SBMA Chairman assures stricter measures against smuggling

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan assured the public that smuggling will be thwarted during his term.

The statement came after Tan and Bureau of Customs (BOC) District Collector Atty. Carmelita Talusan conducted an inspection of counterfeit goods worth P240-million in a warehouse in Subic Bay Freeport on Tuesday.

According to Tan, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has mandated him to look into the smuggling of goods inside the Freeport, citing that the apprehension of the shipment of counterfeit goods is thru the collaboration between his agency and the BOC Port of Subic.

Chairman Tan said that the SBMA will provide any assistance necessary to the BOC Port of Subic to ensure that smuggled goods would be confiscated before entering other Philippine territories. 

“The cooperation between the SBMA and BOC Port of Subic will definitely yield positive results following the mandate that the President has given me. By working together, our agencies will certainly provide a more secure Subic Bay Freeport Zone that is free from smuggling,” Tan said.

The two officials inspected the shipments of counterfeit goods at a warehouse in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone on Tuesday wherein 1,269 cartons of misdeclared t-shirts were found. Talusan said that the estimated value of the two shipments totaled P240 million.

Atty. Talusan also mentioned that the cargoes arrived on June 14, from its port of origin in Dhaka, Bangladesh. She added that they conducted the examination on June 26 on the shipments consigned to Bonne Volonte Consumer Goods.

The BOC official also cited that the shipment violates Section 155 of Republic Act No. 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, relative to Section 1113(f) of RA No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

Talusan also disclosed that some of the brand owners who provided certificates of counterfeit goods include Emerald Garment Manufacturing Corp. (makers of RRJ, Stylistic and Mr. Lee), and Federis & Associates Law Offices for Uniqlo and Cotton On. (MPD-SBMA)

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PCSPC to expand fuel storage by 6.3 million barrels in Subic Freeport

The Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation (PCSPC) is expanding their fuel storage capacity to 6.3 million barrels inside this premier Freeport.

During the groundbreaking ceremony at the Subic Bay Freeport on Tuesday, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan disclosed that the company is set to construct two new 180,000-barrel-capacity fuel storage tanks this year and the next.

Tan was the guest of honor at the groundbreaking ceremony led by PCSPC Chief Executive Officer Richard Tiansay at the Maritan Tank Farm here.

Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato Lee III, PCSPC Chief Finance Officer Tricianne Zingapan, Metalife Builders Development Company, Inc. President Arnel Dumalaog and Vice President For Operations Milo Sesante were also present to witness the ceremony.

According to Tiansay, the two 180,000-barrel-capactiy fuel storage tanks cost of P800-million, with the first tank expected to be completed by March 2024, while the second tank by August 2024.

The two tanks will also be constructed at the Maritan Tank Farm.

He added that the construction of these two tanks were tasked to Metalife Builders Development Company, Inc., since the company has adhered with international standards. Tiansay also said that all tanks will be equipped with safety and environmental control equipment including fire protection and pollution control.

Chairman Tan said that the expansion of the company’s operations is welcome news, adding that part of his administration’s thrust is the development of existing companies inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. He also expressed that companies will certainly flourish under his term.

“We want Subic Bay Freeport to develop and become the preferred sustainable investment hub and eco-tourism destination in Asia Pacific by 2030. The construction of these two 180,000-barrel-capacity fuel storage tanks is a step forward towards that goal,” he added.

In 1993, PCSPC initially assumed operation that only had a 2.5-million barrels capacity. The company has then been expanding ever since. The Maritan expansion project, which started in 2012, is now on Phase 4 of the construction in the area.

The construction of the two barrels will increase the capacity of the PCSPC by up to 6.3-million barrels or one billion liters of fuel storage. Once operational, the project is expected to increase the vessel dockage at Subic Pier and tank truck deliveries, which will attract more petroleum fuel clients to utilize Subic Freeport as their fuel hub. (MPD-SBMA)

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15 SBMA employees enhance electrical skills from Gigamare’s CSR

Some 15 employees of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently completed Customized Electrical Training Course at the Gigamare, Inc. Training Facility at the East Ilanin Forest of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

According to Human Resource Management Department manager Vivian Abalos, this training course is the second training course offered by Gigamare as part of their commitment to the SBMA to give skills enhancement training courses to its employees free of charge.

She said that back in February this year, the first batch of SBMA employees underwent air-conditioning skills training at the said facility, adding that there will be more employees who will take part in other various skills training courses.

“Their training course would normally cost $1,100 per head. That is how much the agency saves with every employee we send to Gigamare for skills enhancement training. This includes shuttle services back and forth, meals during training, use of equipment and other materials related to the training,” Abalos explained.

During the first day of the five-day electrical training course, topics discussed were Electrical Safety and Basic Electrical Theory; electrical hazards; characteristics of matter; electrostatics, resistance and conductance; basic electric circuit; electricity and power; and resistor color coding.

For the second day, the topics included introduction to direct and alternating currents; series direct current circuit; direct and alternating current and voltage; alternating current advantages; and installation of tube light circuit.

Third day topics include: meter basics; ammeters; voltmeter; ohmeters; multimeters; and installation of series/ parallel circuit/ 3-way switch.

For day four, DC and AC motors; principles of operation; motor loads; direction of rotation; practical direct current motors; basic alternating current motors; and construction and operation of AC and DC motors.

Day five topics include: Basic motor control; introduction motor; starters/ controllers; symbols and diagrams; control circuits; motor starting methods; configure the power and control circuit of full voltage starter and reduced voltage starter; wiring the power circuit and control circuit of full voltage starter; and wiring the power circuit and control circuit of reduced voltage starter.

Gigamare, Inc. has committed to provide skills training to SBMA employees on a quarterly basis. According to the company, this is part of their corporate social responsibility for this premier Freeport.

Gigamare was established 15th of April 2013 acquiring Wärtsilä Corporation’s training infrastructure in Subic; continuing the company’s operations in the Philippines. Their mission is to provide innovative and high-quality products and services leading to safe and efficient operations for maritime, offshore, oil and gas, energy, and mining segments.

The company offers environmental and economic training solutions for an improved human factor aided by performance gap analysis. Our unique hands-on academy offers close to real-life experience on operating, repairing, and maintaining equipment and shipboard simulators. (MPD-SBMA)

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Three shipping lines launch service connecting Subic Bay to South China and Vietnam

Emirates Shipping Line (ESL), ASEAN Sea Line (ASL) and Pacific International Line (PIL), have launched a new service from Subic Bay International Terminals (SBITC). 

The service connects International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) Subic Bay operation in Zambales with South China and Vietnam. 

The South China-Vietnam-Philippines (SVP) service made its inaugural call at the Port of Subic on 9 June with the arrival of the 1,200-teu-Danum 175, operated by ESL. 

The feeder service, which makes weekly calls to Subic, caters to the growing trade requirements of South China and Vietnam. 

It also highlights the free trade agreement between the Philippines and other Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership members including Vietnam, which faces a growing demand for its agriculture and manufacturing exports. 

“The service offers a good opportunity to Northern and Central Luzon traders, who can leverage the increased connectivity to markets in Vietnam and China,” said Henry Dungca, SBITC terminal manager. 

The SVP service rotation is as follows: Shekou – Nansha – Xiamen – Manila North – Subic – Xiamen – Shekou – Nansha – Ho Chi Minh – Shekou. (SNL)

Source: https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/subic-bay-international-terminals-expand-south-china-vietnam-connectivity/

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SBMA beefs up services by modernizing service vehicles

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has taken a step to level up its services to its stakeholders with the purchase of 44 brand new vehicles.

During the blessing of the 44 new vehicles, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan said that the agency is in dire need of replacing the old vehicles with new ones that can be utilized by the employees in its day-to-day operations.

“If we improve our quality of work, the more we could attract investors, the more jobs we could generate for our communities, not only for our present day job-seekers, but for the next generations to come,” Tan said.  

He added that with the new direction that the agency is taking, improving the working environment is a step to start with.

“Our vision for the Subic Bay Freeport is to become the preferred sustainable investment hub and eco-tourism destination in Asia Pacific by 2030. One of our steps towards achieving that goal is to ensure that the operating systems of the SBMA are presentable to viable investors,” he said.

The 44 new vehicles include ten new patrol cars, five multipurpose vehicles, six 4x2 pickup compact trucks, seven 4x4 pickup compact trucks, eight passenger vans, four 4x4 pickups, and four 4x2 pickups, amounting to ₱73.5 million.

San Roque Chapel Chaplain Father Noel Montes officiated the blessing of the new vehicles in front of the administration building of the SBMA on Monday. Tan assisted the cleric during the blessing ceremony.

Tan reminded officials and employees of the SBMA that the said vehicles were purchased from the taxpayers’ money, and that they have the responsibility of taking care of these vehicles.

Meanwhile, Tan added that the agency has created a technical working group that would address the problem of public transportation inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“Our nightlife here needs reviving since most of the restos and bars close early,” he said.

“One of the main reasons for the early closure is the lack of public transportation system in the late hours of the night. We do have taxis, but for a simple employee of a restaurant or bar, taking the cab everyday would certainly hurt his or her income,” he added.

He further explained that if the public transportation would operate even until midnight, the Freeport could expect an increase in nightlife in Subic, thus creating more economic activities here.

“We have a community here, therefore we need a public transportation system,” he added.

Finally, the Chair disclosed that the agency is eyeing the purchase of electric buses and creating more bus stops, especially in housing areas such as Binictican and Kalayaan. He said that these e-buses would also provide free rides for SBMA employees. (MPD-SBMA)

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LOOK: SBMA Chief Jonathan Tan meets with TWG to address public transportation needs in SBFZ

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan confers matters with the Technical Working Group (TWG) for Transportation to address concerns regarding the need for public transport providers within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“Our nightlife here needs reviving since most of the restos and bars close early because of the lack of available transportation after 9 pm. Yes we do have taxis, but for a simple employee of a restaurant or bar, taking the cab everyday would certainly hurt his or her income,” Chairman Tan said.

The official shared that the agency is eyeing the purchase of electric buses and creating more bus stops, especially in housing areas such as Binictican and Kalayaan. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport gears up for e-vehicle tourism

The country’s premier Freeport signified its readiness for electric vehicle tourism after the installation of two Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS) here. 

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan graced the official launching of the EVCS at the Uni-Oil Subic gasoline station after a product presentation. 

“We are gearing up to attract more tourists while maintaining an environmentally healthy environment as part of my administration’s thrusts. Not only that we are now expecting tourists thru the conventional fuel-powered vehicles, we are now ready for tourists on electric vehicles and e-cars,” Tan said.

Tan added that another EVCS was installed at the Acea Subic Beach Resorts early this year. Both Acea and Uni-Oil EVCSs will provide the ‘juice’ for electric vehicles that are now on the rise due to vehicle manufacturers producing more efficient and reliable electric vehicles. 

He explained that both charging stations have two charging feeder pillars and enclosure each, and can easily accommodate two vehicles simultaneously. With the establishments of the EVCS here, Tan encourages soon-to-be new car owners to look into electric vehicles.

“Subic Bay Freeport has been known to be an ecologically-friendly area, and with the installations of these electric vehicle charging stations, Subic can be a haven for electric car owners,” he added.

The Unioil Subic EVCS is a partnership between Delta Electronics International (SG) Pte. Ltd. and Unioil Petroleum Phils., Inc. Delta EV Chargers are made by Edgetech and Delta, and were demonstrated using electric vehicles Hyundai IONIQ5 from Hyundai Motors Philippines and Nissan Leaf from Nissan Philippines.

Acea Subic Beach Resort was the first to install an EVCS in Subic Bay Freeport, providing guests and visitors the option to use their electric vehicles when coming to their establishment. The EVCS in Acea was opened during the last week of January.

With Subic Bay Freeport increasing the number of EVCS, tourists with electric vehicles will now have the option to visit this premier Freeport without worrying of not having to recharge their vehicles.

“Accessibility to having electric vehicle charging stations is the key to making Subic Bay Freeport a tourist haven for electric vehicle owners. The installation of electric vehicle charging stations here will help increase confidence for first-time vehicle owners to go electric as the Freeport and the SBMA continues the fight against climate change,” Tan said.

The official cited that some EVCS are now capable of charging e-bikes and e-scooters, and also have higher-power DC fast charging and combined charging system capability that is used by most newer electric vehicles.

“With the dawn of fast charging, some electric vehicles can easily replenish their battery packs within 30 to 40 minutes,” Tan added. (MPD-SBMA)

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Alcala, Santiago endure heavy rains to win IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay

It rained and rained but the downpour neither stopped nor cooled down the fearless triathletes, who swam, biked and ran the IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay with John Dedeus Alcala and Ines Santiago pulling off victories in varying fashions here yesterday. 

Alcala pushed himself with all the strength he could muster in the closing run stage and pounded out the win in 4:43:45 while Santiago dominated the opening swim leg and cruised to victory in 5:35:59 in wet conditions in her side of the 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run race at the Subic Bay Boardwalk. 

With the pack of intrepid bidders still disputing the centerpiece Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines crowns at press time, Alcala and Santiago took the spotlight in the half-triathlon, including $1,000 each, in rare damp and cold conditions. 

Alcala put up the kind of finish he flaunted in stealing the show – but in stifling heat – in the inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa in Palawan last November, racing at his own pace in the swim (39:19) and bike (2:33:21) before pouring it out with a best 1:27:05 clocking in the run leg. (SNL)

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IRONKIDS starts off strong in the sports tourism capital of the Philippines

The future of Philippine Marathon showcased the fruit of their labor as they flashed their way to excellence at the IRONKIDS here in Subic Bay. 

A total of 171 kids aged six to 15 years old clashed for this year’s first IRONKID title in the event starting and ending at the heart of Subic Bay. 

The IRONKIDS race covered various distances depending on age category from 100 to 250 meters of swimming, and one to two kilometers of running for the young ones, who could potentially grow up competing in the 5150, 70.3 and full IRONMAN in the future. 

Winners of the IRONKIDS were Euan Ramos and Zabelle Eugenio.

Ramos battled back from joint fifth in the swim with a big surge in the bike then stayed in control in the closing run to rule the premier 13-15 division in 24:34 with combined clockings of 04:53 (swim), 11:07 (bike) and 06:50 (run) over 250-m swim, 6-km bike and 2-km run distance. 

While, Eugenio, from San Isidro, Rizal, bested Erin Burgos in 28:54, clocking 05:01 in the swim and sustaining her charge with 12:20 and 09:01 times in the bike and run legs. 

Burgos finished in 29:22 with times of 05:17, 12:22 and 09:00, while last year’s Vermosa winner Celinda Raagas settled for third in 30:04 (05:32-13:15-08:40). (SNL)

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Tan bares 10-pt. agenda as new strategic direction for SBMA, SBF

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan bared his ten-point priority development plan before the officers and members of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) early this week. 

Tan was guest of honor at the SBFCC Membership Meeting and CEO’s/President’s Forum held at the LeCharmé Suites-Subic where he gave an update about the developments and plans for his term. 

Looking back at the past four weeks he spent as SBMA Chairman and Administrator, he said that he already learned an important lesson. 

“Pressure and challenges are opportunities for us to step-up and rise. While it takes a lot of courage to believe in yourself, but strength doesn’t come from what you can do, but from overcoming the thought that you can’t do it. Adversity may have its way of challenging our inner strength, yet it is necessary to build our character as leaders. Thus, I stand before you today, guided by a clear purpose and direction for the Subic Bay Freeport,” he said. 

During his speech, he challenged everyone that moving forward means letting go of “what’s no longer working,” which is not only applicable to the agency but to the entire Freeport as well. 

With this, Tan said that his administration would be implementing a new strategic direction taken after his name’s initials, which is anchored on three economic thrusts, namely: J for jobs, or creating more jobs for the people; D for development, or encouraging more investors by making the Freeport a competitive business hub; and T for tourism, or making one’s stay at the Freeport relaxing while doing business. 

He added that the development agenda is in support of the socioeconomic targets of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., which is in line with the “whole-of-society approach” of the national development. 

His extensive update tackled the following points: (1) Implementation of “Ease of Doing Business; (2) Improvement of Investment Climate at the Freeport; (3) Increase Job Opportunities for the People; (4) Construction of the Corporate Center; (5) Adoption of Smart City Initiative; (6) Prioritization of Infrastructure Development; (7) Improvement of Public Transport Services; (8) Enhancement of Ground Maintenance and Street-lighting; (9) Reinforcement of Safety and Security within the Freeport; and (10) Creation of a Tourism Development Plan. 

Meanwhile, SBFCC President Benjamin Antonio III, on behalf of the members of the chamber, expressed support and cooperation with the SBMA with Tan at the helm. 

Likewise, Tan expressed commitment to uphold the agency’s partnership with the chamber by constantly improving and establishing a business-friendly environment. 

The event culminated with a moderated forum between the members of the chamber and the SBMA Chairman and Administrator. 

The SBFCC is an organization of businesses founded in 1995 to serve and represent the interests of its members, who come from more than 20 countries around the world. It represents 80% of the economy flow in the Freeport. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic locator gets FIRB nod for duties, tax incentives

Nidec Subic Philippines Corporation, a registered enterprise here, gained the unanimous approval of the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) in an en banc meeting last Friday, May 26.  

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan reported that Nidec Subic had previously passed the scrutiny of the eight agency-member FIRB Technical Committee on May 18. 

He said that with the approval of the FIRB en banc, Nidec Subic will be entitled to Income Tax Holiday for six years, Special Corporate Income Tax for ten years, Duty-Exemption on Importation for 16 years, Value-Added Tax (VAT) Exemption on Importation for 16 years, and VAT Zero-Rating on Local Purchase for 16 years. 

Tan added that Nidec’s application for the said incentives complies with Republic Act No. 11534, or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE), which aims to “develop the national economy towards global competitiveness by implementing tax policies instrumental in attracting investments.” 

The FIRB is an inter-agency government body authorized by the Philippine law to grant tax incentives to registered business enterprises, whose powers and functions was enhanced under CREATE law.

Meanwhile, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business & Investment Renato Lee III disclosed that the FIRB-approved incentives would be applicable to Nidec Subic’s Project Kinematex, which would involve the manufacture and assembly of medium- to large- size gearboxes for industrial robotics gears. 

Lee added that the ₱4.2-billion project’s product line is a high accuracy gearbox used as base, arm or shoulder for industrial robots and for auto tool changer/loader of machines. For this project alone, Nidec Subic will employ a maximum of 1,074 workers.

“We are taking this investor confidence as an opportunity to attract more foreign investors to make it happen in the Philippines while it is the top 10^th in the world’s most promising destinations of foreign investments in the next three years, according to the United Nations Conference of Trade and Development (UNCTAD),” Lee said. 

He said that this project would immediately commence this June to produce and export 288,000 pieces annually at the peak of production, valued at ₱ 5.064 billion.

Project Kinamatex is an expansion project of Nidec Subic, which landed the top four biggest expansion project in SBF in terms of additional investments in 2022. 

Nidec Subic is primarily engaged in manufacturing and assembly of reducer gears for robotic application and home appliances since 1999, and currently employs 622 workers. (MPD-SBMA) 

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More Taiwanese businessmen visit Subic Freeport for investment prospects

Another batch of Taiwanese businessmen visited to look into investment and business prospects inside this premier Freeport on Thursday.

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan who welcomed the team, the facility visit is part of the Integrated Investment Campaign: New Southbound Philippines-Taiwan Delegation in the Philippines. 

The said campaign is aimed at providing foreign investors an insight about the business climate in the Freeport and entice them to invest here. 

During the investment briefing held at the SBMA boardroom, Tan disclosed to the nine-man delegation of businessmen that the administration’s new approach in enticing investments here is called the JDT method which stands for Jobs, Development and Tourism. 

Using the Chairman’s initials, the JDT method focuses on increasing job opportunities for Filipino workers, Development of the Subic Bay Freeport, and Tourism boom for all tourist spots here.

“J for jobs, create more jobs for the people; D for development, encourage more investors in making the Freeport a competitive business hub; and T for tourism, make your stay at the Freeport relaxing while doing business,” Tan said.

Business and Investment Department for Manufacturing and Maritime (BID-MM) Manager Karen Magno gave an investment briefing to the group regarding the various business activities inside the Freeport Zone. 

She also highlighted the ease of doing business in the Freeport as the SBMA very well provides assistance for companies locating here.

Xantheng Subic International Corporation Assistant to the CEO Best Chang also presented the Tipo Hightech Eco Park (THEP) located at the Tipo Gate area. THEP is a rising industrial park that can cater from small to heavy industry businesses.

The Subic Bay Development and Management Corporation (SBDMC) Inc. Investment Services Department Manager Julie Tan also gave a briefing on the Subic Bay Gateway Park (SBGP), citing that the area has been one of the first industrial parks for Taiwanese companies in Subic.

Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Taipei Director for Commercial Affairs and Head of Delegation Anthony B. Rivera expressed his gratitude to Chairman Tan, citing that the Subic Bay Freeport is certainly a conducive area for Taiwanese businesses to prosper.

The official also thanked the SBMA for the presentation, facility visit and for arranging the meetings with other locators inside the Freeport, citing that the information provided will certainly be useful for companies looking into investing in Subic.

Deputy Administrator for Business Group Atty. John Aquino also conveyed his gratitude to the delegation, citing that their interest in investing in Subic Freeport would also mean the possibility of investing here. He added that by giving them a look into this premier Freeport, the delegation would also pique the interest of other Taiwanese companies as well. 

The business mission, which is an offshoot of the Integrated Investment Promotion Campaign in Taiwan back in October 2022, was made thru the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) of Taipei. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBF locator to return idle properties to SBMA

The Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PhilGuarantee) is set to return to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) a total of 22.6 hectares of idle properties as part of a settlement agreement between both parties.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan and PhilGuarantee President and CEO Albert Pascual signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) and Deed of Dacion en pago at the SBMA boardroom on Thursday.

According to the Chairman, PhilGuarantee is set to turn over the leasehold rights of 14.6-hectare of the El Kabayo Stables, 2.4 hectares of the Times Square Complex, and 5.6 hectares of the Triboa Bay Lots, which amount to ₱2,777,650,836.01.  

Tan said that the agreement is in partial consideration or settlement of the company’s outstanding obligations as since October 27, 2020.

“I have been tasked by President Marcos to revive the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. There are so many facilities and land areas that have been left alone and are rotting away. I believe that the SBMA should get back these leased facilities and repurpose them for other companies to invest upon,” he cited.

The company came into possession of the aforementioned land properties from the Home Guaranty Corporation (HGC) after it merged with Philippine Export-Import Credit Agency (PhilEXIM), which was later renamed PhilGuarantee.

In 2004, through a foreclosure and subsequent Compromise Agreement, HGC acquired these land properties from the Financial Building Corporation (FBC). These properties were developed by the FBC through land leases with the SBMA in preparation for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leader’s Summit held here in 1996.

HGC was able to dispose of all of the properties acquired from the FBC except for the properties being turned over. The company failed to dispose of the properties due to unpaid rental arrears of the said properties.

“From the period of 2007 to 2018, these three properties steadily deteriorated and rental arrears piled up, exceeding P3-billion,” Tan said.

On September 24, 2018, the SBMA issued a Notice of Default on PhilGuarantee for the pre-termination and repossession of the Subic properties should the company fail to settle its rental arrears. The company offered the assignment/ dacion to the SBMA of the three properties with a valuation of P3.291 billion.

“The SBMA counter-offered with a valuation of P2.263 billion, but both parties later settled for P2,777,650,836.01,” Tan said.

“Since the dacion is insufficient to settle all of PhilGuarantee’s obligations, the SBMA and the company have agreed to submit to arbitration the remaining arrears amounting to P375 million. And to help PhilGuarantee to cover its losses, the SBMA will give the company a share in the rental revenue generated by the agency when it is able to lease out the properties to third parties,” he added.

The company sought the help of the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) on the agreement, wherein the OGCC stated that PhilGuarantee needs the authorization of the Commission on Audit (COA) on the matter.

COA issued Decision No. 2022-489 dated December 5, 2022, which PhilGuarantee received only last April 26, 2023.

The COA ruling stated, “Wherefore, the request of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and the Philippine Guarantee Corporation for this Commission’s authority to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement and Deed of Dacion en pago, is hereby GRANTED.” (MPD-SBMA)

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Ironman 70.3 full triathlon back in Subic

A mix of seasoned campaigners and rising endurance racing stars gear up for another riveting duel of power, speed and stamina when the Century Tuna (Full) IRONMAN Philippines and the IRONMAN 70.3 are held back in Subic Bay next month. 

Close to a thousand bidders from at least 33 countries, including 33 from Japan and 15 from the US, have so far confirmed their participation with the total cast expected to double or triple with still four weeks left before the sport’s centerpiece event is fired off on June 11 at the world-class Subic Bay course. 

Registration is ongoing. For listup and details, visit https://www.ironman.com/im703-subic-bay-philippines

The full IRONMAN PH race, set over the punishing 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42km run distance, has lured an early roster of 339, including 89 bets in the 45-49 age group division. 

Other age categories (male and female) are 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74 and 75-and-above. 

Five hundred and two triathletes, on the other hand, are listed in the early Subic IRONMAN 70.3 roster, including 92 in the 40-44 age bracket. They will dispute the titles in various categories over the 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run. 

“We are excited to provide these triathletes another great racing experience and at the same time showcase once more the best the country can offer,” said Princess Galura, general manager of the organizing The IRONMAN Group/Sunrise Events, Inc. 

Also on tap is the IM 70.3 relay event. 

SEI and Century Tuna staged the first full IRONMAN in 2018, also in the country’s triathlon capital with Nick Baldwin from Seychelles ruling the event in eight hours, 50 minutes and 13 seconds and Aussie Liz Blatchford topping the women’s division in nine hours, 22 minutes and 22 seconds. (SNL)

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LOOK: Marcos administers oath of new SBMA chief Jonathan Tan

Manila - President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday (May 17, 2023) administered the oath of office of Jonathan Dioso Tan as the new chairman and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

The oath-taking ceremony was held at the President's Hall in Malacañan Palace, based on a video uploaded by state-run Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM) on its official Facebook page.

Tan served as mayor of Pandan, Antique from 2010 to 2019 (PNA). 

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Tan formally assumes SBMA post

Former Pandan, Antique mayor Jonathan D. Tan has formally assumed post as chairman and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in a modest turnover ceremony on Tuesday (May 16) at the grand lobby of the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC).

Tan symbolically received the reins of the SBMA as Board of Director Atty. Tomas Lahom III handed over the SBMA flag, with the rest of the directors behind him.

Agency officials and members of the media witnessed the rites.

Tan, a public servant and businessman who served as mayor of Pandan, Antique for three consecutive terms, was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. last April 28 and was sworn in to office by Palace’s executive secretary Lucas Bersamin on May 3.

During his acceptance speech, Tan acknowledged the support he has been receiving since day one. At the same time, he also urged everyone to continue that synergy and cooperation as he cited an African philosophy.

"'I am because we are' – an African philosophy of Ubuntu, which reminds us that our sense of self is shaped by our relationship with others. My success is your success, and your failure is my failure. Let’s not just lift ourselves up, but lift our colleagues, as well. And whatever it is that we do individually and collectively, reflects the leadership of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority,” he said.

“My dear colleagues, some say that public service is a thankless profession. But I encourage you to look at your glass half-full rather than half-empty because when you change your perspective, you begin to see the world from a different light. We can all be great when we serve others,” he added.  

As a committed public servant, he vowed to continue his trademark initials “JDT,” which stands for Jobs, Development, and Tourism.

Tan replaced former Olongapo City mayor Rolen C. Paulino, whose courtesy resignation was accepted by Malacañang on April 15. Paulino has recently been appointed to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) as a member of the Board of Directors. (MPD-SBMA)

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New SBMA chief discloses new direction for SBFZ; asks employees’ support

Newly appointed Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan disclosed his leadership’s new directions and development plans, emphasizing the role of employees to attain them.

The new chief revealed his plans for Subic Bay Freeport to SBMA employees for the first time during the agency's flag ceremony on Monday, May 8.

“We start with revisiting our vision and mission that will guide us to set new directions and development plans, including strategies to achieve our goals for the free port,” Tan said.

“Setting the new direction of the Freeport is the first major step to know where you want to go and my leadership is clear about that,” he added.

“We want to create a progressive and sustainable business community. We want to regain the trust and confidence of our present locators. We want future locators to see what we can offer them. We want a better work environment for us all,” he further said.

Tan also expressed his confidence to the people of the SBMA and shared simple rules of engagement to establish good work relationships.

“Respect, open communication, collaboration, and teamwork are our rules of engagement. We will ensure that the welfare and well-being of our employees are checked. We are a big happy family here at SBMA,” Tan emphasized.

He acknowledged the SBMA people, who are known for the spirit of volunteerism, to be among the driving forces of commitment and dedication as powerful forces to serve the clients.

“Our passion to serve should be driven by our collective actions to work without coercion or by mere compliance alone. It is to work with pride and dignity on what we do and why we serve that makes volunteerism a genuine call for service,” Tan reminded employees.

Tan, who was a three-term Mayor of Antique, said that it was public service and his intention to help the community that brought him to SBMA. As the new head of the agency, he reminded everyone of what it means to serve.

“Change starts with people and in people. It starts with us. Let’s work together for a better and stronger Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority,” Tan said. (MPD-SBMA)

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Job seekers hired on the spot at SBMA Labor Day job fair

12 job seekers instantly landed a job during the Labor Day job fair organized by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Out of the 12 hired on the spot, Da Tian Subic Shoes Inc., a shoe-manufacturing firm that produces branded vulcanized shoes for export, hired nine applicants.

The other two were hired by Wistron Infocomm Philippines Corp., an affiliate-member of the Acer Group of Companies, and one was hired by 01 Property Ventures Corporation, proprietor of Magic Lagoon Bar and Grill Restaurant.

“The SBMA Labor department is committed to provide the locators and investors with not only the needed number of workers with proper skills but also attain harmony, productivity, work values and industrial peace here,” said Department Manager Atty. Melvin Varias.

Varias also disclosed that there were 568 applicants registered to apply for the 6,310 manpower needs of 57 locators.

Out of the 6,310 job opportunities, Da Tian Subic Shoes Corporation alone already opened 2,023; while YZ Manpower Agency with 1,190; followed by Powerlane Resources Inc. with 625.

A wide range of opportunities were opened from production operators, engineers, quality control officer, accounting staff, marketing and sales officers, service crew, data encoder, electrician, company nurse, customer service representatives, supervisor, cashier, animal handler, and a lot more.

Meanwhile, Senior Labor Employment Officer Arvin Fabian of the Department of Labor and Employment-Zambales Field Office lauded the efforts of the SBMA Labor department for bringing job opportunities closer to the job seekers.

“We have several job fairs. And I think the SBMA Labor department deserves an applause,” Fabian said during the opening program of the job fair.

The SBMA Labor department has been hands-on all year long, not only during Labor Day, to bring job opportunities closer to the job seekers from neighboring communities of Subic Bay Freeport Zone by establishing close coordination with the locators for their manpower requirements.

During the job fair program, the SBMA Labor department also launched the QR code, which the job seekers used as a registration tool, and will be used as well by job seekers who were not able to join the job fair.

Varias said that with the QR code, it would be like having a job fair every day. He added that the QR code is available for scanning at the SBMA Labor department’s FaceBook page for job seekers who are not able to join the job fair.   

The Labor Day job fair is an annual activity spearheaded by the SBMA Labor Department through its Manpower Services Division, Workforce Development Division, Conciliation and Employee Welfare Division and Service Contracting Office, in collaboration with the DOLE-Zambales Field Office, Public Employment Service Office, Subic Bay Town Center, Inc.- Ayala Malls Harbor Point, and various SBMA departments. (MPD-SBMA)

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