Gov’t agencies, recycling company partner to implement Cash Cycled Project in Zambales schools

Government agencies partner with a recycling company to implement the Cash Cycled Project in public elementary and secondary schools in Zambales. 

A Memorandum of Agreement for the project was signed between the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Zambales, the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Zambales, and Foochi Trading and Resources Inc. at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom on August 6, 2025. 

The Cash Cycled Project aims to encourage the active participation of schools and local communities in practicing plastic waste recycling and sustainability by trading collected plastic bottles with the recycling partner. 

“This project marks a significant milestone in environmental and youth empowerment initiatives as it aims to foster collaboration between the project proponents and the academic communities in building sustainable environmental practices,” SBMA OIC Senior Deputy Administrator for Regulatory, Amethya Dela Llana-Koval, said. 

DTI Provincial Director Enrique Tacbad explained that the plastic bottles collected by government-run schools in Zambales will be sold to Foo Chi Trading and Resources Inc. for income generation to support school activities or environmental initiatives. 

Under the Cash Cycled Project, the income generated from the sale of plastic bottles will be deposited into a designated school fund account, which will be used solely for environmental projects, supplies, or student development programs, in accordance with DepEd’s financial policies and auditing rules and regulations. 

A joint monitoring team, composed of representatives from each Party, shall meet at least once every semester, or as needed, to evaluate project implementation, address any issues, and recommend improvements. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA, DTI inaugurate bamboo nursery in Subic Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Zambales jointly inaugurated a tree and bamboo nursery at the El Kabayo here on June 24, 2025.

SBMA Ecology Center OIC Rossell L. Abuyo said that the Bamboo Nursery is in partnership with DTI Zambales and other private stakeholders to provide an area where bamboo saplings can be propagated and grown inside the Freeport.

She added that the opening of the El Kabayo Tree and Bamboo Nursery is just the first step, and will be followed by a “Bambusetum” in the same area.

“A bambusetum is a specialized garden or collection dedicated to the cultivation and study of various bamboo species. It serves as a gene bank for bamboo conservation, allowing for the observation of different growth habits and characteristics of these plants, which are often more distinct than their floral characteristics,” she explained.

She added that bambusetums are valuable for scientific, educational, and aesthetic purposes.

DTI Director Enrique Tacbad mentioned that, besides the environmental benefits of bamboo, these plants can also serve as a good source of livelihood for the community. He pointed out that various products, as well as bamboo propagules, can be made from bamboo.

He added that soon the area would become a place to process and manufacture bamboo fibers and other products that can be sold to the market.

“With regards to these anticipated needs, there is a need for a sustainable supply of raw materials; thus, a bambusetum or bambudal (in Spanish) can supply the said materials needed at any time,” he said.

The bambusetum is a collection of living bamboos, which may consist of native or exotic, raised and cultivated for educational, research, and development, or aesthetic purposes, or any combination thereof.

“Initially, for SBMA's bambusetum, we are preparing for at least 15-20 species of bamboo,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Banco Kalikasan Environmental Movement, Inc. donated 200 iron bamboo propagules to the El Kabayo Tree and Bamboo Nursery during the opening ceremony. Banco Kalikasan President Emar Alcantara and Project Coordinator Mary Grace Alcantara were present to deliver the propagules to the Subic Bay Freeport.

Iron bamboo, scientifically known as Guadua Angustifolia, is a type of bamboo known for its exceptional strength and is considered a premier material for construction and engineered bamboo production. It is native to South America and has been successfully introduced to the Philippines, where it is a priority species for propagation. (MPD-SBMA) 

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270 tourism, environmental stakeholders at CL Tourism Summit 2024 push for a carbon neutral freeport

Stepping up to the challenges of climate change, 270 tourism and environmental stakeholder-participants in the Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit 2024 declared their commitment to make carbon neutrality a way of life.   

The “Race to Carbon Neutrality” was launched on Wednesday, September 11, to kick-off the countdown to 2040 spearheaded by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), as it pushes to become the first carbon neutral economic zone in the country. This is a game changer for the country’s climate action and carbon reduction targets.  

SBMA OIC-Senior Deputy Administrator for Regulatory and Ecology Department manager Amethya Dela Llana-Koval spearheaded the launch on behalf of Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño who was then attending the budget hearing at the Senate. 

“This is a momentous occasion for us because we are launching today, September 11, 2024, a carbon neutral future for the SBMA or our Race to Carbon Neutrality,” Dela Llana-Koval read. 

She added that this is a pivotal moment in the SBMA’s journey toward a carbon-neutral future to counter the effects of climate change; but the bigger challenge for the agency is being an economic zone where locators are large consumers of electricity and other forms of energy that contribute high concentrations of carbon footprint, or greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 

However, this challenge also makes this economic zone “a good place to pioneer and pilot many GHG emission reduction efforts because geographically, we are blessed with the abundance of carbon stocks,” Dela Llana-Koval said. 

She further explained that the SBFZ has 60 has. of mangrove area, with potential to sequester 2,016 MT carbon emissions annually, and a watershed forest reserve of 10,000 has. which neutralizes 400,000 tons of potential carbon emissions. 

The Race to Carbon Neutrality aims to reduce these carbon emissions in the SBFZ by 30 percent by 2030, and eventually to net zero by 2040. In effect, it will boost its competitiveness through resource efficiency, improve its brand image by positioning the SBFZ in the global market, and attract more green foreign direct investments. 

This will also bring the SBMA at the forefront of introducing carbon neutral development strategies into the economic, industrial, and trade policies of our country. 

With this year’s theme “Towards a Carbon Neutral Future: Central Luzon’s Commitment to Sustainable Tourism,” guest speakers offered their expertise on carbon neutrality and sustainable tourism practices, as well as technology’s role in carbon neutrality.  

As the SBMA pushes for a Carbon Neutral freeport in 2040 as its ultimate goal, Dela Llana-Koval disclosed that the SBMA will engage in the following steps: (1) adapt a carbon neutral framework; (2) emissions reduction planning; (3) prioritizing energy efficiency; (4) utilization of electric vehicles within the SBMA for carbon reduction targets; (5) utilizing emerging technologies; (6) leveraging renewable (energy); (7) smart waste management; (8) engaging stakeholders; (9) mangrove rehabilitation and restoration program; (10) forest conservation program; (11) bamboo forest development for increased oxygen production, higher carbon absorption and tourist attraction; and (12) finding financing. 

The two-day summit offered ecotours of various nearby tourist destinations that practice sustainable tourism and environmental efforts, namely, birdwatching tour, Pinatubo Brewery, SBMA Ecology mangrove nursery, El Kabayo waterfalls, Pamulaklakin Aeta forest trail, Pacific Ace Subic Bay Corp., Adventure Cove, Alon and Araw Club, and the Dela Llana Farm. (MPD-SBMA) 

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2 e-PUVs roam the streets of SBF on test run for 2 weeks

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) inaugurated its public transportation project with the test run of two fully electric public utility vehicles (e-PUVs) around the central business district (CBD) here from September 13 to 27. 

In collaboration with the Basic Energy Corporation, the company behind the Green Energy E-Transport Program (GEEP), this project was conceptualized primarily to provide free or low-cost transportation services to Subic Freeport stakeholders, as part of the wellness program of SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño to improve the quality of life of the local populace.

Aliño lauded the hard work of the SBMA’s committee on public transportation, chaired by Deputy Administrator for Finance Antonietta Sanqui, for the expeditious formulation and pursuance of a roadmap and action plan geared towards achieving a more accessible and affordable yet sustainable and energy-efficient transportation for residents, employees, tourists, and all other stakeholders of the free port. 

The Agency chief added that the e-PUVs on test run will be used to ferry commuters from CBD-A bus stop situated at the Golden Dragon Restaurant parking area, and CBD-B bus stop at the Kalaklan Terminal.

The ePUVs made its inaugural run here during the second Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) for its ecotour on Wednesday and Thursday. 

“These ePUVs that were used to take tourism summit participants to their designated ecotours here and in Zambales aim to reduce carbon emissions in Subic Bay,” he said.

Basic Energy Corporation is a publicly listed holding company in the Philippines that has business interests in various fields of renewable energy and alternative fuels, and oil and gas exploration and development.

The renewable energy company continues to fuel the Philippines’ vibrant energy sector with the breadth and depth of its projects and technical knowledge. It aims to be the leading developer of alternative and renewable energy, oil and allied products and services in the country. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA reaps ₱2.96-M savings from SPS project in 2023

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) reaped ₱2.96-million savings from using solar power energy from January to December of 2023.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño attributes these savings to the solar power system (SPS) project that the agency has undertaken as early as 2017.

“We are grateful that this renewable energy project saves a lot for the agency. With this, the agency could now just focus on important financial obligations,” he said.

Aliño added that the SBMA is currently reaping benefits from the solar power system projects in six areas, namely: Malawaan Park, Bldg. 229, Bldg. 255, Bldg. 662, Regulatory Bldg., and the Remy Field.

“Especially now that the weather is scorching hot, we need to protect our employees from heat stroke, and it will not cost us a single centavo because we are now harvesting from these solar power system,” Aliño added.

According to Engr. Eddie Ventura, SBMA Telecommunications Department officer-in-charge, this project was established in compliance with Republic Act 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, an act promoting the development, utilization and commercialization of renewable energy resources and for other purposes.

Ventura shared that for Remy Field, which started only in March 2023, and consumed 76,663 KWh at 9.3882/KWh, the SBMA saved ₱719,727.58. Also, in Bldg. 255, which consumed 70,475.55 KWh from January to October 2, savings amounted to ₱661,638.56. However, the system was temporarily shut down to give way for the building’s roofing rehabilitation project.

For the Regulatory Bldg., a savings of ₱652,386.02 was reaped from the 69,490KWh consumption; while the 52,434.43KWh consumption at the Bldg. 662 translates to ₱492,264.92 savings. Also, ₱439,680.76 was also saved from 46,833.34KWh consumption at the administration building.

Ventura recalled that the SPS project started in 2017 as a result of an external seminar on SPS conducted by Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (IECEP)-Zambales Chapter that electronics engineers attended.

Then Telecommunications Department manager, the late Engr. Joey A. Lacanlale, assigned Engr. Jefferson B. Llantada of the department’s Projects and Technical Services Division (PTSD) to do a research and use solar powered lightings in Malawaan Park.

Later on, an experimental 10-Kw Grid Tied SPS at Regulatory Building was done in 2018 and was successful. Hence, the department pursued more SPS projects spearheaded by Engr. Antonio G. Rafanan.

Ventura added that the solar power system project was implemented, primarily, to save on power consumption expenses and sell its excess energy to the Electric Cooperative; to comply with the green initiative, which is an effort to reduce pollution and waste, conserve resources and maintain 

an ecological balance, and the Power Savings Program; and also to promote sustainable development.

Meanwhile, Rafanan explained that with the SPS project, the agency not only reduced the use of non-renewable resources of energy, it is also started selling unused harvested power back to the grid in 2022.

He said that the Grid-Tied and Hybrid systems were also configured and applied to use net-metering, which is another source of savings for the agency aside from consuming harvested solar power.

The SPS project cost amounted to ₱22,643,760.83 in total. This includes ₱400,892.86 Off-Grid system in Malawaan Park, which started in 2017; ₱3,493,000 Grid-Tied in Regulatory Building, which started in 2018 at 10KW, then upgraded to 50KW in March 2022; ₱6,854,000 Grid-Tied in Bldg. 229 and Bldg. 255, as well as ₱3,095,000 Grid-Tied in Bldg. 662, all of which started in March 2022; and ₱8,800,867.97 Hybrid system in Remy Field, which started only in March 2023. (MPD-SBMA)

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Sharp eyes Subic Bay for renewable energy hub

Sharp Solar Solution Asia is setting its eyes on transforming Subic Bay Freeport into a renewable energy hub in the region.

This move aligns with the country's broader initiative to embrace green energy solutions, following recent policy shifts that encourage foreign investment in the renewable sector.

During a recent visit to Subic, Sharp's CEO Hideyuki Inada discussed with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Eduardo Aliño the potential for solar energy farm projects within the freeport zone.

 

This initiative is not only a testament to the growing trust and confidence in the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s renewable energy programs but also leverages Japan's favorable foreign exchange rates, enhancing Sharp's competitiveness in the global solar energy market. 

Sharp's successful operation of solar farms across Vietnam, Thailand, Mongolia, and Laos, alongside its existing projects in the Philippines, underscores its capability and commitment to advancing solar energy solutions.

The entry of Sharp into the Subic Bay Freeport signifies a positive shift in the investment climate, promising substantial economic and environmental benefits. 

The partnership is expected to bolster the Philippines' position as a leading destination for green energy investment, spurred by recent legislative changes that allow 100 percent foreign ownership in renewable energy projects. 

These reforms have already led to a surge in investment applications, including offshore wind and floating solar projects, highlighting the country's potential to generate significant employment opportunities in the renewable sector. (bnnbreaking.com)

Source:https://bnnbreaking.com/finance-nav/business/sharp-solar-solution-asia-eyes-subic-bay-for-renewable-energy-hub-boosting-philippines-green-initiatives

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Subic Freeport gears up for e-vehicle tourism

The country’s premier Freeport signified its readiness for electric vehicle tourism after the installation of two Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS) here. 

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan graced the official launching of the EVCS at the Uni-Oil Subic gasoline station after a product presentation. 

“We are gearing up to attract more tourists while maintaining an environmentally healthy environment as part of my administration’s thrusts. Not only that we are now expecting tourists thru the conventional fuel-powered vehicles, we are now ready for tourists on electric vehicles and e-cars,” Tan said.

Tan added that another EVCS was installed at the Acea Subic Beach Resorts early this year. Both Acea and Uni-Oil EVCSs will provide the ‘juice’ for electric vehicles that are now on the rise due to vehicle manufacturers producing more efficient and reliable electric vehicles. 

He explained that both charging stations have two charging feeder pillars and enclosure each, and can easily accommodate two vehicles simultaneously. With the establishments of the EVCS here, Tan encourages soon-to-be new car owners to look into electric vehicles.

“Subic Bay Freeport has been known to be an ecologically-friendly area, and with the installations of these electric vehicle charging stations, Subic can be a haven for electric car owners,” he added.

The Unioil Subic EVCS is a partnership between Delta Electronics International (SG) Pte. Ltd. and Unioil Petroleum Phils., Inc. Delta EV Chargers are made by Edgetech and Delta, and were demonstrated using electric vehicles Hyundai IONIQ5 from Hyundai Motors Philippines and Nissan Leaf from Nissan Philippines.

Acea Subic Beach Resort was the first to install an EVCS in Subic Bay Freeport, providing guests and visitors the option to use their electric vehicles when coming to their establishment. The EVCS in Acea was opened during the last week of January.

With Subic Bay Freeport increasing the number of EVCS, tourists with electric vehicles will now have the option to visit this premier Freeport without worrying of not having to recharge their vehicles.

“Accessibility to having electric vehicle charging stations is the key to making Subic Bay Freeport a tourist haven for electric vehicle owners. The installation of electric vehicle charging stations here will help increase confidence for first-time vehicle owners to go electric as the Freeport and the SBMA continues the fight against climate change,” Tan said.

The official cited that some EVCS are now capable of charging e-bikes and e-scooters, and also have higher-power DC fast charging and combined charging system capability that is used by most newer electric vehicles.

“With the dawn of fast charging, some electric vehicles can easily replenish their battery packs within 30 to 40 minutes,” Tan added. (MPD-SBMA)

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Pacific Ace, IWG to introduce hybrid workspace in Subic Freeport

Pacific Ace Subic Bay Corp. has partnered with International Workplace Group (IWG) for the establishment of the first-ever hybrid workspace in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in anticipation of the strong demand for flexible office spaces. 

The partnership was sealed in a simple contract signing ceremony between IWG Country Manager Lars B. Wittig and Pacific Ace President Virginia S. Dio on Thursday, Feb. 16 at the latter’s headquarters in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. 

“It’s a match made in heaven,” according to Dio citing IWG’s established global leader in hybrid work solutions and workspace brands and Pacific Ace’s Green Building advocacy to lessen the negative impact of carbon footprint to environment and to human health. 

Under the contract, IWG and Pacific Ace will utilize the 2nd floor of The Gardens by Pacific Ace and is set open the shared workplace on August 2023 with a number of co working desks, meeting rooms, and private offices. 

IWG’s unrivaled network coverage includes 3,500 locations across more than 120 countries and 83 percent of Fortune 500 companies amongst their growing customer base. 

“Through our brands including Regus, Spaces, HQ and Signature, we help millions of people and their businesses to work more productively. We do so by providing the world’s leading hybrid work platform with professional, inspiring and collaborative workspaces and digital services all available via the IWG application,” Wittig said. 

“Subic has been ready for this business concept for at least 8 years and we’re now ready for Subic,” Wittig said. 

He added that Subic is a strategic location that they have targeted for expansion since the opening of Regus in Clark Freeport Zone in 2015. And since the business is well proven in Clark, Subic is a logical extension for it offers excellent logistics, free port, and development zones. 

According to Renato W. Lee III, Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment, he is certain that the new business concept in the Freeport is set to bring business to a whole new level. (SNL)

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SBMA chief lauds SBF company advocating reduction of global food wastes

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino recently expressed praises towards a company in this premier Freeport that distributes a machine that converts earth friendly water from food wastes.

During his tour of Dunbrae Philippines Inc. showroom facility located inside the Subic Gateway Park, Paulino was shown the ORCA Machine being distributed by the company. The ORCA Machine turns food waste into earth friendly water.

 

According to Dunbrae Philippines Inc. General Manager Reida Ibabao, the company is the sole distributor of these machines made in Canada. She said that companies in the Philippines have already purchased these waste disposers and are currently utilizing it as part of their sustainability efforts.

 

Ibabao cited that natural microorganisms, combined with the action of the ORCA technology digests food wastes and turns into earth-friendly water in 24 hours. “It’s compact, efficient, clean and undeniably green,” the company added.

 

Paulino lauded the company’s efforts in reducing the food waste in the environment, citing that if every company, not only food-related ones, in the Subic Freeport would utilize this machine, a drastic reduction in the food wastes hauled here could be expected.

 

“The ORCA machine is being utilized in dozens of countries, why can’t we use it here? Since Subic Bay Freeport is Central Luzon’s number one tourism destination, the area produces a lot of food wastes that need to be addressed,” he stated.

 

He added that if there is an ORCA machine in every major restaurants here, these would drastically reduce the overall tonnage of waste disposal that will be taken to the landfill, also reducing the labor required to haul trash bags to the garbage.

 

Ibabao stated that the earth-friendly water that the ORCA machine produces could be safely repurposed or returned to the environment once treated.

 

“Our technology creates meaningful cost savings for customers while diverting food waste from landfills. Landfill diversion reduces both carbon dioxide and methane gas emissions.  ORCA also helps to increase labor efficiency by keeping employees in the kitchen and reducing the number of strains and sprains,” she added.

 

With four different model sizes, ORCA can accommodate any kitchen’s food waste volumes and space limitations.

 

All ORCA models are equipped with onboard scales that will track the weight of every piece of food waste put into it. The scales connect to the Dunbrae’s proprietary ORCA Portal, a personalized dashboard that will allow users to analyze real-time data, create customized reports, and look at the amount of food waste diverted over time. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, DENR present ‘Refill Revolution’ to cut plastic pollution

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will team up with the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-EMB) to promote the use of refillable containers as a means of reducing plastic wastes that harm the environment.

On Tuesday, November 19, the two agencies will introduce the “Refill Revolution” program to local residents and stakeholders of the Subic Bay Freeport during the 7th Recyclables Collection Event (RCE), which is a biennial recycling project of the SBMA.

SBMA Ecology Center manager Amethya dela Llana said “Refill Revolution” is designed to do away with sachets and “tingi” (small retail) packs that usually end up in drainage systems, rivers and other waterways, and eventually the sea.

“By buying in bulk, choosing products without much packaging and by using refillable containers for these products, we can help reduce wastes and prevent environmental pollution,” she added.

Dela Llana said that under “Refill Revolution”, participants can buy powder detergent at P30 per kilo; fabric conditioner at P20 per kilo; dishwashing liquid at P20 per liter; and hand soap at P20 per liter.

Accredited suppliers and sellers will also offer essential household items like soy sauce, cane vinegar, cooking oil, and brown sugar at reduced prices, she added.

Another new activity during the 7th RCE to be held at the Mini Golf Course here is the “Trash for Rice” project, which is a social development program of the Asia Processing Industry Association of Subic.

Dela Llana said “Trash for Rice” will exchange one kilo of rice for every one kilo of plastic or half kilo of cigarette butts. Organizers aim to collect 1,000 kilos of clean and dry plastic, sando bags, sachet, and cigarette butts, with a maximum of 10 kilos each for each pre-registered Subic Bay Freeport locator.

Like “Refill Revolution”, this project targets SBMA employees, Subic Bay Freeport business locators and workers, and residents of Olongapo City, Zambales and Bataan.

Yet another new highlight in the event is a Tire Upcycling Workshop, wherein participants from the SBMA and the Pastolan and Kanawan Ayta communities in the Freeport would learn how used tires could be turned into artistic creations like plant pots, Christmas wreaths, chairs, and hammocks.

Meanwhile, various groups and business establishments will put up booths to showcase and sell local products and eco-friendly alternatives to plastic packaging.

At the same time, Dela Llana said the 7th Recyclable Collection Event will continue with its objective of facilitating the proper disposal of recyclables. This time, recyclers will take in paper and plastic, used clothes and footwear, and expired medicines and needles on top of regular recyclables like electronic wastes, used oils, lead acid batteries, busted light bulbs and lamps and tires.

The fees collected for the disposal of hazardous wastes are donated to the “Bantay Kalikasan” environment protection program.

Aside from the Recyclable Collection Program, the SBMA has initiated other environment-friendly programs and has banned the use of single-use plastics in the agency’s workplaces.

Dela Llana said every measure in reducing pollution is a big step for environmental protection and everyone can volunteer to help. “So turn in your waste materials, bring your own refill bottles and containers, and join us in loving back Mother Earth,” she added. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA Recyclable Collection Events show recycling instructors demonstrating some creative uses of plastic wastes.

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