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Updates

SBMA okays ‘win-win’ deal for Subic school takeover

August 19 2017 by SBMA Media Team

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has greenlighted the takeover by a new company of the debt-ridden property previously leased out to the Lyceum of Subic Bay, Inc. (LSBI), saying the agreement provided for a “win-win” solution for the Subic agency to collect more than P31 million in overdue rent payments and other arrears.

SBMA Administrator & CEO Wilma T. Eisma said a resolution approved by the SBMA Board of Directors last Thursday, Aug. 10, allowed the LSBI to assign its leasehold rights to Premium Technical Training and Facilities, Inc. (PTTFI), which shall assume its financial obligations and continue with the development commitments under its lease.
This was made possible by the withdrawal of the company from coverage of the SBMA policy granting educational institutions a 75% discount in rentals, which are supposed to be plowed back by the schools to scholarship programs and facilities improvement.

September 4 2017 by SBMA Media Team

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Senator Richard Gordon has called on the Subic Bay Freeport business community to support his proposal to establish an investment corridor in Central Luzon that will encourage more business and livelihood activities and spur further development in the area.

Speaking during the North Luzon Business Conference here last week, Gordon said he has filed Senate Bill No. 1325, or “An Act Creating the Regional Investment and Infrastructure Corporation of Central Luzon,” to facilitate the creation of an investment corridor in the region.
The senator explained that the proposed Regional Investment and Infrastructure Corporation (RIIC) aims to attract more foreign investors by way of providing for a road network system that will interconnect airports and seaports in Luzon.
He added that the proposed legislation will provide tax incentives for companies and will utilize the area to help ease the traffic currently weighing down the Metro Manila area. This will further ease the congestion of the seaports and airports in Manila, he said.

September 5 2017 by SBMA Media Team

Please be informed that the 2017 International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) activity will be held at the Waterfront Beach on 16 September 2017 (Saturday). An opening program will be held at the Waterfront Event Center at 6AM.

As such, the Ecology Center is inviting all locators, organizations, employees, residents and individuals of the Freeport to participate in the ICC and bring the needed beach clean-up tools and materials such as garden rakes, shovels, spades, stick brooms, used sacks and garbage bags for this activity.
We also encourage participant to bring their own water in re-useable containers to avoid adding plastic bottles to the event.

September 25 2017 by Go To Plus Inc HRD

SyCip Salazar, Hernandez & Gatmaitan, in coordination with SBMA Labor Department and Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. (SBWDFI) conducted a successful Kapihan with Sycip in Subic on Labor and Immigration Law update last June 30, 2017 at the Subic Bay Travelers Hotel and Event Center.

The following were the topics discussed;
1. Data Privacy in the Workplace
2. Post-Employment Issues and labor updates
3. Expatriates in the Philippines: Bringing the Culture Gap-address potential conflicts between expatriates and employees by providing cultural contexts and practical advice on working with Filipinos, Koreans and Japanese.
4. Breakout/ Consultation Sessions with the participants.

September 26 2017 by SBMA Media Team

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday (September 25, 2017) appointed SBMA Administrator Wilma T. Eisma Chairperson and Administrator of the Subic authority for a term expiring on June 30, 2022.

Eisma’s new appointment was made under Executive Order (EO) No. 42, which was signed by the President also on Monday. The new EO expressly repealed EO No. 340 signed in 2004 by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, which essentially split the powers and duties of the highest position in the Subic Agency.
Section 3 of EO 42 provides for the appointment by the President of “the Administrator of the SBMA, who shall be the ex-officio Chairman of the SBMA Board.”
Eisma, a lawyer and former SBMA volunteer, was appointed SBMA administrator in December 2016, two months after Malacañang named former Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) official Martin Diño as chairman of the Subic Agency.
The new EO also noted that EO 340 “has created confusion with regard to the scope of authority, powers, functions and duties of the Chairman of the SBMA Board and the Administrator of the SBMA that has adversely affected the operations of the SBMA, as well as the numerous investors and locators” in the Subic Bay Freeport.
The Palace decision to keep just one top SBMA official was immediately hailed by Subic investors, community leaders and SBMA employees, who had earlier urged Malacañang to resolve the conflict and prevent further confusion among Subic stakeholders.
Business locators in Subic, as well as local government units in Zambales and Bataan, had earlier urged Malacañang to intervene in the conflict, and called for the appointment of a capable administrator-chairman to head the SBMA.

October 2 2017 by SBMA Media Team

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will prioritize the rehabilitation of piers and wharves in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in order to bring to tip-top form the so-called heart and soul of this premier maritime logistics center.

Newly-appointed SBMA Chairperson and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said in a media briefing on Wednesday that the Subic agency has allotted a budget of P2.46 billion to repair and further develop port facilities in Subic.
“The piers and wharves are undeniably the biggest assets of Subic Bay, and our sea port generates the biggest income among all the SBMA units,” Eisma said, pointing out that her administration will pursue the completion of the repair projects. “We need to put these assets in top condition so that we can service more vessels and also get top returns for our investments,” she added.
The Subic Bay Freeport has a total of 15 piers and wharves that can serve various purposes from transshipment of containerized and break-bulk cargoes, fuels and lubricants, grains and fertilizer, as well as servicing vessels and passengers.
Aside from this, the port of Subic also offers key services like cargo handling, pilot and tugboat services, ship chandling, bunkering and tendering, ship agents, onboard repair, cargo survey, underwater survey, and vessel lay-up and line handling.

SBMA AT 25-CELEBRATING THE PAST, FORGING THE NATION’S FUTURE

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will have a month-long 25th anniversary celebration with a kick-off on November 6, 2017 with exciting activities at the Waterfront Road.

There are also activities in store for the 11th and 18th of November. The celebration shall culminate on the 24th of November, the day of the anniversary itself, and shall conclude on the 26th with a pride parade.

Subic Freeport wins ‘Best Sports Tourism Destination in Asia’ award

November 8, 2017

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – This premier free port reaped the highest recognition as Best Sports Tourism Destination of the Year during the Third Sports Industries Awards and Conference Asia (SPIA Asia) held in Bangkok, Thailand on November 7.

With the tourism theme “Funtastic Subic Bay”, Subic bagged the gold award in the sports destination category, followed by “Visit Victoria” of Australia which received silver, and “Amazing Thailand” which won bronze.

Aside from this prestigious award, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) bagged the silver for Best Sponsorship of a Sport, Team or Event (USD$250,000), which was one of the 17 international awards given in the occasion.

The awards were received by SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado, SBMA tourism manager Jem Camba, and tourism officer Raquel Junio during the awards ceremony held at the Centara World Convention Center in Bangkok.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma Eisma said the award “validates efforts by the agency and the whole Subic Freeport community to elevate the local tourism industry and draw more visitors via sports events.”

“It also speaks well of the natural drawing power of Subic’s unspoiled environment combined with modern amenities that visitors find very appealing,” Eisma added.

Camba, meanwhile, said the award stands as an accomplishment for “Team Subic Bay” because Subic stakeholders gave their full support and best service for every sporting event held in the Freeport.

She also expressed gratitude to the Department of Tourism in Region 3 (DoT-3) and DoT-3 Dir. Ronnie Tiotuico for being supportive of Subic’s efforts to become the sporting capital of the Philippines.

Camba also explained that the SBMA received the Best Sponsorship recognition for sponsoring triathlon events here in 2014 to 2016.

Industry records show that the Subic Bay Freeport earned a ranking of 85.80 percent in the 2015 Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship (APAC) overall satisfaction scores. The race ranking was just .09 percent shy of the global standard’s 85.89 percent and pushed Subic’s ranking above the Asia-Pacific standard of 83.95 percent.

The 2015 Ironman 70.3 APAC overall satisfaction scores placed Subic, along with Cairns in Queensland, Australia, at number six among the best triathlon sites in the Asia Pacific Championship series.
The list was topped in 2016 by Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia with a satisfaction rating of 90.20 percent.

Photo Caption: SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado (left), Tourism Manager Jem Camba (2nd left) and Tourism officer Raquel Junio (right) pose with SPIA Asia Judge Cynthia Carreon after receiving two prestigious awards: gold for Best Sports Tourism Destination in Asia, and silver for Best Sponsorship of a Sport, Team or Event (USD$250,000). - SBMA Media Team

Subic Bay named Asia’s ‘Fastest Growing Free Trade Zone'

November 13, 2017

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Freeport Zone has again gained international attention when it garnered two awards in the International Finance Awards 2017 given out by the London-based International Finance Magazine (IFM), a financial market information group.

Under the Financial Awards category, the Subic Bay Freeport Zone was named the “Fastest Growing Free Trade Zone” in Asia while the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was recognized in the same category for its “Best Social Responsibility Initiative”.

The IFM awards recognize and honor individuals and organisations in the international finance industry that make a significant difference and add value, as well as herald the highest standards of innovation and performance.

Organizers said the IFM awards make a concerted effort to shine the spotlight on organizations in niche segments and those that exhibit brilliance in the unsung corners of the finance industry. The other winners from the Philippines are: BPI Asset Management, as “Best Asset Manager”; Omnipay, as “Best Payment Solutions Provider”; and RCBC Bankard Services Corporation, “Best Credit Card Offerings”.

The awards will be handed out next year during the IFM Annual Award Ceremony scheduled on January 26 in Singapore.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma Eisma said it is “both an honor and privilege to be counted among IFM’s roster of excellence.”

“These awards, which come on the eve of SBMA’s 25th year anniversary, inspire us not only to celebrate our past but more importantly, to forge our country’s future for the sake of our children and future generations by continuing to make a difference and adding value to Filipino lives,” she added.

Subic Bay’s first award recognized its emergence as a flagship of the Philippine economy and a catalyst of growth in the region.

To date, the Subic Bay Freeport has a total of more than 126,000 workers employed by a total of 2,897 companies variously engaged in shipbuilding and other marine-related business, tourism, ICT, manufacturing, and services. With committed investments surpassing the $1.4-billion mark in the first quarter of this year, SBMA officials expect Subic to make more significant strides in the Philippine economy in the coming years.

The second award cited the SBMA for identifying the social needs of the indigenous Aeta community in the Subic Freeport area and taking the initiative to positively impact the social status, earning potential and access to services of the members of the tribe.
Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman Eisma was adjudged among this year’s winners in the search for the “100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World”, which recognizes Filipino women who are influencing the face of leadership in the global workplace

Eisma received the award during the 14th Filipina Leadership Global Summit scheduled on October 25-29 in Toronto, Canada. - SBMA Media Team

Philippines’ biggest national flag to be hoisted permanently in Subic Bay

November 14, 2017

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Local visitors and tourists alike can now enjoy the majestic view of Subic Bay with the dignified Philippine national flag flying on its pole 24-hours a day, including weekends.

This developed following the amendment of Republic Act No. 8491, also known as “The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” to designate the Subic Bay Freeport Zone as place where the Philippine flag should be permanently hoisted.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said that she has received from Executive Director Ludovico Badoy of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) a copy of NHCP Board Resolution No. 8, s. 2017, which amended Section 19 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 8491.

“This allows us to fly the Philippine flag 24 hours a day, and every day of the week,” Eisma said. “And this is an honor we gladly receive, and a matter of deep pride for the SBMA,” she added. Eisma said that as the SBMA is holding a month-long celebration for its 25th year anniversary that will culminate on November 24, the Philippine flag would again be at the center of the celebration because most of the activities are held in front of the SBMA administration building where the huge flag is located. She added that a plaque from the NHCP attesting to the agency’s privilege to continuously fly the Philippine flag will be installed on the base of the flagpole fronting the SBMA office along Waterfront Road here.

In June this year, SBMA Deputy Administrator for Administration Ruel John Kabigting wrote the NHCP regarding the SBMA’s intention to keep the Philippine flag, the biggest in the country, constantly flying, even during weekends and holidays.

“We wanted to give thousands of tourists who come to Subic Freeport the opportunity to behold and pay homage to the Philippine flag,” Kabigting said. He noted that Philippine flag at the SBMA office is 44 feet long and 22 feet wide, and because it is flown atop a 120-feet high flagpole, is highly visible from many points in the Freeport. “However, it is pitiful that visitors coming during weekends only see the flagpole without the huge Philippine flag flying at its top,” Kabigting said. Kabigting said that flying the biggest Philippine flag in the country is a matter of pride and honor for every Filipino, “especially at this time when our sovereignty, territorial and exclusive economic rights are being challenged in the West Philippine Sea, and most recently the rebellion in the Marawi City.”

According to SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Public Works Marcelino Sanqui, the flagpole upon which the biggest Philippine flag is hoisted also has historical symbolism. He said the 94 feet in its total height of 120 feet stands for the 94 years of American occupation of Subic Bay; the next 18 feet for the heads of states who attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference in Subic in 1996; and the remaining eight feet for the 8,000 volunteers who helped preserve Subic Bay facilities when the United States Navy withdrew in 1992. Sanqui, who supervised the erection of the said flagpole in 1997, said the flagpole itself symbolizes national dignity and liberty, volunteerism and malasakit, and progress and development.“It is dedicated to all volunteers who served and contributed their time, effort and skills to preserve and protect the former US Naval Base, which is now a bustling industrial center and tourism destination,” he added.

Subic Freeport eyes major investments from US groups

December 11 2017 by SBMA Media Team

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is now aiming to tap Filipino-American companies and private groups in the United States to gain fresh key investment packages for the industrial and maritime sectors in the Subic Bay Freeport.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, who joined a trade mission organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), said she has met with several prospective investors from the Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce (FPACC) during a week-long swing among key business centers from the East Coast to the West Coast last month.

The FPACC, which has 42 chapters in the United States and around 5,000 member-companies, bridges U.S.-Philippines trade and commerce, and promotes goodwill and mutually beneficial projects between the two countries. It renewed its memorandum of understanding with the PCCI on Nov. 11 in a ceremony in Scottsdale, Arizona

“It’s a very promising situation as far as the FPACC members are concerned, and we have at least two major investment prospects and two port agreements as a result of the trip,” Eisma said.

“We are looking forward to more engagement with these interested parties so that we can finally clinch a business deal with them,” she added.

Eisma said that an estimated $1-billion investment is being considered by an American-Chinese venture to develop a portion of the Redondo Peninsula in Subic for a possible industrial, maritime and mixed-use complex that will generate more jobs and economic opportunities for the country.

Aside from this, Eisma said that a company based in California is also planning a $20-million investment for a waste-to-energy project and related renewable energy projects in the Subic Bay Freeport.

During the trade mission, Eisma also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Virginia Port Authority CEO and Executive Director John Reinhart to facilitate Subic’s strategic objective of expanding its global network and promote the growth of trade and commerce between the two ports.

In Los Angeles, meanwhile, Eisma worked out an agreement with Trade Development Director Jim MacLellan of the Los Angeles Port Authority for the sharing of expertise in port development, particularly break-bulk shipping and cruise ship terminal operation. An MOU is set to be signed in March 2018 to jumpstart this initiative.

The SBMA chief also announced that two technical supervisors from Google, which operates the Internet’s most utilized search engine, will visit the Subic Bay Freeport in June 2018 to conduct robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) seminars for students in and around the Subic community as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) program

Trade Commissioner Celynne Layug of the Philippine Trade Investment Center in San Francisco has reportedly suggested another trade mission in March 2018 to promote the Subic Bay Freeport among businessmen in San Francisco and key cities in the West Coast.

Meanwhile, in the course of the business mission, the SBMA chief was interviewed by two local media outfits—one based in Chicago on Nov. 11, and another in Arizona on Nov. 12 during the PCCI- FPACC event. Both interviews focused on the Subic Bay Freeport success story and the economic miracle created here in the last 25 years.

In Chicago, Eisma was also chosen by a publication as finalist in the “Chicago Filipino-Asian American Hall of Fame Award in Government.” Among the past awardees in its list was former Environment Secretary Gina Lopez.

Photo) SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma receives a symbolic key to Virginia Beach from Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. during a recent Philippine trade mission to the United States.

AdSummit Pilipinas 2018 takes place once again in Subic Bay

March 7-10 2018

Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center is now jam-packed with one of the biggest Advertising events in the Philippines- the 2018 Adsummit Pilipinas.

This 4-day event which kicked off on March 7 at SBECC by opening the Trade Exhibit Tent which they called the DIY Lab, made a good impression on all the delegates, media people, bosses and sponsors.

Truly as what Mr Norman Agatep, the over-all Chairman of Ad Summit PH 2018, had said during the Presscon with ABS-CBN News last month, 4As or The Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines, has brought together a group of credible, influential and passion-driven keynote speakers and guests both local and foreign to deliver how ‘DIY your ROI’ actually work.

Speaking to thousands of high-level decision makers comprised of online publishers, bloggers, media owners, digital media strategists, traffic sources, advertisers, global brands, networks, technology firms, agencies, and other advertising and marketing solution providers and practitioners, there is no substitute of being part of this biennial event.

Besides inspiration, new knowledge and building networks, this event aims to encourage all attendees to go beyond their resources, to go beyond being innovative, to go beyond being just creative and to use this industry’s power for greater social and financial impact.

As promoted, the theme DIY your ROI, invites marketers to refocus their brand’s success metrics. “So what if your brand’s success means social good, brand love, or behavioral change?”

Day 2 will be kicked off by Mr. Anselmo Ramos, Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of David, Miami- the mind behind Burger King’s Power Whopper and the viral Dove Real Beauty Sketches will talk about ‘Return on Ideas’ on March 7, 2018.

Followed by talks about ‘Return on Interest’ by Mr. Amit Chaubey, Marketing Science Lead, Global Accounts, FACEBOOK APAC, Driving Marketing Optimization and Business Results across a multitude of industries.

Third speaker is Mr. Lionel Carreon, from being an advertising intern to Global Director for Creative Recruitment in R/GA Los Angeles will speak about ‘Return on Identity’.

Last Speaker of the day will share her insights on ‘Return on Independence’, Ms. Mara Binudin Lecocq is the Founder & Creative Director of Secret Code New, the Woman bringing Diversity to male- dominated fields.

Dinner will be hosted by Eat Bulaga on this day.

For more details, visit www.adsummit.ph

Subic.com together with SBMA Media Production and Tourism Team support the 2018 Ad Summit Pilipinas.

SBMA brings “plogging” to Subic to evoke environmental malasakit

May 2, 2018

SBMA brings “plogging” to Subic to evoke environmental malasakit

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is bringing to Subic a new way of boosting both human and nature’s health — “plogging.”

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said plogging, a new term that blends the English word “jogging” and the Swedish phrase “plocka upp” or pick up, started in Sweden and is now becoming popular in parts of Europe and the United States.

“Essentially, plogging is about doing your regular jogging routine, but you have to bring with you a trash bag where you can put all the litter you can pick up along the way,” Eisma explained.

She added that through its Ecology Center, the SBMA will be launching the first Subic Bay Plog Down — a combination of jogging, fun run and picking litter, on May 4 at the Boardwalk Events Center here in line with its “War On Waste” initiatives.

The event is open to public with ages seven years old and above.

Ecology Center manager Amethya Dela Llana explained that Subic Bay Plog Down aims to promote plogging as an exercise that promotes endurance, muscle firmness and harmony, and to stimulate environmental understanding by encouraging communities to suggest solutions on reducing trash in the Freeport.

“Plog Down aims to evoke environmental malasakit by exposing nearby communities to Subic Bay Freeport clean-up,” Dela Llana said.

Under the Plog Down project, all registered participants would pick up trash along their chosen route: within one hour for Route 1 which has a 2-kilometer distance, or one-and-half hour for Route 2 which has a 3-kilometer distance.

Trash placed in the sacks should only be those considered as litter under the No Littering Policy of the SBMA. All trash thus collected by individual participants will be weighed and recorded.

Dela Llana added that the Subic Bay Plog Down project is just one of the many environment-awareness programs that the SBMA Ecology Center has lined up under its War On Waste initiatives.

Coinciding with the Plog Down event, SBMA will be celebrating Earth Day 2018 in the Subic Bay Freeport with its international theme “End Plastic Pollution” through the conduct of the 4th Recyclables Collection Event (RCE), also on May 4 at the former Legenda Blue Building along the Boardwalk Area.

RCE is a semi-annual event that lets companies inside the Freeport dispose of everyday hazardous workplace wastes properly. Items brought to the event will be bought by accredited recyclers.

Some of the waste materials that can be submitted for collection during the event are laboratory chemicals, solvents, aerosols, batteries, fluorescent tubes, garage waste, household hazardous waste, oils, paints, pharmaceutical waste and photographic and printing waste.

The waste collectors would also accept electronic wastes such as busted washing machines, electric fans, and ovens.

Proceeds of the event will go to Lingkod Kapamilya Bantay Kalikasan ABS-CBN Foundation, which has community-based eco-tourism projects. Meanwhile, the PET bottles collected will be sent to the Tahanang Walang Hagdan.

Subic Freeport business permits now valid for 3 years

June 2018

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — To further promote the business-friendly atmosphere in this free port and boost government efforts on transparency, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) extended the validity of business registrations here from one to three years.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma recently released the first batch of Certificate of Registration and Tax Exemption (CRTE) that are valid for three years, and cited the agency’s streamlining of business processes to better serve the needs of business locators.

“This has long been overdue. The previous board under Chairman Garcia promised this to locators, but nothing happened. So we made it a priority project for our 2018 program and we’re proud that after all the hard work, it finally materialized now,” Eisma said.

Eisma added that her administration’s drive for a more investor-friendly climate in Subic is in keeping with President Duterte’s orders for transparency and good governance.

“We want to make life easy for our investors, and the SBMA will continuously work towards improving its system,” she pointed out.

The three-year CRTE was approved by the SBMA Board of Directors on January 26 this year. Then a public hearing to gain acceptance by stakeholders was successfully held on February 28. The announcement of the approved measure was subsequently published on May 9.

Eisma’s office had also taken over the approval and release of CRTEs to further speed up the issuance of this important business document.

According to Kenneth Rementilla, SBMA Deputy Administrator for Business and Investments, business locators were previously required to renew their CRTE annually. But under the new system, businesses with lease terms of more than three years can avail of a three-year registration, or opt for an annual renewal.

Rementilla added that CRTE-holders in the Subic Bay Freeport can enjoy waived value-added tax (VAT), ad valorem and excise tax on internal revenue taxes, customs and import duties, and national revenue taxes, among others.

However, the business locators would have to pay a final tax of 5 percent of the gross income earned (GIE), as required by law. Of the 5 percent final tax, 2 percent is allocated for revenue shares to local government units, while 3 percent goes to the national treasury.

Among those who received the three-year CRTEs from the SBMA are Dongyang Food Machinery Philippines Corp.; Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning Philippines Inc.; Juken Sangyo (Phils.) Corp.; and UPower Building Corporation.
(c) SBMA MEDIA PRODUCTION

State-of-the-art CCTV system up in Subic Freeport

July 3, 2018

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has installed a state-of-the-art monitoring system that provides a live feed of images from remote surveillance areas all around the Subic Freeport to boost security operations and public safety here.

The system consisted of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed in various areas of the Freeport that are viewed from a bank of monitors and a LED (light-emitting diode) wall at the SBMA Law Enforcement Department (LED) command center.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma inspected the new monitoring system on Sunday, along with SBMA Deputy Administrator Rani Cruz, LED Manager Vicente Tolentino, and LED Operations Chief Gerardo Johnson, and observed how the system is operated remotely.

Aside from watching the live streaming of videos taken from some of the busiest areas in the Freeport, Eisma also tried the public address system hook-up installed in areas like the Boardwalk Activity Center and the Malawaan Park, and reminded visitors to pick up their trash before leaving the area.

The system allows the simultaneous viewing of live images from 96 different camera angles.

“It’s quite impressive,” SBMA chief described the system. “And I hope that this will be something really effective not only in crime prevention, but also in promoting public safety and environmental protection in the Freeport,” she added.

Eisma also pointed out that the SBMA’s modern monitoring system was made possible with funding from Common Use Service Area (CUSA) fees collected by the Subic agency from business locators, residents, as well as tourists entering the Freeport.

“Now that we have this state-of-the-art monitoring system, violators can easily be detected and apprehended. Subic is known for its strict enforcement of traffic rules, as well as for its high level of security, and this system brings us to a higher level of police work,” she added.

According to SBMA police chief Vicente Tolentino, most of the tourist sites in the Freeport are now covered by the CCTV system that was recently installed by Wireless Link Technologies, Inc., a leading wireless technology provider based in Manila.

Aside from these, PLDT Subictel has also installed CCTVs at the sentry posts of three housing areas in Subic: Binictican, Kalayaan, and Cubi.

The SBMA will be paying for the system installation contracted out to Wireless Link Technologies, but the cameras provided by PLDT Subictel were for free, Eisma said.

All these CCTVs are monitored 24/7 by LED officers inside the command center, Tolentino said, adding that the system will allow police officers to closely monitor areas for any illegal activity and give them faster reaction time to apprehend suspects.

We want people to know that the Subic Bay Freeport Zone is one of the safest places in the country, where they could relax without fear of being accosted by criminal elements. At the same time, we want criminal elements to know that we are ready for them and that we can monitor their every move here,” Tolentino said.

The SBMA police head added that the more security monitoring systems will be put in place in other areas of the Freeport under the second phase of the agency’s CCTV program.

PHOTOS:
[1-2] SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma, along with other SBMA officials, views images fed live through a CCTV system at the SBMA Law Enforcement Department’s control room on Sunday.

EXERCISE ‘KAMANDAG’ IN SUBIC BAY FREEPORT
Photos by Jun Dumaguing / SBMA-MPD

October 2018

1] Honor guards carry their respective colors during a ceremony for Exercise Kamandag, a bilateral exercise between armed forces of the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America, which formally started at the Subic Bay International Airport Monday, October 1.

[2-3] Amphibious armored vehicles (AAV) are parked at the beach in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone upon their arrival on Sunday, September 30, for Exercise Kamandag, a bilateral exercise between armed forces of the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America, which formally started at the Subic Bay International Airport Monday, October 1.

Kamandag, an acronym for the Filipino phrase “Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma ng Dagat”, which translate to “Cooperation of Warriors of the Sea”, is a military exercise which will focus on enhancing counterterrorism capabilities, humanitarian assistance and relief capabilities, and conduct of civic assistance projects. A contingent from the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) will also be joining the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief component of the said exercise.

AA JAPAN and FILANKA CORP Announced the merger of their business operations in SUBIC

Subic Bay Freeport Zone: February 18, 2019.

AA JAPAN and FILANKA SUBIC CORP have announced on Friday, February 15, 2019 the exclusive partnership of their business operations to offer and support the continuous development of the Philippines in the field of infrastructure, agriculture and energy as they demand high-quality, heavy-duty trucking and transportation, and heavy equipment services.

AA JAPAN, founded in 1996, provides best quality used Japanese trucks and vehicles around the world. Using its tagline- “ Our Quality, Our Pride”, both companies deemed to boost the economic growth in Subic. "We aim to boost our network here, which may, in turn, strengthen the industry in this part of the country as well as provide livelihood opportunities to nearby communities", said Hameed Ramzan, President and CEO of AA JAPAN. When asked about the unit prices, “Every year, we deal with more than 10, 000 customers throughout the world and our reputation of quality has never faltered. We strive and we will always strive to offer our customers quality vehicles at a low price and to provide them with the best customer services, “ he added.

Both Filanka and AA Japan hope to continue dominating the market with the companies' wide array of assets and services, including steering wheel conversion, reconditioning, repair, leasing, documentation, and sales including 150 units of in-demand, high-quality trucks, and heavy types of equipment.

Abdul Azeez, the Philippines Manager, explained that they are very concerrn about the environment as well and will completely follow and abide the rules on whatever SBMA will impose regarding chemical and garbage disposal. “Operating in the Philippines physically is the biggest challenge at the moment but we believe that the citizens here are very hospitable and hardworking, “ he added.

The expanded business expects to eventually hire up to 200 people. To be the leading trucks and vehicles exporter, AA JAPAN together with FILANKA SUBIC CORP made customer service the central element to everything that it does.

Volunteers’ Support for SEA Games Exceeds PHISGOC’s Expectations

August 21, 2019.

The Philippine South East Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) will hold the Subic-Clark Cluster launch on August 23 at the ASEAN Convention Center in the Clark Freeport Area, Pampanga.

Hundreds of volunteers from partner institutions in Central Luzon will gather during the event before their training kicks off.

Since the Volunteers Program was launched last April, 36 partner institutions, mostly universities and colleges in Metro Manila, Northern and Central Luzon, have partnered with PHISGOC and committed more than 6,000 volunteers from their respective schools to join this momentous sports event.

More than 20,000 the volunteer-applicants have heeded the call of the Philippine South East Asian Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) to be part of the 3Oth South East Asian Games.

In a span of one month, it has generated overwhelming and positive response from people all over the world.

Out of 20,686 who have expressed their interest to join the volunteers program, 14,683 applied through the official SEA games volunteers’ online portals, which include 2,960 foreign applicants while 6,003 were committed by their respective schools.

With the conduct of 56 sports with 530 events for this year’s SEA games, the PHISGOC needs 9,000 volunteers to assist and support the different functional areas working to spearhead the success of this highly anticipated sporting event.

PHISGOC Chief Operating Officer Ramon Suzara said that for the Metro Manila events, they need 3,150 volunteers. Clark and Subic needs 2,250 and 1,980 support workforce respectively while the other clusters will require 1,620 volunteers.

Deputy Director for Volunteers Program Chris Tiu said that the PHISGOC is grateful and overwhelmed with the resounding support from their online applicants, partner institutions and foreign volunteers.

“Based on our experience in the recruitment stage, we felt that the spirit of volunteerism and nationalism was really very strong. We hope to sustain them during and until the end of the games on December,” said Chris Tiu, PHISGOC Deputy Director for the Volunteer Program.

Tiu also reported that their team has finished the assessment of online applicants, training of trainers for Clark and Subic and Metro Manila last month.

“During the interviews, there were applicants who came as far as Marawi and Cagayan and an OFW who came from Singapore. There were teachers, community workers, professionals and others who brought their entire family to sign up as volunteers,” Chris Tiu recalled.

We hope to meet more volunteers and anticipate hearing more heart-warming stories of volunteerism as well as pledge to serve our country and for the success of the 30th SEA Games. #WeWinAsOne

SOURCE: PHISGOC https://2019seagames.com/ | SBMA MEDIA TEAM

ARRIVAL OF INDONESIAN NAVY SHIPS IN SUBIC BAY FREEPORT

October 18, 2019

The Indonesian Navy’s Sigma-class corvette KRI Frans Kaisiepo (368) is guided by a tugboat upon arrival with the Bung Tomo-class corvette John Lie (358) on Tuesday (Oct. 15) at the Alava Wharf in the Subic Bay Freeport. The Indonesian sailors are here for a four-day goodwill visit to engage Filipino counterparts in various maritime activities like shipboard tours and friendly games to enhance cooperation between the neighboring navies.

Philippine Navy Commodore Toribio Adaci Jr. (center) and First Admiral Rahmat Eko Raharjo (5th from left), commander of the Indonesian Sea Combat Group, join Philippine and Indonesian navy officers in a ceremonial pose during the arrival on Tuesday (Oct. 15) of the Indonesian Navy ships KRI Frans Kaisiepo (368) and KRI John Lie (358) at the Alava Wharf in the Subic Bay Freeport.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma receives a memento from First Admiral Rahmat Eko Raharjo, commander of the Indonesian Sea Combat Group, following the arrival of the Indonesian Navy ships KRI Frans Kaisiepo (368) and KRI John Lie (358) in the Subic Bay Freeport on Tuesday, Oct. 15.

(c) SBMA MEDIA TEAM

October 11, 2019

Philippine South East Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) Chair and Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano thanked MILO for supporting the 30th South East Asian Games.

He recognized MILO for “putting action into faith” after more than 40 decades of unwavering support for Philippine sports. As an advocate for sports, Speaker Cayetano also appreciated their efforts to help the Filipino athletes, put value into sports and promote every child’s health.

“We all know that in sports, whether it's the coaches, the parents of the athletes, the athletes, the fans that are cheering their idols on, they're full of faith. But it is really when the athletes focus, they give their all, commitment, passion, sacrifice where faith becomes alive.” Cayetano said during the launching of the MILO partnership with PHISGOC for the SEA games hosting in Manila.

He also assured the public that the stakeholders in sports and the organizing committee are now united and are putting all action into their faith.

Cayetano noted that there were a number of challenges and difficulties in preparing for the international multi-sport event especially because of the delay and the reduction of the SEA games budget.

But with the support of MILO and other private sector partners, PHISGOC is positive that the SEA games hosting will be successful.

The PHISGOC Chief also stressed that the organizing committee together with Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee are stepping up the procurement of the sports equipment and other supplies that will be used for the forthcoming events.

He called the Philippine hosting of the SEA games as a golden opportunity to relaunch the Filipino brand and reinvigorate sport tourism in the country.

“By putting the Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines in a new city outside of Metro Manila, we are re-launching the new Filipino brand.” Cayetano explained.

The PHISGOC Chief believes that our leaders need to learn and appreciate the commitment, passion and sacrifice of the Filipino athletes as these traits are necessary to help achieve the President’s vision -- “safe and comfortable” life for every for everyone.

The House Speaker lamented that the previous administration failed to invest on the Filipino athletes and sports facilities. But Cayetano hopes that under the vision of the President, the hosting of the 30th SEA games will jumpstart Philippine Sports, which he called as the “soul of the nation”.

(c) PHISGOC 2019 30TH SEAGAMES - https://2019seagames.com/

October 10, 2019

SUBIC Bay-- Team Philippines, made of student-athletes from Ormoc City, swept all three gold medals at stake on the first day of the 30th Southeast Asian Games modern pentathlon test event at the Boardwalk here.

Seventeen year old Princess Abilon claimed two gold medals after Team Philippines bested participants from Thailand, and after she topped the women's individual and helped the two-member mixed relay squad to first place.

“I just stayed focused,” said Abilon, a student at the Ormoc City Regional Sports Academy.

In completing the laser-run event, which alternates four legs of a four-target, laser pistol shooting followed and an 800m run done four times, Abilon finished the women's individual course in 12 minutes and 3.9 seconds.

Abilon bested Ivy Dino, who settled for the silver medal in 13:11.87, followed in third by Shira Mae Aranzado, 13:17.35.

With teammate Samuel German, they ruled the mixed relay in 10:39.85, with the duo of Dinoy and Michael Comaling placing second in 11:07.66.

Comaling, who is on his second international stint, topped the men's individual event to finish with a gold and silver.

The 19-year old Comaling clocked 10:11.59, some 27 minutes ahead of second place Alne Tonada.

One of the national coaches, Rex de la Cruz said the final day of the event Thursday will be tougher, with participants doing a beach triathle, which is a 200-meter swim and laser shoot course.

“This was a timed race, and no point were given because there were not that many events held. My athletes wanted to size their rivals from Thailand. So they took things cautiously today,” said de la Cruz.

Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez, who heads the Philippine Modern Pentathlon Association, said this will the first time that the sport will be staged in the country as an event of the 30thSEA Games.

And this is after he asked sports leaders from the Southeast Asian region for its inclusion following its successful staging at the Asian level.

Thai bet Loorjin Wichapon fought it out with Filipino rivals in the men's division, and finished fifth.

(C) PHISGOC Media 2019SeaGames (https://2019seagames.com/)

December 15, 2019

[1] The American and Philippine flags were on display at the Subic Hellship Memorial marker during a remembrance ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 15, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the sinking of the hellship MV Oryoku Maru. The vessel carrying nearly 300 American prisoners of war was accidentally sunk by American fighter planes on Subic Bay, Philippines on December 15, 1944.

[2] Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization perform a solemn sailors’ bell ritual during a remembrance ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 15, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the sinking of the hellship MV Oryoku Maru. The vessel carrying nearly 300 American prisoners of war was accidentally sunk by American fighter planes on Subic Bay, Philippines on December 15, 1944.

[3] Tracey Betts, a representative from the United States Embassy in Manila, lays a wreath at the wreck site of the MV Oryoku Maru during a remembrance ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 15, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the sinking of the hellship. Oryoku Maru, carrying nearly 300 American prisoners of war, was accidentally sunk by American fighter planes on Subic Bay, Philippines on December 15, 1944.

(c) SBMA PRD

December 10, 2019

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—Charizzanne Jewel Napa made waves in the 2019 SEA GAMES Women’s category for Windsurfing RS: X. Napa took home a silver medal, five points behind at 30 who competed against Thai’s Cholchaya Junthonglang who ruled the event finishing first with 25 points, while Nenni Marlini from Indoinesia took the bronze with a score of 35.

December 9, 2019

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—Two-time world champion Geylord Coveta topped the men’s RS: One windsurfing event Monday in the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Yancy Kaibigan on the other hand, finally wins a Gold for Windsurfing RS: X (9.5m) Men’s Division after settling a Silver on 2017 RS: One World Championship held in Vietnam.

The awarding ceremony took palce in Yacht Club Subic Bay on December 9, 6pm.

December 7, 2019

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE- Table Tennis partners Japheth Adasa and Richard Gonzales achieved its victory over Vietnam on December 6, 2019 at Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in Olongapo, Zambales for Table Tennis Doubles Event - Men - Round of 16.

December 6, 2019

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE- Philippine Men and Women Beach Volleyball teams struggled for Gold particularly its fight against the dominant team of Thais on December 5, 2019 at Subic Tennis Court.

But the Fearless Spikers namely EDMAR BONONO, JUDE GARCIA, BERHADETH PONS, CHERRY ANN RONDINA managed to win against Singapore and captured a Bronze for the Philippines.

Rondina-Pons Duo got their last round-robin match, carving out a decisive 21-17, 21-13 decision over Singaporeans Ishan Lao and Serene Ng.

While James Buytrago-Jaron Requinton and Edmar Bonono-Jude Garcia swept Singapore in the final set.

December 4, 2019

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE- The Muay Thai competition at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines was held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in Olongapo, Zambales from December 3-8, 2019.

National Muay Thai coach Billy Alumno believes that his Team really worked hard and will do their best to deliver the Gold Medals that we deserve.

The male and female pairs of the Waikru and Taksa and their winnings:

CALICA JEAROME - Gold
DELARMINO PHILLIP- Gold
GALLAZA JOEMAR- Gold
LAMPACAN ARIEL LEE- Gold
BAYACSAN RUSHA MAE- Silver
BOMOGAO ISLAY ERIKA- Silver
JAKIRI RYAN- Silver
LEPATAN IRENDIN- Silver
OLSIM JENELYN- Silver

December 3, 2019

Here’s the current list of winnings by our Philippine team.
Gilas Pilipinas Women won in 3×3 basketball.
Mary Flor Diaz got a Bronze at the 45 kg weightlifting while John Fabuar Ceniza celebrated his silver medal finish in the men’s 55 kg.

Dexter Bolambao of Philippines wins gold in Arnis full contact live stick competition.

Christopher Caluza on Men’s Figure Skating podium finishes with a Silver Medal as well as Alisson Perticheto who also wins a Silver in Women’s Figure Skating event.

---more---

DOT ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE DETAILS REGARDING THE AVAILMENT OF FREE EVENT TICKETS.

Sharing some good captures during the Men's Preliminary Round Singapore vs Thailand Beach Volleyball.

December 2, 2019

Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines- Being the host country, inspired our Athletes to do their best and sweeps almost all the first places on Sunday, December 1 of the 30th SouthEast Asian Games 2019.

The very first Gold medal Ph had happened right here in Asia’s Best Sports Destination, Subic Bay when John “Rambo” Chicano, an Olongapo City local won first on the Men’s Triathlon Event. After a few, triathlete Kim Mangrobang comes next bagging the Gold Medal as well in the Women’s Division. Runners up of both division were also won by the Philippine team via Andrew Remolino and Kim Kilgroe.

The next Gold Medal comes from our Pinoy Athlete, Agatha Wong, who defended her title in Taolu Taijiquan event of Wushu. And the winning moments continue as the duo partner Mark Jayson Gayon and Mary Joy Renigen bag the fourth Gold medal for the Philippines in Single Dance Waltz under Dancesports Division. Right after that, our Dancespoirts Athletes in all categories whopped 10 Gold medals for the Philippines. Dansceport has been out for 12 years in the regional biennial meet and PH made sure that the welcoming is huge, and it did. Fresh from his world Championship performance and Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifier, World Class trendsetter Gymnast, Carlos “Caloy” Yulo delivered a Gold in the Men's all-around finals In Artistic Gymnastics.

In Sepak Takraw with Subic Bay as the venue, The PH team won a double Gold in the Men and Women hoops event. Also score big in Arnis and collected 5 Gold Medals for the country.

Philippines was really serious in breaking its own record in the past SEAGAMES, Day 1 ended with a significant lead in the medalboard.
Hoping to continue blistering its winning moments up to the last game event.

December 1, 2019

Bocaue, Bulacan- Very emotional Opening Ceremony finale of the 30TH SEA GAMES PHILIPPINES 2019 held at the Philippine Arena on Saturday, November 30.
Senator and Boxing Legend Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and Women's world Boxing Champ Nesthy Petecio lit up the SEAG Cauldron at the New Clark City.

The event which was praised by many particularly the netizens which made it trending worldwide was directed by the Creative director Floy Quintos. Nothing but positive reactions from all over the world were witnessed during the spectacular performances.

#2019SEAGames
#SEAGames2019
#WeWinAsOne

March 16, 2020

GoTo Plus, Inc., distributes non-acidic vitamin C, provides gloves

In view of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) threat, GoTo Plus, Inc. has adopted precautionary measures to combat the said virus.

While doing the best practices to reduce the risk of infection or to avoid coronavirus disease in its office such as;

Office disinfection
Clean hands frequently with alcohol-based hand wash or soap and water
Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue
Use of Surgical mask when available
Practice social distancing
Avoid close contact (1 meter or 3 feet) with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms
The company also provides Non-acidic Vitamin C that helps boost the immune system of its employees and gloves to prevent them from acquiring bacteria that may lead to some diseases.

Further, the IT Company and destination marketing provider also encourage its employees to take care of themselves and help maintain a virus-free workplace.

Moreover, Goto Plus Inc will implement a skeletal workforce starting March 17, 2020. In compliance with Government directives on general community quarantine, the company’s Customer Service will only be available every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 5pm.

(GOTO Plus Inc is the owner and developer of Subic.com Tourism portal.)

March 09, 2020

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has started disinfecting facilities and buildings frequented by the public following the declaration by Malacañang over the weekend of a state of public health emergency due to heightened new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) threat.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the disinfection protocol will be carried out by the SBMA Public Health and Safety Department initially in all SBMA offices and public areas using agents prescribed by the Department of Health (DOH).

“We will be disinfecting SBMA offices, especially the areas and surfaces most often touched by people who do business in our offices. But we also encourage business locators and other Subic stakeholders to do the same,” Eisma said.

“I call on all Subic stakeholders to support this measure because we all need to observe cleanliness and practice proper hygiene in face of heightened coronavirus threat in the country. We need to protect ourselves and keep the Subic community safe,” Eisma added.

Malacañang said on Sunday that President Rodrigo Duterte has declared a state of public health emergency following a confirmed local transmission of COVID-19.

On Saturday, the Department of Health (DOH) raised “Code Red sublevel 1” after it confirmed that a new COVID patient did not have recent history of travel to other countries.

A situation report from the World Health Organization on Sunday indicated a total of 105,596 confirmed cases in over 100 countries.

The DOH said over the weekend that the Philippines has 10 confirmed cases.

Meanwhile, Eisma reminded the public that other health safety protocols announced by the SBMA previously will remain in force in the Subic Bay Freeport.

These include the ban on entry of people, ships and aircraft coming from COVID-hit countries, as well as voluntary quarantine of those who recently travelled abroad and thermal scanning at Subic Bay Freeport gates for foreign visitors. (30)

THINGS TO DO: NATURE AND ADVENTURE