SBMA chief cites ‘corps of heroes’

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma congratulated on Friday the finalists and winner of the agency’s 2018 Employee of the Year (EOY award, saying it was her pride to lead a “corps of heroes” in the Subic agency.

“There’s no better way to celebrate heroism than by getting together and cheering them on, and making sure they are appreciated,” Eisma said during the awarding rites.

“They are here right now being feted because it is also a celebration of each and every one of us. We are the corps of heroes. You are the corps of heroes of the SBMA,” she added.

The SBMA chief also praised the agency’s employees for giving more than what they can give without expecting anything in return.

“That’s what makes me so proud to lead this organization. Because we have employees who exemplify what malasakit is, who exemplify integrity, character, passion, and love in every day that they come in for work,” Eisma also said.

The awarding, which took place at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on Jan. 25, named Nida Linda C. Rojo as the agency’s 2018 EOY.

Rojo was nominated for excellence in supervising the tourism linkages and VIP services unit of the SBMA Tourism Department, and for delivering results above expectations.

Tourism manager Mary Jamelle Camba added that Rojo adapts well in both office and field activities, a trait that was key to representing Subic Bay in travel fairs and expositions locally and internationally.

Aside from Rojo, who was also awarded EOY of the Chairman and Administrator’s Group, five other finalists were named EOYs of their respective strategic business units (SBUs).

They are: Karren Balajadia of the Land Asset Development Department (LADD), who was named EOY of the Business and Investment Group; Christine Joy Robrico of Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department, EOY of the Operations Group; Alexander Canlas of Law Enforcement Department, EOY of the Public Services Group; Helen Castillones of the Ecology Center, EOY of the Regulatory Group; Ronald Rondez of Labor Department, EOY of the Support Services Group.

The winners were cited for their excellent performance beyond the call of duty and for various innovations in the workplace.

The SBMA Employee of the Year Awards is a project of the SBMA Human Resources Management Department to recognize and reward exemplary services rendered by employees in line with the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

The finalists were selected according to the following criteria: industriousness and productivity, 50 percent; quality customer service, 30 percent; and malasakit and honesty, 20 percent.

Chairman Eisma said that some of the winners of the SBMA EOY awards had gone on to win Pagasa awards, the Civil Service Commission’s honor awards program for outstanding government workers. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA 2018 Employee of the Year Nida Linda C. Rojo accepts the torch passed onto her by the previous EOY (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma (4th from left) congratulates SBMA 2018 Employee of the Year Nida Linda C. Rojo, along with (L-R) SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Support Services Ramon Agregado, CSC-Zambales Dir. Jose Gea, SBMA tourism manager Jamelle Camba, SBMA Dir. Ma. Cecilia Bitare, SDA for Regulatory Amethya dela Llana, and SDA for Business and Investment Renato Lee. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Japanese firm launches new line of robotic parts in Subic Freeport

Nidec-Shimpo Corporation (Japan), a leading innovator of precision-gearing solutions for robotics and industrial automation, formally launched its operations here on Wednesday, aiming to mass produce in its Subic factory a new line of robot components developed in Japan.

Nidec-Shimpo First Senior Vice President Hitoshi Inoue said the wholly-owned company of Japan’s Nidec Corp. and sister-company of Nidec Subic Philippine Corp. will initially build speed reducers for high-precision motion control applications at the rate of 10,000 to 25,000 units per month.

But the plant’s target production is expected to increase to 100,000 units per month at the end of this year, and to 120,000 units per month by March 2020, he added.

Inoue stressed that the gearless component parts to be produced in Subic are an entirely new product line that has not been manufactured elsewhere in the world. He described them as “super silent, and with zero backlash and smooth rotation.”

The Subic-made products will be exported to Spain, the United States and Germany, he added.

The launch of Nidec-Shimpo operations here was attended by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda, Senator Richard Gordon, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, and Assistant Secretary Rafaelita Aldaba of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Haneda said Nidec’s expansion “demonstrates the continuing Japanese investor confidence in the Philippines’ business potential (and) shows the rigorous effort of Nidec to take advantage of opportunities and take on challenges to break new ground.”

He also cited the company for its skills development activities that make its workers “industry-ready and technology-capable.”

Meanwhile, Gordon said Nidec’s new project “shows the trust and confidence of companies like Nidec in the capacity of the Filipino workers, and in our government’s consistency in our rules and regulations.”

“We should have more companies like Nidec in Subic,” he added.

On the other hand, SBMA Chairman Eisma noted that Nidec-Shimpo’s operation here “will further promote Subic’s stature in high-end manufacturing, improve the proficiency of local workers in technology, and, of course, bolster the local economy by increasing exports.”

Eisma also praised Nidec-Shimpo for sending local workers to Japan for training.

According to Inoue, the firm had sent a total of 100 Filipino workers to Japan as the first batch of trainees to learn the technology involved in producing precision motors and speed reducers. Of these, 70 had finished the course, and Nidec had again sent another 46 trainees for the second batch.

Inoue added that Nidec intends to hire more personnel at the Subic plant on top of the 100 workers it will employ in the first year of operation.

He pointed out that the Subic factory’s monthly product capacity of P120,000 units is greater than the combined capacity of Nidec’s plants in Kyoto, which was at 30,000 units in 2018, and in Ueda, which is expected to reach 50,000 units in 2019. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] Nidec-Shimpo Senior Vice President Hitoshi Inoue (left) explains how a high-precision speed reducer works to Sen. Richard Gordon and SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma during the opening of the Nidec-Shimpo manufacturing plant at the Subic Bay Freeport on Wednesday. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] Sen. Richard Gordon, along with SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma and other guests, views precision products manufactured by Nidec-Shimpo during the opening of the company’s manufacturing plant at the Subic Bay Freeport on Wednesday. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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ICTSI Subic hits 200,000-TEU target

International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI)’s subsidiary Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC) has expected that container volume will further grow this year, after hitting its milestone 200,000th twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) move last December.

SBITC President Roberto Locsin said SBITC, which operates the New Container Terminals 1 and 2 at the Subic Bay Freeport, capped 2018 with a milestone after reaching its 200,000th TEU move last December 23.

“We are proud of reaching this latest milestone. More than hitting our targets, this new record highlights Subic Bay International Terminal’s capability to continuously outpace market growth, and readiness to serve the vibrant Subic Freeport market,” he said.

The event was marked by the offloading of a milestone CMA CGM steel box from MV Sinar Sangir.

He said this achievement was made possible through their customers, the collaboration of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and other stakeholders, and more especially through their passionate, humble and committed workforce.

“Along with further investments in port equipment and systems, we continue to work hand-in-hand with our customers to improve the efficiency of our operations and processes, and inevitably make their experience a more pleasant one,” he added.

Subic Bay International Terminal, one of the country’s most technologically-advanced box terminals, has an annual capacity of 600,000 TEUs.

The increasing volumes at the Subic Bay Freeport have enabled ICTSI to streamline and interface the operations of New Container Terminal (NCT) 1 and 2.

The merged operations were ready to serve an improving local economy in Central and Northern Luzon regions, alongside with its continued support to facilitate the box market of Metro Manila.

In 2007, under the Subic Port Development Project, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) awarded ICTSI subsidiary SBITC the concession for NCT 1, with commercial operations commencing in 2008.

In 2011, under the Subic Port Project’s second phase, SBMA awarded ICTSI Subic Inc. the concession to operate NCT 2. (Manila Times)

PHOTO:

The event was marked by the offloading of a milestone CMA CGM steel box from MV Sinar Sangir. (photo from ICTSI)

https://www.manilatimes.net/ictsi-subic-hits-200000-teu-target/499980/

Read more --> https://www.ictsi.com/media-center/our-releases/2019/01/ictsi-subic-hits-milestone-200-000th-teu-move/

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Cruise ship tourism in Subic makes good start

This Freeport is becoming the newest cruise ship destination and top anchor tourist attraction in the country with the influx of vessels here this month.

The latest is the cruise ship, World Dream, the flagship of the Chinese premium brand Dream Cruises owned by Genting Hong Kong, which arrived here Wednesday.

This is the third time for World Dream to dock in this freeport this year and it is set to return here on January 30.

Another Subic regular, the Italian-flagged Costa Atlantica owned by Costa Crociere, has booked arrivals on January 15 and 29.

“Right now we’re experiencing a phenomenal influx of cruise ships, and this is really a strong start for Subic, which recorded 17 arrivals last year,” said Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Wilma T. Eisma, who was among those who welcomed World Dream at the Alava Wharf here.

“We are very happy that our cruise ship program is really picking up, and this is just the start. By next month, we hope to see more cruise ships coming in and some of them would be staying here in Subic overnight,” she added.

Jem Camba, manager of SBMA Tourism Department, said an average of 3,000 tourists disembark in Subic from each visiting cruise ship and then go on tours of various attractions in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo City, Clark Freeport Zone, and the nearby provinces of Zambales and Bataan.

Camba said the favorite destinations of cruise ship passengers include the nature theme parks in Subic and historical places in Bataan and Pampanga.

Last year, the Central Luzon Regional Development Council cited the SBMA for developing Subic into a premier cruise ship destination in the country and noted that cruise ship arrivals in Subic had generated more than PHP85-million worth of economic activity in the first eight months alone.

Eisma said she expects a better record this year because of Executive Order (EO) No. 72 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last December. The new EO amended EO 271 signed in 1995.

Calling it a “game-changer for Subic and Region 3 (Central Luzon),” Eisma said EO 72 is expected to bring in more visitors because it eased the entry of foreign nationals via the Subic sea ports and extended them a visa-free stay of 14 days, similar to those entering through the Subic airport.

“This arrangement is less complicated, and thus, we foresee that the resulting ease of travel would make Subic Bay an even bigger tourist magnet and anchor destination in Central Luzon,” she added.

Eisma also said the new measure would encourage the development of more tourism establishments in nearby parts of Central Luzon, which could make use of Subic as anchor destination and gateway.

“The EO, as well as all the support measures we get from the national government, dovetails with our strategy to develop Subic into an anchor destination that will help catalyze inclusive growth in the region,” she said.

“Subic and its neighboring areas are now coming up with curated experiences that they can commonly sell to tourists, specifically cruise ship passengers, so this way they can complement each other’s’ strong points,” Eisma added. (Malou Dungog, PNA)

PHOTO:

The cruise ship World Dream treated its well-wishers with its signature light show for the third time as it leaves the Port of Subic. (photo from Subic Bay Freeport facebook page)

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RTC grants Hanjin petition for rehabilitation

The Olongapo City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 72 on Monday (January 14) granted Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines’ petition for receivership and put the Korean shipbuilding firm under corporate rehabilitation.

On Jan. 8, Hanjin sought relief from the Philippine government, filing a petition with the Olongapo RTC to initiate voluntary rehabilitation under Republic Act 10142 or the “Act Providing for the Rehabilitation or Liquidation of Financially Distressed Enterprises and Individuals.”

Hanjin, the fifth largest shipbuilder in the world and biggest investor at the Subic Freeport with $2.3 billion, revealed recently it owes some $400 million in outstanding loans from Philippine banks on top of another $900 million in debt with lenders in South Korea.

Stefani Saño, a former member of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) board as well former senior deputy administrator for investment and business group of SBMA, was appointed by the court as the rehabilitation receiver.

The financial losses allegedly stemmed from a slump in the shipbuilding industry.

Pursuant to RA 10142, Olongapo RTC Branch 72 Presiding Judge Richard Paradeza declared Hanjin under rehabilitation and asked the company to publish the Jan. 14 commencement order in a newspaper of general circulation for two consecutive weeks.

It also ordered the shipbuilding giant to serve a copy of the petition to its creditors – the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Securities and Exchange Commission, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Insurance Commission, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, Department of Trade and Industry and SBMA.

The court also tasked the company to serve a copy of the commencement order to its foreign creditors and ensure that they receive a copy within 15 days before the initial hearing set on Feb. 8.

In its order, the court said Hanjin’s creditors must file verified claims within five days before Feb. 8 or they will not be entitled to participate in the proceedings.

But the creditors may be entitled to receive distributions arising from the proceedings if recommended and approved by the rehabilitation receiver and the court itself.

The court also ordered creditors, government agencies and all interested parties to file and serve to Hanjin a verified comment/opposition to the petition, together with their supporting affidavits and documents within 15 days before the initial hearing on Feb. 8.

The court also prohibited the company’s supplier of goods and services from withholding their supplies and services in the ordinary course of business for as long as Hanjin makes payment from the issuance of the commencement order.

The court also authorized the company to pay for its administrative expenses as they become due.

It said contracts not confirmed in writing by Hanjin within 90 days following issuance of the commencement order will be considered terminated. (Bebot Sison Jr. with Sheila Crisostomo, Philippine Star)


https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/01/16/1885490/rtc-grants-hanjin-petition-rehabilitation#0ezcQ5IYvTgXVUm0.99

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Top corporate performers in Subic named

Twelve companies in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone received the 2018 Mabuhay Awards from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for being the top performers last year.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the SBMA keeps tab of the performance of Subic companies and recognizes the best performers through the SBMA Mabuhay Awards.

In the ceremony, Eisma urged locators to continue to enshrine transparency and compliance in their operation “because it is only with transparency and compliance that we can ensure a stable and predictable environment for the country, and for the Freeport.”

The Subic business locators that received the citation were:

- Toyota Subic, Inc., which received the “New Business of the Year” award for demonstrating remarkable results in customer service, marketing, and competitive positioning since its opening here on Nov. 8, 2018;

- HHIC-Phil Inc., was cited as “Top Importer of 2017” and “Top Exporter of 2017” for attaining the biggest import value of US$388 million and export value of US$1.25 billion;

- Subic Duty Free Shops, Inc., which runs and operates Meatplus Café, received the “Responsible Tourism Award” for creating positive business impact and significant economic, environmental and social benefits as one of the most popular food outlets inside SBFZ with a consistent strong following from local and international tourists;

- Philippine Coastal Storage & Pipeline Corporation (PCSPC), was “Top Net Income Earner of 2017”. PCSPC operates the petroleum storage and pipeline facilities at the former US military bases in Subic and Clark, and its 160-hectare facility here includes a marine terminal, fuel storage tank farms and tank truck loading facilities;

- Brighterday Subic Ltd., Inc. which manages and operates All Hands Beach, was given the “Eco-Innovation Award” for its efforts in biodiversity conservation, particularly in monitoring and releasing more than 4,000 sea turtles to their natural habitats since 2011;

- S-CORP Philippines, Inc., which offers end-to-end transaction processing services, intricately linked enterprise information management systems, and personalized multi-channel communications solutions for over 3,500 clients in distinct industry verticals across the globe, received the “SME Employment Award” for its non-discriminatory hiring system and generation of remarkable number of jobs for local and indigenous people;

- Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center – Baypointe, Inc., which operates a tertiary medical tourism facility, received the “Health and Wellness Business of the Year” award, for its Biggest Loser Program that drew 181 participants, and for regular Zumba classes conducted at its auditorium and view deck;

- Converge ICT Solutions, Inc., was the “Service Business of the Year for Information and Communication Technology Industry” for offering the country’s only Pure End-to-End Fiber Network and its advocacy to upgrade the Filipino web experience;

- Subic Enerzone Corp., an Aboitiz Power Corporation, Inc. company, was “Service Business of the Year for General Business and Investment Industry” for its commitment to deliver, at most reasonable cost, safe and reliable electric service to the people and businesses they serve;

- International Container Terminal Services, Inc. was “Service Business of the Year for Logistics” for serving the growing economy of the northern regions of the Philippines through world-class container handling services at the Subic Bay Freeport;

- One Subic Power Generation Corp., a subsidiary of PHINMA Energy Corporation, meanwhile, received the “Corporate Social Responsibility Award” for its Cawag Reforestation Project whereby around 3,000 coffee seedlings were planted by mobilizing both upland farmers and employee volunteers; and

- Subic Superfood Inc., which produces the Mt. Mayon Premium Pili Nuts, received the “Special Recognition Award” for its exemplary dedication and passion in turning its locally-sourced main raw material into a quality product that has brought pride and honor to the Subic Bay Freeport and the Philippines for being recognized in various prestigious and international awards. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA chief Wilma T. Eisma (center) and other SBMA officials congratulate winners of the 2018 Mabuhay Awards, which recognized top business performers in the Subic Bay Freeport (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA ‘saddened’ by Hanjin debt problem

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Wilma T. Eisma said she was saddened to learn that Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Philippines (HHIC-Phil) is facing serious financial trouble.

Hanjin, which is currently the biggest foreign investor in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, filed on Tuesday a petition at the Regional Trial Court in Olongapo City to initiate voluntary rehabilitation under Republic Act 10142, otherwise known as “An Act Providing for the Rehabilitation or Liquidation of Financially Distressed Enterprises and Individuals”.

Hanjin officials, Eisma said, had revealed that the company owes some $400 million in outstanding loans from Philippine banks on top of another $900 million in debts with lenders in South Korea.

Eisma said she was informed that the company still has six pending multi-million new building projects at its Redondo Peninsula shipyard here, and that these may have to be cancelled if a rehabilitation plan does not materialize.

“The bottom line is that the company said it does not have enough cash to repay its loans, and that it cannot continue with its operations under these circumstances,” Eisma said.

“It’s really sad that Hanjin would be in dire financial straits after successfully building some of the world’s biggest ships here and putting the Philippines in the map as the world’s fifth largest shipbuilder,” she added.

HHIC-Phil, which has focused in building high-value vessels, was established in 2006 as a subsidiary of Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co., Ltd., a multi-national company that provides shipbuilding, construction, and plant services in South Korea and internationally.

After frenzied construction of its 300-hectare shipyard began in May 2006, HHIC-Phil rolled out its first ship, the “Argolikos” in July 2008.

With some $2.3 billion in foreign direct investments here, the firm proceeded to manufacture some of the world’s biggest cargo and container ships, bulk carriers, liquefied petroleum gas carriers, very large crude oil carriers (VLCC) and very large ore carriers (VLOC).

According to company records, Hanjin has delivered since 2008 a total of 123 vessels to valued clients across the globe, thus cementing its foothold in the highly competitive shipbuilding market.

In the course of its operation, the Korean firm also became the biggest employer among all registered businesses in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone with some 30,000 employees at peak season, and was recognized by both the Philippine Exporter Foundation (Philexport) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as top export performer.

However, in the face of recent liquidity problem, Hanjin has laid off more than 7,000 workers last December, Eisma said. The firm is about to lay off another 3,000 early this year until just about 300 local workers and as few as seven Korean supervisors would remain in March to do facility maintenance, she added.

“The SBMA, of course, expressed its concern about the separation of shipyard workers, but we received assurances that those who were laid off were amply compensated. Still, we’re having this aspect checked out,” Eisma said.

She added that the SBMA is now working with Hanjin officials to find some way to keep the shipbuilder, which has helped build Subic’s huge reputation in the global maritime industry.

“I really hope that Hanin’s creditors would agree to some rehabilitation plan, or that the company would find some financial partner to continue with its shipbuilding operations in Subic,” Eisma also said. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO: 

Hanjin shipyard at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone

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Loan facilities now open to MSMEs in Subic Bay Freeport

A financial assistance program is now available here for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that are accredited to deliver goods and services in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma Eisma said the SBMA has partnered with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to provide loan facilities to MSMEs and other logistics-focused companies as part of the agency’s port marketing initiative.

The SBMA had initiated talks with the LBP as early as February last year to push for the loan facility under the agency’s program to assist MSMEs operating in the Freeport, she said.

According to Land Bank Subic Bay Branch Manager Edwin Manalo, interested MSMEs can avail of the loan facility through the Zambales Lending Center, a unit of the Land Bank that was formerly located in Dinalupihan, Bataan.

“As the number one government financial institution, Land Bank is always here to help the community on their financial needs. With the transfer of our Lending Center to Subic, we will be in a better position to help the public, especially MSMEs needing financial assistance,” he added.

Land Bank is a universal bank owned by the Philippine government with a special focus on serving the needs of farmers and fishermen and keeping them financially viable to help promote countryside development.

Zambales Lending Center Manager Ma. Marita San Diego said that this partnership with the SBMA is especially intended for corporations, private enterprises, cooperatives, as well as non-SBFZ companies that are accredited to deliver goods and services in the Freeport.

She said that processing time for MSME loan would take around 45 days, after the applicant submitted a complete set of the requirements.

San Diego added that her office has already received several some applications after the center relocated from Bataan to Subic Bay.

One of the applicants, she said, is a transport cooperative that proposes to field electric buses at Subic’s CBD area to provide a cheaper alternative to the riding public.

The proponent reportedly plans to put up initially a fleet of 10 electric buses, with designated stops and charging stations. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA to outsource Contract of Service personnel

In compliance with national government directive, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will outsource the services rendered by a significant chunk of its Contract of Service (COS) personnel starting February 2019.

According to lawyer Ramon Agregado, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services, a total of 307 personnel maintained by the agency under COS scheme will be absorbed by outsourcing companies that will provide janitorial, ground maintenance, building security and housing security services to the SBMA.

Agregado announced this on Friday (Dec. 28) during a general assembly at the SBMA Gym wherein agency officials discussed outsourcing and position reclassification procedures with concerned personnel. This was after the affected personnel were first notified in writing in April 2018.

The affected workers, he said, are security, janitorial, and ground maintenance personnel whose positions have been recommended for outsourcing by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) as early as September 2013.

“This is a requirement of the government—of the DBM. We are simply complying with the requirement,” Agregado explained.

“Please bear in mind that we are doing our best in order for you to keep your jobs,” he assured workers.

At the same time, Agregado said the SBMA would retain a total of 655 COS workers until June 2019, but possibly until December 31, 2020, the new deadline set under a joint circular from DBM, Civil Service Commission (CSC) and Commission on Audit (COA).

He said the SBMA hopes to hire the remaining qualified personnel for plantilla positions once the agency’s proposed restructuring plan gets approved by the DBM.

In the meantime, the SBMA has begun reclassifying COS positions and salary grades so that these workers may eventually fit into the new organizational structure, assuming they obtain the requisite eligibility, Agregado added.

The outsourcing and position reclassification procedures, SBMA officials said, actually serve as safety nets to avert financial ruin for workers affected by the order to end contractualization in government service.

SBMA Deputy Administrator for Administration Ruel John Kabigting noted that the SBMA had previously been called out at the House of Representatives for employing some of the most number of COS workers among government agencies.

He added that other free ports like Clark and Bataan had since outsourced their personnel accordingly.

Kabigting recalled that under Joint Circular No. 1 issued on June 15, 2017 by the CSC, COA and DBM, government agencies were allowed to renew contracts of service or job orders only until Dec. 31, 2018.

He said that while another joint circular dated Nov. 9, 2018 extended the deadline for compliance to Dec. 31, 2020, the DBM had directed the SBMA in a September 2013 memorandum to refrain from hiring personnel under contract of service and instead fill up its regular plantilla positions “to have semblance of continuity in service.”

He added that in 2015, the Office of the President likewise required the SBMA to reduce its manpower complement from contract of service to 3% per annum.

Finally in October 2016, the DBM directed the SBMA that “as a matter of policy, the janitorial and security services shall be outsourced, subject to existing budgeting, accounting, auditing and other applicable laws, rules and regulations,” Kabigting said.

From there, the outsourcing scheme was approved by the SBMA Board of Directors on April 12, 2018 and underwent the processes of notification, bidding and endorsement until the contract was awarded to winning service providers early this month.

According to the SBMA Human Resources Management Department (HRMD), the outsourcing scheme will provide job security in the private sector to the affected workers, as well as holiday pay, 13th month pay, overtime pay, and benefits from Social Security System, Pag-Ibig and Philhealth that they don’t otherwise enjoy as COS workers of the government. (HEE,MPD-SBMA)

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Central Luzon investment hub bill hurdles bicam

A bill creating the Regional Investment and Infrastructure Coordinating Hub (RICH) for Central Luzon has been approved by the Bicameral Conference Committee.

The measure intends to establish RICH, in place of the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council, as the body to lead infrastructure development in Central Luzon.

RICH’s mission also includes to “effectively address bottlenecks and decongest Metro Manila, lay the foundation for long-term growth of Central Luzon and increase the productivity of the people.”

The Bicameral Conference Committee, presided over by Senator Richard J. Gordon and North Cotabato 1st district Rep. Jesus N. Sacdalan, adopted and approved on Dec. 10 Senate Bill No. 1997, subject to amendments.

In its last version, the bill proposed that the Central Luzon Investment Corridor Master Plan be developed by the RICH Board of Directors, in coordination with local government units and stakeholders.

CLIC will, among others, incorporate existing plans created for the development of the Subic-Clark and Tarlac area.

The Master Plan will also “include the provision of adequate and affordable housing facilities within the Special Economic or Freeport Zone.”

The measure also proposes to establish a One Stop Shop that will facilitate the registration of enterprises in Central Luzon in coordination with RICH, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Clark Development Corp. and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. (Charmaine A. Tadalan, BusinessWorld)

https://www.bworldonline.com/central-luzon-investment-hub-bill-hurdles-bicam/

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House OKS proposed law to revitalize SBMA

The House of Representatives has passed on third and final reading a measure that primarily aims to strengthen the administration and operational governance of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Approved by the chamber in plenary via vote of 200-6 (yes-no), without abstention, was House Bill (HB) no.8720, or the proposed Act Revitalizing the Bases Conversion Development.

The bill was principally authored by former President and now House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2nd District, Pampanga), Reps. Geraldine Roman (1st District, Bataan), and Emi Calixto-Rubiano (Lone District, Pasay City).

It seeks to amend two sections of Republic Act (RA) 7227 or the “Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992.”

In particular, HB no.8720 amends Section 13 of RA 7227 to mandate that the SBMA shall have authority and jurisdiction over all economic activities within the Subic Special Economic Zone. This covers the power to inspect and register leisure ships and pleasure yachts of any ship owner.

For this purpose, the SBMA shall administer and maintain an open register of leisure ships and pleasure yachts subject only to such rules and regulation to be promulgated by the SBMA in consultation with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) without prejudice to the requirements of the Constitution.

The bill also mandates the SBMA to administer and implement incentives granted to its registered business enterprises.

Likewise, the SBMA shall fix and impose just and reasonable rates and prices for the establishment, operation and maintenance of infrastructure, services and businesses in the Subic Special Economic Zone pertaining to electronic, web and cloud data operators and providers and telecommunications; shipping and maritime business and activities; airport operations; and all other similar matters inside the economic zone.

The bill also aims to improve the revenue collection of SBMA and thereby increase the shares of the local government units (LGUs) affected and the share of the national government. Specifically, the measure fortifies the territorial jurisdiction of the Subic Special Economic Zone by amending Section 12 of RA 7227.

Among the changes introduced by HB 8720 to Section 12 is the inclusion of a provision that the municipalities of San Antonio, San Marcelino, and Castillejos of the province of Zambales and the municipalities of Morong, Hermosa, and Dinalupihan of the province of Bataan may cede in whole or in part their entire municipal territory to the Subic Special Economic Zone for a period of not less than 50 years.

The measure also seeks to ensure and strengthen the public safety and security of SBMA through further amendments to Section 12 of RA 7227.

It revises the section to state that in the event that an assistance of the military is necessary, the expenses shall be borne by the national government. HB 8720 adds that military shall not interfere in the internal affairs of SBMA except to provide necessary security and defense.

The bill designates one seat each in the board of directors of the SBMA to represent Olongapo City, the municipalities of Castillejos, San Antonio, San Marcelino, and Subic of the province of Zambales, and the municipalities of Morong, Hermosa, and Dinalupihan of the province of Bataan.

It also provides for one representative for the Board of Director of Bases Conversion Development Authority from the indigenous peoples (IPs) residing within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (Ellson Quismorio, Manila Bulletin)

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/12/24/house-oks-proposed-law-to-revitalize-sbma/

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Palace issues EO governing foreigners’ entry in Subic

MANILA -- Malacañang has issued an executive order which governs the admission and stay of foreign nationals in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone as “temporary visitors.”

Executive Order 72, signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea by authority of the President on Dec. 18, allows foreign nationals granted visa-free privilege to depart from the Subic Bay Piers and Wharves besides the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA).

“There is a need to amend EO No. 271 to allow foreign nationals granted the visa-free privilege under the said EO to depart from the Subic Pay Piers and Wharves, besides the SBIA,” the EO read.

EO 271 allows foreign nationals, not categorized as “restricted” as determined by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), visiting the zone for business and/or tourism purposes to enter all ports of entry of the zone and stay therein without visa for a maximum period of 14 days subject to certain conditions and provided that they shall leave or depart from the Philippines only through the SBIA.

The EO was issued amid Subic Bay Piers and Wharves reportedly emerging as “new destinations for international cruise ships.”

Citing data from the Department of Tourism (DOT), the EO noted that cruise ship arrivals in 2018 each carry an average of 1,600 passengers and 1,000 crew members.

“It is anticipated that there will be a continued increase in cruise ship arrivals in the Subic Bay in 2019 and onwards,” it added.

Aside from allowing foreign nationals who enter the zone to depart from the Philippines only through SBIA or SBPW, the EO allows foreign nationals not restricted “to enter all ports of entry of the Zone and stay therein without visa for a maximum period of 14 days provided that upon arrival, they present their passports, Certificates of Identity or travel documents valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the Zone and confirmed onward flight or marine vessel tickets.”

The DFA, Bureau of Immigration and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority must jointly implement the executive order and in consultation with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, must issue guidelines to ensure that there will be no detriment to national security.

The EO shall take effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057152

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Central Luzon sustains economic growth in 2018

The year 2018 saw the economy of Central Luzon in a sustainable growth level primarily pushed by major developments in the region.

Amid the mild domestic and external challenges that the Philippines experienced in the past months, Central Luzon remained one of the core regions contributing significantly to the overall growth of the country as fueled by the impressive performances of the region’s emerging cities and special economic zones.

The biggest contributors to the region’s steady growth this year are the three Freeport zones, namely the Clark Freeport Zone, Subic Freeport Zone and the Bataan Freeport Zone.

Investments and Job Opportunities

The Clark Freeport Zone is becoming the next economic haven of Luzon with unprecedented gains in investments, revenues, employment and other significant achievements.

Noel F. Manankil, president and CEO of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), said the impressive accomplishments in the freeport can be attributed to the sound business climate that attracted more investors.

CDC’s latest number of locator-firms totaled 949, most of them in the information communication technology (ICT), service and developers’ industries. This resulted in the creation of jobs for 108,000 workers.

“With its extensive involvement in the government’s Build, Build, Build, program, Clark will be able to provide more jobs and opportunities for the Filipinos,” Manankil said.

The Subic Bay Freeport, on the other hand, has a total of 1,596 business locators that employ a total workforce of 133,940.

“There is a significant harvest of business commitments and opportunities for Subic, and it only goes to show that this freeport remains to be one of the strongest economic drivers in the country today,” SBMA chairman and administrator Wilma T. Eisma said.

For the first half of the year, the SBMA has approved 45 new investment projects worth a total of PHP2.85 billion, bringing the cumulative investment commitments to PHP499.6 billion.

Eisma said the SBMA hopes to create more business opportunities as it arranges cooperation programs with neighboring communities to host additional investment projects.

Meanwhile, the number of approved and registered locators at the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) reached 163 as of September this year.

“The continuous influx of new and interested locators in the FAB means an increased number of job opportunities for the community,” AFAB chairman and administrator Emmanuel D. Pineda said.

So far, the number of workforce in the Freeport totaled 40,567 wherein 35,116 are from Bataan and 5,451 from other regions even as far as Visayas and Mindanao.

Data showed that AFAB likewise managed to contribute bigger shares to the government from PHP98 million in 2017 to PHP141 million this year.

“We all decided to move forward together as we aim to reach new frontiers and trail blaze an amazing future for the next generations. Two years later, we have succeeded in sustaining this growth and now we continue to expand towards new possibilities,” Pineda said.

Agriculture

The agriculture sector of Central Luzon experienced a slowdown this year following the effect of typhoons the past months.

The Department of Agriculture (DA)-Central Luzon reported that damage to agriculture in the region due to typhoons Henry, Inday and Josie was placed at PHP770 million.

Likewise, some 110,698 hectares of farmlands in the region were affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong, causing destruction to crops amounting to some PHP2.05 billion.

As a result, Central Luzon is one of the four typhoon-affected regions placed under the state of calamity to mitigate the economic impact of the typhoon to the affected residents.

The member-agencies of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Central Luzon have also provided various assistance to the typhoon-affected families.

Despite the slowdown in the agriculture sector, Central Luzon plays a big role to the country’s economy due to diversification developments in the region.

Tourism

A spike in tourist volume in Central Luzon this year was noted due to improved infrastructures such as the integration of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway that paved the way for an easier and accessible travel to and from the provinces in the region.

The passenger traffic at the Clark International Airport is expected to hit the 2.5 million mark in the number of passengers before the year ends.

“The Clark International Airport is now one of the country’s busiest airports and this 2.5-million passenger mark is another record-breaking milestone for Clark,” Jaime Melo, president and chief executive officer of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) said in a statement.

At present, the Clark International Airport sustains 390 domestic and 184 international flights weekly.

“We are also targeting at least 11 domestic and 24 international destinations for next year,” Melo said.

The emergence of Subic as a hub for cruise ships was also cited.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is seeking to integrate tourist destinations in the neighboring provinces of Pampanga, Tarlac, Bataan and Zambales to boost cruise tourism program of the Subic Bay Freeport and create inclusive growth in the region.

“Our strategy is for Subic to become the anchor cruise ship destination, but it’s actually not only for Subic but for the inclusive growth of all of us as well,” Eisma earlier said.

So far, the number of Subic’s cruise ship arrivals this year was placed at 20, each bringing in some 2,000 to 5,000 tourists at every port call.

The construction of the Subic-Clark Railway, the North-South Railway spanning Laguna-Manila-Clark, and the expansion of the Clark International Airport will also serve as come-on for businessmen and tourists.

Economic outlook for 2019

With the high-impact projects in the region under the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build" infrastructure program, particularly in Clark Freeport Zone, another good year is expected to come in for the economy in Central Luzon.

Jess Nicdao, president of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. said the major infrastructure projects are the key to sustaining the economic growth of the region.

He lauded the Duterte administration for making Clark a part of the country’s economic strategy which is expected to experience an influx of new businesses and investments.

The country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games where some of the games will be held in Clark next year, is likewise seen to give a multiplier effect that could help sustain the vibrant economy of Central Luzon. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056863

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Subic Port ready for peak season

Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC), the container operator of Subic Freeport Area, assured that the company is prepared for the expected surge in cargo volume this peak season.

In a statement Tuesday, SBITC said it is already seeing the rush in imports and exports which is typical for the holiday season.

“The country’s appetite for imported goods is typically highlighted during the Christmas holiday up until Chinese New Year. With a healthy GDP (gross domestic product) outlook, we can expect this trend to remain a key driver in container volume growth in the months to come,” SBITC said.

It noted that cargo volumes in Subic port recorded growth for 13 straight months.

SBITC added that Subic port is also prepared to accommodate shipments initially destined for Port of Manila.

“Businesses in North and Central Luzon benefit most from our services, but we have seen shipments destined not only for Manila, but in Visayas and Mindanao as well. SBITC works with other ports in the Philippines to ensure operational excellence is attained as goods move through these key markets that are in and out of the Philippines,” the company said.

It added that Subic port also offers one-stop-shop service to ease and fast-track transactions.

“From enough space and manpower to increased efficiency through our One-Stop-Shop, our terminal is ready to accommodate the surge of cargo handling services not just this holiday peak season, but well into 2019 and beyond,” SBITC said.

“Recently, we have confirmed further investments in port equipment and systems to continuously outpace market growth. This allows the terminal to remain healthy from a utilization standpoint which we continue to deliver to our customers both at the quay and our gates,” it added.

Goods that pass through Subic port include agricultural equipment, grains, fertilizers, electronic parts, and general department store merchandise for North and Central Luzon businesses. (SNL)

Photo:

Cargo unloading at SBITC's New Container Terminal (NCT) at the Port of Subic.  

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Youths train in Subic jungles for ecosystem-based disaster management

SUBIC BAY FREPORT — This bustling industrial-commercial zone still plays an important role in educating residents on environmental protection and climate-change mitigation by providing real-life outdoor classrooms for ecosystem-based training.

Recently, some 60 members of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) from communities around the Subic Bay Freeport participated in a disaster-risk management training that focused on the importance of ecosystem and biodiversity in mitigating climate change.

Dubbed as EcoDRRM, or Ecosystem-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, the US Embassy-sponsored project sought to empower participants through outdoor workshops on the pivotal contributions of mangrove, forests and seagrasses to climate change mitigation.

The three-day training conducted under the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), brought youth leaders from Olongapo City, Castillejos, Zambales and Morong, Bataan to various ecosystems in the Subic Bay Freeport that served as backdrop for the program.

The activity was spearheaded by a team of United States-Philippines exchange alumni who won the Small Grant Competition and was given funding to support the conduct of the EcoDRRM project.

Rhea Jane Mallari, an environment officer at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Ecology Center and team leader of the project, said the participants heard lectures on disaster risk management, community risk mapping, climate change adaptation, and other related topics on the first day.

The second day then took the participants to a mangrove area at Sitio Sabang in Morong, Bataan, where they planted mangrove saplings and learned about how the mangrove and seagrass eco-systems serve as bio-shield for natural disasters.

At Day 3, the youth participants trekked the Pamulaklakin forest where they learned about the importance of forests in disaster prevention and received demonstrations on jungle survival, preparing healthy foods during evacuation, and relieving stress during disaster.

Mallari and fellow US-PH exchange alumnus Patrick Escusa said the participants all hailed the project as “a great learning experience that gave them helpful insights on disaster-risk mitigation.”

“We are very happy that the project succeeded in capacitating the youth in DRRM preparedness and prevention through ecosystem management, and imparted the culture of proactive response rather than reactive response to disasters,” Escusa said.

“We will continue the program by assisting and ensuring that the SK officials will apply what they learned from the training-workshop by conducting their own city or municipal-wide EcoDRRM projects,” Escusa added.

The EcoDRRM project was the latest in a long line of activities here that made use of Subic’s biodiversity to train workers and facilitators in environmental protection and resource conservation.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said Subic Freeport’s vast forest, marine, and freshwater resources provide a diverse ecosystem that makes for realistic learning.

“This is why many researchers and academics chose Subic for the conduct of their studies,” Eisma noted. “And as the country’s first eco-urban center, Subic is ideal for these activities and the SBMA is ever supportive of these projects.” (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SK leaders listen to a lecture on the importance of mangroves and seagrasses to climate change mitigation.

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Taiwanese computer giant to reopen Subic plant

Wistron Infocomm Corp., formerly one of the biggest export manufacturers in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, will soon resume production operations here.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Wilma Eisma on Wednesday said the Taiwanese computer giant conducted recruitment activities here for two days last week to hire workers for some 2,500 positions at its Subic facility.

Wistron’s return to Subic came as a direct result of the emerging trade war between the super-economies of the United States and China, as well as of the threat by the Trump administration to withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

“You can say that this again validates the inherent strength of Subic as a strategic business location, because when other countries lose their initial advantages in terms of cheap labor or distribution cost, companies opt for Subic,” Eisma said.

She also said that the SBMA expects more global companies affected by the trade war to consider moving out to Subic or other economic zones in the country.

According to SBMA Labor Department manager Severo Pastor, Wistron processed more than 4,000 applications during the two-day schedule of exams and job interviews last week, with 900 workers passing the qualifiers on the first day alone.

“They wanted HOTS -- hired on the spot, so Taiwanese personnel from the company personally conducted the interviews. The SBMA labor personnel simply assisted on the second day to help process the growing number of applications,” he said.

Wistron Infocomm started out in Subic in 1995 as Acer Information Products (Philippines), Inc., a computer manufacturing outfit of Acer, Inc., Taiwan’s biggest computer firm.

It earned its current name in 2006 when Acer, Inc. spun off its Subic operations and infused fresh capitalization of USD36 million to include a Mobile Operations Unit (MSU).

In 2008, Wistron contributed more than a fourth of Subic’s USD977.84 export total with export production of USD274.88 million, leading the top 10 Subic exporters when Korean shipbuilder Hanjin, now the biggest exporter, was just a fledgling operation with USD61.74 million worth of exports.

In 2010, however, Wistron closed its hand-held device plant in Subic, shifting all of its production here to a facility in Zhongshan, China, but leaving its design automation center here.

The move displaced some 700 workers, at least 200 of whom, however, were reportedly sent off to a Wistron plant in the border-town facility of Juarez, Mexico.

In a clear reversal of fortune, Pastor said the newly-opened positions in Subic are the result of the company’s plan to relocate their operations to Mexico due to the threat by President Donald Trump to withdraw from NAFTA, which he has criticized for allowing Mexico to “steal” jobs from the United States and opening the border to cheap, tariff-free goods. (Malou Dungog, PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1055921

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BoC Subic posts record collection

The Port of Subic district collection unit of the Bureau of Customs achieved last month its highest revenue collection performance in its 20-year history after generating P2.347 billion, or 12.8 percent over its target for the period.

The BOC district unit headed by lawyer Ma. Rhea M. Gregorio registered a surplus of P265.429 million, according to the data gathered on the revenue performance of the district. Its target was P2.082 billion.

This is the third consecutive month that the district achieved positive collections record since September when Gregorio assumed the post as district collector.

BOC Subic accomplished the double-digit revenue targets by upgrading trade facilitation and closer dialogs with both Subic Freeport locators and port users.

Subic raised P2.182 billion revenues on import duties and taxes in October, netting P87.733 million, or a surplus of 4.2 percent. (Joel E. Zurbano, Manila Standard)

http://manilastandard.net/business/power-technology/282110/boc-subic-posts-record-collection.html

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NAGT triathlon set in Subic, registration ongoing

Over six hundred entries beat the early bird cut-off for the National Age-Group Triathlon Subic Bay race set for Jan. 27, 2019 at San Bernardino inside the Subic Bay Freeport.

The event organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines, in cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department will have Standard Distance (1.5 Km swim–40 Km bike–10 Km run), Sprint Distance (750 M swim–20 Km bike–5 Km run) and Super Sprint Distance (500 M swim–13 Km bike–2.5 Km run) courses that will start and end at San Bernardino.

The NAGT series serves as TRAP’s main development and recruitment program from the grassroots level. The next stops are in Cebu, Dipolog City, Roxas City and Cagayan de Oro.

Competition manager Kenneth Romero said members of the Philippine Team, who are aspiring for slots for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, including Claire Adorna, Kim Kilgroe, Nikko Huelgas, John Chicano, Mark Hosana, JC Abad and Edward Macalalad will be racing for their respective early season tests.

Many prominent junior elite and youth triathletes from around the country have registered including Cebuano standouts Andrew Kim Remolino, Karen Manayon and Moira Frances Erediano.

At stake in the event sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Gatorade, Standard Insurance, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines and the SBMA are medals for the Top 3 winners by age-group.

Registration is still ongoing with entry fees set at P3,750 for Standard Distance, P3,000 for Sprint Distance, P2,500 for Super Sprint Distance and P7,500 for Team Relay competitions.

Registration will end on December 31 to ensure that the field will not exceed the capacity of the venue.

For inquiries, contact the TRAP by email at trapsecretariat@gmail.com, by landline at 710-8259 and by visiting their official website at www.triathlon.org.ph (SNL)

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Subic Freeport exec gunned down

A lone suspect gunned down a company executive and wounded his bodyguard as the victims were walking toward a hotel here Wednesday night, police authorities said Thursday.

Police said Dominic Sytin, founder and executive officer of United Auctioneers, Inc., an importer of used heavy equipment and other vehicles based in Subic Freeport, died on the spot due to gunshot wounds in the head.

Sytin's bodyguard, identified as Efren Espartero, is now in critical condition at a nearby hospital.

Police said Sytin was about to enter The Lighthouse Hotel along Waterfront Road, Moonbay Marina Area, inside the Freeport, when an unidentified suspect shot him at the back and the left side of his head. Espartero tried to retaliate but was shot several times at the right side of his body and arm, police said.

Witnesses said the suspect fled on a motorcycle.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) condemned the killing of Sytin “to the strongest possible term” as it is apparently a targeted assassination of a business locator here.

In a statement, SBMA chairman and administrator Wilma Eisma said the incident was a sad news, “not only because a prominent businessman fell prey to violence, but also because one life has been snuffed out just like that”.

Eisma said the SBMA is working with the police to identify the killer and urged the public with information to help authorities solve the crime. (Ruben Veloria, PNA)

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SBMA greenlights Grab operation in Subic Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has given the green light to Grab Philippines, thereby allowing the operation in this free port of Southeast Asia’s leading Internet-based ride-hailing and booking company.

Grab would initially field 120 taxi units for commuters in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma welcomed the launch of Grab operations here on Tuesday, pointing out that the service would provide a safe and cost-effective transportation system for commuters in the Freeport.

She said the riding public in Subic want ease and convenience, as well as competitive rates, while the SBMA opts for a top-of-the-line digital platform to put Subic’s transport system at par with those in other global growth centers.

“This is an opportunity for everybody to step up and improve their services,” Eisma stressed. “There is really a need to modernize the transport system here and normalize taxi fares so that there will be no more unnecessary negotiation for how much passengers should pay.”

Aside from standardizing fare rates in the Freeport, Grab operations are expected to help provide interconnectedness with nearby communities that are being encouraged by SBMA to open up tourism attractions for visitors who arrive in Subic.

According to SBMA Deputy Administrator for Business Kenneth Rementilla, tourists, business locators and employees are the primary customers for Grab.

He said the Subic Bay Freeport Zone logged in more than 8.6 million same-day visitor arrivals in Subic last year, up by 10 percent over the previous year’s figure. On the other hand, more than 1.6 million tourist arrivals were recorded last year, a slight growth over the 2017 tally.

“As more and more visitors arrive in Subic and more of them spill over to sites in Olongapo City, Zambales, Bataan and Pampanga, we expect Grab to play a bigger role in providing accessibility,” Rementilla said.

He added that aside from giving passengers comfort, safety and convenience, Grab can actually help boost local tourism and play a significant part in increasing local income.

Rementilla said that to avail of Grab services in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, commuters would simply have to download an application from the App Store or get it on Google play.

With the application, commuters can easily book a ride by setting their pick up and drop off point; find the nearest available driver, and track and find out details about him and his location; or even let family and friends track the progress of their trip.

Grab, which originated in Singapore under the MyTeksi brand, is now active in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, and in the Philippines where it is operational in major urban centers like Manila, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Angeles City, and Balanga, Bataan.

In Subic, Grab is seen to revolutionize how business locators, workers, and visitors are being ferried in and around this growing business and industrial center, Chairman Eisma said. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] Uniformed Grab taxi drivers signal their availability to ferry passengers, as the Internet-based ride-hailing platform started operating in the Subic Bay Freeport on Tuesday, Nov. 27.

[2] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma tries a ride on a Grab taxi, which started operating in the Subic Bay Freeport on Tuesday, Nov. 27.

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10 outstanding Subic Freeport workers named

Twelve employees from various companies in this premier free port made it to the list of the 10 Outstanding Freeport Workers for 2018, joining the growing body of awardees who made their mark in their respective workplaces year after year.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, along with other SBMA officials, presented the awards during a recognition ceremony on Nov. 23 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center here.

“It never fails to amaze me how we have gone such a long way,” Eisma said in her message, referring to the 26 years that the Subic Freeport existed and recalling the services of the more than 8,000 volunteers who helped establish Subic during its infancy.

“We are honoring 12 outstanding Freeport workers today and it only shows that excellence and malasakit continue to live with us here,” Eisma added.

The SBMA chief also thanked the awardees, as well as all stakeholders in the Subic Freeport “who had given that dedication to Subic to move us forward, so that investors continue to come by providing them a safe and clean place for their business.”

Lawyer Severo Pastor Jr., who heads the SBMA Labor Department and also serves as president of the Subic Bay Workers Development Foundation (SBWDF), which organizes the annual event, said the awards started out 17 years ago with “an urgent need to celebrate and recognize those who have excelled in their companies while continuing to thrive in their service to the community.”

Pastor explained that out of the more than 300 nominees this year, the board of judges selected 10 candidates whose score ranged between 90% and 98%. However, four candidates garnered the same scores in two spots so that 12 winners emerged, he added.

This year’s outstanding workers are: Maximo Bello, Jr. of FBM Systems and Electronics, Inc., Maria Lorena Aguania (Nicera Phils.), Gary Manglicmot (Pacific Ocean Underwater Solution, Corp.), Roberto Duran, Jr. (Phil. Coastal Storage and Pipelines Corp.), Marilyn Mae Martinez (PayAsia PA Support Subic Ltd.), Jefrene Sarmiento (PTT Phils. Trading Corp.); Simeon Carlos, Jr. (Nicera Phils. Inc.), Arnel Faminialan (Phil. Coastal Storage and Pipelines Corp.), Menandro Magcale (SBMA Media Production Department), Alfredo Cerezo (Subic Enerzone Corp.), Dominica Cureg (Subic Water and Sewerage Corp.), and Ruffy Gonzalez (Wistron Infocomm Phils. Corp.).

For her part, Olongapo City Police Office Superintendent Avelina De Guzman, who headed the board of judges, reminded the awardees that while they may experience disappointments in work, these should only help them grow.

“Brace yourselves for the many challenges ahead, and remember to learn from them,” she said. “Continue to work towards your dream, be proud of your accomplishments and be especially proud that you were awarded as top workers of the year.”

Meanwhile, two other activities organized for the benefit of local residents were simultaneously held at the Harbor Point mall here to coincide with the 26th SBMA anniversary celebration on Nov. 23-24: a mobile passport processing and a job fair.

Thousands of jobseekers lined up for the job fair that offered some 4,500 openings in various locator-businesses in the Subic Bay Freeport. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
[1] Winners of the 10 Outstanding Freeport Workers Award show their trophies during the recognition rites at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. (MPD-SBMA)

[2] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma joins the winners of the 10 Outstanding Freeport Workers Award along with (L-R) DA for Administration Ruel John Kabigting, OIC-DA for Legal Mike Quintos, and DA for Port Rani Cruz. (MPD-SBMA)

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‘Better together’: SBMA chief cites Subic volunteers and hails new heroes

After an army of volunteers more than 8,000 strong preserved the former Subic Naval Base 25 years ago and facilitated the growth of what would become the country’s premier free port, new heroes have since stepped up to take the cudgels for “malasakit” and sustain Subic’s economic miracle, Subic’s chief executive said on Friday.

In a speech during the commemoration of Subic’s founding anniversary here, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma cited the contributions of past and present volunteers and urged them to always stick together as one Subic community, regardless of when they got on board.

“Being a volunteer myself, I know for some reason that the volunteers of 25 years ago have this invisible bond,” Eisma said as she reminisced about sharing “baon” lunches with Subic workers in the early days of Subic.

“But let us not forget that Subic is not just about the volunteers,” she said. “Many heroes have risen since the day of the volunteers, since the very first heroes,” she went on.

“Many, many, many heroes have risen from what SBMA is today. We have evolved into an army of many volunteers, of many heroes,” she added.

“Those who come anyway on a weekend to work, those who come anyway on a weekend to volunteer, the hundreds and hundreds of people from Olongapo, Bataan and Zambales who come for coastal clean-up in a day’s notice, we have also developed a kind of bond with each other somehow because of our love for Subic, because of our hope and dreams that we will bring Subic to a new frontier many, many years from now,” Eisma also said.

Eisma, who won just last week a silver trophy in the 15th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business in New York City, led the Subic anniversary rites at the Volunteers Shrine here, where the names of the original Subic volunteers were etched in stone.

The commemoration ceremony kicked off a two-day program for the 26th SBMA anniversary celebration that would be capped by the ceremonial lighting of the SBMA Christmas tree and the start of a music festival at the Boardwalk Events Center here.

In her speech, the SBMA executive also urged various stakeholders in Subic to work together and create a better, more cohesive Subic Freeport community.

“We have come such a long way. Now, we have more dreams. Let’s not refer to the old volunteers and the new volunteer because we are from Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, we are from Subic Bay Freeport Zone,” she reminded the audience.

Eisma also stressed that “malasakit” or concern for one another is the only way for Subic to go and grow.

“We are one community and that’s what we should be,” she said. “We should always be together because we are stronger that way. We are better together.” (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma pays tribute to Subic volunteers and hailed the emergence of new heroes during the 26th SBMA anniversary celebration on Friday. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic bags bronze as best sports tourism destination in Asia

As a testament to the successful sports tourism program of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the Subic Bay Freeport again won in the search for the best tourism destination of the year in Asia.

Subic Freeport romped away with the bronze award for “Best Sports Tourism Destination of the Year” in this year’s Sports Industries Awards and Conference Asia (SPIA Asia), beating countries like China, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and India.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado and SBMA tourism manager Jem Camba received the award during the 3rd SPIA Asia Awards Gala 2018 held in Bangkok, Thailand on Tuesday.

The SPIA Asia awards is held annually to celebrate the brands, agencies rights holders, marketers, venues and destination, and organizations which positively influence the sporting landscape in Asia.

Entry to the awards is free and the judging rigorous, with about 400 entries this year and a panel of more than 37 international experts who judged the entries to determine the gold, silver and bronze winners.

The awards included four local and 14 Asian award categories, three public voted categories, and one achievement category.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said Subic’s recognition in the SPIA Awards “again highlighted the attractiveness of Subic as a natural setting for sports competitions, and confirmed SBMA’s success in sustaining sports as a pillar of the local tourism industry.”

It can be recalled that Subic won the gold award for best destination in the SPIA Asia awards in 2017. This year, the gold award went to Melbourne, Australia while the silver went to Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates.

Agregado said it was a “great achievement” for Subic to win awards in succession, considering the large number of entries vying for honors.

Other finalists this year in the Best Sports Tourism Destination category were: Amazing Thailand, Tourism Authority Thailand; Imagine Your Korea, Korea Tourism Organization; Mission Hills, China, Mission Hills Group; Vietnam - Timeless Charm, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism; Visit Malaysia, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board; Wonderful Indonesia, Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia; and Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism India. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado (second, left) and SBMA tourism manager Jem Camba (center) receive the bronze award for “Best Sports Tourism Destination of the Year”

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