Subic online school donates 250 bags of rice for indigent families

An online language instruction company in this free port has turned over 250 sacks of rice to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for distribution to less privileged communities in Zambales. Moon-kang Myung, president of MoonKkang Talk, Inc., told SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia during a brief visit at the latter’s office that his company would donate 250 50-kilo bags of rice under the firm’s corporate social responsibility program. First established in Daegu, Korea in 1996, MoonKkang Talk, Inc. is a company dedicated to enhancing the speaking...

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Decongest Manila: Cargo Diversion To Subic, Batangas Starts 1Q 2013

A new policy on how to decongest traffic to and from the Manila port by diverting container cargoes to the Subic and Batangas seaports will be in place by the first quarter of 2013. This was disclosed by the consultants who made a study on the twin issues of decongesting Metro Manila traffic and making full use of the recently modernized alternate ports during a final consultation held at a hotel in the Ortigas business district in Pasig early this week. The consultants were commissioned by the Department of Transportation and Communications...

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Russia eyes closer economic ties with PHL, Subic Bay

The Russian Federation is eyeing to forge closer economic ties with the Philippines and the Subic Bay Freeport in particular, as it sets its sight on wider trade with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Russian Ambassador Nikolay Kudashev, who visited this free port recently, told officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) that Russia seeks to forge more bilateral trade agreements with the Philippines. “Right now there is much...

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DENR gives go-ahead to Subic power plant

The Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. has finally secured an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural resources for its second 300-megawatt power plant inside Subic Bay Freeport. With the ECC, RP Energy’s coal fired power plant has formally increased its 300MW plant to a total of 600-MW power plant which is expected to start commercial operations in 2016. In a statement, RP Energy said it was issued an “amended” ECC, which it considered a “major milestone toward the completion of the project that we...

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British Yacht Redesigning Firm Banks On Subic Bay For Growth

A British company engaged in the refurbishing and redesigning of old yachts has banked on Filipino ship-building skill and this premier Freeport’s tax perks and strategic location to chart its future growth. Ocean Gecko Designs and Marine Services Inc. recently invested in this Freeport to recreate old boats and turn them into luxurious sea-going vessels. Although the managing team has been a part of an investor in Subic Bay Freeport for 10 years, the company only started in 2010. Managing Director Duncan Trower said “our British management team...

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10 outstanding Subic Freeport workers honored

This year’s crop of “the best among the Freeport’s best” was finally known last Friday when the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. (SBWFI) recognized the 2012 Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers who exemplified discipline, dedication, and commitment to excellence in their respective jobs. The 11th batch of outstanding workers were chosen by SBWFI in cooperation with the Labor Department of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)...

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Abad books slot to 2013 World Games

MIRASOL Abad made history for Philippine duathlon when she earned a sport in the 2013 World Games in Colombia with a strong third place finish in the Century Tuna ASTC Asian Duathlon Championships yesterday at the Subic Bay Freeport. Competing against the best from Japan, Abad, a 27-year-old native of Davao City, engaged two-time Olympian Ai Ueda in a neck-and-neck race only to lose steam in the final two kilometers of the run leg. “She (Ueda) maintained her strong pace in the last two kilometers so I decided to slow down to ensure I’ll be able...

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Official Statement by the SBMA Board of Directors on the alleged waste dumping incident in Subic Bay

For the information of the public, and in the interest of truth and fairness, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) wishes to clarify and emphasize the following points contrary to some very damaging reports which have recently appeared in media. ...

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SBMA honors volunteers in celebration of 20th Subic Freeport anniversary

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) celebrated the 20th founding anniversary of the Subic Bay Freeport this week by honoring volunteers who helped develop the country’s first free port. The SBMA, led by chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia, gave a fitting tribute to the pioneer volunteers who worked hard in protecting the facilities left here by the US Navy in 1992 and converting the former naval base into a special economic zone. ...

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Subic seen hub for general aviation

It was November 24, 1991 when the last American jet fighter took off from Subic, marking the end of their military stay, but now a new breed of jet have taken over the Subic Bay International Airport (Sbia)--business jets. “This is our blueprint, to see our airport as a bustling hub for general aviation,” says Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Robert Garcia. The former US military base cum- industrial-commercial complex turns 20 years old this November 24th. “I will go very strongly into general aviation, which includes charters,...

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All Set For Asian Duathlon

Duathletes from Jordan, Syria and Iran are likely to crowd Continental powerhouse Japan for the elite honors in the Century Tuna ASTC Asian Duathlon Championships on Nov. 25 at Subic Bay Freeport. Japan’s Yuya Fukaura and Morimichi Lihoshi, ranked Nos. 33 and 59, respectively, in the world, will be challenged by Jordan’s Isha bi Abedalaziz, Syria’s Samir Hajazi and Iran’s Mohammad Ashgari Khatooni for the men’s title. Out to stop London Games veteran Ai Ueda of Japan in the distaff side are Iran’s Roghaye Sharifi and Zeinab Agha Hasan Nooshbadi...

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OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE SBMA ON HAZARDOUS WASTE DUMPING ISSUE

Official Statement from the SBMA For the information and safety of the public, contrary to what has been implied, there is no evidence that any toxic waste such as nuclear, chemical or similar hazardous waste has been discharged in the confines of Subic Bay. Neither is there evidence that oily wastes or sewage wastes have been dumped in our waters. Latest tests show that Subic Bay’s waters remain clean, safe, and continue to be within normal levels. On the issue of oily water waste and sewage, our initial investigation shows the following: 1. On...

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DoT declares Subic as ‘Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon’

The Department of Tourism (DoT) has declared the Subic Bay Freeport as the “Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon” under its nationwide campaign to promote the country’s natural tourism attractions and cultural assets. According to DoT Region III Director Ronaldo P. Tiotuico, the Subic Bay Freeport became the DoT’s “unequivocal choice” for the region’s convention capital following an assessment of all the convention facilities in Central Luzon. “We are looking at the Subic Bay Exhibition & Convention Center (SBECC) as the most logical...

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Top duathletes vie for Asian duathlon slots

MANILA - Over 100 top age-group duathletes from 19 countries vie for qualifying slots in the 2013 Elite Duathlon World Championships (World Games) in the Century Tuna ASTC Asian Duathlon Championships set Nov. 25 in Subic Bay. Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC) members Japan, China, Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Syria and Iran have confirmed participation in the event organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) with Malaysia set to field in 20 entries. Duathletes from Brazil, Australia,...

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Hanjin Heavy Phils. Delivers 2 New Bulk Carriers Worth US$12OM

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE – Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co., Ltd – Philippines Inc. (HHIC-Phil) has achieved yet another remarkable milestone when it unveiled simultaneously its two newly-built 205,000 DWT Bulk Carriers at the company’s 300-hectare, state-of-the-art Subic shipyard recently. The vessels “RTM Dampier” and “RTM Zheng He”, which was named after a British explorer and a Chinese navigator respectively, were the 3rd and...

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Korean ambassador, investors visit Subic to promote trade, tourism

A South Korean delegation visited this free port to help promote trade and boost tourism in the two Asian nations under the auspices of the ASEAN-Korea Centre. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia welcomed the Korean delegates headed by Ambassador Hae Moon Chung during a business-to-business networking last Friday at the Subic Gateway Park here. The event provided a venue for business discussions between the Korean...

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SBMA: Subic Bay area ready for ‘Undas’ 2012

Travelers planning to pass through or stay in this free port for the All Saints Day break can expect a comfortable and convenient ride along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark- Tarlac Expressway. This was the assurance given by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia after the management of NLEX and SCTEX announced new innovations at the said expressways to make travel safe and expedient for thousands of commuters expected to go home to their respective hometowns. Garcia said the SBMA is doing its share...

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SBMA employee returns found cheque worth P164,250

Just when we thought honesty was becoming a fading virtue, an employee of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) surrendered to the bank a P164,250-cheque that he found in a parking lot here. “I live a Christian life and as a Christian, it is the right thing to do. And one Christian practice I value is ‘do not take what is not yours’,” said Tristan Madi, a supply officer at the SBMA Tourism Department. Madi recalled that he was on his way to his regular workout at the Slimmers’ World on Saturday when he found a pay-to-cash cheque at the...

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Subic Freeport BoC, BIR post P95.34-M surplus in September

Two government collection agencies in this free port have reported a combined surplus of P95.34 million last month after posting a total collection of P760.14 million. According to their periodical reports, the Bureau of Customs (BoC) here collected a total of P677.18 million in September while the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) came up with P82.96 million. The combined BOC and BIR tallies represented a 14.34 per cent surplus over the total collection target of P664.8 million for September. The reports also showed that BIR slightly surpassed...

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Biggest Ore Carrier Calls In Subic

Vale SA, the iron ore producer operating the world's biggest ships, said one of them called at the port of Subic in the Philippines, extending the number receiving the vessels to seven. The Vale Minas Gerais, with capacity to carry 400,000 metric tons of iron ore, arrived at Villaneuva port yesterday, Vale said in an e-mail today. The company is spending more than $8 billion to build and control a fleet of 35 of the carriers to lower its freight costs and better compete with Australian miners, who are closer to the biggest consuming region. China...

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PHIBLEX 2013 a mutual learning experience

Participants in the on-going RP-US Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX 2013) have expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn from each other during the training exercises and civic action activities held in this free port and other nearby areas. About 3,800 military personnel from the US Marines and various units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are participating in the exercises, which are held variously at the Subic Bay International...

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Enercon program saves SBMA P1.8-M in August

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has saved a total of P1.8-million last August, its biggest power consumption savings since the agency started its energy conservation program last year. Rani Cruz, SBMA Utilities Department manager, said that barely ten months after the implementation of the agency’s power conservation measures, significant savings have become noticeable since last July. “From P6.98-million in July, the power consumption by SBMA departments and offices went down to P5.16-million in August, or a 26-percent reduction,”...

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Subic Bay gains recognition as superb triathlon venue

An internationally-circulated sports magazine has cited the Subic Bay Freeport as an outstanding venue for world-class racing events. According to the July-August issue of TriMag Asia, “Subic Bay, the Philippines with its interesting course and friendly atmosphere is increasingly getting a reputation for top notch races.” The magazine featured two big triathlon events held here in May and June, respectively – the 2012 K-Swiss ITU Subic Bay International...

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RP-US military exercise kicks off in Subic Bay Freeport

The RP-US Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2013 formally commenced here in the freeport Monday with a simple ceremony at the flight deck of USS Bonhomme Richard, an amphibious assault ship of the US Navy, which anchored at Subic’s Alava Pier for the 11-day exercise. The ceremony was witnessed by US exercise director Brig. Gen. Craig Timberlake, RP exercise director Brig. Gen. Remigio Valdez, flag officer-in-charge Vice Adm. Alexander Pama,...

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SBMA, Olongapo rescue teams continue earthquake training

With other rescue teams watching their moves, rescue operators from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Olongapo City showed off various techniques in earthquake search and rescue operations as part of their continuing training to improve their emergency command system and to impart new knowledge to fellow rescuers. At the recent earthquake simulation exercises held at the Columban College campus in Barangay Barretto, Olongapo City...

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US assault ship arrives in Subic

One of the three battle groups assembled by the United States in the Asia-Pacific region arrived (yesterday) in Subic for this year’s launching of the joint amphibious landing exercises in the disputed West Philippine Sea. Helicopter carrier USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) of the US Marine Corps’ air-ground task force, escorted by two frigates, dropped anchor at the former US naval facility at Subic Bay in Zambales with 2,200 US Marines on board. The US Marines are slated to link up with their local counterparts for the joint mock amphibious landing...

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SBMA defers Subic airport conversion plan

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) had deferred its plan to convert the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) into a recreational theme park. Some long-term programs adopted by the agency earlier this year are being modified in view of the current economic changes affecting the Freeport, SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said. SBIA is now being eyed as a forward base for the joint operations of the Philippine Air Force and the United States Air Force Pacific alliance to maintain regional balance in light of territorial disputes in the...

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SBMA cites Ayta contributions to Freeport development

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has lined up activities highlighting members of the Ayta tribes in this free port, as the agency joins in the celebration of Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month this year. SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said that the activities aim to show the agency’s appreciation of the role that the Ayta communities inside the former US military base have played in the conservation and development of what is now the relatively...

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More US navy ships visit Subic

At least seven United States Navy ships—a submarine, amphibious assault vessels, a helicopter carrier, and destroyers —were expected to arrive in the Philippines in the next few days to take part in a massive joint military exercises involving the two countries, officials said on Thursday. Lt. Cherry Tindog, director of the Philippine Marine Corps Public Affairs Office, said the 10-day exercises will kick-off on October 8 near Palawan and Zambales provinces, a highly strategic area because of the territorial row between the Philippines and China...

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Red Cross turns up new batch of health workers

Subic Bay Freeport - The Philippine National Red Cross Zambales Chapter trained 245 Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), midwives and volunteers on basic mother and child care, disease control and first aid treatment, through a four-day workshop supported by Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. (RP Energy). The series of lectures, dubbed KliniKaBarangay Health and Wellness Training, is in line with RP Energy’s thrust to improve health care services within the 16 barangays of Subic and Pastolan Village, an Aeta community in Zambales province. The training...

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