Construction of access road linking Subic Bay Freeport to SCTEX-Mabiga Exit in Bataan underway

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has started work on a 17.74-kilometer access road that will connect the Subic Bay Freeport Zone to the Mabiga Exit of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) in Bataan.

DPWH region III director Roseller Tolentino said the new diversion road will bring the Hermosa Ecozone Industrial Park closer to major seaports and airports in the region.

 

Tolentino said it will also be linked to the Luzon Spine Expressway Network, thus providing ease in inter-regional accessibility.

 

Starting in 2020, the multi-year project has an initial allocation of PHP120 million for the improvement of the 3.95-kilometer Mabiga-Morong segment, which had an accomplishment rate of 74.28 percent as of March 31, 2022.

 

Meanwhile,  the construction of the 7.264-kilometer Mabiga-Palihan section was given a total of PHP200 million under the 2021 national budget.

 

“Our thrust is to increase our road investments in the region. Expanding our existing road networks in the country’s industrial heartland will primarily benefit ecozone locators as there will be greater mobility that can result in lower business costs and faster delivery of goods and services,” Tolentino said in a statement.

 

The multi-year access road project has a total estimated cost of PHP4.05 billion and is expected to be completed in 2027.

 

“Right now, we are working on this project in phases and there is a lot of extensive work that need(s) to be done before it can be fully used by the public. The Regional Construction Division and our Bataan 1st District Engineering Office are committed to fast-track the implementation of this project," he added. (SNL)

 

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Coca-Cola turns over PET bottle bins, benches to SBMA

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI) turned over bottle collection bins and benches to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as part of the company’s “World Without Waste” (WWW) program here in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ).

According to CCBPI Stakeholder Relations Associate Manager Atty. Dianne Patawaran, the bottle collection bins are situated in various areas of this premier Freeport such as the Boardwalk Area, Mini Golf area, Remy Field, and the Malawaan Park.

She added that the benches donated are made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles collected from the WWW program, citing that these benches will also be located in the aforementioned areas within the SBFZ.

The official said that the SBMA and their company placed these collection bins in frequented areas of tourists so they can drop off their PET bottles of any brand there.

Corporate and Regulatory Affairs director Atty. Marc Cox said that the  WWW is a program launched by the company a few years ago.

“Our ambition is to collect and recycle the equivalent can or pet bottle we put out in the market. In the Philippines, we are in a unique position since Coca-Cola invested in a recycling facility called PET Value Philippines Corp.,” he added.

The company official cited that some of the recycled bottles from the recycling facility will become available locally for use by Coca-Cola. He added that they  have already started using recycled PET bottles in their Viva mineral water in eco bottles.

Both the SBMA and the CCBPI signed the agreement on the World Without Waste program, helping the beverage company in collecting as many PET bottles from these collection bins and upcycling them into benches, school chairs, and even trash bins.

SBMA Ecology Manager Amethya Dela Llana and CCBPI Stakeholder Relations, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Director Atty. Mark Anthony Cox signed the agreement at the Boardwalk area, further solidifying the partnership of the two in making the SBFZ cleaner and greener.

Dela Llana lauded the efforts of CCBPI, citing that PET bottles have been one of the most visible trash seen in the SBFZ. She cited that the agreement would not only help minimize the number of PET bottles littered here, but would also be used in upcycling the material into useful furniture.

Cox said that the company aims to help collect and recycle a bottle or can for every one we sell by 2030.

“That’s our vision for World Without Waste, an ambitious environmental program we launched in 2018. The world has a packaging problem. As the world’s biggest beverage company, we have a responsibility to help solve it,” he said.

He added that the company aims to make their packaging 100 percent recyclable by 2025, and use 50 percent recycled material in our bottles and cans by 2030.

“As we work toward a world without waste, we aim to collect and recycle a bottle or can — regardless of where it comes from — for every one we sell by 2030,” he said. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Japan finalizes the Subic Bay Regional Development Masterplan

The Department of Finance (DOF), on Tuesday (April 26), unveiled the Subic Bay Regional Development Master Plan which was finalized with the assistance of a survey mission team of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The master plan will serve as a blueprint to maximize the economic development potentials of the Subic Bay and its surrounding areas.

The joint effort of the Philippines and Japan to formulate a regional development master plan for Subic Bay commenced with the decision by the two countries’ leaders in November 2019–and the Memorandum of Cooperation to that effect in Hakone, Japan, in December 2019.

The finalized Master Plan was furnished by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Kazuhiko Koshikawa, to Secretary Dominguez on April 7 in Manila.

During Secretary Dominguez’s meeting on April 25 with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Hon. Hayashi Yoshimasa, both sides welcomed the successful completion of the Master Plan that was yet another epitome of bilateral strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan.

“We deeply appreciate the Japanese Government’s close coordination and expeditious fulfillment of the commitment to the Subic Bay development masterplan, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic during its preparation,” said Secretary Dominguez.

The Master Plan envisages Subic Bay region’s economic future and concrete development proposals in both public and private sectors, with which the Philippine Government unlocks the full potentials of Subic Bay, including the port capacity and the connectivity with its hinterlands, with a view to helping continued efforts to decongest Metro Manila.

Minister Hayashi expressed hope that the publication of the Master Plan proves to be conducive to the enhancement of regional connectivity and coast guard capabilities of the Philippines.

The Philippines and Japan signed the Memorandum of Cooperation on Subic Bay Regional Development in December 2019 with the belief that such cooperation would serve both countries’ common interests.

To be specific, the Japanese side rendered technical support to the formulation of the Subic Bay Regional Development Master Plan that maximizes the economic development potentials of the Subic Bay by harmonizing logistics, industry and living functions, as well as existing assets and new investments.

The finalized master plan has covered possible development projects in the fields of road network for Olongapo’s Central Business District and Subic Bay West Coast, logistics terminals such as Alava Wharf, among others, and public utilities such as the Philippine Coast Guard’s new support facilities.

To date, Japan remains to be the country’s top Official Development Assistance (ODA) partner, with a net loan commitment of about USD 10.02 billion, and grant amount of USD 181.15 million, accounting for 31.84 percent of the country’s total ODA portfolio. (SNL)

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400 Masonic riders join historic 1st-ever Unity Ride to SBFZ

At least 400 members of different Masonic Riders Clubs from all over Luzon joined the first ever Unity Ride and converged at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC).

The Unity Ride, which started from the different hometowns of different Masonic Riders’ Clubs, entered the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) thru the Tipo Security Plaza, toured the San Bernardino road en route Olongapo City, and finally to SBECC for its final stop.

“I preferred it to be held here in Subic (Freeport) to make it historical for the riders to be in the country’s top tourist destination because this is a dream destination for them,” Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino said.

Paulino, who is also the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, added that the Unity Ride was aimed unifying all Masonic Riding Clubs and Associations and maintaining harmony among the masons by promoting the Masonic Year “Clear Vision of Masonic Harmony” thru this unity ride.

Organized by the Sons of Luzon Pilipinas and the Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association, they were joined by East and West, Travellers, King Solomon, and Vespa riders, among other riders’ clubs.

Coming all the way from Lipa City, Batangas, Bro. Gil Quiambao, Jr. of the Sons of Luzon, the organizing group, said that the Unity Ride, which was in coordination with the SBMA, to unify all Masonic Riding Clubs and Associations.

The Unity Ride 2022 is a motorcycle ride is open to all Mason motorcycle riders and enthusiasts. (MPD-SBMA)

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US-based Cerberus acquires Hanjin shipyard in Subic Bay

United States-based private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management has completed its takeover of the shipyard previously run by Hanjin Philippines in Subic Bay with the recent conclusion of agreements on the facility, government officials confirmed.

"The completion of the Subic Bay shipyard will redound to benefits for the country, bring jobs to the local communities, increase economic activity, and at the same fortify our strategic security measure," Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez was quoted as saying in a press release early Friday morning.

Manila's embassy in Washington said Romualdez made the remarks during a diplomatic reception on Apr. 19. The envoy also expressed his appreciation to officials of both countries along with executives of Cerberus for their efforts, which led to the conclusion of the deals.

"Great to see the completion of the acquisition of Hanjin shipyard in Subic Bay by a U.S.-based firm. An important example of U.S.-Philippine public-private partnership," Ely Ratner, U.S. assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, tweeted on Thursday.

Cerberus co-founder and co-chief executive officer Steve Feinberg also recognized the support offered by both the Philippine and American governments in ensuring the agreements' completion, said the embassy.

"Working with the United States on this project will help ensure that we are able to protect our interests not only for our country but the whole region," Romualdez said.

The facility at the former giant U.S. naval base has caught the attention of Chinese investors given its strategic location near the West Philippine Sea.

Details of the purchase, including the price, were not disclosed. Reuters reported last month that Cerberus was buying the debt-laden shipyard for $300 million.

Foreign Affairs chief Teddyboy Locsin called the transaction the "biggest public-private partnership in the 75-year history of Philippine-US relations." (CNN Philippines)

Source: https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/4/22/Cerberus-conclusion-agreements-Hanjin-shipyard-Subic-Bay.html 

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SBMA to celebrate Earth Day the “new normal” way

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is set to conduct various activities during the Earth Day 2022 Celebration on April 22 as part of the agency’s thrust to promote environmental protection while still practicing minimum public health protocols.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, who is in the US for an official trip, the agency aims to conduct activities at each department’s convenient time.

“This year, with the lowering of the alert level in the area, the SBMA will be taking part in the Earth Day Celebration with strict compliance of the minimum health and safety standards to prevent the spread of the virus. Earth Day activities will be done in several small groups, and not as one big group,” he added.

This year’s theme “Invest in Our Planet” is, according to Paulino, fitting for the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, citing that one of his mandates as Head of the Agency is to invest in the environment in order to attract more business activities in this premier Freeport.

“One of the many thrusts of my office is the beautification of the area, providing lush greeneries and colorful blossoms around the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The SBMA has already started planting bougainvillea on many center islands and pathways of the Freeport,” he said.

Among the activities lined up for the occasion, is a cleanup activity within the vicinities of SBMA office buildings, including the administration building 229, Building N, Naval Supply Depot, and other agency infrastructure.

Each department/office will also conduct lectures for their personnel regarding waste management or environmental protection in relation to their Environmental Management System (EMS).

The official also urged each employee to practice the five Rs of waste management all the time, namely, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle.

During his first month, Paulino has ordered most of the companies located near the coastal areas of Subic Bay such as the Boardwalk Area and the San Bernardino Road to keep their fronts clean, with all complying to ensure a cleaner and greener Freeport.

The Earth Day Celebration was adopted in the Philippines in 1990 by President Corazon C. Aquino by virtue of PD 553 s. 1990 and was supplemented by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo through PD 1481 s.2008, declaring every 22nd of April as the "Philippine Earth Day".

During the past two years, the SBMA was unable to celebrate Earth Day due to the health and safety protocols brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Earth Day is an annual event held on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EarthDay.org (formerly Earth Day Network) including one billion people in more than 193 countries. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport braces for tourists influx for Holy Week

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), in anticipation of high influx of tourists and devotees coming here, has lined up weeklong activities, in observance of the Holy Week celebration in the “new normal.”

During the opening of the Weekend Eco-Market over the weekend, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino said that Subic is almost in full swing opening more areas of destinations for more guests to visit.

“SBMA is again open. I really wanted people to come here in Subic during the Holy Week. But with what I see, it is more than I expected,” Paulino said.

Paulino’s appointment as SBMA Chairman and Administrator coincided with the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), downgrading Region 3 to Alert Level 1. He also vowed to make Subic Bay Freeport one of the most visited places in the country.

Over the weekend, the Chairman spearheaded the opening of the Subic Bay Weekend Eco-Market, an outdoor flea market located near the San Roque Chapel where some 30 micro, small and medium enterprise businesses from Central Luzon sell fresh and processed fruits, vegetables, meats, handicrafts and more.

Open from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the Subic Bay Weekend Eco-Market, in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), aims to help revive tourism and economy in the area, and will run all weekends until end of May.

Moreover, the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) also opened 2022 Subic Bay Banchetto and trade fair for the span of the Holy Week period, and provide a venue to unwind after the working class went back to work on a 100 percent complement.

“Since Region 3 was placed under Alert Level 1, we all have been working hard. And the Banchetto was organized in time for the Holy Week to give ourselves a much-deserved break,” said Benjamin Antonio III, SBFCC president and Subicwater chief executive officer and general manager.

He said that the Banchetto is also in partnership with the DoT and DTI aiming to revive tourism and economy as micro, small and medium enterprise businesses joined the trade fair.

The Banchetto will run daily from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday only.

Meanwhile, for devotees of the religious activities, San Roque Chapel started the Holy Week with the Blessing of Palm, locally known as palaspas, the re-enactment of the entry of Jesus to Jerusalem, and the Station of the Cross.

On Holy Monday (April 11) until Holy Wednesday (April 13), there will be the “Pabasa sa Freeport,” the chanting of the life, passion and death of Jesus, from 8:00 AM onwards. A Holy Mass follows at 5:00 PM, and a religious procession at 6:00 PM.

On Maundy Thursday (April 14), there will be Holy Mass and Washing of the Feet (5:00 PM), to be followed by a Holy Mass at 6:00 PM. And the start of Visita Iglesia (7:00 PM- 12:00 MN).

On Maundy Thursday (April 15), Private Station of the Cross (6:00 AM- 12:00NN/SRC), Liturgy of the Word and Veneration of the Cross (3:00PM/ SRC). The Grand Procession follows at 6:00 PM.

Good Friday (April 17), the much-awaited Salubong (4:00 AM), the pre-dawn meeting of the images of the Risen Christ, and the grieving Mother Mary. Procession starts in front of Dispensary Building and the other is at Spanish Gate. Holy Mass at 5:00 AM. Easter Egg Hunting begins at 11:00 AM at San Roque Chapel.

The visitors can also take the opportunity to join the procession (Holy Wednesday) and the grand procession on Good Friday.

Chairman Paulino said that because of its security and cleanliness, the Freeport is a favorite vacation rendezvous with the family to remember the sufferings of Jesus, the meaning of His death, and His resurrection.

“As we would have wanted to have Alert Level 0, and come up with a better normal in the Freeport, we still enjoin everyone to follow minimal health protocols. Wear your face masks and sanitize your hands with alcohol whenever possible. Let us all stay safe,” Paulino said. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA launches Mobile Vaccination Drive

In its effort to provide the community better access to Covid-19 vaccines, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) thru the Office of the Deputy Administrator (ODA) for Health and Safety launched the Mobile Vaccination Drive.

“This is in accordance with the directive from the Department of Health (DOH) to see to it that everyone has access to Covid-19 vaccines in our community,” said SBMA OIC-DA for Health and Safety Ronnie Yambao.

This came after a meeting with the Asst. Regional Director D. Lailani Mangulabnan of the Central Luzon Center for Health Development and the Provincial Department of Health Office of Zambales Dr. Jessie Fantone, and will be executed by the SBMA Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD).

The SBMA Mobile Vaccination Drive will be at the Binictican Housing area beside Gobstopper Convenience Store on April 13 (Wednesday) from 9am to 12nn to render vaccination service to residents nearby for their first dose, second dose or booster dose.

On April 22 (Friday), the SBMA PHSD team will be at the SBMA Day Care Center from 9am to 12nn for SBMA employees who wish to be vaccinated without having to go far from their offices.

Also, the DOH-SBMA vaccination program will still be on their regular schedule from 10am to 4pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, except this Good Friday.

However, according to PHSD, their vaccination site has moved a little farther from the Activity Center to the hallway near HMR at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall, to give way to the summer activities of the mall.

Currently, the SBMA workforce is at 69 percent boosted, while a little short of 100 percent vaccinated with primary doses.

The PHSD also reported that they have already administered 30,162 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine since May 2021. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA to allow truck traders to stay in Subic’s CBD area

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Rolen C. Paulino has allowed truck traders inside this premier Freeport to remain in their old areas in the Central Business District (CBD) as long as they have contracts in the Tipo area.

This came after the SBMA Board issued Resolution No. 20-09-1783 that approves the “Exclusion of the Tipo Area from the Moratorium on Trading of Trucks, Buses and Heavy Equipment and the Policy/ Guidelines in Accepting Truck Trading Companies at the Tipo Area.”

The SBMA Board resolution aims to move all truck trading companies to Tipo, an area near the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and far from the Central Business District (CBD).

This move is part of the agency’s zoning program to provide more space for SBMA to lease out to other companies looking into locating here.

During a meeting with the Subic Truck Importers Group, Paulino said that the SBMA Board has ordered all truck traders to move to the Tipo Area by April 30.

He added that since most of the utilities in the area are still not complete, the top official has allowed them to remain in their old areas in the naval station provided they have a standing contract with warehousing companies in Tipo.

“The SBMA Board has granted me authority to give some leeway to your companies. I can assure you that the agency is looking out for your businesses,” he said. He added that if they already have existing contracts in lease companies in Tipo, the agency will release their Certificate of Registration and Tax Exemptions (CRTEs) for them to resume operation.

Three companies have areas conducive for truck traders, buses and heavy equipment companies to locate, but are still being developed. These are Xantheng Subic International Corp. (XSIC), Filman Property Management Consultancy Inc., and Sino Invest.

Meanwhile, Subic Truck Importers Group President Peter Geroue said that most of their clientele are familiar with their areas near the CBD, providing customers easier access to their products. But with the board resolution, it would be far for their clientele to go to their showrooms.

Geroue added that what the SBMA chairman proposed is a win-win solution to both the SBMA and the companies, citing that the truck traders can still keep their offices near the CBD for operation and showroom purposes, while using the Tipo area as a warehouse.

 He added that this eliminates the idea of putting most of their trucks, buses and heavy equipment at a warehouse in Pampanga, making it accessible for the companies to just put them at a warehouse in Tipo.

Currently, there are around 50 truck trading companies inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, with most owned by foreign companies. The truck traders, bus, and heavy equipment sector has been one of the hardest hit during the Covid-19 pandemic, and is still reeling from the high prices of fuel in the global market. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA Chair grants access to Olongapo City residents along the Freeport Perimeter Fence

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino has opened some of the gates at this premier Freeport’s perimeter fence, providing access to residents of Olongapo City.

According to the Chairman, the opening of gates at the perimeter fence is part of his administration’s thrust to create synergy with the adjacent community of Olongapo City where he was a former mayor.

Engr. Jomel Libut of the SBMA Engineering department said that the P70-million seven-kilometer Perimeter Fence project is now physically complete. He said that the fencing project will span from the Kalaklan Gate up to the Kalayaan Gate of this freeport.

He added that the P53-million 3.3-kilometer perimeter road rehabilitation project, which is already 80 percent complete, will improve the security and drainage of one of the thoroughfares of this premier Freeport zone.

Paulino, however, explained that the said access road was opened to ferry residents to medical facilities in case of an emergency, or provide access to firetrucks and ambulances since most of the houses near the fence are on hilly areas.

“These residents are situated very far from the access road of the city, and they cannot easily be reached in cases of emergency,” he said.

Paulino assured that he has already instructed the agency’s Law Enforcement Department (LED) to patrol the area to deter any criminal activities. The SBMA official has also discussed with current Mayor Lenj Paulino of putting barangay patrols in each gate.

Aside from the residential areas, the Upper Sibul Elementary School, which is also situated beside the perimeter fence of the Freeport, has started face-to-face classes with its students.

Paulino made rounds at the elementary school talking to teachers and students who used to go around the city proper just to go to school. They were elated to know that the chairman has given them access to the gates of the perimeter fence.

But Paulino reiterated that LED officers will inspect the IDs of students using the access road as part of their standard operating procedure.

“Proper identification should be done to people using the access road, not just for the security of the Freeport, but for the safety of the pedestrians using the road as well,” he said. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA Finance, Regulatory groups bag Women’s Month Ultimate Cook-Off competition

Representatives from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Finance group and Regulatory group were declared winners of the agency’s Women’s Month Ultimate Cook-off Competition.

Dubbed as “Juana, laban sa pandemya. Kaya!,” this year’s Women’s Month festivities, concluded the month-long celebration of women empowerment with an ultimate cook-off challenge.

“For this year’s cook-off challenge, we have two categories—the ‘Bahay Kubo challenge’ and the Fruit Carving competition,” DJ Jepsz Eslava, SBMA Gender and Development (GAD) coordinator said.

He explained that for the ‘Bahay Kubo’ challenge, the representatives were provided with all the vegetables mentioned in the song ‘Bahay Kubo,’ except for the seasonal vegetables.

The Fruit Carving competition, Eslava added, is a new activity incorporated to the cook-off challenge, where representatives were given a watermelon, oranges, apples, and bell peppers to work on.

Eslava also said that the cook-off challenge, a tandem of men and women were required to represent each Strategic Business Unit (SBU). This, he said, was to signify that women’s month not only involves women, but men also, under a “shared responsibility.”

Winning P10,000 cash were Michelle Apilado of the Finance group for the ‘Bahay Kubo challenge,’ and John Dela Cruz of the Regulatory group for the Fruit Carving competition.

Other representatives who joined the Ultimate Cook-off challenge were: Maregil L. Soriano and Arturo E. Tacuyan of the Administration group; Ramwel Josefe Ramos and Almira C. Bautista of the Business and Investment group; Avlean Rica Torralba and June Calma of the Operations group; Aida Gorospe and Antonio dela Cruz of the Public Services group; Michelle Dolores and Rodante Tungol of the Legal Affairs group; Ryan Joseph Garcia and Fleurdelis Valino Cruz of the Chairman and Administrator’s group; Cheryl Mae L. Canlas and Nelson Nelgas of the Tourism group; and Mary Jane A. Delgado and Jesus P. Payumo of the Municipal Services group.

Representatives of each SBU were given P5,000 just for making it to the final list of cook-off participants.

Meanwhile, SBMA chairman and administrator Rolen C. Paulino expressed his admiration towards women.

“If I were to die and given a chance to live again, I would still choose to be a man. Because I know how hard it is to be a woman—to take care of their loved ones, to do all the household chores, and still even handle day jobs. So I honor the women for doing such a wonderful job,” Paulino said. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, PNP partners to provide security for Subic Bay

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), thru its Maritime Group (MG), signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that will provide better security for the waters of Subic Bay.

The MOA signing transpired between SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino and PNP-MG Director Police Brigadier General Harold B. Tuzon, and was witnessed by Deputy Chief PNP for Administration Police Lt. General Rhodel Orden Sermonia and SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao.

According to Chairman Paulino, the PNP-MG will provide trained and licensed personnel to man seven of the agency’s patrol boats comprising of three multi-purpose patrol boats, a search and rescue vessel, a garbage collection/firefighting vessel, an oil skimmer/firefighting vessel, and a line handling and utility boat.

These vessels were identified as MV Kalayaan, MV Binictican, MV Redondo, MV Ilanin, MV Triboa, MV Cubi, and MV Maritan.

“The operation tasking will be under our Seaport Department, and these vessels can only be used with the SBMA’s prescribed authority and within the vessels’ operational requirement,” Paulino said.

The SBMA chief added that the agency will provide an office and quartering facility for the PNP-MG personnel at the portion of Bldg. 696, located at the former Ship Repair Facility (SRF) wherein only a maximum of 30 personnel are allowed.

“The PNP Maritime will use, maintain, and occupy the facility for the use it is intended. They will shoulder the repair and maintenance of the facility for the entire duration of the agreement,” he said.

PNP-MG chief Tuzon said that aside from manning the boats, the group will provide technical, mechanical and physical vessel services for the repair of the patrol boats at their own expense. He added that they will also provide operation trip reports.

“In case of emergency or natural disaster or as maybe needed by the SBMA, the PNP-MG shall provide assistance and services upon request of the SBMA,” he added.

“With that said, we will provide security and other support and assistance, which shall promote the development, conservation, management, protection, and utilization of resources in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and its surrounding areas,” he cited.

Meanwhile, deputy chief Sermonia cited that with the added safety and security from the PNP-MG, the Subic Bay Freeport should expect more businesses to boom as he believes this is one of the key factors that makes the area a viable place to conduct business.

After the MOA signing, the PNP officials conducted a site inspection and evaluation of the vessels. (MPD-SBMA)

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LOOK: SBMA Chairman inspects Magsaysay Bridge construction; Clean-up drive at the NSD compound

 [1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino (in white polo shirt) inspects the on-going construction of Magsaysay Bridge which links the city of Olongapo and the Subic Bay Freeport zone on Friday, March 25. He urged the contractors to expedite the construction of the said bridge as it delays the development of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

[2-3] Various employees from different Freeport companies join a clean-up drive at the Naval Supply Depot (NSD) Compound on Friday March 25. The said activity was initiated by the SBMA Seaport Department to ensure a clean environment in this part of the Subic Freeport zone.

(Photos by MPD-SBMA)

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“Tourism is back in Subic” – SBMA chief

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Rolen C. Paulino has confirmed the return of tourism activities in the country’s premier freeport.

“First, Ironman was here two weeks ago. This is the second international sporting event after my appointment as SBMA chairman. And this goes to show that tourism is back in Subic,” Paulino said.

Paulino welcomed guests and participants of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, the second international sporting event to happen here, after the Inter-Agency Task Force for Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IAFT-MEID) placed Central Luzon under alert level 1, among most areas in the country.

The Clipper Race is a yacht race that goes around the world, facing one of the biggest challenges of the natural world and an endurance test like no other. Each fleet of yacht has a fully qualified skipper and first mate to safely guide the crew.

Now on its 12^th edition, the Clipper Race 2019-2020 took off from London, UK in September 2019; made way to Portimāo, Portugal in September 2019; then Punta del Este, Uruguay in October 2019, Cape Town, South Africa in November 2019, Fremantle, Australia in December 2019 and Whitsundays, Australia in January 2020.

Each host port offers a unique opportunity to be immersed in its culture and explore the city’s highlights.

The race has restarted in Subic Bay, having been on-hold for two years since the Covid-19 pandemic restricted the movement of people to prevent the spread of the disease.

After leaving the waters of Subic Bay, the fleet of 11 yachts and about 250 crew members are heading to Seattle, USA and leave by April 2022; then to Panama and leave by June 2022; Bermuda by June 2022; New York, USA by June 2022; Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland by July 2022, and London, UK by July 30, 2022.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, co-founder and chairman of the Clipper Ventures, expressed appreciation to one of the host ports, Subic Bay. He also thanked the chairman and Tourism manager Jem Camba, “whose teams have worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of Clipper Race stopover in Subic Bay.”

Knox-Johnston, himself, was the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world in June 1968. He was one of the nine sailors to compete in the Times Golden Globe Race, who set off on a voyage that lasted ten months, securing his place in the history books after he arrived back in Falmouth, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom in 312 days at sea in April 1969.

Meanwhile, Camba disclosed upcoming tourism events for the rest of the first semester.

She mentioned there will be fun run, trail run, and cycling events. Holy Week activities will also resume, which is the peak season of Subic Bay, as well as other religious and non-religious events.

For the Holy Week, which will start on Palm Sunday and will end on Easter Sunday, she said that there would be nightly activities at the Boardwalk area, as well as entertainment from Holy Wednesday to Black Saturday.

Also, there will be three concessionaires in different areas—weekend night market at San Roque chapel, as well as concessionaires at the Boardwalk, and a Banchetto (banquet) at the mini-golf.

Paulino, who was appointed new SBMA chairman and administrator on March 1, said that he plans to bring back the “old glory days” of Subic Bay by making it attractive again to more tourists and visitors.

“Come to Subic! It is still the one of the most beautiful destinations in the country, and the number 1 in Region 3. We have fast, flexible and friendly people in Subic,” Paulino said. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, MARINA hold Maritime Development Forum in Subic Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), in partnership with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) conducted a two-day forum that discussed various programs intended to develop the maritime industry in the country.

According to MARINA Administrator Robert Empedrad, the event, which is dubbed the “Philippine Maritime Industry Strategic Overview Forum, Stakeholders’ Orientation and Mobile Registration,” aims to discuss plans to bring its services closer to the Filipino seafarers.

Empedrad also disclosed that part of this forum is to enhance capabilities of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) as a transshipment hub, and urged stakeholders to unite their efforts for the realization of its goals.

“Today, we would like to share the vision of moving the maritime industry with the SBMA, the local government of Olongapo, maritime academe and private stakeholders, as we believed that our united efforts would contribute to the realization of the plans under the ten-year Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP),” he said.

During the forum, officials from MARINA discussed the overview of the MIDP, Philippine ship registry and overseas shipping, shipyard and ship repair, maritime safety functions, rules on the registration, licensing and operation of recreational boats, domestic shipping functions, and seafarers’ documentation, licensing and certification.

“We want to open an extension office here in Subic Bay Freeport Zone that will cater to the 21,305 seafarers from Bataan, Olongapo, Zambales, and the SBFZ. MARINA cannot do it alone but with our united efforts, the dream may become a reality,” he said.

Realizing the huge portion of seafarers and maritime stakeholders in the area, the forum also aims to lay down the plan of the MARINA in establishing an extension office in Subic through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with SBMA.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino welcomed the MARINA’s proposal, citing that the extension office will certainly benefit the seafarers of Central Luzon. He committed to provide any assistance needed in the plan to develop the maritime industry of the Freeport.

Paulino expressed his gratitude over the MARINA’s plan to help the SBMA in the maritime industry, as the maritime group expresses its readiness to explore possible areas of collaboration particularly in terms of shipyard capabilities, ship registry, capacity building, as well as relevant maritime-related projects and programs.

During the opening of the forum, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao said the Subic Bay Freeport Zone received 1,973 ship calls in 2021, with a total of 23,505,520.26 Gross Register Tonnage.

He added that for the months of January and February of this year, the SBMA received 144 and 186 ship calls, respectively. These ships include motor tankers, motor vessels, military vessels, container vessels and other ships. (MPD-SBMA)

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