SBMA health unit suspends face-to-face operations

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has suspended all face-to-face operations at its medical dispensary and satellite emergency unit at the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) due to lack of personnel necessary for normal operations.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said this was because 13 frontline health workers of the agency recently tested positive for Covid-19 and had to be on quarantine for 14 days.

Eisma said in a public advisory issued on Saturday that health services dispensed to Subic Freeport stakeholders will temporarily consist of consultations through videoconferencing or telemedicine in place of face-to-face engagement.

However, the agency will continue to provide emergency medical services (EMS) in the next two weeks that the infected personnel undergo mandatory quarantine and treatment, she added.

The SBMA had similarly resorted to telemedicine to attend to Subic stakeholders when a community lockdown was ordered last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the SBMA Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD), two of its staff tested positive of Covid-19 last week, followed by one volunteer doctor in the DOH-SBMA vaccination program.

As contact-tracing indicated multiple exposures among the staff, all PHSD personnel were then subjected to reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test from August 24 to 26, thus confirming 10 positive cases at the dispensary and three positives at the SBIA emergency unit. All were asymptomatic and placed on quarantine.

PHSD manager Dr. Solomon Jacalne said all the department personnel had been fully vaccinated, but the so-called “breakthrough infection” may still happen because of heavy viral load that health workers are often exposed to.

“It could also be that there was weak immune response to the vaccine they had, or that they were exposed to a stronger virus variant. Remember that Covid-19 vaccines don’t protect you from getting the virus, but it lessens the severity of the effects of the virus,” Jacalne added.

In view of this, Eisma also ordered the PHSD to temporarily stop the vaccine rollout project with the Department of Health while personnel were recuperating, and charged the SBMA Fire Department to provide back-up in case of calls for emergency medical services (EMS) response.

Eisma added that the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at the Subic Bay International Airport will continue, as there is enough staff to cover EMS response in the area.

Normal operations at the Dispensary and SBIA unit are expected to resume on September 10 upon completion by health frontliners of the mandatory quarantine, she also said.

Still, the SBVMA chief urged Subic stakeholders to always maintain health safety protocols in face of rising Covid-19 cases in the country.

“Let us not be complacent, even if we have already been vaccinated. Let us stay at home and avoid going out when it’s not necessary, and most of all wear masks and shields, and always sanitize because these help keep the virus at bay,” Eisma added. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

SBMA launches online clinic for employees

In an effort to continue delivering medical and dental care to its employees during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) came up with another innovation— “Click-nika”, its own online health clinic.

Like the previous process at the SBMA Dispensary where employees consult with doctors who prescribe medications and provide advice on health care, SBMA’s “Click-nika” also dispenses patient care but through videoconferencing.

“This is clinic at one click—a marriage of modern technology and classic doctor’s advice,” said SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma, who witnessed the launch of the telemedicine project by the SBMA Public Health and Safety Group on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

“This is really important because most of those in the health industry are now focused on the fight against Covid-19, and most people are apprehensive about visiting hospitals and clinics because of the risks of virus transmission,” Eisma said.

“Still, there is a need to take care of the health of our employees, and much more so amidst this pandemic. The SBMA Click-nika project not only provides essential health care, but also allows for peace of mind among patients and even medical staff,” she added.

The online clinic is already operational since its launch, said Ronnie Yambao, who is SBMA deputy administrator for health and safety and proponent of the project.

Yambao said the concept has been hatched months ago in the middle of the community quarantine imposed all over the country.

He said the program runs on a simple system, as employees only have to make an appointment through email to sbmaclicknika@gmail.com, and state the preferred date of consultation and indicate their Facebook account name.

PHSD personnel will then respond to the email within 24 hours, sending a consent form to be filled out by the patient and sent back through email.

Thereafter, consultation will be done through video call, Yambao explained.

In some demonstration during the project launch, a patient was seen taking his own vital signs and reporting the data to the consulting doctor. Another patient, meanwhile, showed photos of his teeth that need the services of a dentist.

Eisma said that the SBMA Click-nika would especially be useful to employees who have had to work from home either because they are among the elderly age or because they have comorbidities. “These ones are those who require regular check-ups,” she pointed out.

Yambao also said that with this project, the SBMA may yet be the first government agency in Central Luzon to have adopted telemedicine for its employees.

He added that the project may yet expand to encompass other stakeholders in the Subic Bay Freeport once additional manpower and other resources have been set up. (30)

PHOTO:

SBMA deputy administrator for health Ronnie Yambao, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, and Dr. Joane Sorvik discuss telemedicine procedures as a patient seeks medical advice online during the launch of the SBMA “Click-nika” online clinic last Wednesday

 

Read More

59 hired on-the-spot in 1st SBMA virtual job fair

A total of 59 job applicants were hired right there and then by business locators during the first online job fair conducted by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) last week.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said that more workers are expected to join the Subic Bay Freeport workforce, as business locators here continue interviewing prospective employees and processing job application of those who joined the recent three-day job fair.

According to data from the SBMA Labor Department, 50 of the 59 workers hired on the spot were taken in by Philippines Easepal Technology Corp., a manufacturer of sports and athletic goods, outdoor bags, and waterproof backpacks. The firm hired 25 female and 25 male workers on the spot.

The rest were hired by Strategic Channel for Career Development (SCCD) Corp., a manpower placement firm, which accepted seven applicants; and Sam’s Group of Companies, a food service business, which hired two.

As of now, 174 other applicants have been scheduled for interview by various companies, said Rommel Aquino, head of the SBMA Labor Department’s Manpower Services Division.

These include 20 applicants set for interview by Sam’s Group of Companies; five by SBDMC, Inc.; 53 by SCCD Corp.; 35 by Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal Services, Inc.; and 11 by FFP Concept Planning Solutions Corp.

Chairman Eisma said a total of 695 jobs were offered by 16 Subic Bay Freeport locators and 18 other companies.

Meanwhile, a total of 2,609 jobseekers were served during the three-day event, out of a total of 4,605 applicants who pre-registered for the job fair.

The three-day online job fair, which was conducted via video conferencing, was hailed as a game-changer in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic when face-to-face interaction is considered risky.

“Thank you for building this site. It's super easy to access and very helpful to applicants, while lessening the chance of spreading virus,” said Xyreile T. Gonzaga, an applicant from Olongapo City.

Marie Carilanda Francel Pamintuan, an applicant from Zambales, meanwhile observed that company representatives who received her virtual application during the job fair were very accommodating.  

“Congratulations for this initiative. In these times of crisis, putting up a job fair provides great hope to the unemployed,” Pamintuan added.

The virtual job fair was part of the National Tourism Week celebration here that was organized to promote Subic Bay in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and NLEX Corporation.

Other online activities during the weeklong program were a free web seminar on the “Filipino Brand of Excellence” and the “Subic Bay Got Talent” online singing competition. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO: 

SBMA Labor Department staff monitor the conduct of the online job fair

Read More

SBMA virtual job fair keeps job-hunting safe under pandemic

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) launched on Monday a three-day virtual job fair to provide employment opportunities to job-seekers via video conferencing.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma the project is a game-changer as applicants can meet potential employers, fill up forms, and file application letters without leaving the safety of their homes.

A total of 16 Subic Bay Freeport locators, as well as 18 other companies, and two government agencies—the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in Zambales—have joined the event to roll out a total of 695 jobs.

On the other hand, at least 3,670 job applicants have pre-registered as of last Saturday for the job fair scheduled via Google Meet on Sept. 21 to 23, at 8 am to 5 pm.

“This online jobs fair is an answer to the prayers of our people,” Eisma said in her message during the virtual opening program on Monday morning. “This is the first online jobs fair in Subic, and under the present circumstances, it will not be the last.”

“The pandemic also affects us here in Subic, but we are proud to say that we try to find solutions, to look for ways by which we can continue providing for our loved ones in these abnormal times,” she added.

Among the firms that offered jobs are: Tokiwa Subic Corp.; Subic Xin Hong Corp.; Sam's Group of Companies; Juan Fong Industrial Corp.; PA Support Subic Ltd. Inc./Play-Asia; Pactec Subic Bay Inc.; Materion Singapore Pte. Ltd. (Philippine Branch); Toyota Subic Inc.; Strategic Channel for Career Development (SCCD) Corporation; Subic Asia Pacific Marine Resources Inc.; Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal Services, Inc.; Uptimised Corporation; SBDMC, Inc.; Philippines Easepal Tech. Ltd Corp.; and FFP Concept Planning Solutions Corp.

Among the positions offered were: Quality control staff, warehouseman, loading clerk, nurse, accounting staff, chef, cook, kitchen staff, restaurant manager, marketing staff, sewer, pattern maker, customer service staff, sales representative, credit and collection staff, audit staff, mechanic/ welder, production operators and helpers, mechanical technician, painter, fabrication helper, human resources assistant, office aide, utility worker, finance manager, mason, architect, civil engineer, and driver.

The virtual job fair was part of the National Tourism Week celebration here that was organized  to promote Subic Bay in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and NLEX Corporation.

Other online activities during the weeklong program were a free web seminar on the “Filipino Brand of Excellence” to be conducted by DOT Region 3 office on Sept. 21-23; and the “Subic Bay Got Talent” online singing competition with elimination rounds on Sept. 22 and 23 and finals on Sept. 25. (MPD-SBMA)

 PHOTO: 

SBMA Labor Department personnel monitor the virtual job fair platform on Monday, as job applicants browse for job openings offered by Subic Bay Freeport locators and other project participants.

Read More

SBMA to conduct virtual job fair Sept. 21-23

In keeping with safety protocols in these times of a pandemic, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will be conducting for the first time a virtual job fair wherein jobseekers would meet potential employers via videoconferencing.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the virtual job fair will be held on Monday until Wednesday (Sept. 21 – 23), 8 am to 5 pm, by means of Google Meet.

She said that 16 Subic Bay Freeport locators, as well as 18 other companies, and two government agencies—the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in Zambales—have joined the event to roll out a total of 695 jobs.

Among the firms that will open up positions are: Tokiwa Subic Corp.; Subic Xin Hong Corp.; Sam's Group of Companies; Juan Fong Industrial Corp.; PA Support Subic Ltd. Inc./Play-Asia; Pactec Subic Bay Inc.; Materion Singapore Pte. Ltd. (Philippine Branch); Toyota Subic Inc.; Strategic Channel for Career Development (SCCD) Corporation; Subic Asia Pacific Marine Resources Inc.; Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal Services, Inc.; Uptimised Corporation; SBDMC, Inc.; Philippines Easepal Tech. Ltd Corp.; and FFP Concept Planning Solutions Corp.

On the other hand, a total of 3,670 job applicants have already pre-registered for the virtual job fair as of Saturday.

“This is something new for everybody, but we are encouraged by the huge number of participants who have stepped up either to fill or avail of a need—jobs that are necessary to sustain our economy ,” Eisma said.

“Like in face-to-face job fairs, applicants must also prepare copies of their resume, recent 2”x2” pictures, PSA birth certificate, diploma or transcript of records, NBI and police clearances, and other certificates—only this time, these documents must be in digital form,” she added.

The SBMA Labor Department said that applicants must first register online at https://forms.gle/nWZ3Myy13vL63vgW9 in order to receive the link for the virtual job fair platform.

The links will only be accessible at 8 am to 5 pm during the three days of the virtual job fair.

“We have resorted to this novel job-hunting scheme to do away with mass gathering and face-to-face interaction, while allowing prospective employees to meet up with recruiters, fill up forms, and file application letters,” Eisma said.

According to the SBMA Tourism Department, the virtual job fair is part of the National Tourism Week celebration that was organized  to promote Subic Bay in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), NLEX Corporation, and 89.5 FM Subic Bay Radio.

Other online activities during the weeklong program are a free web seminar on the “Filipino Brand of Excellence” to be conducted by DOT Region 3 office on Sept. 21-23, 9:30 am to 11:30 am. This will be open to frontline workers among stakeholders in Subic Bay, said SBMA tourism head Jem Camba.

On Sept. 25, meanwhile, the “Subic Bay Got Talent” online singing competition will be launched at 2 pm, with elimination rounds on Sept. 22 and 23 at 2 pm to 5 pm.

Camba said the contest will take in contestants in two categories: employees of the SBMA or Subic locator-company, and students. Winners will get prizes that include P15,000 for first prize; P10,000 for first runner-up; and P5,000 for second runner-up. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More