by the Philippine Society of General Surgeons (PSGS)-Central Luzon Chapter, the Olongapo City Medical Society (OCMS), Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM), and the Subic-Olongapo Cancer Foundation (SOCFI) in collaboration with the SBMA Gender and Development. 

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) Executive Committee Head Amethya Dela Llana was hands-on in welcoming the organizers, participants and event partners on behalf of the SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino. 

“On behalf of Chairman Paulino, we would like to thank the organizers and participants for having the breast cancer awareness activity here. And we have agreed that from here on out, the breast cancer awareness event will be hosted here in the Subic Bay Freeport.  This said signature project will be included in the Tourism and GAD calendars annually,” Dela Llana announced. 

Men and women participants in the Pink Run 2022 either wore pink shirts, pink bandanas, pink face masks, pink caps, pink pants, or pink shoes. They represented various Freeport locators such as Lindberg, Sanyo Denki Philippines, Wistron Infocomm Philippines, Nidec Subic Philippines Corporation, Brookes Aesthetic and Wellness Center, and Victory Gym. SBMA employees and Subic Bay Multipurpose Cooperative members also joined. 

Olongapo City contingents included Batang ‘Gapo Riders Club (BGRC), Metro Subic Colleges, Philippine Dental Association (PDA), Ridon St. Jude Medical Center, Sunlife, James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital (JLGMC), Olongapo City National High School (OCNHS) Batch 75, Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO), Lion’s Club District 301, Rotary Club of Downtown Olongapo (RCDO), Rotary Club of Subic Pearl (RCSP), and National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).

PSGS-Luzon chapter vice president Dr. RJ Manzo, who was in the forefront of the event organizing committee, recalled that breast cancer awareness was last held in 2019 before Covid-19 pandemic broke. 

He added that before pandemic, it was celebrated with a unity walk then forming a human pink ribbon.

“So now that we are coming back to the new normal, playing safe. But we are trying to ease back the activities that we used to do. So this year, after a two-year absence, we are back,” Dr. Manzo said. 

He reminded that October is breast cancer awareness month, and that the Pink Run 2022 brought them all together to celebrate breast cancer patients, cancer survivors, and all womenfolk suffering from the big C, because women are more prone to breast cancer. 

“But truth be told nowadays, cancer is beatable. We can prevent cancer with early screening,” he assured. 

Hosted by DJ Tommy G of 89.5 Subic Bay radio and Dr. Karl Edejer, a pain management specialist, the program was highlighted by the warm-up stretching led by Victory Gym coaches. 

Meanwhile, the coaches and athletes of Crossfit Olongapo City spearheaded the first wave of runners, leading the participants around the Remy Field oval track.

Capping the event was the iconic forming of the human pink ribbon. 

In other parts of the country, Pink Run 2022 was also celebrated in Bacolod, General Santos City and Dasmariñas, Cavite with a lap run. 

In Bohol, a non-profit organization launched a long distance run in various distances as a fund-raising campaign for the benefit of breast cancer patients and other indigent beneficiaries. Participants were given the choice to run in 3, 5, 10 and 16 kilometers. 

The Pink Run is a project of the PSGS, a national event celebrated annual in October in observance of the Breast Cancer Awareness month. (MPD-SBMA) 

Read More

Subic Bay Yacht Club's Christmas tree lighting ushers in Yuletide Season

Subic Bay Yacht Club (SBYC) has officially ushered in the Yuletide season with its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the SBYC front driveway.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino and SBYC Commodore Eduardo Aliño spearheaded the ceremonial switching of the light.  

 

Paulino said that the lighting of the Christmas tree along the half-a-block long decorations in front of the SBYC is a Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) tradition to kick off the Yuletide season here, which the SBYC has been known for—making the biggest Christmas decorations in the entire SBF.

The lighting ceremony was also graced by SBYC Vice Commodore Ronnie Del Rosario, and was celebrated by Bishop Most Revered Bartolome Santos from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Iba, with hundreds of SBYC staff, guests, and tourists flocking the event.

The Olongapo City National High School Performing Arts sang Christmas carols during the event, as hundreds of on-lookers gathered at the façade of the SBYC.

 

This year, all departments of the SBYC presented their own Christmas decor concepts, ranging from the classic are the Nativity Scene, huge Santa Claus, a Winter Forest, a Christmas train coming out of large boxes adorned with polar bears, a snow globe with a life-sized Santa Claus, and a Frozen themed boat.

During his message, Paulino said that the only time people around the world observe ceasefires from conflicts is during the Christmas season. He said he is hopeful that everyone would forget their personal differences and become one with God during this season.

Meanwhile, Commodore Aliño expressed his gratitude to the chief executive for supporting the event, citing that the agency has always been on board and provides the necessary assistance in its endeavors, which helps in the promotion and development of companies inside the SBF.

The display, which is an annual project of SBYC employees, is supported by certain Freeport corporate sponsors, and is lighted up each day at 6:00 p.m.  This is also open for public viewing. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

400 Masonic riders join historic 1st-ever Unity Ride to SBFZ

At least 400 members of different Masonic Riders Clubs from all over Luzon joined the first ever Unity Ride and converged at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC).

The Unity Ride, which started from the different hometowns of different Masonic Riders’ Clubs, entered the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) thru the Tipo Security Plaza, toured the San Bernardino road en route Olongapo City, and finally to SBECC for its final stop.

“I preferred it to be held here in Subic (Freeport) to make it historical for the riders to be in the country’s top tourist destination because this is a dream destination for them,” Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino said.

Paulino, who is also the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, added that the Unity Ride was aimed unifying all Masonic Riding Clubs and Associations and maintaining harmony among the masons by promoting the Masonic Year “Clear Vision of Masonic Harmony” thru this unity ride.

Organized by the Sons of Luzon Pilipinas and the Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association, they were joined by East and West, Travellers, King Solomon, and Vespa riders, among other riders’ clubs.

Coming all the way from Lipa City, Batangas, Bro. Gil Quiambao, Jr. of the Sons of Luzon, the organizing group, said that the Unity Ride, which was in coordination with the SBMA, to unify all Masonic Riding Clubs and Associations.

The Unity Ride 2022 is a motorcycle ride is open to all Mason motorcycle riders and enthusiasts. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

Subic to host Miss Philippines-World finals with full health-safety protocols

The Miss World Philippines coronation night will be held here tomorrow at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) with full safety protocols following full endorsement for the event to proceed from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the pageant’s final ceremony here was only approved after rigorous vetting of Covid-19 health procedures and subsequent assurances by organizers that they will strictly follow protocols set by the IATF.

“This will be another bubble event like the other ones Subic had hosted for basketball and volleyball tournaments, as well as some national conferences,” Eisma said.

“The SBMA Board approved the request of ALV Event International, Inc., the organizer of the Miss World Philippines, to have the event here in Subic only after the Regional Task Force (RTF3) conducted an online coordination meeting with us and the organizers,” she added.

Eisma said among the requirements set were: full vaccination of all attendees; conduct of daily antigen tests, including guests, during the pageant; 24-hour posting of marshals with placards to act as health and safety protocol checkers, along with usherettes; and daily health declarations/reports with QR-coded IDs for contact tracing.

“Aside from the 44 candidates, there will also be guests and members of the organizing committee who will be taking part in the event. And we all want them to contain themselves for the duration of the event,” Eisma added.

“We’d like to stress here that we have set a 1:30 marshal-guests ratio to ensure enforcement of health protocols and that there will be only 800 attendees in a 5,000-capacity venue,” she also said.

Meanwhile, Miss World Philippines national director Arnold Vegafria expressed his gratitude for the approval to stage the coronation night at the SBECC.

He said that his promotion submitted its proposal to SBMA to stage the coronation night in Subic on September 21 and received r3ecommendation from the SBMA board of directors four days later after thoroughly establishing required safety measures.

“Rest assured that all IATF and SBMA health protocols will be strictly enforced by our EWP medical director-in-charge as recommended in the SBMA Board resolution,” he added.

The coronation night will feature 44 candidates vying for seven crowns in the pageant. These are titles for Miss World Philippines, Miss Eco Philippines, Miss Eco Teen Philippines, Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas, Miss Multinational, Miss Philippines Tourism, and Miss Environment International.

The Miss World Philippines pageant, which is one of the most prestigious beauty pageants in the country, is on its 10th edition this year. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

SBMA brings “plogging” to Subic to evoke environmental 'malasakit'

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is bringing to Subic a new way of boosting both human and nature’s health — “plogging.”

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said plogging, a new term that blends the English word “jogging” and the Swedish phrase “plocka upp” or pick up, started in Sweden and is now becoming popular in parts of Europe and the United States.

“Essentially, plogging is about doing your regular jogging routine, but you have to bring with you a trash bag where you can put all the litter you can pick up along the way,” Eisma explained.

She added that through its Ecology Center, the SBMA will be launching the first Subic Bay Plog Down — a combination of jogging, fun run and picking litter, on May 4 at the Boardwalk Events Center here in line with its “War On Waste” initiatives.

The event is open to public with ages seven years old and above.

Ecology Center manager Amethya Dela Llana explained that Subic Bay Plog Down aims to promote plogging as an exercise that promotes endurance, muscle firmness and harmony, and to stimulate environmental understanding by encouraging communities to suggest solutions on reducing trash in the Freeport.

“Plog Down aims to evoke environmental malasakit by exposing nearby communities to Subic Bay Freeport clean-up,” Dela Llana said.

Under the Plog Down project, all registered participants would pick up trash along their chosen route:
within one hour for Route 1 which has a 2-kilometer distance, or one-and-half hour for Route 2 which has a 3-kilometer distance.

Trash placed in the sacks should only be those considered as litter under the No Littering Policy of the SBMA. All trash thus collected by individual participants will be weighed and recorded.

Dela Llana added that the Subic Bay Plog Down project is just one of the many environment-awareness programs that the SBMA Ecology Center has lined up under its War On Waste initiatives.

Coinciding with the Plog Down event, SBMA will be celebrating Earth Day 2018 in the Subic Bay Freeport with its international theme “End Plastic Pollution” through the conduct of the 4th Recyclables Collection Event (RCE), also on May 4 at the former Legenda Blue Building along the Boardwalk Area.

RCE is a semi-annual event that lets companies inside the Freeport dispose of everyday hazardous workplace wastes properly. Items brought to the event will be bought by accredited recyclers.

Some of the waste materials that can be submitted for collection during the event are laboratory chemicals, solvents, aerosols, batteries, fluorescent tubes, garage waste, household hazardous waste, oils, paints, pharmaceutical waste and photographic and printing waste.

The waste collectors would also accept electronic wastes such as busted washing machines, electric fans, and ovens.

Proceeds of the event will go to Lingkod Kapamilya Bantay Kalikasan ABS-CBN Foundation, which has community-based eco-tourism projects. Meanwhile, the PET bottles collected will be sent to the Tahanang Walang Hagdan. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

SBMA to host 18 major events in 2018

It is going to be a spectacular year for the Subic Bay Freeport. This is what Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma predicted it would be, as she announced several major events that are lined up in Subic this year.

Eisma said that as of Monday, Jan. 29, the SBMA has already calendared 18 major events that include cruise ship visits, national conferences, sports competitions, and festivals, aside from the regular tourism activities that the SBMA, through its Tourism Department, would be managing.

“Subic tourism industry is picking up again, just like in the early years of the Freeport when almost every tourist is looking towards visiting Subic. Now it is happening again,” Eisma said.

She also noted that among the event headliners this year, some will be happening for the first time here: the arrival of two of the biggest cruise ships in the world, the “Ovation of the Seas” and “Voyager of the Seas” onJune 3 and August 25, respectively, and the staging of the Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines Triathlon in June, which will be the first-ever full distance IRONMAN race in the country.

Eisma said the SBMA is expecting at least 43,000 local and foreign tourists here because of these events, with some 10,000 foreign tourists arriving on board the cruise ships alone.

She added that the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines (4AsP) will be bringing in around 5,000 delegates to the Ad Summit Pilipinas, which shall be held in Subic for the third time.

On the other hand, TF Adventure Travel, Inc., is expected to draw about 6,000 participants for the Summer Siren Festival 2018 Year 2, which will be held here on May 11 to 13. The Summer Siren Festival is a non-stop gig-and-party event that is popular among young professionals, as well as students on summer vacation.

According to Jem Camba, head of the SBMA Tourism Department, there were more sports activities scheduled in Subic this year. The first ones were the National Bicycle Organization, PhilCycling and PRU Life UK’s PRUride PH 2018 held on Jan. 11-14, and the Triathlon Association of the Philippines’ National Age Group Triathlon on Jan. 28.

Meanwhile, Run Bike Swim Incorporated will hold the Tri United 1 Standard Distance Triathlon on Feb. 25, with about 1,000 participants; followed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Beach Volleyball Championships on February 27 to March 2. Camba said the NCAA plans to make Subic the home of its annual beach volleyball event, as it “has proven to be safe and ideal for sports activities.”

Subic will also see spectacular action with the Subic-Boracay Race organized by the Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen Sailing Club this February, as well as the Boracay Cup Regatta and Commodore’s Cup Regatta in March and April, with about 250 sailors participating in each event.

The Freeport will also host this year the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TAP) - NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon on April 21-11, with about 1,000 participants; Sunrise Events, Inc.’s Century Tuna Ironman Triathlon Full Distance Ironman 70.3, Superbods Run, and Ironkids on June 1-3, with about 2,000 participants; and TAP’s Youth Olympic Games Qualifying Race for Asia/ Southeast Asian Triathlon Association Championships on June 17, with 230 contestants.

In July, Run Bike Swim Incorporated will stage Tri United 2, with about 1,000 participants; Gold Gym’s Muscle Contest Philippines on Sept. 8, with about 5,000 contestants and delegates; Run Bike Swim’s Trek 100 Challenge on Oct. 21, with 1,000 participants; Sunrise Events’ T150 Triathlon, Ironkids and Fun Run on Nov. 3-4, with 1,500 participants; Xtribe, Inc.’s Subic International Marathon, with 1,500 expected contestants; and the National Duathlon Championship, on Nov. 11, with 300 participants.

The Subic Freeport will also be the venue for the Couples for Christ’s World Youth Congress on April 20-22, with some 3,500 persons attending; and the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals’ 38thNational Anniversary Celebration and General Assembly on April 27-28, with 6,000 delegates. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

SBMA recalls past struggles in building PHL’s first free port

Hundreds of former volunteers and current employees and officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on Friday recalled the hardship they overcame in building the first Philippine free port and renewed their commitment for a sustainable and more progressive Subic.

In a ceremony graciously attended by former heads of the agency, participants and guests in the culminating activity of the month-long SBMA 25th Anniversary Celebration remembered momentous events since Subic Bay Freeport was established in 1992.

Foremost among the images evoked here was the historic time when the Stars and Stripes was lowered for the last time in this former American military base, and an enormous 20-by-40 foot Philippine banner was raised.

On Friday, as SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma Eisma led in unveiling a marker for the country’s biggest national flag here, she reminded everyone of the parallelism between the struggles for national independence and the sacrifices made by SBMA volunteers to forge a brighter and better future for the community and the nation.

“It is on this very site where battles have been fought between foreign countries, seeking dominion over these precious waters and land; where the Filipino nation finally gained full sovereignty over this place; and where 8,000 volunteers answered the clarion call of SBMA founding chairman Richard Gordon and stood united and undaunted by the huge task of securing the facilities around after the Americans left in 1992,” Eisma said.

“Which is why it is but necessary for us to consecrate this ground as a witness to the sacrifice and courage of Filipinos, and for the flag as a symbol of their bravery and pride,” she added.

“Flying the Philippine flag here 24/7 permanently should be a matter of pride and honor, not just for us at SBMA or the Freeport, but for every Filipino. For it is indicative of the kind of nationalism that is expected from each and every one of us,” Eisma also said.

The anniversary celebration also served as a reunion for former top officials of the Subic agency.
Among those who arrived to remember Subic’s historic past were SBMA’s founding chairman and administrator and now Senator Richard J. Gordon; former Chairman and Administrator Felicito C. Payumo, who succeeded Gordon; former Administrator Armand C. Arreza; and former Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia.

The former officials assisted Chairman and Administrator Eisma and other agency officials in giving recognition to pioneer investor-companies, former Subic volunteers, and current SBMA employees.

Gordon, in his message at the unveiling of SBMA memorabilia here, indicated the continuing concern of former SBMA officials for the Subic Freeport and revealed some level of cooperation among them. He said that he and Payumo share their endorsement of the proposed underground road network that would interconnect Subic with Manila.

A tribute to Subic volunteers that was held at the Volunteers Shrine became the culminating event of the month-long celebration that began on November 6.

The other culminating events included a pass-by air show by the Philippine Air force, water salute by Salvtug tugboats, a silent drill by Philippine Merchant Marine Academy cadets, and an exhibition by the SBMA Marching Band.

Starting Friday, the SBMA and various tourism establishments in the Freeport also held a night bazaar and food festival at the Remy Field here, which included two nights of musical entertainment.

The Subic Pride Parade scheduled on Sunday, Nov. 26, was also included in the program to cap the celebration. (HEE/RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, assisted by National Historical Commission Executive Director Ludovico Badoy (left) and SBMA Deputy Administrator for Administration Ruel John Kabigting, unveils a marker authorizing the permanent hoisting of the Philippine national flag at the Subic Bay Freeport during the SBMA 25th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, Nov. 24. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] SALUTE TO SBMA: Tugboats execute a water salute while Philippine Air force planes do a pass-by overhead during the SBMA 25th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, Nov. 24, at the Subic Bay Freeport. AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[3] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma and SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Ramon O. Agregado return a salute by honor guards during a pass in review held on the SBMA 25th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, Nov. 24. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[4] Senator Richard G. Gordon, opens an SBMA memorabilia exhibit at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall during the SBMA 25th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, Nov. 24. Assisting him are, from left: former SBMA COO Rodolfo “Inky” Reyes; SBMA Directors Julita Manahan, Maria Cecilia Bobadilla-Bitare and Benny Antiporda; former SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza; SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Mar Sanqui; and SBMA Port Marketing manager Ronnie Yambao. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[5] Senator Richard G. Gordon and former SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza peruse SBMA memorabilia exhibited at the the Harbor Point Ayala Mall during the SBMA 25th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, Nov. 24. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[6] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma joins a parade of employees during the SBMA 25th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, Nov. 24. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More