SBMA, BOC sign MOU to regulate admission of recyclable non-hazmat in SBF

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Subic signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will regulate the admission of recyclable non-hazardous materials inside this Freeport.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and BOC-Port of Subic District Collector Noel C. Estanislao signed the MOU that will boost the recycling sector in the freeport, at the Corporate Boardroom of the Administration Building here on October 2, 2025.

“This agreement will not only ensure proper regulation of recyclable non-hazardous materials, but also enhance our shared efforts to safeguard our borders, protect the environment, and support legitimate industries within the Freeport,” Estanislao said. 

The MOU stipulates that the SBMA has formulated the Proposed Guidelines relative to the Admission of Non-Hazardous Materials, in line with the Freeport’s policies and regulations, and to facilitate the admission of goods and operations in the recycling industry.

The MOU also states that both agencies will coordinate and collaborate to ensure the smooth, transparent, compliant, and efficient conduct of recycling operations, exchange of information on the recycling industry, and provision of capacity building initiatives for SBMA and BOC personnel, as well as registered SBFZ recyclers, to ascertain proper understanding of policies and guidelines.

A policy review will also be conducted to periodically assess and evaluate its applicability and propose recommendations as needed, to rectify and address operational gaps and challenges, and changing circumstances.

Aliño expressed his gratitude to the BOC Port of Subic for the unwavering commitment to nation-building, citing that the collaboration between government agencies and the private sector is necessary in attracting more businesses while protecting the environment.

Recyclable non-hazardous materials are identified as common waste items such as paper, cardboard, metals (cans), glass (bottles and jars), and certain plastics (such as pet bottles) that generally do not pose a significant threat to human health or the environment. 

While generally safe, proper sorting and cleaning of these materials are essential to prevent contamination and ensure they can be processed for reuse, thereby conserving resources and reducing landfill waste, which eventually benefit the environment.

Senior Deputy Administrator for Regulatory Amethya Dela Llana said that the Subic Bay Freeport has 12 companies in the recycling industry, with four other companies eyeing to set up their businesses here. 

Dela Llana added that the SBMA regularly conducts Recyclables Collection Events (RCEs) and weekly recycling initiatives to collect these materials for recycling and upcycling, the proceeds of which support charities like ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation.

Prior to the MOU signing, a public hearing was held at the Subic Bay Yacht Club where locators were presented with Proposed Guidelines, Implementing Procedures, Liquidation reports, and Basis of Fines and Penalties in the Admission of Non-Hazardous Materials in the SBFZ. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA bans bikers at container terminal road, issues rules for road safety

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has prohibited bikers from using the New Container Terminal (NCT) road here in a move to maintain safety at the thoroughfare used mainly by cargo trucks. 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma announced this policy following consultation with cycling groups in the Subic Bay Freeport area and the formulation of guidelines covering biking activities in the Freeport.

“We regret to inform bikers that the NCT Road is now off limits to bikers because we have to place a premium on the safety of all—whether they are bikers, truckers, or ordinary motorists,” Eisma said.

“We know that it has become a favorite place among bikers because the road is good and the route is scenic, but we have to set rules to prevent untoward incidents,” she added, referring to an accident during an illegal race at the NCT Road last month.

The NCT Road, which stretches northeast of the Subic Bay International Airport, was closed to bikers since June 19 when an illegal race organized by some bikers from Olongapo City resulted in a spill involving several bikers as they converged on one lane to overtake a cargo truck.  A 14-year-old biker was among those reportedly injured.

Eisma said that bikers may instead use the San Bernardino Road that starts at the junction of the Argonaut Highway and Corregidor Road and loops around the airport area. “That area southwest of the airport, from the Acea Subic Beach Resort until the All Hands Beach Resort, is as scenic but not as busy,” she pointed out.

The allowed route, however, stops short of the New Container Terminal (NCT) and bikers must turn back to exit at the same entry point.

The SBMA has imposed a fine of P2,000 for cyclists violating the ban at the NCT Road, Eisma said.

At the same time, the SBMA issued guidelines for safe biking in the Freeport.  These rules, which took effect on July 14, include ID checks at Freeport gates upon entry, use of safety gears and lights, maintenance of safe distance, road courtesy and traffic rules, and observance of health and safety protocols at all times.

The guidelines specifically disallowed racing and also prohibited crowding at bike stops, as well as littering.

On the other hand, Eisma said that should bikers like to organize cycling events in the Freeport, the SBMA would require them to submit a proposal at least six months before the scheduled event, which would also be subject to IATF approval.

Meanwhile, volunteer marshals from local cycling groups would help monitor and enforce the biking rules. The marshals would be in direct contact with the SBMA Law Enforcement Department for effective monitoring and response, Eisma added. (MPD-SBMA)

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