Subic issues ban on plastics in retail establishments

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) through its Ecology Center has implemented the “no plastic” policy applicable to retail establishments inside the Subic Bay Freeport zone. In a memorandum issued by the Ecology Center dated December 27, 2012, the SBMA said that no retail establishment in the Subic Bay Freeport shall provide to any customer at the point of sale plastic bags as packaging material on dry goods. Instead, a reusable bag or the brown paper bag shall be used or provided. The policy took effect on January 1. It added that...

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Subic Bay welcomes 2013 with street party

Up to 13,000 people crammed the Waterfront Road and Boardwalk Park in this free port on New Year’s Eve to usher in 2013 and bid 2012 goodbye. The revelers brought food for their traditional New Year’s feast, pitched tents and set up tables in the seaside venue, heard Mass and watched a mini-concert while awaiting what appeared to be the best fireworks display since the tradition started here in 2001. “The New Year Countdown is our way of giving...

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Subic Bay to host Asian Triathlon Championships

Subic Bay Freeport will once again be the nation’s hot spot for triathletes as it will host the K-SWISS Subic Bay ASTC Asian Triathlon Championships 2013 on April 27, 28 and 29. A joint project of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines, the International Triathlon Union, the Asian Triathlon Confederation and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department, the three-day event marks the 20th edition of the longest running and premier standard distance triathlon in the country as well as the third time the Freeport will host the Asian...

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90,000 Workers Go Back To Work At Subic Bay Freeport

After a long and stress-relieving holiday hiatus, almost 90,000 employees working here are returning back to work. According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia, the 89,372 employees make up the current workforce inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and have kept the economic zone afloat despite the economic crises that has affected most of the Western world. “Each and every one of these employees has my respect. They have made great contributions in ensuring that Subic Bay Freeport remains the flagship of the Philippines...

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SBMA sees fruitful year for Subic Bay tourism

The year 2012 is expected to end on a high note for the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in terms of tourism as the agency became more aggressive this year in promoting and drawing more visitors to the Subic Bay Freeport. Marking a year of outstanding growth in its tourism promotions program, the Subic Bay Freeport received a certification from the Department of Tourism (DOT) affirming it as the "Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon, with the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) as the centerpiece. Another highlight...

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DOLE, SBMA sign deal to protect Subic Freeport workers

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) vowed to ensure the safety and safeguard the health of workers in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone amid complaints of abuse, mistreatment and even death of workers contracted by Korean company Hanjin operating inside the area. Labor Sec. Rosalinda Baldoz and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority [SBMA] signed the memorandum of agreement last week that “maintains industrial peace and enforce labor and occupational safety and health standards in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.”  “I am pleased of this convergence...

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Subic Investors Unite For Tourism

In an effort to push the current status of this premier Freeport’s tourism, hotel and tourism companies here unite to come up with the “Stay in a Hotel in Subic, Play a round of golf for free!” Subic Leisure World Inc. President and CEO Benjamin John Defensor III said all tourists who stay at their accredited hotels can play a free round of golf at the Subic Golf Course. “It’s a simple, yet effective way, of enticing tourist golfers to take their families in Subic Bay Freeport and enjoy the many tourism sites here. It would also give those golfers...

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Manila Ports’ Decongestion Moves Up

The Subic-Clark Alliance Development Council has thrown its support behind a new set of policy proposals aimed at decongesting traffic to and from the Manila ports, saying such policy mix will give a major boost to the underutilized Subic and Batangas ports to where spillover container cargoes would be rerouted. The proposed policy mix is contained in a study funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and includes, among others, new pricing strategies such as reduced wharfage, berthing fees and vessel-related charges in Batangas and...

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Astro Air links Subic, Kalibo with Taipei

The high-ranking management team of Subic-based Astro Air International, the latest CAAP-certified air operator in the Philippines, paid a courtesy call to Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines (TECO) Representative Ambassador Raymond Wang to introduce their first flight, which will link Subic and Kalibo with Taipei, Taiwan. Wang noted that he is looking forward to an increased tourist and business flow between the Philippines and Taiwan with this newly introduced flight route and is hopeful for an enhanced tourism, and trade...

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Subic Firm Producing Indoor Vegetables

A company inside this premier Freeport is producing Central Luzon’s only indoor-grown vegetables that are free from both fertilizers and pesticides. Subic Amino Hightech Corporation has been growing vegetables thru an indoor hydroponics system a few months ago inside a 6 meter by 15 meter room where temperature is maintained at 22 degress celsius, cooler than most offices inside the Freeport. The two hydroponic systems, with six levels each, provide the nutrients to rows of healthy Frillice Lettuce, Wasabe greens, and Arugula plants. “The program...

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Thousands race in co-op advocacy run

Thousands of runners from some 300 cooperatives in the seven provinces of Central Luzon raced for a cause here on Wednesday during the “Cooperative Advocacy Run” that was held as part of the simultaneous nationwide celebration of the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC). The event, organized by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in Region 3, drew around 17,000 registered runners who competed in two race categories. CDA-Region 3...

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Kanawan Medical Mission

Patients line up for free medical check-up and medicine in the remote upland village of Kanawan in Barangay Binaritan, Morong, Bataan, during a medical mission conducted by PJ Lhuiller Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Cebuana Lhuiller, United Laboratories Inc., and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Around 200 residents, mostly Aeta families, benefited from the project coordinated by the SBMA Public Relations Department. (Photo by Jun...

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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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