SBMA steps up to provide stakeholders ease of bills payment

 

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has taken a step further to provide its stakeholders in this premier freeport a faster and more convenient way of paying their bills.

The SBMA recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Intercommerce Network Services Inc. (INS) and I-Pay MYEG Philippines Inc. (IPMPI) to further enhance its Electronic Bills & Payment System (eBPS).

“I think this eBPS would help our stakeholders a lot in terms of convenience in bills payment. This will save them time and fuel. Instead of going to our Treasury office or to any Landbank branch, they could just pay online or visit a partner merchant, at their convenience,” SBMA chairman and administrator Rolen C. Paulino said.

In September 2015, the SBMA first launched the eBPS, initially with the LandBank of the Philippines (LBP) as a collection system partner, and INS as provider of electronic payment platform.

However, with the emergence of a vast number of electronic payment systems, especially due to the restrictions during the pandemic, the demand for additional payment channel options encouraged the partnership to venture into other possibilities to explore further enhancement that will provide efficiencies to SBF stakeholders.

So in 2021, the INS introduced IPMPI to the SBMA to provide an additional electronic payment and collection system partner, giving stakeholders more options of choosing from over 90,000 electronic payment channels.

“We are more than happy that MYEG will be part of this initiative together with Intercommerce. Thank you very much for the partnership and for the trust that you have given MYEG,” said Ann Margaret Saldana, IPMPI Chief Executive Officer.

Saldana said that electronic payment channels such as 7-eleven, Cebuana Lhuiller, Palawan Express for cash payment, and GCash, Maya, GrabPay, Shoppee Pay, as well as credit cards for mobile payments, will be available with the intervention of MYEG.

She also assured that INS and MYEG will be working hand in hand to make sure that the citizens will be familiar with the platform that they could use at their preferred convenience without having to go to different offices to settle payments thru cashiers.

Moreover, INS president Francis Norman Lopez sees the partnership also as opening doors to other payment requirements of the agency.

“We hope that this would also be extended to the other payment requirements of SBMA like port facilities or services, and payment of other transactions of the SBMA. For that matter, I think, SBMA would be the first that would cover all its electronic payment transactions,” Lopez said.

Meanwhile, Paulino added that with the eBPS, the SBMA would also be complying with its obligations to the national government--Ease of Doing Business Act for providing convenience to stakeholders, ARTA for paperless transactions by opening digital payment services, and Executive Order 170 or the Adoption of Digital Payments for Government Disbursement and Collections.

With this MOA the SBMA shall authorize the INS and IPMPI for a period initially of one year to enhance the electronic billing and payment system and include MYEG, and its partners, as an additional payment gateway and to utilize the IPMPI’s multiple payment channels.

The implementation of the eBPS will be a big plus-factor to investors trying to make it happen in the Philippines, the convenience of payment transactions when they invest in Subic Bay.

The eBPS will be re-launched virtually on July 25 and 26 via Google Meet. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA gives ₱180.67-M revenue shares to neighboring LGUs

Eight neighboring local government units (LGUs) of this premier Freeport recently received its share of revenues from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) amounting to ₱180.67 million. 

Derived from the agency’s revenue collection from January to June this year, SBMA chairman and administrator Rolen C. Paulino led the distribution of shares to local government officials in a simple ceremony at the newly opened En Izakaya & Global Cuisine by Sakura restaurant. 

“I am optimistic that under the leadership of our new President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., our economy will improve and LGU shares will be bigger especially if more investors will invest in Subic,” Paulino said. 

Paulino also urged everyone to help each other like the way the SBMA patronizes businesses in the Freeport by holding meetings and other events in various establishments, rendering their services. This way, he said, businesses here are able to earn and pay their rent and the salaries of their employees.

He said that this practice would also be beneficial to potential investors who would want to make it happen in the Philippines when they invest in Subic Freeport. 

During the turnover ceremony, Olongapo City mayor Lenj Paulino received the biggest at ₱42.02- million; while, Subic, Zambales municipal treasurer Rosemarie Custodio received ₱24.62-million; Dinalupihan, Bataan mayor Herman Santos received ₱22.47-million; San Marcelino, Zambales municipal treasurer Eleanor Damasco received ₱21.65-million; on behalf of Hermosa, Bataan mayor, Atty. Anne Inton received ₱19.3- million; Castillejos, Zambales mayor Jeff Khonghun received ₱16.47-million; Morong, Bataan assistant municipal treasurer Ma. Teresita Reyes received ₱15.95-million, and San Antonio, Zambales mayor Edzel Lonzanida received ₱15.48-million.

Meanwhile, SBMA Deputy Administrator for Finance Antonietta Sanqui said that the LGU shares are determined according to population (50 per cent), land area (25 per cent), and equal sharing (25 per cent).

“The revenue shares being released by the SBMA every semester are derived from the corporate tax, which is two percent of the five-percent special tax it collects from business locators in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone,” she explained. 

Sanqui added that the SBMA has been releasing revenue shares directly to the LGUs since August 2010.  Previously, corporate taxes were remitted first to the national government, which would then distribute the shares to the concerned LGUs. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA more than happy to accommodate Hyundai Heavy in Subic Freeport

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino welcomed the possibility of South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) investing inside this premier Freeport.

The statement came after outgoing Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana revealed that the South Korean shipbuilder plans to construct a maintenance depot at the former Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Philippines (HHIC-Phil) shipyard in Redondo Peninsula.

“The company plans to have a maintenance depot here since many of our military ships are built by Hyundai. They would provide the maintenance needs of these ships,” he said.

Paulino said that the plans for the construction of HHI’s maintenance depot here would mean more job opportunities, and would generate income to the agency that can be added to the national coffers. He said that the construction of the HHI maintenance depot is more efficient rather than sending the ships back to South Korea for repairs.

Former Secretary Lorenzana cited that the country ordered the Philippine Navy (PN)'s first two missile frigates, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) from the South Korean shipbuilder. He added that HHI also secured the P28-billion contract for the two anti-submarine corvettes last December and the P30-billion offshore patrol vessel (OPV) deal.

The company is also the contractor for the South Korean Navy's Pohang-class corvettes, of which one is now in service with the PN, with another expected to be transferred soon. The company and the DND signed a lifetime service support contract for the maintenance and upkeep of the two Jose Rizal guided-missile frigates.

Chairman Paulino said that it is only fitting that the company construct its maintenance depot at the former Hanjin shipyard since Agila Subic (now owner of the Hanjin shipyard) is housing the base operations of the Philippine Navy.

 The SBMA chief also cited that after HHIC left, thousands of skilled workers in the shipbuilding sector have been unemployed and are seeking other job opportunities, but were unlucky due to the recent pandemic.

“The investment of Agila Subic has revived the shipbuilding industry of the Subic Bay Freeport back to life. We can expect more job opportunities for skilled shipbuilders in the area since more and more companies are looking into investing into Agila Subic’s shipbuilding industrial park,” he said.

The Philippine Navy occupies the northern portion of the former HHIC-Phil shipyard that spans around 100 hectares of the site's more than 280 hectares.

The activation and subsequent operationalization of NOB Subic are in line with the Navy's scaled-up maritime operations to support the needed base services of the deep-draft vessels such as Jose Rizal-class missile-frigates, Del Pilar-class offshore patrol ships, and Tarlac-class landing docks.

The newly activated base will house select fleet marine units, maintenance, and replenishment facilities that will enable the fleet to sustain the operational requirements of the current and future capital vessels. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, SBF locators help adults w/ special needs face independence in the real world

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) ventured in yet another first-of-its-kind partnership, to support the workplace immersion program for adults with special needs of students from the Vanguard Academy.

SBMA officials led by Labor department manager Atty. Melvin Varias, together with Le Charmé Suites chief executive officer Josephine Pellicer and Meat Plus Café Group operations manager Eizon Wilmar Sampang, welcomed 11 students of the Vanguard Academy (VA) in a send-off ceremony last July 2, 2022.

“On behalf of our chairman and administrator Rolen C. Paulino, and our Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Atty. Ramon Agregado, I would like to congratulate the Vanguard Academy for making this possible here in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone,” remarked Atty. Varias.

“This pilot immersion program is somehow noble to us because it involves students with special talents. This is unique to us. I hope that this multipartite partnership will be sustained even in the coming years because we believe that we can help prepare them for possible gainful employment in the future,” he added.

The Vanguard Academy, a special education institution in Makati City, Metro Manila, has collaborated with the SBMA Labor department to send off 11 young adults with special needs to selected SBMA departments and Freeport locators where they will work as on-the-job trainees (OJTs).

Five of them were assigned to SBMA departments (three for Tourism and two for Law Enforcement), four to Le Charmé Suites (two each for the cafeteria and hotel front desk), and two to Meat Plus Café.

In 2021, the VA launched the Workplace Immersion Program (WIP) on an online platform due to the pandemic. Students completed the program with the school’s partnerships with Viva Entertainment, Ayala Foundation and Bonifacio Art Foundation, where the OJT work focused more on the visual arts skills of the students.

The Academy is also taking it up a notch this year by piloting WIP on a face-to-face platform allowing them to work on-site but with guidance by job coaches from the academy.

One of their goals is for their students to have assisted or fully independent part- or full-time employment in small or large businesses by empowering individuals of all abilities, regardless of age, diagnosis whether typical or special that they may eventually be able to contribute to and be part of the society.

A few weeks back, the VA’s job coaches conducted an orientation session with its WIP partners on the basics of handling adults with special needs. Then, proceeded to assisting the students as they undergo the formality of a job interview by their respective employers, and a tour of the facility the students will be working in.

Jean Patricio, Vanguard Academy director for Academics, Employment and Independent Living Skills said that they always use the term “all abilities” to refer to different levels of abilities, whether typically developing, or individuals with autism, individuals with Down’s Syndrome, individuals with intellectual disability, or individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and so on.

“We are using WITH—with autism, with Down’s syndrome and not their actual names like autism, Down’s syndrome. It’s always WITH because we want to highlight that those diagnoses are just a part of them and not who they are. These individuals are more than their diagnosis,” she added.

During the opening program and send-off ceremony, the SBMA, Le Charmé Suites, Meat Plus Café, and Vanguard Academy officials sealed the agreement to formally commence the implementation of the two-week WIP of 11 adults with special needs.

Students, parents, job coaches and even partner establishments were anxious about the implementation of the program because these adults with special needs will be away from their comfort zone for two weeks.

However, one parent, Roy Ebora, father of three student participants namely, Kyle Kurt and John, said that the WIP is very well appreciated.

“From my perspective, this kind of program brings hope to parents like me that they will learn life skills. To people who are not in the normal spectrum, as development psychologists call it, having life skills is actually not that simple. And as we know, society in general, can be a little bit harsh to people who are not part of the normal group,” Ebora explained citing that one of his fears is if his children would be able to integrate themselves to society when they are gone.

Meanwhile, SBMA chairman and administrator Rolen Paulino expressed elation about having adults with special needs completing their training here in the SBF.

“This is great! Aside from the regular individuals we have in our workforce, we have “differently abled” individuals in our workforce. Now, we have trainees with special needs. I look forward to having them as workers sometime soon,” Paulino said.

Paulino also mentioned that in Subic Bay Freeport welcomes workers of all kinds of groups, including members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer community. With that, he reiterated the call to potential investors who want to make it happen in the Philippines to invest in Subic. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Subic Freeport remains No. 1 tourist destination in Central Luzon, No. 5 in country despite pandemic

This bustling premier Freeport has again sustained its reputation as the top tourist destination in Central Luzon, and 5^th in the entire country for 2021.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism department manager Jem Camba disclosed that the Department of Tourism (DOT) conferred the Subic Bay Freeport as the number one tourist destination in Central Luzon with 7,374,332 visitors and 737,486 tourists for the year 2021, while also ranking fifth among the most visited places in the country.

“We have established and followed strict health and safety protocols since the pandemic broke, because we had to ensure the safety of guests entering the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. So that we could promote Subic Freeport as a safe destination for tourists, with the strict adherence to the health and safety guidelines set by the national government,” Camba said.

She added that during the second year under the pandemic, the tourism industry of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone continued to thrive via digital marketing, online business-to-business meetings, and travel fairs, not to mention creating QR codes for easy access of information regarding tourism and health and safety guidelines being implemented here.

It was also during this time of the pandemic when bubble events boomed, which was usually used in the sports tourism industry such as the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, FilBasket, and beach volleyball. The Freeport was also the place to go for locked-in tapings as it became the venue for film shoots.

Camba said that the agency assures that the hotels and other tourism-related establishments complied with the health and safety standards set by the national government, as weekly inspections of the area are being conducted by the agency on their compliance.

“We also utilized some of these hotels for either quarantine, leisure or mixed-use purposes. The quarantine hotels are areas where repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and non-OFWs stay upon arrival at the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA),” she said.

She assured that almost all of the employees of these hotels have already been vaccinated to ensure the safety of their guests; other tourism-related establishments such as restaurants and theme parts have also followed suit.

Meanwhile, the Subic’s tourism industry has a positive outlook for 2022 as more sports tourism events have resumed here. Recently, the SBMA played host to sports tourism events such as the 2022 Subic Bay International Triathlon, Audax Ride, FRIKE: Mountain Bike Fun Race, and the 2022 Rally Sprint Series Round 1.

Events such as the EZ Mil Panalo Homecoming Tour, Gold’s Gym Muscle Contest, Pickleball National Tournament, Subic Bay Ironkids, Subic Bay 5150, and the continuation of the 2022 Rally Sprint Series will draw more tourists before the end of the year.

“Aside from these events, the SBMA will resume its cruise ship arrivals by next year. Companies such as the Royal Caribbean have already confirmed their arrival for 2023,” Camba said.

With all the upcoming activities, Camba also expressed hope for more tourism-related businesses to make it happen in the Philippines, particularly in Subic Freeport. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Subic Bay Freeport stakeholders, SBMA employees join Arbor Day 2022

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) employees join workers, residents, officials and executives from different locators inside the Freeport zone as they participate in the tree planting, forest clean-up and wildlings collection activity as part of the annual Arbor Day celebration held July 5.

Magtanum kitamo: Subic Bay’s Artbor Day, D-Day is this year’s Arbor Day celebration organized by the SBMA Ecology Center where Subic Bay Freeport locators, residents, SBMA departments and employees, particularly environmental officers, pollution control officers and managers enjoined. 

Dubbed as “Bi-ayang Chawon Year 2,” Arbor Day aims to highlight the values of trees and forests, and to educate and encourage the Freeport stakeholders to take care of these important natural resources.

“Bi-ayang Chawon means to continue doing the activities that would improve environmental awareness, re-introduce activities that would aid in the conservation and protection of the forests, and promote camaraderie among the stakeholders,” SBMA Ecology Center manager Amethya Dela Llana explained.

The celebration commenced with Panimula, a virtual opening ceremony on June 20 and ended with Pagpapatuloy, its virtual closing on July 4.

Online lecture series, social media posts and exhibits, and a tree-planting activity highlighted the three-week event. First of which was Chawon: An online Lecture Series” from June 22 to 24.

Also #TREEnding featured (1) weekly social media posts about the SBF forest and/or trivia about trees; (2) a two-week photo exhibit at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall showcasing SBMA’s Arbor Day celebrations and reforestation efforts; (3) a three-day trade fair featuring concessionaires of organic, eco-friendly and/or educational products that will run from June 22 to 24; and (4) a photo contest where participants were asked to post a photo of them or their group participating in the activities during the Subic Bay’s Arbor Day, D-Day on June 30, 2022.

Finally, Magtanum kitamo: Subic Bay’s Arbor Day, D-Day on June 30, participants took part in a tree planting at the SBMA’s reforestation site, collected wildlings at Pamulaklakin Forest, and cleanup El Kabayo Forest.

Meanwhile, SBMA chairman and administrator Rolen C. Paulino disclosed that the said activities area part of the bigger plan to make Subic attractive to foreign and local investors who would want to make it happen in the Philippines and find it practical to invest in Subic. 

Arbor Day is observed every June 25. During the peak of the pandemic, Arbor Day was observed thru online activities. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA ends Pride celebration with 1st LGBTQ+ circle of unity, solidarity

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Gender and Development technical working group (GAD-TWG) spearheaded the ceremonial circle of unity and solidarity among members and supporters of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer (LGBTQ+) community.

Forming a big circle around the LGBTQ+ flag, participants waved their flaglets in the air, dancing to the tune of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” to show equality among all sexual preferences.

“Our objective for this circle of unity and solidarity is to show the world that gender equality exists in Subic Bay Freeport,” said DJ Jepsz Eslava, SBMA Gender and Development (GAD) coordinator.

Eslava said that the event serves as the finale of the month-long celebration of Pride month. Earlier this week, GAD-TWG organized a webinar for SBMA employees and other LGBTQ+ members. It tackled two topics—hypertension and angina, and safe spaces act and anti-bullying.

During the culminating activity, a gallery of photos joining the contest was also judged according to its theme, “Breaking stereotypes.” Entries were judged according to people’s choice and jury’s choice. Both won ₱10,000 cash.

Also, the Pride Eco-wear Challenge, where contestants were challenged to come-up with an attire made out of recycled materials and coherent to this year’s theme, “love and unity for the LGBTQ+ Community 2022.” The champion was given ₱10,000 cash, while consolation prize winners got ₱2,000 cash.

Last but not the least, live Q&A finalists at G’ Morning radio program of GAD, which aired over 89.5 FM Subic Bay Radio, were also judged according to people’s choice and jury’s choice. Winners of both category were given ₱5,000 each. Consolation prize winners received ₱2,000 each.

Meanwhile, SBMA chairman and administrator Rolen C. Paulino, who was attending another important event, expressed his support to the LGBTQ+ community. 

“I support the LGBTQ+ community, and they are very welcome here. Everybody is welcome here. Subic Bay Freeport is open for everybody,” Paulino assured.

Paulino added that this support to the LGBTQ+ community also serves as a welcome to potential investors who is eyeing to make it happen in the Philippines and invest in Subic, because people in Subic are gender sensitive. 

GAD-TWG disclosed that more GAD activities are already lined up for the rest of the year, including Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) and Men Oppose VAW Everywhere (MOVE). (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA opens ₱24.7-M new fire station building

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Fire department early this week inaugurated its ₱24.7-million new Fire Station No. 7 building.

Built on a 3,350 sq.m. lot along Sampson Road corner Dewey Avenue, the Spanish-American inspired building, Fire Station No. 7 serves as the main office of the SBMA Fire department that has jurisdiction over the former Ship Repair Facility (SRF), Naval Ship Depot (NSD), Industrial Parks, and the Central Business District (CBD) area.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, who led a brief inspection of the new building, was amazed at the improvement of the fire station.

“Our fire fighters are well-known, not only in Central Luzon, but in the Asian Region as well. And this milestone only proves that our fire fighters are committed to provide the highest standard of service,” Paulino said.

Paulino added that he is proud to say that the SBMA fire department is also known for its ability to respond to emergencies and provide fire protection services within its jurisdiction in seven minutes or less, as he addressed guests including the Olongapo City Fire Department and the Makati City Fire Department.

He noted that this is part of the agency’s efforts to maintain existing investors and attract more investments, especially foreign direct investments (FDIs) intending to make it happen in the Philippines. He also declared, “Subic Bay is a complete community.”

Meanwhile, Fire Chief Ranny Magno disclosed that apart from the new building, which occupies 593.38 sq.m., the new Fire Station No. 7 has an apparatus floor covering 167.89 sq.m. that can accommodate up to four fire trucks.

Magno admitted that the proposal for the said building was rejected at first because it defies the traditional design of fire stations in the country. Eventually, it was approved when he persisted that the Hispanic aesthetic feature is intended to preserve the institutional memory, rich history and heritage of the Subic Bay Freeport as the former recreation facility of the Spanish Navy, and subsequently, the United States Navy.

“We must have a sense of history. This is a former Spanish-American Naval Base,” he cited, noting that the SBMA has always been a “show-window to the whole world” for being able to provide rescue and retrieval operations even to Japan, Taiwan, Iran and Asian countries.

Magno also said the building was also designed to conform to the Environmental Management System (EMS) standards of the ISO14001 with a water and oil separator engineering design to ensure that fire and rescue operations prevent pollutions and detrimental effect on the environment.

It also promotes Gender and Development (GAD) equality having an all-gender comfort rooms, male and female quarters suitable for breast feeding and hygiene concerns.

It has a mini museum inside the building where old fire and rescue equipment will be displayed to educate students coming to visit the Fire Department during their educational tours inside the Freeport. Some fire and rescue paraphernalia and old apparatus are being displayed at the sodding area of the new fire station.

Coinciding with the program, Paulino commended the fire fighters for exuding outstanding performance as among the Freeport’s main frontliners during the height of the pandemic.

Also, Paulino said that he will propose to the SBMA board of directors to allow sending Fire department personnel to Virginia Beach in USA where they could meet with American counterparts to acquire the newest techniques and approaches to fire suppression.

In 2014, when Paulino was the Olongapo City mayor, he entered into a sisterhood pact with Virginia Beach officials.

The occasion also became a reunion for former and current fire fighters. (MPD-SBMA)

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Japanese manufacturing company eyes ₱4B expansion in Subic

Japanese company Nidec Subic Philippines Corporation, manufacturer of reducer gears for robotic application, is eyeing a P4-billion expansion project inside its manufacturing site at the Subic Techno Park (STEP) in this premier Freeport zone.

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, the expansion will generate employment to some 3,400 skilled workers as the company intends to engage into producing a new product called Flexwave, a middle-sized speed reducer for robots.

Paulino disclosed that the company plans to increase the number of workers from its current 625 to 4,028 once the expansion project has been completed by 2025. This is to fulfill its production target of 350,000 per year, all of which will be exported to the USA, Europe, Japan, Korea, China, India, and Brazil.

“The number of skilled workers in the Freeport’s adjacent communities is certainly in high demand. The SBMA will help in any way it can to provide the company the manpower needed for its expansion operation,” he added.

The SBMA chief lauded Nidec Subic for showing their confidence with the SBMA and pursuing its goal to make it happen in the Philippines, even choosing the Subic Bay Freeport to implement the expansion project.

The said expansion will entail two phases. First phase will be the renovation of two of their buildings, which are expected to be completed by third quarter of 2022. Second phase will be the construction of a new building, which is expected to be completed by November or December of 2022.

During the height of the pandemic, the firm had to cut down on its employees due to the closure of their base production of spindle motors to ensure the financial stability of the company.

As a result, the company retrenched 70 percent of its workforce due to the adverse effect on the global economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The company was forced to give 784 workers their separation pay.

Meanwhile, Chairman Paulino assured Nidec Subic that the SBMA is keen on helping them find skilled workers for the imminent expansion as the SBMA recently signed an agreement with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to establish a skills training and assessment center to train potential workers who will complement workforce requirements of industries in the Freeport. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, TESDA agree to produce more highly skilled, reliable workforce in Subic Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to rekindle its partnership to produce more highly skilled and reliable workforce.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino and TESDA Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña signed the agreement at the Hilton Clark Hotel in Clark Freeport on Thursday during TESDA’s 17th General Directorate Conference.

“Subic Bay Freeport is well-known to be the center of highly skilled and English-speaking workers. That is why a lot foreign investors have been confidently setting up their businesses here,” Paulino said.

He added that even during the height of the pandemic foreign investors remained in the Freeport still hoping to make it happen in the Philippines and help revive the economy.

According to the MOA, building 309 located at Canal Road in Subic Bay Freeport will be utilized as a skills training and assessment center to train potential workers who will complement workforce requirements of industries inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ).

He added that the center also intends to address the training and assessment improvement requirements of the Freeport zone workers, which include the displaced workers due to the pandemic, the indigenous peoples and the disadvantaged sectors in the area. 

Secretary Lapeña said, “For skills and livelihood programs, the training center will offer programs in agriculture, construction, automotive and land transportation related sectors for the displaced workers and others in need of skills training and upgrading of skills or reinskilling.”

The MOA also stated that the SBMA shall provide the training venue or facility including cost of utilities, while TESDA shall ensure that qualified trainers and assessors, as well as appropriate tools, supplies, equipment and materials are available in the conduct of training and assessment.

“TESDA shall also provide free training and assessment and other related services thru available scholarship programs. Both parties shall jointly implement minimum health protocols in the conduct of training and assessment under the new normal,” Lapeña added.

The duration of the MOA is within five years, providing the two agencies a long-term partnership. It also ensures that the appropriate training and assessment programs and services are extended to the intended beneficiaries of the SBFZ.

The training facility is a two-storey building with an area of 2,000 square meters, initially costing P6.5 million allotted by the SBMA for refurbishment. The first phase will include workshop areas in welding, electrical training program, and other support amenities.

The SBMA’s expansion project for the facility includes the creation of workshop areas on electronics and photovoltaic system at the second floor.

Witnessing the event were Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Emmanuel Gaerlan, TESDA Board Members Randy Nonato and Nonita Ortiz, SBMA Labor Manager Atty. Melvin Varias, SBMA Public Relations Manager Armie Llamas, TESDA Region 3 Director Balmyrson Valdez, TESDA Deputy Director General (DDG) Lina Sarmiento, DDG Rosanna Urdaneta, DDG Aniceto Bertiz III, DDG Gabriel Luis Quisumbing, and other officials of the two agencies.

Back in 2018, the SBMA and TESDA also collaborated with a company engaged in trading of motor vehicles here for the training of workers in the automotive industry.

Subictrak International Inc., a Subic-registered enterprise engaged in importation, remanufacture, rebuilding and re-export of motor vehicles and heavy equipment, joined TESDA for an in-plant Dual Training System to help increase standards in truck rebuilding. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport workforce now 145,230-strong

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has recorded a total of 145,230 workers employed in various business sectors inside this premier Freeport zone as of April 2022.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, these workers are currently employed by the 3,689 companies investing in the Freeport. He added that with more companies looking forward to make it happen in the Philippines by investing in Subic Freeport, the number could further increase by the end of the year.

Paulino said that 64,474 of the 145,230 employees came from Olongapo City, citing that this accounts for 44.39 percent of the total workforce. He added that the number of workers who are from Olongapo City increased by 9.35-percent compared to the 58,960 recorded from the same month last year.

He added that workers from the province of Zambales, the second highest contributor to the total workforce, has a total of 27,087 employees, or five percent higher that last year’s 25,798. Next is Bataan with 18,062 employees, which increased by 2.5 percent from last year’s 17,611.

Other areas that contribute to Subic’s workforce include National Capital Region with 5,091 workers; Pampanga with 4,170 workers; Tarlac with 1,900 workers; and various other areas in the country with 24,446 employees.

Currently, the service-related sector has the most number of employees hired with 107,056 workers, followed by the manufacturing sector with 20,677 workers, then by the construction sector with 12,480 workers, and lastly the shipbuilding/maritime-related services with 5,017 workers.

“The agency is looking forward to the next few months as more and more companies are investing here in Subic Bay Freeport. I am quite certain that the numbers will go up, especially now that most of the workers here are fully vaccinated,” Paulino said.

“Right now, the agency is regularly posting job vacancies and conducting job fairs since most of the companies here that were badly affected by the pandemic are now reopening, while some are currently expanding. Our Labor Department under the leadership of Atty. Melvin Varias is busy with sorting out applicants who are looking to land a job from the numerous job vacancies in Subic Freeport,” he further added.

Meanwhile, Paulino also disclosed that one of the companies to look out for is the Japanese company Nidec Subic that manufactures reducer gears for robotic application. He said that the company is eyeing a P4-billion expansion project that will increase its workforce by 84 percent from the current 625 to 4,028 for the next three years. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, gov’t agencies conduct anti-terrorism exercise in Subic Freeport

As part of the national government’s thrust to thwart terrorism in the country, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), along with other government agencies jointly conducted a simulation exercise at the Subic Water Binictican Water Treatment Plant.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, the Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Simulation Exercise 2022 was conducted by the Anti-Terrorism Council – Program Management Center (ATC-PMC) headed by the Project Management Office of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The official added that the inter-agency simulation exercise series (IA Simex Series) included personnel from the DILG, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), ATC-PMC, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Prevention (BFP), Disaster Risk Reduction Management Offices from Bataan and Zambales, Peace and Order Councils of LGUs, CBRN National Team Observers, Subic Water and Sewerage Company, Inc., and the SBMA.

Chairman Paulino further revealed, “The opening scenario during the CBRN Simex was a negotiation between the terrorist group who took over the Subic Water Binictican Water Treatment Plant with plans to contaminate the water supply of Olongapo City. The terrorist group demanded P10 million, along with the release of their comrades. A PNP negotiator then attempted to communicate with the terrorist group.”

“Should negotiations fail, the PNP will cordon off the area while the SBMA Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team conducts a meeting before an insertion operation Following the insertion, SWAT personnel then neutralize the terrorist threat and rescue hostages taken by the terrorists.

“Both the SWAT and the hostages are then thoroughly checked for any chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear contaminations before they are allowed to conduct further operations. Debriefing immediately follows after decontamination,” he said.

The official stated that the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams from the AFP and PNP scout the area for any explosive devices that the terrorist group may have left behind. The SBMA Fire Department and the BFP then carry out extraction of injured victims and live suspects using hazmat suits.

“Medical teams from the SBMA Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD) then immediately attend to the wounded victims, including the terrorists for medical attention,” Paulino said.

 DILG Assistant Secretary Brig. Gen. Alexander Macario lauded the participation of various government agencies at the CBRN Simex 2022, citing that with a bit more polishing, the operation would be seamless. He added that the exercise is designed to meet the needs of the particular area in partnership with stakeholders.

“The exercise should support and develop exercise practitioners’ competency to plan, implement, and evaluate simulation exercises within the terrorist-related CBRN crisis field. This exercise also requires the active participation of representatives from both local and national government agencies, and include non-government units and stakeholders,” he said. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SC reverses CA; reinstates trial court order on P5.5-B SBMA-HCPTI contract

The Supreme Court (SC) has reversed the 2013 decision of the Court of Appeals (CA) as it reinstated the 2012 trial court ruling which ordered the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to award the P5.5 billion contract to Harbour Centre Port Terminal, Inc. (HCPTI) for the development, operation and management of several ports inside the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone.

The 2012 ruling of the Olongapo City regional trial court (RTC) directed SBMA to issue a notice of award (NOA) and notice to proceed (NTP) to HCPTI for the joint venture projects covering the Naval Supply Depot, Boton, Alava, Rivera and Bravo Wharfs/Point.

In reversing the trial court, the CA said that the SBMA has no legal duty to issue the NOA and NTP because “the SBMA has the discretion to either approve or reject the recommendation to award” and that HCPTI “has no vested right to the issuance of the NOA and the NTP.”

The SC, in a decision written by Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda and made public last May 18, said:

“In sum, there is no law justifying the non-issuance of the NOA due to the withdrawal of the NEDA (National Economic Development Authority) endorsement. Petitioner (HCPTI) has complied with all the legal requisites for the issuance of the NOA. As such, a writ of mandamus may issue to compel SBMA to perform its legal duty.

“The Decision dated 12 January 2012 of Branch 72, Regional Trial Court of Olongapo City in Civil Case No. 108-0-2011 is hereby REINSTATED. SO ORDERED.”

On Nov. 16, 2009, SBMA received an unsolicited proposal from HCPTI to enter into an unincorporated joint venture (JV) for the development, operation and management of the ports in the Subic freeport zone. The JV envisioned a consolidation of the break-bulk, bulk and other essential port services to achieve efficiency of port resources.

HCPTI’s proposal was done in line with the 2008 Guidelines and Procedures for entering into JVA between government and private entities issued by NEDA.

However, on July 5, 20211, NEDA withdraw its endorsement of the project based on alleged violation of the 2008 JV guidelines, such as the execution of the agreement as early as stage two of the process and a supposed material change in the project cost from approximately P763 million to P5.37 billion after the competition challenge.

The Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), which had found the agreement between SBMA and HCPTI valid, recommended the suspension of the NTP in view of NEDA’s withdrawal of its endorsement.

Due to SBMA’s failure and refusal to issue the NOA and NTP, HCPTI filed a petition for mandamus before the Olongapo RTC. During the pendency of the petition, NEDA denied SBMA’s motion and reiterated the withdrawal of its endorsement.

“It appears that there is no legal or contractual obstacle to the issuance of the NTP. Hence, the same must also be issued to petitioner in preparation for the implementation of the JVA (joint venture agreement), and so that the parties may start complying with other conditions precedent stipulated therein.

“WHEREFORE, premises considered, the petition is hereby GRANTED. The Decision dated 08 August 2013 and Resolution dated 14 January 2014 of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. SP No. 125330 are REVERSED and SET ASIDE.

“The Decision dated 12 January 2012 of Branch 72, Regional Trial Court of Olongapo City in Civil Case No. 108-0-2011 is hereby REINSTATED. SO ORDERED.”

“In this case, all the requisites for the issuance of the NOA had already been complied with. The existence of these requisites gave rise to a clear legal right in favor of petitioner and correlative ministerial duty upon SBMA,” the SC said. (Manila Bulletin)

Source: https://mb.com.ph/2022/05/23/sc-reverses-ca-reinstates-trial-court-order-on-p5-5-b-sbma-hcpti-contract/

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