Subic locator gets FIRB nod for duties, tax incentives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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More Taiwanese businessmen visit Subic Freeport for investment prospects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SBF locator to return idle properties to SBMA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Ironman 70.3 full triathlon back in Subic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also on tap is the IM 70.3 relay event. 

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

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LOOK: Marcos administers oath of new SBMA chief Jonathan Tan

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

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

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

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Tan formally assumes SBMA post

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

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

Agency officials and members of the media witnessed the rites.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Palace appoints Antique ex-mayor Tan as new head of SBMA

Malacañan Palace has appointed Jonathan Dioso Tan as the new chairman and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on April 28, 2023.

The former mayor of Pandan, Antique has replaced former SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino after the latter filed his courtesy resignation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last month. Paulino, the former mayor of Olongapo City, stepped down from his office on April 15.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Jonathan Tan is a Filipino politician and businessman who served as mayor of Pandan, Antique from 2010 to 2019.

He was one of the Philippines' Most Outstanding Mayors in 2012 together with city Mayors Alfredo Lim of Manila, Benjie Lim of Dagupan, Meynardo Sabili of Lipa, Edgardo Pamintuan of Angeles, Jennifer Austria-Barzaga of Dasmariñas, and Len Alonte-Naguiat of Biñan. He was the only municipal mayor who bagged the award on that year.

He served as President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines – Antique and elected as PRO of LMP-National from 2013 - 2016. He was also the Secretary of the Northwest Panay Peninsula Biodiversity and Conservation Council.

One of his major accomplishments was making Pandan a recipient of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4P's, an anti-poverty project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Tan's initiative to source out funds from Senators paved the way for more development projects in the municipality. 

His trademark, JDT, aside from it as an abbreviation of his name, stands for Jobs, Development and Tourism. He managed to enhance the tourism industry in the town as Pandan was included in the 77 Tourism Development areas identified by the Department of Tourism.

Preparations for the turnover of post is underway. (MPD-SBMA)

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Australians, HK ruled in 2023 Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT)

Australians Oscar Dart and Charlotte McShane ruled the sprint senior elite category in the 30th Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) over the weekend.

Dart claimed the gold medal in the men's division after posting the best aggregate time of 52 minutes and five seconds in the 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer (km), bike and 5-km run race of the event billed as the 2023 NTT AST Subic Bay Asia Cup.

Joshua Ferris, also from Australia, placed second (52:12), while 2022 champion Ren Sato of Japan was third (52:23).

Sato's teammates, Genta Uchida (52:29) and Jumpei Furuya (52:38), finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

McShane, who was born in Scotland but moved with her family to Australia in 2005, topped the women's division in 58:43.

Chinese Yifan Yang registered 58:54 to settle for second place, followed by Australian Ellie Hoitink (58:58).

The rest of the top 10 finishers were China's Meiyi Lu (58:54) and compatriot Angi Huang (59:07), Japanese Manami Hayashi (59:21), Hungarian Zsofia Kovacs (59:23), Slovakians Zuzana Michalickova (59:30) and Romana Gajdosova (59:37), and Japanese Chisato Nakajima (59.40).

On the other hand, Renz Wynn Corbin and Karen Andrea Manayon of Talisay, Cebu ruled the Under-23 Elite category.

Corbin clocked 1:01:38 to beat Irenold Reig Jr. (1:04:13) and Mark Joshua Perez (1:04:58).

Meanwhile, Hong Kong swept the Super Sprint Youth (13-15 years old) category.

The 15-year-old Nok Hei Wong finished the 750m (swim)-20km (bike)-5km (run) race with an aggregate time of 32 minutes and 05 seconds to pocket the gold medal in the boys' division.

Lok Shi Lam won the silver medal in 33:04 while Kwong Hei Anson Tsang clocked 33:07 to settle for the bronze medal.

Lai Ki Nicole Man, 15, captured the gold medal in the girls' division with a total time of 36 minutes and 17 seconds.

Petra Stamenovic placed second (36:53) followed by Sarah Elise Modiano (37:52).

In the Sprint Para-Triathlon, Cebu City's Alex Silverio bagged the gold medal in one hour, 18 minutes, and 26 seconds while teammate Cedei Nemeño Abellana got the silver medal in 1:44:22 in the men's PT4 category.

Michael Bayani topped the men's PT5 category in 1:22:39 while Edison Badillo ranked second (1:34:57).

National team coaches Ani de Leon Brown and George Vilog lived up to expectations as they ruled the “Battle of the Legends.” 

Brown, who mentors the Philippine women’s squad to next month’s Phnom Penh SEA Games, clocked 43 minutes and 38 seconds to beat the field that included Mimi Lucas and Maris Bondoc, second and third with a 54:12 and 54:49, respectively. 

Vilog, a former national titlist and Arafura Games junior champion, topped the men’s side in 38:22 ahead of Noel Salvador (39:20) and Allan Barredo (40:55), who completed the podium in the race covering 500 meters of swim, 10 kms of bike and 2.5 kms of run. 

The SuBIT, which is the longest-running Olympic distance triathlon in Asia, is co-organized by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and presented by NTT and Asian Triathlon with the Philippine Sports Commission, Standard Insurance, and Asian Center for Insulation Philippines, Inc. (SNL)

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SBMA all set for series of events in celebration of Labor Day

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is all set to kick-off a series of activities in celebration of Labor Day with the agency’s Labor Department spearheading the activities.

According to Labor Department Manager Atty. Melvin Varias, this annual activity aims to strengthen the camaraderie between the employees of the SBMA and Subic Bay Freeport locators.

Kicking off the series of activities is the Zumbathon on April 28, where participants in green shirts will take part in the human cross formation at the end of the session to celebrate the annual World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

Varias added that free refreshments and food, along with a few giveaways will be raffled during the Zumbathon to be held at the Remy Field around 4:00 in the afternoon.

“On May 1, we will also have a 3k Fun Run for Freeport workers. The fun run will have categories for the young and the young-at-heart. Registration is free for Freeport workers and their immediate family members. The activity will start at around 5:30 in the morning at the Harbor Point, Ayala Mall,” he disclosed.

Along with the celebration, the SBMA will also conduct a job fair that will be held at the Harbor Point at 10:00 in the morning. Varias said that 43 participating companies, who are collectively offering more than 5,500 job opportunities, are determined on hiring workers “on-the-spot” to ensure immediate processing of their papers.

“We have generated QR codes, which are available at the Labor Department Facebook page, so that interested parties can scan and register online. If they have any other questions, they can call the Labor Department at 252-4092, 252-4496, and 252-4101,” he added.

Varias urged jobseekers to prepare their resume/biodata along with photocopies of their diploma or Transcript of Records (TOR), Birth Certificate, NBI or Police Clearance (if available) and other documents such as Training Certificates and Employment Certificates from previous employer. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Former SBMA chief wins 2nd Stevie for innovative COVID-19 contingencies in Subic

Former Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma has won another Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards this year as  “Thought Leader of the Year.”

According to the award-giving body, the award is given to individuals with innovative ideas who demonstrate the confidence to promote or share them as actionable or distilled insights.

Eisma, who is now a director of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), was bestowed the silver Stevie for her Covid-19 contingency plans for the Subic Bay Freeport that paved the way for businesses inside the Freeport to endure the effects of the pandemic.

During her term, the agency has implemented measures that ensured, not only for businesses to thrive but the safety and security of the stakeholders in the Freeport as well.

Innovations such as business teleconferencing; disinfection protocols and mass testing; emergency isolation facilities; online bidding for products and services; virtual job fairs; online medical consultation; and a “bubble” concept for sports tournaments, seminars and workshops, and other events to boost local business operations, were maximized during that time.

These measures not only sustained jobs and investments in Subic, but also led to significant economic growth during the worst period of the pandemic: P3.2-billion revenue, P1.3-billion new committed investments, 682 new jobs, and $1.12-billion imports and $1.03-billion exports in 2020, the first year of the pandemic.

These records were even eclipsed in 2021 with a P3.47-billion revenue, or an 8 percent income growth; 142,177 workers, or an employment increase of 2.31 percent; 1,737 business locators; and P17.29-billion new investments that topped the 2020 record by P15.74 billion or 1,011 percent.

This was the second time that Eisma received a Stevie award. In 2018, a year after becoming SBMA’s first female CEO, Eisma also won a silver Stevie as “Female Executive of the Year for Government or Non-profit” under the individual women awards category.

Meanwhile, she also received a bronze Stevie for the SBMA for “Organization of the Year” under the category for government or non-profit with more than 10 employees.

Eisma felt “humbled and honored” with the recent recognition and expressed her gratitude to the public for their continuing support, she said in a social media post.

The winners in the 2023 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards were announced last week from more than 800 nominations for innovative achievements in the 29-nation Asia-Pacific region.

Gold, silver, and bronze Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 150 professionals around the world, organizers said.

The “Stevies,” which is considered as the business equivalent of the Oscars, is given annually by the American Business Awards organization to recognize accomplishments and contributions of companies and business people around the world.

The winners will be celebrated at a virtual ceremony on June 27. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Statement on resignation as SBMA Chairman and Administrator

I have formally tendered my courtesy resignation as Chairman and Administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, effective April 15, 2023, TO GIVE THE President A FREE HAND to choose who he deems best to steer the SBMA/ Subic Bay Freeport Zone to greater heights in terms of management and new business opportunities.

Despite having a fixed term of 6 years as provided in Republic Act 7227 or the Bases Conversion Development Act”, I shall adhere to instructions from the Office of the President as an obedient soldier and dedicated public servant. I trust the good judgement of the President as he knows better.

It has been a challenging yet fulfilling journey for me when I was appointed to the position last March 1, 2022, since the country was just graduating from the onslaught of the Covid19 pandemic. However, with the support of employees and stakeholders of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, coupled with the “Fast, Friendly and Flexible” business motto which I have implemented to help locators get back on their feet, the SBFZ is now fast AND FIRMLY ON THE road to recovery and economic upturn.

My sincere gratitude goes to the men and women of the SBMA who have supported me in my brief but memorable and heartwarming time as their leader, mentor, friend and ally, and to the local and national leaders who have helped me realize my plans and programs for the Freeport.

My dedication and passion to serve the country does not end here.

I will always be of service to the public even in my capacity as a simple citizen of the Republic of the Philippines.

I am grateful. I am blessed. Godspeed!

Rolen C. Paulino

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SBMA gets $1.225M in cash dividends from SBDMC

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) received US$1.225 million in cash dividends from the Subic Bay Development and Management Corporation (SBDMC) during a ceremony in Taipei.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, the dividends is part of the agency’s share from the SBDMC. He added that the company has declared US$2.5-million in cash dividends for its shareholders, wherein the SBMA has a 49 percent stake in the company.

The SBDMC Board of Directors approved the declaration of the US$2.5-million cash dividend during the board’s 68th meeting held on March 29, 2023 in Taipei. 

The SBDMC Inc. is a joint venture company formed in 1995 between the SBMA and Taiwan’s United Development (UD) Corporation to establish, construct, operate and manage the then Subic Bay Industrial Park, now named the Subic Bay Gateway Park (SBGP).

“The SBDMC, Inc. declared US$2.5M cash dividends with the SBMA having a 49 percent equity share. Meanwhile, UD Corporation, with 51 percent equity share in the company, received US$1,275,000,” Paulino said.

Chairman Paulino represented the SBMA in Taipei, Taiwan, along with Directors Cynthia Paulino, Rolando Ampunin, Raul Marcelo, Ma. Cecilia Bitare, and Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado.

The SBMA Chief also cited that this is first time that the SBDMC has distributed cash dividends from 1994 since the company has been paying religiously to the agency relative to the Supplemental Agreement until 2025.

The SBMA officials were in Taipei for a trade mission, where they attended the inauguration of the Taipei Bioinnovation Park.

During the visit, Paulino expressed his gratitude to TECO Group of Companies Chairman and Century Development Corporation Chairman Theodore Huang, and SBDMC Inc. Chairman Willy Wang for the warm reception.

He cited that the public-private collaboration formula being used by the companies is beneficial for the growth and development of the community, adding that the formula can also be applied in Subic Bay Freeport. (MPD-SBMA)

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Paulino reports banner year for Subic in State of the Freeport Address (SOFA)

“New investments, increase in revenues, new infrastructures, and influx of tourists highlighted 2022.”

This was the statement made by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino during his State of the Freeport Address (SOFA) held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on Tuesday.

Paulino cited, “2022 was a banner year for the SBMA despite the challenges during the past year. All revenue collections of the Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department, Business and Investment Departments, Seaport, Airport, Labor and Tourism Departments have increased compared to 2021 figures. And even surpassed pre-pandemic performance.”

Paulino reported that from these revenues, the SBMA has turned over P1.33-billion worth of dividends to the National Treasury in 2022. He added that this is higher by 20.21 percent to 2021’s P1.11-billion worth of dividends.

The SBMA was also able to help provide revenue shares to the contiguous communities of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone as stated in Republic Act 7227 as part of their revenue shares.

Paulino said that in Zambales, Olongapo City received P74.88 million, followed by Subic Town with P48.77 million, Castillejos with P29.74 million, San Marcelino with P38.54 million and San Antonio with P27.45 million.

He added that in Bataan, the town of Morong received a revenue share of P28.1 million, Hermosa with P33.81 million, and Dinalupihan with P39.98 million. Paulino said that the total revenues that the SBMA shared for the contiguous communities here amounted to P321.27 million for 2022.

“Back in July, Subic Bay Freeport was conferred as the Number 1 Tourist Destination in Central Luzon, and Number 5 in the Philippines in 2021 despite the Covid-19 Pandemic. We are determined to keep that reputation as by the end of 2022, we recorded 9.4 million same-day visitor arrivals in the Freeport,” he said.

The official also cited that his Fast, Friendly, and Flexible business practice has increased the number of approved new investment projects inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“As an indicator of investor confidence, 38 Subic Freeport locators will be implementing their expansion projects amounting to P36.34 billion. That is a significant jump from P591 million in 2021, let alone P160 million in 2020, which were still during the pandemic,” he cited.

He added that during the same year, 133 new investment projects with committed investments amounting to ₱14.06 billion.

Paulino added  that the top new projects in terms of committed investments are Northern Palawan Power Generation Corporation with P7 billion, followed by UNCO United Oil and Gas Philippines, Inc. with P1.9 billion, then Tawi Tawian Petroleum Trading Corporation with P1.5 billion, and Agila Subic Compass, Inc. with P1.1 billion.

“For the expansion projects, Vectrus topped in terms of committed investments, committing an additional P14.52 billion, followed by Agila South, Inc. with P10.74 billion, and Agila NY Naval Inc. with P6.28 billion, and of course, Nidec Subic Philippines Corporation with P4.2 billion,” Paulino said.

Meanwhile, the current workforce of the Subic Bay Freeport recorded 149,681 employees in 2022 and is expected to augment another 4,700 workers as new approved projects commence operations and current investors start implementing their expansion projects.

For this, he acknowledged the neighboring local government units for augmenting the manpower requirements of the Freeport investors.

The SOFA is an annual event of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) where members are given a heads-up on the accomplishments of the SBMA from the previous year as well as a glimpse of the plans and programs for implementation by the Agency. (MPD-SBMA)

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