DOT certifies 2 Subic Freeport hotels for passing Halal standard

The Department of Tourism-Region 3 (DOT3) has awarded two hotels here for passing the standard of a Halal-friendly hotel. 

DOT3 Regional Director Richard Daenos, together with SBMA Tourism Manager Mary Jamelle Camba, handed the certificates of recognition to representatives of The Aurora Subic Hotel and The Mansion Garden Hotel during the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) flag-raising ceremony at the administration building on December 22, 2025.

Aurora General Manager Rhett M. Villaruz and Mansion Garden Hotel Operations Manager Sheanelle F. Calayag received the certificates for their compliance with the requirements of DOT Memorandum Circular 2024-003, which provides the Amended Guidelines for Recognizing Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments (MFAEs). 

A Muslim-friendly accommodation offers prayer facilities (Qibla direction, mats, and prayer rooms), Halal food options (certified kitchens/ meals), and amenities such as water-friendly toilets and culturally sensitive staff training from official certifying bodies, including CrescentRating and local tourism departments.

Camba cited that the award is a testament to the capabilities of hotel establishments here in handling the various needs of tourists from different religious affiliations, adding that Freeport is a viable tourist destination for clientele from diverse cultures and beliefs.

She added that certain key features required by the DOT in Muslim-friendly establishments include dedicated prayer rooms, Qibla direction markers in rooms, prayer mats (Sejjadah), Quran available, Islamic TV channels, Halal-certified kitchens with separate utensils, and Halal minibar options, or menus clearly marking Halal dishes. 

She also mentioned that Megaworld Hotels & Resorts was also certified under this guideline.

Other features include water-friendly toilets (bidet sprays/ water source for ablution/ Wudu), and staff trained in Muslim customs, availability of nearby mosque information, and culturally sensitive service. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA champions 2025 FOI awards among GOCCs

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) emerged as champion in the recently concluded 2025 Freedom of Information (FOI) Awards held at The Bellevue Manila in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, on November 28. 

SBMA bagged the FOI Champion Award in the Government-Owned and –Controlled Corporation (GOCC) category, along with the Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PGC) in the 1^st Runner-Up spot and the Philippine Charity and Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) in the 2nd Runner-Up. 

 

SBMA Office Services Department (OSD) OIC-Manager and FOI Receiving Officer (FRO) Jaime H. Menor, Jr., with his staff FRO Angelo M. Mañalac and FRO Randy D. Canlas, received the award on behalf of SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, marking a strong year for transparency and public accountability among government institutions. 

 

Aliño lauded this accolade, noting that it is a meaningful affirmation of the agency’s commitment to openness, proactive information sharing, and active public engagement, and emphasized that transparency remains a cornerstone of effective and democratic governance.

 

Themed, “KALIKASAN: Knowledge Access for Local and International Key Actions on Sustainability, Accountability, and Nature,” the awards ceremony underscored the crucial role of transparent public information in promoting environmental stewardship, good governance, and sustainable development, signifying a strong year for transparency and public accountability among government institutions.

 

Aside from the agency’s award, Canlas was also recognized as one of the Best FOI Receiving Officers in the Philippines, distinguishing himself among frontliners nationwide who ensure efficient, transparent, and citizen-friendly access to public information.

 

The FOI Awards is an annual initiative recognizing outstanding government agencies and individuals who champion transparency and uphold the public’s right to information under the FOI Program. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA makes it to Green Destinations 2025 Top 100 stories

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s (SBMA) entry, the Recyclables Collection Program, was hailed as one of the 2025 Top 100 Stories on the global recognition list from the Netherlands-based organization Green Destinations.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, the agency was recognized in the “Good Practice Stories” in sustainable tourism from around the world for the Recyclables Collection Program.

The winning story, “Recyclables Collection Program: SBMA’s Strategy to Implement Circular Economy,” depicts how the agency implements its circular economy strategy primarily through its flagship program, the Recyclables Collection Event (RCE), which is held biannually. It involves collaboration among stakeholders to manage waste, raise funds for charity, and achieve carbon-neutrality goals. 

“This is the first international award of the SBMA for its sustainability efforts. The RCE is part of our bid to make the Subic Bay Freeport Zone the first carbon-neutral economic zone in the Philippines,” he added.

The Green Destinations Top 100 Stories award was presented during the Sustainable Destinations Forum 2025 on October 28-29 at Expo City Dubai, where the ceremony celebrating stories from around the globe was held. 

OIC-Senior Deputy Administrator for Regulatory Group Amethya Dela Llana cited that the primary goal of the Recyclables Program is to achieve a 30 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2040. The initiative also aims to make Subic Bay Freeport into the first Green Port City in the country.

Dela Llana said that the RCE is a multi-faceted approach that transforms waste management from a disposal problem into an integrated system that creates resources, fosters community involvement, and supports social causes, embodying the principles of a circular economy.

SBMA Ecology Center OIC Rossell L. Abuyo added, “The RCE is an event where SBMA departments, Subic Freeport companies, and residents donate or sell segregated common recyclables such as paper, plastics, metals, and hazardous wastes such as used oil, e-waste, busted bulbs, and expired medicines.” 

She added that proceeds from the sales of these materials are often donated to local charitable institutions, namely the Missionaries of Charity house, which is a shelter for abandoned seniors, and Bantay Bata 163. There were also instances when the funds were used to provide grocery packs for outsourced utility workers. 

The Green Destinations 2025 Top 100 Stories list highlights sustainable tourism initiatives from around the world, with winning stories announced at the Green Destinations Story Awards ceremony in March 2025. 

Del Carmen of Siargao Islands, Philippines also won an award for its transformation from mangrove cutting to a Ramsar site, or a wetland acclaimed as being of "international importance," and the Cayo District, Belize, for its sustainable tourism projects. 

Other notable award categories were Destination Management, Nature and Scenery, Environment and Climate, Culture and Tradition, Thriving Communities, and Business and Marketing. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Subic Freeport’s 10 Outstanding workers in 2025 named

The Search for the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers of 2025, co-organized by the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. (SBWDFI) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), hailed its awardees in a ceremony held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on Wednesday, November 26. 

Now in its 24^th year, this year's recognition rites, themed “Dakila ka, Manggagawa,” centered on the various individual achievements of the honorees who have uplifted this premier Freeport’s reputation as a bastion of commendable employment practices that are achieved through collaboration with industry partners.

 

“Today we celebrate the strength and excellence of the Subic Bay Freeport workforce. The ten Outstanding Freeport Workers embody discipline, professionalism, and dedication—values that drive the continuous growth of our community,” SBWDFI president and SBMA Labor Department manager, Atty. Melvin Varias said. 

 

According to the chairman of the Board of Judges, Philippine National Police-Olongapo City Public Information Officer, P/Lt. Mary Ann Sadaba, the Board received a total of 21 nominations, 12 in the supervisory positions and nine in the rank and file positions, each demonstrating remarkable contributions to the success and growth of the Freeport. Then, “carefully evaluated each candidate based on several key categories.” 

 

The 2025 Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers were Rowena M. Picardal of the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation; Charrie Mae M. Borja of Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center Baypointe, Inc.; Abraham S. Ayson of Wistron Infocomm (Philippines) Corporation; Darren N. Dacanay of PTT Philippines Corporation; Maureen S. Dela Cruz of PlayAsia Support Subic Ltd. Inc.; Katrina Anne R. Valenzuela of PlayAsia Support Subic Ltd. Inc.; Jenny Y. Dela Cruz of Royal Duty Free Shops, Inc.; Lex Byron D. Magrata of the SBMA Public Relations Department; Alvin A. Dagdagan of the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation; and Alpha Eris M. Reyes of Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center Baypointe, Inc. 

 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, who was the guest of honor, also rendered his congratulatory message to the awardees. 

 

“Sa ating mga Outstanding Freeport Workers, you are not just valued. You are essential. Ang inyong talento, dedikasyon at sipag ang nagpapatakbo sa puso ng Subic Bay Freeport Zone,” he added.  

 

He also lauded the SBWDFI, which for 24 years has been honoring individuals who do not simply perform their duties, but uplift industries, inspire peers, and strengthen the very foundation of the community. 

 

The Search for the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers honors individuals from various Freeport locators for their excellence in their respective fields of expertise and for their significant contributions towards achieving productivity and industrial harmony within the freeport. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA partners honored in 1st Green Anchor Awards

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), in collaboration with Subic Bay International Terminals (SBITC), honoured its port stakeholders in the first Green Anchor Awards at the ACEA Subic Beach Resort on November 24, 2025.

The Green Anchor Awards is SBMA’s flagship recognition program for its partners in the port and logistics sector. 

Coinciding with the SBMA’s anniversary celebration, the recognition rites honoured companies and organizations for their cargo contributions that drive commerce, sustainable practices that protect the environment, and partnerships that foster a thriving business environment in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“Green Anchor Awards aim to celebrate freeport companies that choose to go beyond compliance; those who innovate, invest, and adapt their operations because they understand that sustainability is not just a requirement, but a responsibility," said SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño. 

"It is also smart economics as the world moves toward greener value chains, cleaner shipping, circular waste practices, and low-emission operations. The ports that lead in sustainability will be the ones most competitive in the future,” Aliño added.

The Emerald Awards were given to 15 awardees who have made a significant impact through the generation of cargo volume and the reliable delivery of essential goods that sustain communities.

These companies include: San Miguel Foods Corporation; FLS Group Philippines; Worldwide Logistics Group, Philippines; Yokohama Tire Philippines Incorporated; Nestle Philippines Incorporated; Juken Sangyo Philippines Corporation; Philippine Resins Industries Incorporated; HLD Clark Steel Pipe Company Incorporated; Datian Subic Shoes Incorporated; Ecossential Foods Corporation; Maersk Lines Limited; Evergreen Lines; SITC Container Lines; Mediterranean Shipping Company; and CMA-CGM Lines.

The Emerald Special Awards were given to five companies for their exemplary performance in implementing effective programs, strategies, and CSR activities that promote sustainable practices. 

The awardees were Subic Bay Freeport Grains Terminal Services Incorporated; Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation; Pure Petroleum Corporation; Subic Bay International Terminals Corporation- ICTSI Subic Incorporated; and United Auctioneers Incorporated.

Meanwhile, the Partners in Progress Awards were presented to private organizations and government institutions, “whose steadfast collaboration has been instrumental in shaping the Subic Bay Port community.” 

These were the Association of International Shipping Lines Incorporated (AISL); Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners and Organization  (ACTOO); Philippine Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc. (PCCBI), Subic-Clark Chapter / Brokers Association; Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Subic; and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

According to Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao, the Green Anchor Awards is a pioneer recognition platform in the country established by a GOCC to celebrate champions of trade growth and sustainability initiatives in support of its vision of a Green Port City. 

“Subic Bay has been blessed with one of the most unique environmental landscapes in the country—waters that sustain marine life, forests that protect biodiversity, and a coastline that continues to drive economic activity. As stewards of this bay, we have a duty to ensure that development does not come at the expense of future generations,” SBMA Chairman Aliño said. 

For his part, SBITC Executive Director Philippe Baudry said, “As a partner of the SBMA in this event, we share SBMA’s vision of a greener Subic Bay and believe collaboration is a key to lasting impact. Our efforts here form part of ICTSI’s (International Container Terminal Services, Inc.) global sustainability. Together, let us continue to anchor our efforts on green practices for the benefit of our communities and future generations.” (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA gets DOE, PNOC Solar EV Station, blessing of E-Buses & EV Stations held

The Department of Energy (DOE) formally turned over a Solar-Assisted Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS) to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), marking another important milestone in the government’s efforts to promote cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable transport and energy solutions nationwide.

The turnover ceremony, held in Taguig City, was led in by DOE Undersecretary Mario C. Marasigan, who represented Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin. He was joined by Director Patrick T. Aquino, CESO III of the DOE’s Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB). Representing SBMA were Engr. Marco A. Estabillo, Deputy Administrator for the Public Works and Technical Services Group, and Engr. Jomel M. Libut, Officer-in-Charge of the Maintenance and Transportation Department. The event was also witnessed by Mr. Ronald R. Estilles, President and CEO of the Philippine National Oil Company Renewables Corporation (PNOC RC).

Developed by the DOE and PNOC-RC under the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP), the Solar-Assisted EVCS serves as a model facility for integrating renewable energy into electric mobility. The project supports the government’s efforts to expand access to clean transport, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote the wider use of electric vehicles in strategic locations, such as the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Meanwhile, the SBMA held the blessing of e-buses and charging stations at the Maintenance and Transportation Department (MTD) and Argonaut Highway, paving the way for a greener Subic Bay Freeport on November 24, 2025.

The SBMA e-Bus is a new public transport system in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone utilizing 10 electric buses (e-buses) as part of the agency’s move towards a carbon-neutral Freeport. There are currently two charging stations for the e-buses, with the Department of Energy (DOE) donating the one at Argonaut Highway.

A total of 58 bus stops will be constructed, eight around the Central Business District, 16 at the Cubi Area, six at theme park areas, 18 at the Binictican Housing area, and ten at the Kalayaan Housing area. (PNA, SNL)

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SBMA honors 175 service awardees

A total of 175 service awardees were honored during the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)’s 11th Loyalty Awards Ceremony at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on November 17, 2025.

The SBMA Loyalty Awards aim to recognize employees who have served in government for ten years, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years.

The ceremony was graced by Civil Service Commission-Central Office’s Assistant Commissioner for Professionalization and Cooperation Atty. Judith A. Dongallo-Chicano.

“This celebration stands as a testament to your dedication and commitment. We celebrate not only the number of years you have devoted to public service. Each of you has been part of the continuing journey of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. SBMA stands strong today because of people like you. You have been part of every improvement, every achievement, and every story of progress that defines this institution,” Dongallo-Chicano said.

44 awardees in the ten years of service were recognized, including a posthumous award for an employee who passed away in August 2024; 5 awardees in the 15 years of service; 114 awardees in the 20 years of service; nine awardees in the 25 years of service; and three awardees in the 30 years of service.

Meanwhile, the said awardees, together with the Employee of the Year 2024 finalists, whose awarding ceremony also coincided with the Loyalty Awards ceremony, were accorded a tribute through a grand entrance with the Jose de Piro Kabataan Orchestra, a non-profit organization from Dinalupihan, Bataan.

Nora P. Sevillejo, one of the three awardees in the 30 years of service, delivered her inspirational message expressing heartfelt gratitude to her colleagues and to the SBMA, being her second home for the past three decades.

“I am deeply honored to stand before you today as we celebrate the recipients of the Loyalty Awards. 30 years in service, this recognition holds great significance not just for the individuals receiving it, but for all of us who have had the privilege to work alongside all of you,” Sevillejo said.  

“Loyalty is a value that is built on trust, commitment, and unwavering dedication. It is not measured by time alone, but by the quality of service. The individuals we honor today have demonstrated all these qualities and more. SBMA has been more than just a workplace. It has been a place where I have been able to build a career, and be part of a community,” she added.

Sevillejo recalled she started as a volunteer in the Tourism Department with fellow awardee Judith Stenseth in 1994. She was assigned to the Financial Planning & Budget Department, and the latter to the Treasury Department, after a few months as a volunteer. From then on, Sevillejo has strictly monitored the capital expenditures of SBMA according to rules. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport, Hermosa to be interlinked in proposed Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway Project

Subic Bay Freeport, along with Hermosa, Bataan, is being considered for interlinkage with the proposed Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Railway Project.  

In a meeting at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) corporate boardroom early this month, the SCMB Technical Working Group met with key officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTR) and The Cadmus Group, as well as Hermosa Mayor Anne Adorable-Inton.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao said that the meeting focused on the creation of an eight-kilometre access road spanning from Hermosa to Subic Freeport’s Naval Supply Depot through two bridges. The access road would cost ₱ 1.8 billion.

The group also discussed the protection of the rights of Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities and their compensation packages. They also reviewed the logistics terminal between Hermosa and SBFZ, as well as trade volume, port statistics, and the alignment of the logistics roadmap and bypass road from SBFZ to Hermosa.

The SCMB Railway Project is a planned 250-kilometre freight railway project connecting four major economic hubs in Luzon, intending to decongest Manila's port and improve logistics. 

The project is in the development stage, with a feasibility study being jointly undertaken by the United States, Sweden, and the Asian Development Bank, with technical assistance being provided by the US Trade and Development Agency.

The said SCMB Railway Project will link the Port of Subic, Clark International Airport, the Port of Manila, and the Port of Batangas, primarily aiming to serve as a freight cargo railway to ease congestion at the Port of Manila by ensuring the timely movement of products.

The said project is part of the broader Luzon Economic Corridor Initiative, and is intended to drive investment and economic growth. (MPD-SBMA)

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MD honored as SBMA's best employee of 2024

A medical doctor received the highest honors as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recognized outstanding employees during the Employee of the Year 2024 Awards Ceremony.

Dr. Arlene Cesa of the Support Services Group, a Medical Officer IV and officer-in-charge of the Medical Division of the Public Health and Safety Department, was named SBMA Employee of the Year (EOY) 2024-Category 2 during the awards ceremony held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on November 17.  

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño led the awards ceremony and welcomed guests and awardees to the event.

“Our finalists, chosen through a rigorous process, truly embody what it means to be a breed apart. Employees who go beyond routine, think outside of the box, and serve with creativity, integrity, and compassion. Public service is both a responsibility and an honor. It is not defined by rank nor title, but by the trust we uphold, and the excellence we bring to even the smallest task. Transparency, accountability, and dedication are the values that elevate the ordinary work into extraordinary service,” Aliño said.  

In her acceptance speech, Cesa accepted the award not only for herself as an individual, but for her entire department.

“This is not about one person, but about the whole of Public Health and Safety Group, particularly the Health and Safety Department, in both creation and redemption. When we offer our daily efforts in union with the Lord, our profession becomes more than labor. It becomes a way to sanctify the world,” Cesa said.

“The journey of becoming a health care professional humbles us. We can encounter human sufferings, face our own limitations, and realize we can’t fix everything. And that’s okay. That awareness makes us more approachable, more compassionate, more humane. Humility makes us more humane, and our patients will feel that. Our patients will not only remember our medical knowledge. But they will definitely remember how we made them feel,” Cesa added.

Cesa is well-known in the agency for her calm demeanor towards patients and her colleagues, as she demonstrates a team-player mentality.

In the span of 24 years in the agency, it has been her practice to accommodate patients even when off-duty, stay beyond working hours when needed, and even volunteer as a reliever for her colleagues.

Her bottomless source of energy has pushed several health-related projects to be implemented by the department, such as the quarterly health caravan, which is an information campaign involving SBMA employees and SBF stakeholders alike, as part of the agency's bid to secure certification of ISO 45001:2018, or the Occupational Health and Safety International Standards.

Other contenders in the Category 2 were Julious Macam of the Chairman & Administrator’s Group, Beatrix Anagaran of the Business & Investment Group, Librado Canara, Jr. of the Operations Group, Roderic Grueso of the Public Services Group, and Rossell Abuyo of the Regulatory Group.

Meanwhile, Helen Castillones of the Regulatory Group bagged the EOY 2024 in Category 1.

Catillones holds a Secretary I position in the Ecology Center, and does overall administrative tasks for the department. But she also works in the Policy and Monitoring or Waste Management Division. Despite the tasks at hand, she finished her Bachelor’s Degree in Office Management in August 2024.

She became a finalist for taking charge of the regular recycling day in housing areas in the Subic Freeport in Binictican, Kalayaan and Cubi. She also initiated the department’s digitization of records and trained personnel from the Pastolan Forest Conservation Group on filing and data management.

Other contenders in Category 1 were Grace Encina of the Chairman & Administrator’s Group, Cresencia Maulas of the Business & Investment Group, Marifel Sazon of the Operations Group, Marjorie Anne Tiania of the Public Services Group, and Sheila Mae Mari of the Support Services Group.

The EOY 2024 Awards ceremony was followed by the Loyalty Awards ceremony, where 175 service awardees were recognized, including a posthumous awardee. These awardees include employees who served the agency for ten years, 15 years, 20 years, 25 years, and 30 years. (MPD-SBMA)

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Greek business community eyes investments in Subic Freeport

Greek companies under the Hellenic-ASEAN Business Council (HABC) are considering investing in this premier Freeport after expressing positive feedback during their visit here on November 7, 2025.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño welcomed the HABC delegation led by its Chairman Nick Stasinopoulos and Athens Ambassador to the Philippines Giovanni E. Palec upon arrival at the agency’s administration building. 

SBMA Board Director Atty. Ruel John Kabigting, Business and Investment Group (BIG) Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA), Renato Lee III, Business and Investment Department (BID) for Logistics account officer Joemando De Vera assisted Aliño in welcoming the foreign dignitaries during their visit.

According to HABC Chairman Stasinopoulos, the visit strengthens economic trade and cultural ties with the Philippines and Southeast Asian countries. 

“Our purpose here is to strengthen the Greek presence and to create more awareness of the potential in investments, specifically now in Subic, and how we can bring stakeholders together and facilitate joint ventures and interesting projects that could be a win-win situation for the community and the Philippine government,” he added.

Stasinopoulos hosted the first Philippine Business Roundtable in September 2025, which encouraged Greek companies to invest and do business in the Philippines.

At a presentation held at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom, the HABC delegates showed interest in shipbuilding and the cruise ship industry, which have been major staple activities in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. 

The CREATE MORE Act, which aims to attract more foreign investments, was also discussed during the briefing, where Aliño said that the agency offers benefits such as a 20% corporate income tax rate (from 25%) for registered business enterprises, a 100% deduction on electricity expenses, and additional deductions for trade fairs and tourism investments.

Meanwhile, Lee said that local purchases made by the investors are VAT zero-rated, and importations are VAT-exempt for export-oriented enterprises. He added that tax and duty exemptions are provided for donations to public schools and government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs).

The HABC is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering bilateral trade, investment, and socio-cultural collaboration between Greece and the ten member-nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It serves as a strategic platform that connects key stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, and industry experts, to explore new avenues of cooperation. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Arizona State Legislature visits Subic Bay Freeport for potential partnership

The Arizona State Legislature recently visited this premier Freeport, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the Philippines and the Philippine-US relations, while eyeing potential economic partnerships with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

“The visit is a testament to the strong relationship between the Philippines and the United States,” said SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Business and Investment Renato Lee III as he welcomed the US delegation.

During the visit on October 23, Arizona State Representative Tony Rivero shared that the chairman of the International Relations Committee for Arizona initiated the visit after a meeting with the Philippine ambassador in Washington in 2017, as Arizona is currently exploring economic development opportunities. 

“We want to establish a trade office to facilitate business investments between Arizona and the Philippines. This is a historical moment due to shared history and potential future collaborations in international trade,” cited Representative Rivero.

Rivero emphasized the importance of building a workforce and educational ties to drive future growth, highlighting the strategic importance of the Philippines in a challenging regional context.

He said that the visit is part of a broader effort to revolutionize Arizona's international relations and economic partnerships, adding that he is impressed with the innovation and potential for tangible outcomes from the discussions in the Philippines.

The delegation also discussed mounting concerns in maritime regional security with the Philippine Coast Guard. 

The visit aims to strengthen the relationship between Arizona and the Philippines, with a focus on economic and educational collaborations. Arizona representatives from both the Republican and Democratic parties are united in extending partnership opportunities.

The Arizona delegation included Committee of Science and Technology Rep. Justin Wilmeth; Democrat from District 11 Rep. Junelle Cavero; Democrat from District 22 Rep Elda Luna-Najera; and Democrat from District 24 Rep. Lydia Hernandez; Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations (PCFR) Operations Manager Maria Monserrat Apud; Department of Foreign Affairs Principal Assistant at the Office of American Affairs Miguel Antonio Gonzales; and other officials of the Arizona State Legislature.

Third District of Bataan Representative Maria Angela “Gila” Garcia joined the delegation during their visit to Subic Bay Freeport to showcase the many ecozones in Central Luzon, which may be explored by the Arizona State Legislature, including the Freeport Area of Bataan.

After the visit, the delegation toured the various facilities in the Freeport, reaching up to the Redondo Peninsula where Agila Subic is located. The group was impressed of how business and environment seamlessly coexist without compromising one another. (MPD-SBMA)   

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