SEA Games’ Subic cluster holds cauldron lighting rite

Six days before the grand opening of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, the Subic Cluster formally opened the biennial meet here with the lighting of the cauldron.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Wilma Eisma led the lighting ceremony witnessed by Mike Aguilar, director for ceremonies of the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc).

Eisma used the official SEA Games torch to light the cauldron, a ceremony also attended by triathlete Claire Adorna, Triathlon SEA Games two-time gold medalist Nicko Huelgas and SBMA employees.

The SBMA chief assured the Phisgoc members that Subic is ready for the two-week sporting meet.

Subic along with Olongapo is hosting 17 of the 56 sports starting November 28 with sailing at Subic Bay.

Other sports include duathlon/triathlon, pencak silat, sepak takraw, chess, table tennis, muay thai, canoe kayak, open water, modern pentathlon, beach volleyball, handball, windsurfing, rowing, shooting (trap), and traditional boat race.

Aside from Subic, other host clusters of the Games are Metro Manila, Clark and Southern Tagalog.

The SEA Games’ first indoor opening ceremony will be held at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on November 30 while the closing rite will be held at the New Clark City Sports Hub in Capas, Tarlac on Dec. 11. (Ruben Veloria, PNA)

PHOTO:

SEA GAMES SUBIC CLUSTER. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Wilma Eisma leads the lighting of the cauldron to officially open the 30th SEA Games in Subic Freeport on Monday (Nov. 25, 2019). Also in photo are (from left) Phisgoc director for ceremonies Mike Aguilar, triathlete Claire Adorna and triathlon SEA Games gold medalist Nicko Huelgas. Subic is hosting 17 of the 56 sports. (PNA photo by Ruben A. Veloria)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1086969

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SBMA starts P442.7-M Magsaysay bridge project

The much-awaited project to replace a US Navy-era bridge that serves as the major connection between the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and Olongapo City is now underway, 10 years after the concrete span was closed to vehicular traffic due to deterioration.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the agency has allocated P442.7 million to build a four-lane span to replace the two-lane Magsaysay Bridge, as well as improve the Main Gate security facilities and upgrade road network, drainage structures and signage in the immediate area.

The project, which is expected to be finished by the first quarter of 2021, is designed to improve access and mobility, revitalize business in the area, and generate more opportunities for local livelihood.

“Aside from improving accessibility to the Subic Bay Freeport because this connects to the main artery in Olongapo, which is the Magsaysay Drive and Rizal Avenue, this project also takes into consideration public safety and convenience because the bridge is heavy in foot traffic,” Eisma pointed out.

“It also reflects our preparations for the boom in local tourism business, as this will improve the appearance of the Main Gate, which used to be the iconic symbol of Subic since when it became a naval base,” she added.

The project, which will be undertaken by the consortium of Front Nine Konstruct Builders & Realty Development Corp., Qingdao Municipal Construction Group Co., Ltd., and Rebcor Construction and Trading Corp., is part of the agency’s rebuilding thrust to sustain Subic as an investment hub and center of economic growth.

Recently, the SBMA announced a P1.6-billion program to repair ageing facilities constructed when Subic was still an American naval base, a badly-needed upgrade Eisma said.

“For almost two decades now, the Navy-era facilities in Subic remained as they were. We’re now fixing these because the better our facilities are, the more businesses and jobs we can generate,” she said.

The deterioration of the Magsaysay Bridge, which was built by the US Navy in the early ‘60s, was detected as early as 1999 when experts restricted its maximum load capacity to 20 tons. The bridge was eventually closed to vehicular traffic in 2009.

However, actual construction was put on hold over the years due to budget constraints and it was only last year that the SBMA funded a new detailed engineering design for a new structure.

According to the SBMA Engineering Department, the new Magsaysay Bridge will be a 72.5-meter multi-span slab bridge, about 600 mm thick on the average and with a total carriage width of 24.15 meters. It will also have a covered walkway for pedestrians.

The bridge project will also involve the demolition and removal of the existing two-lane span; construction of security gate and fence at the Main Gate; and building of a new covered walkway from Magsaysay Bridge to the intersection of Rizal Highway, which is a major road in Subic’s central business district.

The package will also include construction of new intersection and road expansion in the Main Gate area; building of drainage structures; and relocation of existing facilities for power, water, sewerage and telecommunications.

As of now, the contractor is starting work on the foundations for a temporary pedestrian bridge that will be built before the existing bridge is demolished.

The new Magsaysay Bridge is expected to be finished within 540 calendar days, Eisma said. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS: 

Pedestrians monopolize traffic at the Magsaysay Bridge leading to the Subic Bay Freeport main gate since the span was closed to vehicles in 2009. Notice the park bench bolted on the surface of the span to serve as rest area for pedestrians.

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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)

PHOTOS:

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

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Issue permit to operate to locator, SBMA told

A local court has ordered the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority to issue a certificate of registration and tax exemption (CRTE) to a locator, which filed a contempt case against SBMA.

In a decision dated Oct. 31, Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 74 Judge Roline Ginez-Jabalde granted the petition of Brighterday Subic Ltd. Inc., operator of All Hands Beach, for a preliminary mandatory injunction.

Brighterday filed the petition last March, citing SBMA’s refusal to issue the CRTE because of a dispute on All Hands Beach’s supposed unpaid obligations.

The locator said SBMA refused to follow the terms and conditions of an earlier court ruling for the period of notices and observance of due process in case of any alleged violation to be taken into consideration and pre-termination to be exercised with caution by recognizing the right of Brighterday to seek remedy for 60 days.

SBMA administrator and chairperson Wilma Eisma and senior deputy administrator Ramon Agregado were among those named respondents in the contempt case.

Diosdado Rongcal, counsel for Brighterday, said SBMA refused to issue the CRTE even though the locator submitted the required documents and paid the prescribed three-year fees. (Bebot Sison, Jr., Philippine Star)

PHOTO:

All Hands Beach inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/11/17/1969388/issue-permit-operate-locator-sbma-told

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Subic Bay Yacht Club launches new boutique casino

The recent launch of the Subic Bay Yacht Club’s new boutique casino has appeared to help increase the already surging Philippine gambling industry.

The club, located along the Philippines coastline in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, had a soft opening date for quite some time, but that date was finally achieved with the launch of the new facility on November 11.

The casino is the showpiece of the newly renovated club. This renovation came at a cost of PHP500 million ($10 million) and was built with the full intention of targeting Asia’s growing boating and yachting enthusiasts.

In a statement, Manuel Antonio Sequeria stated, “Subic is a safe haven in the boating world, and we have mega-yachts coming in on a weekly and monthly basis to use Subic Bay as their base.” Sequeria is the CEO and President of Volare Grandezza, one of the firms that partners with Subic Bay in the casino operations.

The club was designed to specifically entice yachtsmen and boat enthusiasts from across the region. Sequeria explained that “We have everything from Russian mega-yachts measuring 200 meters and above to mega-ships coming in from China – the smallest being 3,800 people and the biggest 5,200 guests, which is a huge market.”

The purpose of the club was to actually act as a lure for people to the casino. He explained that the development of the boutique casino was specifically designed with the idea of building a club that would cater to this community. This makes this only the second yacht club in the world to also have a casino as part of its development, joining Hobart Australia.

The boutique casino is an impressive structure. It opened on Monday with eight tables and 169 slot machines when doors opened. However, it is expected that the number of gaming tables will increase to 43 by December 1. Gaming tables will include such standards as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, paigow, and pontoon.

The in-house junket operations are expected to begin operations in January of next year. There are plans to increase the facilities in the region, appealing to international junket operators from across the Asian theater.

Besides gambling, there are a number of features that should draw boatsmen to the area. This includes sensational fishing, a 2000 meter beach, and extremely clean and unpolluted waters. “The growing market in Asia of people boating, yachting, will bring people here,” Sequeira explained to Inside Asian Gaming. (Ad Miral, calvinayre.com)

https://calvinayre.com/2019/11/15/casino/subic-bay-yacht-club-launches-new-boutique-casino/

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Anti-graft court clears top SBMA officials of Diño raps

The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed three other cases filed by then Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Martin Diño against two other senior officials amidst the leadership row in the Subic agency two years ago.

In a consolidated joint resolution approved by Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires last June and released by his office on October 23, the graft court cleared now SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma and SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Ramon O. Agregado of falsification, usurpation of authority, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.

The charges filed by Diño were dismissed for lack of probable cause and lack of substantial evidence.

Diño, who is now undersecretary at the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), filed the cases in August and September 2017 at the height of his squabble for leadership with Eisma, who was then SBMA administrator and CEO.

Diño alleged that Eisma usurped the power of the SBMA Board of Directors when she authorized Agregado to sign on her behalf term sheets for Management Approved Proposals (MAPs).  He also claimed that Eisma thereafter issued an office order to cover up Agregado’s purported usurpation.

In its ruling, however, the Ombudsman said it found no probable cause to indict the respondents for any of the complaints filed by the former SBMA official.

“As such, it cannot be said that respondent Eisma usurped the authority of the Board when she designated respondent Agregado to sign the subject MAPs in her behalf,” the Ombudsman ruled. “It cannot likewise be said that respondent Agregado usurped the authority of respondent Eisma,” it added.

As to the charge of falsification, the Ombudsman said the office order issued by Eisma to authorize Agregado to sign the MAPs “was genuine and validly issued” and that even if the order was numbered much later due to errors in assignment, “it does not affect the truthfulness of the contents thereof.”

The Ombudsman also quashed charges of grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and serious dishonesty, and pointed out that the complainant failed to establish that respondents violated any law, or tarnished the image or integrity of their office.
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Diño also “failed to submit any other compelling evidence to effectively assail the genuineness and due execution of (Eisma’s) office order,” the resolution stated.

This was the second time that the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed charges filed by Diño against officials of the Subic agency.

Last July, the anti-graft court also ruled against Diño in a complaint he filed two years ago against five senior SBMA officials in connection with his claim for salary as SBMA chairman. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

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Japan pledges assistance for Subic Bay master plan

Japan has pledged to extend technical assistance for the development of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and its surrounding areas, according to the Department of Finance (DOF).

In a statement, the DOF said Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has conveyed Japan’s commitment to provide assistance in crafting a master plan for the regional development of Subic Bay.

This happened during their bilateral meeting on Monday on the sidelines of the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.

“The two leaders affirmed that the Japanese assistance is a testament to the deepening strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines,” the DOF said.

According to the DOF, the proposed master plan would outline possible projects in Subic Bay and its surrounding areas, particularly in the fields of road network development, logistics terminal development, disaster risk management and other public utilities development.

Japan remains to be the top provider of official development assistance (ODA) loans and grants to the Philippines, totaling $8.26 billion as of December 2018. This accounts for 46 percent of the country’s total ODA loan portfolio.

Since 2016, the DOF said Manila and Tokyo have signed 10 loan agreements, which provide Japanese funding support for big-ticket infrastructure projects under the Duterte administration’s Build Build Build program. (Mary Grace Padin, Philippine Star)

PHOTO:

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.


https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/11/08/1966831/japan-pledges-assistance-subic-bay-master-plan

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Subic is new marathon SEAG venue

The flat roads inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone will serve as the new venue of the marathon event of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

An ocular inspection has started this week after technical officials made a survey on the undulating course in Capas, Tarlac, which was earlier presented by organizers.

Philippine SEA Games organizing committee executive Tom Carrasco said the layout of the original course in Tarlac was rejected.

“The options for the new race will be submitted to the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association after the November holidays,” said Carrasco.

In the proposed layout, the last 10 kilometers of the race will end up in a 2.4-kilometer route around the parade grounds.

Competition manager Jeannette Obiena will help the PATAFA evaluate the proposed route.

The last part of the route, according to Carrasco, is expected to attract a large number of spectators.

The men’s and women’s marathon events are scheduled on Dec. 6.

Two-time marathon champion Soh Rui Yong of Singapore won’t be defending the men’s crown for the third time. (Peter Atencio, Manila Standard)

http://www.manilastandard.net/sports/active/309178/subic-is-new-marathon-seag-venue.html

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SBMA takes back 240 hectares from Marine Park

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) took back more than 240 hectares of property that remained undeveloped despite being leased to a marine theme park company 12 years ago.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma Eisma said her men closed down three separate areas at the 505-hectare property of Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc. (SBMEI) because of failure to honor its development commitment under a lease and management agreement. SBMEI is the operator of popular tourism facilities Ocean Adventure, Camayan Beach Resort and Adventure Beach Waterpark here.

Eisma said the takeover of the properties proceeded smoothly and without any untoward incident.

The 240 hectares of repossessed property were 92 hectares tagged as Area B, 97 hectares at Area C and 51 hectares at Area E, all located at the Ilanin Forest of Subic Bay Freeport.

Twenty-two former ammunition bunkers, warehouses and other US Navy-era structures connected by tar-paved roads, which are in various states of disrepair were found in the three properties, the SBMA said, adding these indicate that the government-owned properties were not maintained through the years by the lessor.

Eisma expressed gratitude to the SBMEI management for cooperating in the repossession despite it having filed a case against the SBMA on October 18 to thwart the implementation of the agency’s pre-termination order issued on September 27.

“I can only thank the SBMEI management for cooperating in the takeover, which proceeded smoothly and without any untoward incident,” Eisma said.

“We also welcome the filing by SBMEI of a case in court because this move brings us one step closer to the resolution of this problem. Whatever the final decision of the court will be, you can count on the SBMA to honor it,” she added. (Patrick Roxas, Manila Times)

https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/10/31/news/regions/sbma-takes-back-240-hectares-from-marine-park/652201/

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Taiwanese firm to develop P15-B techno-eco park in Subic Freeport

The first eco-friendly industrial park will be up soon in this free port to house light industrial factories, commercial facilities, residential buildings, and a nature park.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the project to be called the Tipo Hightech Eco Park (THEP) will be located in a 200-hectare property atop the gently rolling hills of Tipo, which is also the site of an expressway leading to this free port.

Eisma said the development will be undertaken by Xantheng Subic International Corp., a Taiwanese company which committed an investment of P15 billion for the project. The firm is also behind the development of a high-end condominium complex at Triboa Bay here.

According to THEP Project Manager Jeff Lin, Xantheng Subic’s project will generate a workforce demand of over 500 during the development period alone. More employees will be hired when factories and business start operating, he added.

Meanwhile, the project is also expected to deliver to the SBMA some P5 million monthly in land rentals alone.

During the launch of the THEP project held at Peninsular Hotel here last week, Chairman Eisma elicited a promise from the investors to give priority hiring to qualified upland farmers of Tipo and Mabiga villages, who were part of a “social fencing” project of the SBMA which started in 2002. The 136.59 hectares they occupied under the SBMA program will be part of the THEP.

“I want you to promise me that when the factories and business are up, you will give priority to hiring these families or their children,” Eisma said, referring to the 65 families who were part of the social fencing program.

The SBMA official also thanked the farmers for their cooperation, and for allowing a very smooth and pleasant negotiation and turn-over.

Lin said the THEP was conceived to accommodate the growing population of Taiwanese investors in the Subic Bay Freeport. However, the management does not discount giving room for other nationalities, he said.

“The business atmosphere in here is very conducive and attractive, especially with the on-going road and infrastructure projects of the SBMA. Many Taiwanese companies and investors from other countries, too, are interested to locate here,” Lin said.

According to the master plan submitted by THEP to SBMA, the development will include 101.47 hectares for light industries, 17.99 hectares for a commercial complex, 7.11 hectares for mixed use, 23.16 hectares for residential buildings, and 23.16 for a nature and environment conservation park.

There will also be a reserved area for utilities use and other purposes for a total development area of 209.27 hectares.

Eisma also congratulated Xantheng for coming up with the idea of an industrial park which will incorporate environmental conservation.

Eisma said this will be a first of its kind to be implemented in the Subic Bay Freeport. (CAE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[2] THEP Project Manager Jeff Lin explains the benefits of the project during the launching of the Tipo Hightech Eco Park (THEP) on October 9.

[1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma asks investors to employ Subic upland farmers during the development of the Tipo Hightech Eco Park (THEP).

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Indonesian Navy ships dock in Subic Bay (photos)

[1] The Indonesian Navy’s Sigma-class corvette KRI Frans Kaisiepo (368) is guided by a tugboat upon arrival with the Bung Tomo-class corvette John Lie (358) on Tuesday (Oct. 15) at the Alava Wharf in the Subic Bay Freeport.

The Indonesian sailors are here for a four-day goodwill visit to engage Filipino counterparts in various maritime activities like shipboard tours and friendly games to enhance cooperation between the neighboring navies.

[2] Philippine Navy Commodore Toribio Adaci Jr. (center) and First Admiral Rahmat Eko Raharjo (5th from left), commander of the Indonesian Sea Combat Group, join Philippine and Indonesian navy officers in a ceremonial pose during the arrival on Tuesday (Oct. 15) of the Indonesian Navy ships KRI Frans Kaisiepo (368) and KRI John Lie (358) at the Alava Wharf in the Subic Bay Freeport.

[3] Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma receives a memento from First Admiral Rahmat Eko Raharjo, commander of the Indonesian Sea Combat Group, following the arrival of the Indonesian Navy ships KRI Frans Kaisiepo (368) and KRI John Lie (358) in the Subic Bay Freeport on Tuesday, Oct. 15.

MPD-SBMA

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Subic Bay Yacht Club Christmas Display (photos)

Crowds gather at the Subic Bay Yacht Club frontage after Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma “Amy” T. Eisma switched on the SBYC Christmas Trees display on Tuesday night.

The lights display, which has a carnival theme this year, is an annual holiday project of SBYC employees with the support of some sponsors.

Crowds gather at the Subic Bay Yacht Club frontage after Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma “Amy” T. Eisma switched on the SBYC Christmas Trees display on Tuesday night.

MPD-SBMA

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Innovative lifting solution enhances ICTSI Subic operation

Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC), a unit of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) operating at the Subic Bay Freeport, successfully handled the first Flat Rail operation in the Philippines with the loading of a brand-new catamaran on a CMA CGM vessel.

SBITC, operator of the New Container Terminals 1 and 2 at Cubi Point, performed the carefully planned operation in collaboration with Peters & May, an international freight forwarder and yacht transport specialist, and Bespoke Load Solutions, patent owner of the Flat Rail System used to load the cargo onto the ship.

The Flat Rail System uses a simple and innovative solution that enables the shipping of out-of-gauge cargo with dimensions that exceed the specifications of 40-foot flat racks.

“The Flat Rail System consists of two beams which are secured to the flat rack with twist-locks. With lifting points at the end of each beam, the complete unit load can then be loaded using slings attached to the spreader of the container gantry crane,” explained Chris Steibelt, Bespoke Load Solutions Development Manager.

He adds: “Typically, a Flat Rail shipment will be in the range of 12 to 15.5 meters long and the width blocks the corner castings. The system can safely accommodate payloads of up to 44 tons.”

Using Flat Rails, the catamaran was loaded onto a single 40-foot flat rack. The process was simplified into two moves–first, sea to berth, and second, berth to vessel after the cargo is lashed to the flat rack and Flat Rail. Traditionally, without the rails, the shipment would require at least six flat racks. The catamaran would be loaded as breakbulk and lashing would be done on board the vessel. This method is significantly less efficient and more costly for the shipper because of the larger vessel space occupied by the cargo, and longer port stay as a result of extended loading time.

“SBITC has demonstrated its capability and flexibility to safely and efficiently handle complex shipments such as this. We have eight more catamarans on the way, and we are confident that we could further improve our process and deepen our partnerships with other businesses that require customized service to expand their markets,” said Roberto Locsin, SBITC President and General Manager.

Built by full-service yacht agent Asia Pacific Marine – Subic, the 14.3-meter, twin hull vessel is export-bound for the Maldives. The shipment is the first of 10 catamarans commissioned by an exclusive resort group operating in six continents.

“We intended to deliver the catamaran in brand-new condition. With the guarantee by SBITC that they can safely handle our cargo, we know it is the best option for us,” said Miguel Ramirez, Asia Pacific Marine Managing Director.

Yacht shipping remains an uncommon service in the Philippines with importers and exporters opting to discharge and load their boats in nearby countries before sailing them directly to and from the Philippines. SBITC hopes the success of this particular project would eventually pave the way for yachts to be transported using Philippine ports. (SNL)

PHOTO:

Innovation. The 14.3-meter long catamaran is loaded onto a 40-foot flat rack fitted with a pair of Flat Rails at both ends.

https://www.ictsi.com/press-releases/innovative-lifting-solution-enhances-ictsi-subic-operation

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SBMA steps up Subic infra rehab program

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is stepping up the rehabilitation of roads and other public infrastructures in this premier Freeport with a P1.6-billion budget that would be used mostly for the repair of major thoroughfares, key drainage systems, and critical eroded slopes.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, the Subic agency is now simultaneously undertaking four road repair projects, two slope rehabilitation projects, and one drainage system improvement project to fix ageing facilities constructed when Subic was still an American naval base.

“We have a lot to catch up on because there wasn’t much rehabilitation projects done since Subic became a free port in 1992,” Eisma said. “We are doing several projects concurrently, not only because we are hosting the upcoming Southeast Asian Games, but more so because we need to redevelop Subic and keep it sustainable as an area for investments.”

According to a project status report from the SBMA Engineering Department, there are 13 construction projects worth a total of P733.4 million that are in various stages of implementation. These include the repair of the El Kabayo Road and a slope rehabilitation project in the same area that were completed early this year.

The biggest chunk of the budget went to the 2018 road rehabilitation package which costs a total of P274.54 million and covers areas such as the Malawaan Park parking area, road ramp along Dewey Avenue, Waterfront Road, road to the New Container Terminal, Rizal Highway, Maritan Highway, as well as several roads in residential areas.

Eisma said 2018 road project, which has a completion date of December 21, 2019, is expected to ease the traffic in some of the busiest roads in the Freeport.

Another major undertaking is the implementation of the P225.48-million 2019 Road Rehabilitation Project 2019, which is currently in the mobilization and as-stake survey stage.

Eisma said this project will consist of repairs along main roads like Argonaut Highway, San Bernardino Road, roads to Leyte Wharf and Sattler Pier duct banks, Rizal Highway, Boton Highway, Binictican Drive, and the approaches to Kalaklan Bridge and 14th Street Bridge.

Meanwhile, Naval Supply Depot (NSD) Road Rehabilitation Network Phase 2, which has a budget of P85.26 million, is expected to be completed by December 27 this year. The project consists of repairs of roads leading to the NSD Compound where most of grain and bulk shipments are handled.

“This is an area that has been battered by heavy trucks that carry tons of shipment from ships,” Eisma said, referring to the NSD Compound. “We are now rebuilding the U.S. Navy-era roads to take in more cargo traffic because of the growing transshipment operations here in Subic.”

Other on-going projects included some building renovation, construction of a fitness center and sentry kiosks, and rehabilitation of rubble mound for barrette light at the Subic airport.

Eisma also said that the SBMA has scheduled other upcoming projects worth P908.7 million. These include the P442.7-million Magsaysay Bridge project, which will replace the span leading to the Subic Bay Freeport’s main gate. The contract for the project is about to be issued, she added.

Other upcoming projects still under the agency’s Bids and Awards Committee are the P320-million NSD Road Rehabilitation Network Phase 3 project; a P3.6-million drainage and flood control project near the SBMA Dispensary; slope rehabilitation at Aparri Road worth P81.4 million; the P7-million construction of perimeter fence from Kalaklan to Kalayaan; and the P54-million Perimeter Road rehabilitation project.

Eisma said the SBMA has also engaged consultancy services for detailed engineering designs for various sea port projects and a drainage master plan for a total cost of P23.2 million. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

Workers pour concrete to pave the Waterfront Road under the SBMA’s infrastructure rehabilitation program. (MPD-SBMA)

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Mx Provider ACTSI opens at Subic Bay Airport

MRO provider Aviation Concepts Technical Services Inc. (ACTSI) has opened a business jet service center at Subic Bay International Airport (SFS) in the Philippines. The opening of an 18,000-sq-m/193,750-sq-ft hangar is the first phase of the company’s facility upgrade project at SFS.

“With the opening of ACTSI’s facility, business jet owners and operators will have the confidence of knowing that a world-class facility, complemented with a team of certified engineers, can handle parking and maintenance of their aircraft,” said ACTSI general manager John O’Meara.

SFS officials hope the ACTSI facility at the former U.S. Navy base serves to become a business aviation hub in the region. “We are banking on the strategic location of Subic in the Asia-Pacific region to boost SBIA’s chances to become a regional player in the MRO business,” said Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman and administrator Wilma Eisma.

The airport features a 9,000-foot runway, no slot restrictions, and is within 90 minutes flying time of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Owned by Razon & Co., ACTSI has Cayman and Bermuda repair station approvals and is working toward obtaining FAA Part 145 approval. (ainonline.com)

PHOTO:

A Gulfstream G550 (photo from ACTSI facebook page)

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2019-10-03/mx-provider-actsi-opens-subic-bay-airport

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SBMA padlocks cigarette maker for tax evasion

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) closed down a cigarette manufacturer in this Freeport for tax evasion amidst a crackdown on companies here that fail to pay appropriate taxes and follow government regulations.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma identified the company as Qiu Tobacco Industrial Co. Ltd. Corp., which is engaged in the transshipment, packaging and repacking of tobacco products.

Eisma and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Region 3 Director Ed Tolentino led a joint SBMA-BIR team on Friday in inspecting the facilities of six cigarette manufacturers at the Gateway Park here to flush out those involved in the circulation of untaxed and fake cigarette products in the country.

During the inspection, it was found out that Qiu Tobacco, which produces cigarette brands like Belmont, Navy and D&B, did not have excise tax stamps on their soft packs.

A Chinese national who was caretaker at the facility said the cigarette brands were sold outside the country. But the joint SBMA-BIR team noted that the cigarettes had markings indicating they were intended for Philippine market.

Tolentino said this was a violation of Sec. 263 of the National Internal Revenue Code, which prohibits the possession or removal of articles subject to excise tax without payment of tax. Excise tax is a duty on manufactured goods which is levied at the moment of manufacture, rather than at sale.

The BIR official added that the lack of stamps meant the firm was not paying the proper tax for each pack that was manufactured and sold.

At the same time, the Qiu representative at the facility was not able to present a copy of the firm’s Certificate of Registration and Tax Exemption (CRTE). Eisma said this was a violation of an SBMA requirement to display the CRTE in company facilities.

A check with the SBMA Business and Investment Group indicated that Qiu Tobacco was issued a CRTE on December 5 last year. The permit was good until May 31, 2021.

Eisma said, however, that because of its failure to pay excise taxes, the company will be closed until further notice from the BIR.

The SBMA chief also reiterated that it was the agency’s mandate to ensure that all companies inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone are paying their taxes properly.

She added that if a company complies with the law and the rules and regulations of the agency, the SBMA will protect that company. “If not, we will prosecute to the full extent of the law,” Eisma said. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma and BIR Regional Investigation team member Gene Bragais (left) through an interpreter question the caretaker of the Qiu Tobacco Industrial Co. Ltd. Corp. (right) during inspection of the firm’s cigarette-manufacturing facility on Sept. 27. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA to foreclose Ocean Adventure Park

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is set to repossess the popular marine theme park Ocean Adventure and related facilities due to multiple contract violations and failure to fulfill development commitments.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the agency on Friday served a notice of pre-termination of contract to the Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc. (SBMEI), which operates the marine theme park complex under a lease agreement signed in 2007.

Aside from its failure to comply with its lease contract, the SBMEI also committed violations like illegal subleasing of property, constructing without permits, improper storing of waste, and closing public roads.

The company also has arrears of about P25 million on their payment scheme, as well as P7 million on its current billing, SBMA records showed.

“This is actually sad news for us, because Ocean Adventure Park is the pioneer theme park in the Subic Freeport and is a hugely popular tourist destination. However, its multiple contract violations have been a long-festering problem that must be addressed now,” Eisma said.

She explained that the SBMA has notified SBMEI of its violations as early as July and assiduously provided guidance to cure the problems, but the company did not submit a satisfactory proposal to correct the violations.

“We wanted them to stay, of course, but there was not much concrete action from their side,” Eisma said. “So after months of negotiation and attempts to help SBMEI keep its lease, there is no longer any other recourse but to apply the law and pre-terminate the company’s lease agreement.”

The SBMA official also stressed that SBMEI’s failure to deliver its development commitments not only constituted violations of its contract, “but also prejudiced the SBMA’s financial interest because it curtailed the agency’s earning potential.”

She added that even as the SBMA was willing to reconsider SBMEI's decades-old breach of contract, the park operator along with two other locators came out with a story accusing the Subic agency of not adhering to “ease of doing business” law.

Eisma said that the news report only served as a further irritant between the parties, since the SBMA has already put in place various measures to further ease business in the Freeport, including putting up a one-stop shop for permits and extending the validity of the Certificate of Registration and Tax Exemption (CRTE) from one to three years.

“We’re firm but fair,” Eisma said. “We agree that the SBMA should adhere to the ‘ease of doing business’ law, but that doesn’t mean we’d relax our rules to the detriment of the government.”

Under the pre-termination order, the SBMA will repossess all of the SBMEI’s 493.16 hectares of undeveloped property upon the lapse of the 30-day reckoning period. Then it will give the SBMEI 24 months to slow down its activities at the 11.6-hectare developed area that includes the Ocean Adventure Park, the Camayan Beach, and the newly-opened Adventure Water Park.

“We’re giving them sufficient time to wind down their operations at the marine park, remove all their animals and movable property, and vacate the premises. We are also concerned about the disruption and stress this would cause to the animals, hence the two-year leeway,” Eisma said.

The Ocean Adventure Park started operations in 2000 under a contract that covered only the marine park. In 2007 the SBMEI entered into a new agreement for the lease of a total of 436.89 hectares of land, and 67.87 hectares of bay area with a commitment to develop 101.71 hectares for more tourism.

Eisma said the SBMA has already informed the Office of the President of its decision to foreclose the SBMEI, but added that the agency has not yet closed the door to renegotiation. (MPD/SBMA)

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SBMA: Measures promoting ‘ease of doing business’ already in place

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) clarified on Friday that it has put in place significant measures to improve locator services in the Subic Bay Freeport in line with President Duterte’s directive for agencies to simplify business procedures and expedite transactions.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said among the measures already implemented by the Subic agency are extending the validity of business permits from one to three years, and establishing one-stop shops to automate the processing of permit renewals.

“We have operationalized these measures last year, which was also the time when President Duterte approved Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018,” Eisma pointed out.

“In fact, we established the One-Stop Shop Business Processing Center (OSSBPC) in February 2018 and then released the first batch of the three-year Certificates of Registration and Tax Exemption (CRTEs) in June last year. RA 11032 was approved in May,” she said.

“Then following the issuance this July of the implementing rules and regulations for RA 11032, we formed our anti-red tape unit with key officials as members, and also created three technical working groups to oversee compliance with the law,” she added.

The SBMA official cited these initiatives in the wake of a report that some businessmen here were urging the Subic agency to “adhere to the ‘ease of doing business’ law.” (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA honors 161 employees in 5th Loyalty Awards

A total of 161 employees who have rendered continuous service to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) from 10 to 25 years received well-deserved honor from the Subic agency recently.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma led the tribute at the 5th SBMA Loyalty Awards rites held at the Travelers Hotel here on September 13 and expressed gratitude for the workers’ dedication and loyalty.

“Today we honor all of you who have given their dedication, their faithful work, and even devotion to the agency. You have worked so hard for the SBMA, and we recognize that without you, this agency would not be where it is today,” Eisma said.

Twenty-two awardees with 10 years of service to the agency marched down the aisle of the event center, followed by 70 with 15 years of work, and 64 who have served for 20 years.

But those who received a standing ovation from their SBMA colleagues were the five employees who have completed 25 years of service. They were Armila Alviz, Emilia Canonizado, and Leonor Dulcero of Accounting Department, Renato Gayondato of Law Enforcement Department, and Alfredo Planea of Treasury Department.

In her inspirational message, Chairman Eisma defined what the loyalty award is all about, pointing out that the service award was not meant simply as a measure of the years spent with the agency.

“Loyalty should not be measured by just because you showed up for work; it should be measured because you showed up and worked hard. You showed up and showed the world that you are working and making a difference. And we are very lucky you did all that for SBMA,” she told the awardees.

Eisma also said that loyalty meant “looking after each other, looking after the SBMA every time, and making sure that every step we make for SBMA will bring us to a better future.”

In response, 20-year service awardee Severo Pastor Jr., who is manager of the SBMA Labor Department, said that SBMA employees had always been forward-looking workers.

“In my 20 years of service, I served six administrations with different thrusts, survived different economic situations, and welcomed several waves of multi-nationals, but in all these years I can proudly say that we have developed programs that promote relevance among the Subic Freeport work force,” Pastor said.

He added that in the last 10 years, his department has streamlined 16 processes, nine of which are in compliance with the Anti-Red Tape Act, while others are for various frontline services.

Pastor also took the opportunity to bid farewell to the SBMA, ending his speech with a song that he wrote as a parting message to SBMA colleagues.

The SBMA loyalty awards, sanctioned by the Civil Service Commission through the SBMA Human Resource Management Department, is being given to employees with permanent status who have rendered from 10 to 25 years of continuous and satisfactory service in the government.

The accolades given to the service awardees included plaques of recognition, certificates of service, and monetary reward. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA 25-year service awardees, accompanied by family members, receive recognition from senior agency officials led by SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Ombudsman dismisses Diño charges vs. SBMA officials

The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed for lack of merit a complaint filed two years ago by then Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Martin Diño against five senior officials of the agency.

Diño, who is now undersecretary at the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), filed charges of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross ignorance of the law, and grave abuse of authority/oppression against the officials in connection with his claim for salary as SBMA chairman.

But in a decision approved by Ombudsman Samuel Martires last July 29, the anti-graft body cleared SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado, Deputy Administrator for Finance Antonietta Sanqui, Treasury Department manager Myrna Caseja, Accounting Department manager Emilia Canonizado, and Budget Department manager Editha Marzal and ruled that they acted only in accordance with the law.

Records at the Office of the Ombudsman showed that Diño filed the complaint on July 19, 2017 when he was head of the Subic agency, alleging that he “never received his salary/compensation except (for) per diems on regular board meetings he attended.”

Diño also contended that his claims for salary were rejected by the respondents despite several oral requests.

The SBMA officials, however, denied the charges and averred that under the law it was not Diño who was the real plantilla officer, but the SBMA administrator who also serves as chief executive officer.

Under this setup, they added, the SBMA issued salary only to the SBMA administrator and paid out only per diems to the SBMA chairman based on the latter’s attendance at board meetings.

In dismissing the complaint, the Ombudsman observed that Diño’s only basis to justify his demand for salary was Executive Order (EO) 673 signed in 2007, which fixed the salary of the SBMA chairman to be the same as that of the SBMA administrator and amended Section 1 of EO 340, which reorganized the SBMA Board of Directors.

The Ombudsman then pointed out that “when EO 24, series of 2011 was issued, it repealed EO 340 together with EO 673.” It added that under EO 24, the SBMA chairman cannot receive salary equivalent to that of the SBMA administrator because it would be “over the limit for the maximum annual compensation for members of the Board of Directors of GOCCs, such as SBMA.”

“Based on the foregoing, respondents acted only in accordance with EO 24 They did not transgress or violate any law or established rule that would render them administratively liable,” the Ombudsman stated.

“And since no forbidden act or unlawful behavior was exhibited by respondents, all administrative charges against respondents shall fail,” the Ombudsman also said.

The decision was welcomed here by respondents, who collectively expressed relief over the favorable ruling.

“We have long awaited this good news. This only affirmed our innocence,” said one of the SBMA officials who faced Diño’s complaint.

The official added that it was very important for them to be cleared of the charges because it affected their good standing and benefits as employees in government service. z(HEE/MPD-SBMA)

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NLEX starts P1.6 B Subic Freeport Expressway works

Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. unit NLEX Corp. plans to complete in a year’s time the P1.6-billion capacity expansion of the Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) as construction activity goes full blast.

NLEX held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday, September 12 for the 8.2-kilometer project aimed at improving traffic safety and easing travel time to and from the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Completion of the SFEX capacity expansion is targeted in September next year.

“One of the key drivers of economic growth is a network of high-quality roads. The NLEX Corp. through NLEX, SCTEX, and the soon-to-be expanded SFEX not only intends to accelerate development, but also hopes to encourage travel convenience and road safety,” NLEX president and general manager Luigi Bautista said.

The project will increase road capacity from one lane in each direction to two lanes each with the construction of two additional expressway lanes, together with two new bridges at Jadjad and Argonaut, and a new tunnel.

NLEX said the new bridges and the tunnel would be constructed parallel to the existing ones.

Also included in the project are the installation of expressway-standard LED lights as part of the tollway company’s efforts to improve motorists’ visibility when driving at night, the raising of Maritan Highway-Rizal Highway-Tipo Road junction, and the enhancement of the drainage system to help alleviate flooding in the area.

Once completed, the project will enhance accessibility and promote travel efficiency on the key road connecting Bataan and Zambales.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Wilma Eisma said the expansion project is expected to boost Subic’s competitiveness in trade and tourism industries.

“The project will help sustain Subic’s position as a globally competitive trade and tourism hub. This road expansion will complement SBMA’s infrastructure development program and promotion of Subic as an ideal shipping gateway for businesses in Central and North Luzon,” she said.

In line with the ongoing construction, NLEX committed to plant more trees to replace those affected by the road project. (Richmond Mercurio, Philippine Star)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairman & Administrator Atty. Wilma T. Eisma (far right) along with NLEX and Local Government officials during the groundbreaking ceremony signaling the start of the SFEX expansion. (Photo from SBMA Chair & Administrator Facebook page)

https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/09/13/1951234/nlex-starts-p16-b-sfex-works#K4I02T62E9WSI75X.99

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Subic workers back to 135,000 despite Hanjin closure

A steady growth in investments in the first half of this year has increased the number of workers in this premier free port to 135,224 despite the closure in January of what used to be the single biggest employer here in the past 10 years, the Hanjin shipyard.

Figures from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) indicated a slight increase in this year’s first half employment figure of 135,224 over the 133,940 record in the same period last year.

“We’re back to more than P135,000 active workers now, which is just a shade lower than our 2018 yearend record of 135,690. But by the end of this year, we are confident that we would again break this 2018 employment record,” said SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma.

“We’re getting a steady increase in the number of new investments, as well as expansion projects, so we’re also expecting a corresponding steady increase in the number of new jobs,” she added.

Among the industries here, the service sector hired the biggest number with a total of 92,453 workers or 68.37% of the total workforce employed by a total of 2,765 companies as of July this year. In June 2018 the record was 76,652 workers (57.23%) hired by 2,470 companies.

In the manufacturing industry, there are now 23,031 employees (17.03%) working for 88 companies here in the first half of this year. Last year, there were 18,197 employees (13.59%) working for 85 companies in this category.

Meanwhile in the construction sector, there were 11,729 workers (8.67%) hired by 199 companies as of the first half of this year. Last year, there were 10,868 employees (8.115) working for 185 companies.

Eisma noted that the rehabilitation of various infrastructure facilities inside the Freeport, including roads, had significantly increased the number of workers hired by construction companies here.

On the other hand, Eisma said that there has been a 450% drop in the number of employees working in shipbuilding and marine-related services after the Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Philippines, Inc. filed for bankruptcy last January.

SBMA records indicated a total of 5,901 workers (4.36%) hired by 96 firms as of the first half of 2019, compared to 26,559 (19.83%) hired by 110 companies in the first half of 2018.

Another sector that showed positive gain in the first half was the number of domestic helpers or caretakers employed at residences in the Freeport. This increased to a total of 2,110 (1.57%) from a total of 1,664 in the same period last year.

SBMA data also showed that there are more male employees in the Subic workforce today, with a total of 91,190 (67.44%) compared to 44,034 females (32.56%).

However, the females are catching up considering that there were just 39,079 female workers (29.18%) in Subic last year, compared to 94,861 (70.82%) males.

Among the sources of manpower, Olongapo City remained to be the biggest provider in the frist half of 2019 with a total of 59,107 workers (43.71%), followed by Zambales with 28,855 (21.34%); Bataan, 18,501 (13.68%); National Capital Region, 4,642 (3.43%); Pampanga, 3,574 (2.64%); and Tarlac, 1,679 (1.24%). Other areas contributed a total of 18,866 workers, or 13.95%.

Eisma said the SBMA expects a continuing growth in employment generation with the 45 new investments and 21 expansion projects the agency approved in the first six months this year.

The new investment commitments worth more than P5 billion are projected to generate close to 4,000 new jobs, Eisma added. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

Workers enter the Subic Bay Freeport main gate to get to their work places. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Bay to become a gateway for 5G services

This Freeport is poised to be a gateway for future 5G services after next-generation broadband satellite operator Kacific tapped ABS' ground infrastructure at the Subic Space Center as it prepares for the launch of its Kacific1 satellite later in the year.

ABS’ teleport in Subic Bay will host, operate and provide first level support for its gateway hub.

Kacific1 will be a pioneering High Throughput Satellite (HTS) to be located over Asia-Pacific using Ka-band spot beams for extremely cost-efficient broadband delivery. Its 56 powerful high throughput beams will cover select areas over the Pacific Islands and South East Asia, with six beams covering The Philippines archipelago and a further 21 beams covering Indonesia, Timor-Leste and Malaysia.

“Kacific chose to locate its ground infrastructure in the Philippines because it is a priority market for us,” says Kacific CEO, Christian Patouraux. “Our beams will reach 100 percent of the nation’s population across its many islands, making affordable connectivity available to all those who are currently unserved or underserved. ABS is an ideal partner as they have a proven track record and, like us, have also made a commitment to the Philippines.”

ABS has its primary space operations center for its entire fleet of six satellites in Subic Bay. Its teleport facilities operate with extremely high availability, with triple redundant power supply and fiber connectivity to Tier-1 IP international peering points.

In keeping with Ka-band operating norms for tropical regions, ABS has arranged a diversity site to be located nearby at the Clark Freeport Zone. The teleports will operate on an active diversity basis using state-of-the-art connectivity via a dedicated fiber route to directly optically connect the two gateway hubs. This ensures that commercial traffic would have a reliable transmission from one of the sites if, for example, rain degradation was impairing the functionality of the other.

ABS’ Philippines teleport is equipped with the latest technologies and platforms. It serves as one of the major satellite hubs over the Asia-Pacific region, hosting more than 50 antennas.

As satellites provide a complementary role to 5G connectivity, the Subic facility is poised to be a gateway for future 5G services, especially to remote areas. The facility is managed by professional personnel and experienced engineers providing round-the-clock services, 24 x 7 customer support and a dedicated customer program management team.

Click here for more information about the Subic Space Center.

https://spacewatch.global/2019/08/kacific-taps-abs-ground-infrastructure-for-its-gateway-services-to-the-philippines-and-the-greater-pacific-region/

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Taiwanese traders bullish on Subic business

Taiwanese investors have expressed confidence on the business outlook at the Subic Bay Freeport with the opening here last week of semi-conductor and electronics trader Yubantec, the latest Taiwanese company to locate in this free port.

Dr. Chin Der Ou, chairman of Subic Bay Development and Management Corporation, Inc. (SBDMC), which manages the Subic Gateway Park here, said the ongoing facilities improvement projects being undertaken by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) portend better business in Subic.

“There are many facilities improvement projects now. There are road construction and repairs, drainage improvement, as well as capacity expansion of the Subic Expressway. These are all good for investors,” Dr. Ou said during the Yubantec inauguration.

“I’m confident that Yubantec will do well in such a favorable business environment,” he added.

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) representative Michael Hsu, meanwhile, said that more companies from Taiwan will locate in the Philippines, which he described as Taiwan’s “closest neighbor.”

“I assure you, the Taiwanese are willing to come to the Philippines to invest. And we have to find enough land for our locators especially in Subic Bay,” he added.

Yubantec, which is the latest addition to the Subic Gateway park locators, will engage in importing, designing, installing and after-sales services of air-conditioners, cold storage equipment and home appliances, as well as designing and sales of semi-conductors and electronic components.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the 61 Taiwanese firms in Subic now comprise the third biggest number of foreign investors here. Most are engaged in manufacturing and trading.

Taiwanese firms were among the pioneer investors in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, she added, as the Subic Gateway Park, formerly known as the Subic Bay Industrial Park, was the first industrial park to be established in Subic.

Built in 1994, the Taiwanese-owned industrial park is now home to global names like computer giant Wistron Infocomm (Phils.) Corp., air-con specialist Johnson Controls-Hitachi, lock-maker Tong Lung (Phils.) Metal Industry, and footwear manufacturer Datian Subic Shoes, Inc.

Eisma said the entry of more Taiwanese companies helps Subic drive its momentum in investment and employment generation, pointing out that the SBMA approved 77 new projects in the first six months this year, compared to 45 in the first half of 2018.

The new investments, as well as the 21 expansion projects green-lighted in the first half, are projected to create more than 3,600 additional jobs in the Subic Bay Freeport.

Meanwhile, Senator Richard J. Gordon, who also graced the Yubantec opening, welcomed the entry of more Taiwanese investors here and pledged continued support to the SBMA.

Gordon said the government has a lot of infrastructure projects going on, as well as in the pipeline, for this area of Luzon which should also result in increased investments and business.

Gordon likewise called on the Subic business community to contribute in public discussion of issues that impact the Subic Bay Freeport and urged the Subic Bay Chamber of Commerce to drumbeat the advantages of the Subic Bay Freeport to investors abroad. (CAE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBDMC Chairman Chin Der Ou: “Improvement projects in Subic are good for investments”

[2] TECO Representative Michael Hsu: “More Taiwanese companies will come to the Philippines”

[3] Sen. Richard J. Gordon: “Drumbeat the advantages of Subic to investors abroad”

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SBMA approves P4.48-billion new investments, P555-million expansion projects in 1st half

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) approved new investment projects worth P4.48 billion in the first half of this year, eclipsing by 42% last year’s new investments record of P3.15 billion for the same period.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said a total of 77 new investment projects were recorded from January to June 2019, with 41 approvals worth P3.57 billion in the first quarter and 36 projects worth P902.1 million in the second quarter.

In contrast, 45 new investment projects were approved in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in the first half of 2018, with P1.17 billion worth of projects in January to March and P1.98 billion in April to June.

Meanwhile, the SBMA also green-lighted 21 expansion projects in the first six months this year, generating investment commitments totaling P555.2 million, Eisma said.

These included 9 expansions worth P515.3 million in the first quarter and 12 expansion projects valued at P39.8 million in the second quarter.

The number of expansion projects in Subic increased from 10 in the first half of 2018 to 21 this year, with committed investments growing from P276.2 million in 2018 to P555.2 million in 2019, or a growth of more than 100%.

The continuing entry of investor-companies in Subic, Eisma said, had resulted from the hard work of the agency to draw more business despite stiff global competition for foreign direct investments.

“More investor companies are coming to Subic, but we have to ensure that they get the right environment so that they will continue to bring their business here,” Eisma said in the Subic Labor Congress held here recently.

“The SBMA is working very hard to ensure jobs for local workers, but I challenge you to have the necessary skills,” she also told participants in the assembly.

Figures from the SBMA Business and Investment Group indicated that the 77 new investment projects in the first half of 2019 gave a projected employment total of 2,003, while expansion projects yielded 1,670 new jobs for a total of 3,673.

Following the established trend, leisure projects comprised most of the new investments with 15 approvals in the first quarter and 14 in the second quarter for a total of 29 projects.

Projects under general business had the second most approvals at 16, followed by logistics projects at 15, maritime and manufacturing at 11, and information and communications technology at 6.

Among the new projects, the five biggest in terms of committed investments are those of Sinoinvest Resources, Inc., which pledged P1.2 billion for a leisure project; Smart & Plan Subic Logistics and Development Corp. with P1 billion for another leisure venture; Arjuna Sand Trading, Inc., with P628.9 million for a logistics project; Worldwide Grace, Inc., with P515 million for general business; and Taiyo Subic Philippines Corp., with P392.5 million for a manufacturing project.

For the expansion projects, Datian Subic Shoes, Inc. has the biggest investment commitment at P316.6 million, while servo-motor manufacturer Sanyo Denki Phils., Inc. pledged the second biggest at P119.6 million.

Datian Subic Shoes, Inc.’s expansion project is also expected to turn out the most number of new jobs at 1,500.

The next biggest projection came from Sinoinvest Resources with 500 new jobs; Juan Fong Industrial Corp., 305; and Philippines Easepal Technology with 270. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic airport poised for more aviation business

The Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) is expected to gain the attention of more corporate clients and players in the aviation industry with the opening here on Monday of a facility for aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the MRO project by business aviation services provider Aviation Concepts Technical Services Inc. (ACTSI) will boost the agency’s program for the full development of the Subic airport as a 24/7 hub for business aviation.

“We have long dreamed of developing the SBIA into a business and general aviation (BA/GA) airport in the country, and this project is one huge step towards realizing that vision,” Eisma said on Thursday.

“We are banking on the strategic location of Subic in the Asia-Pacific region to boost SBIA’s chances to become a regional player in the MRO business,” she added.

ACTSI, which is the maintenance arm of Falconer Aircraft Management, Inc., an affiliated company of global port management firm International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), has upgraded close to 18,000 square meters of hangar space at SBIA.

Under its 25-year lease agreement with the SBMA, ACTSI intends to provide hangar parking, corporate jet maintenance, repair and overhaul, as well as aircraft corrosion preventive solutions.

ACTSI’s large-sized aircraft users will also be able to enjoy easy take-offs and landings with the extensive 9,000-feet long runway at the SBIA.

In last Monday’s launch, the ACTSI hangar easily accommodated a 2010 Gulfstream Aerospace GIV-X (G450), which is more than 89 feet long and with a wingspan of more than 77 feet. A helicopter was also parked inside the facility.

ACTSI general manager John O'Meara and president and chief executive officer Fernando Gaspar led the soft launch of the Subic hangar with Senator Richard Gordon as guest of honor.

The senator, who initiated the establishment of the SBIA when he was SBMA chairman, welcomed the business venture of ACTSI and pointed out that the airport is one of the strategic advantages of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The Subic airport started out in 1951 as the Naval Air Station Cubi Point of the United States Navy and was converted into a commercial airport under the SBMA in 1992.

The SBMA has since marketed SBIA for its strategic location, it being only 1.5 hours away from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan and just 3 hours away from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

SBMA Chairman Eisma also noted that in a forum sponsored last year by the Hong Kong-based Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA), aviation executives expressed enthusiasm about developing Subic into a fully integrated aerospace park and aviation hub.

She added that enthusiasm was further bolstered by the concrete support of the Philippine government which allocated P553 million to help get the Subic airport running by improving its equipment and intensifying the airport marketing campaign.

“Along this line, we are now working to revive domestic and international flight operations at the SBIA; regain the SBIA’s status as an international airport; and settle pending issues to make Subic a 24/7 air terminal,” Eisma also said. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

ACTSI general manager John O'Meara (2nd, left) and president and chief executive officer Fernando Gaspar (2nd, right) with guest of honor Sen. Richard Gordon lead the toast during the launch of the Subic hangar project. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA police nabs Chinese carnap suspect

Security officers of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) arrested a Chinese national here at the Subic Freeport after he and a companion took a vehicle at knifepoint along the Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX).

Investigators at the SBMA Law Enforcement Department identified the suspect as Bin Zhang, 24 years old, with address at Silver City 4 Condominium in Pasig City.

Bin was arrested by SBMA security officers at 9:05 p.m. on Sunday at the vicinity of the Subic Gateway Hub where the stolen vehicle, a white Hyundai Starex with plate number KOP-347, was recovered earlier.

Investigators said Bin did not speak any English and his companion, who is yet to be identified, still remained at large as of Monday morning.

According to complainant George Villanueva, an on-call driver from Kawit, Cavite, he picked up the two suspects at Ortigas in Manila at about 3:00 p.m. on Sunday upon the instruction of his boss, a certain Mr. Wong.

Villanueva said he was told to bring the passengers to Buma Hotel in the Subic Bay Freeport.

However, upon reaching the Tipo Gate of the SFEX at about 6:00 p.m., the suspects allegedly poked him with a cutter knife. Villanueva escaped and the culprits immediately drove away toward the Subic Bay Freeport.

Villanueva thereafter sought the help of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway patrol and at 7:53 p.m. found the stolen vehicle parked near a bank along the Rizal Highway here.

Responding SBMA security officers soon apprehended Bin at the Gateway Park area at 9:05 p.m.

The suspect was later turned over to the Philippine National Police office in Hermosa, Bataan for proper filing of the case.

Under Philippine law, carnapping is a crime punishable with imprisonment for not less than thirty (30) years and one (1) day but not more than forty (40) years, when it is committed by means of violence against or intimidation of persons, or force upon things.

Moreover, aliens convicted under the provisions of the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016 are to be deported immediately after service of sentence without further proceedings by the Deportation Board. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO: 

Suspect Bin Zhang after his arrest by SBMA security officers (MPD-SBMA)

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