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100th BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING FATHER AND FIRST ELECTED MAYOR OF OLONGAPO,

JAMES LEONARD TAGLE GORDON

When  : January 17, 2017 9AM

Venue: Rivera Wharf, Harrison Rd., Subic Bay Freeport Zone

A wreath laying ceremony to be led by his children at Tappan Park will precede the program.

(c) SBMA MEDIA TEAM

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16 January 2017

SBMA’s first lady administrator and CEO assumes post

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT— Lawyer Wilma “Amy” T. Eisma assumes her post as the seventh administrator and chief executive officer(CEO) of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

A member of original volunteer corp who stepped up to protect the former naval base in Subic after the pull-out of the US bases in 1992, Atty. Eisma was warmly welcomed back to her “home” by agency officials and employees in a simple program held during the agency’s flagraising ceremony Monday (January 16).

The program highlights the passing of the SBMA flag symbolizing the turnover of the helm to Eisma, the agency’s first woman administrator and CEO, from her predecessor Roberto V. Garcia.

The ceremony was also witnessed by the members of the SBMA Board of Directors and local government officials from Olongapo City, and the contiguous provinces of Zambales and Bataan.

Eisma was appointed to the post by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on December 21, 2016, vice Garcia.

She formally took her oath of office as SBMA Administrator before President Duterte  in Malacañang on January 9, 2017 along with the new members of the SBMA Board of Directors Benny Diaz Antiporda, Maria Cecilia Bobadilla Bitare, Tomas Lahom III and Stefani Creer Saño.

As administrator and CEO, Eisma shall also sit as vice chair to the SBMA Board of Directors.

Born and raised in Olongapo City, Eisma is a seasoned lawyer with over 23 years of experience in both government service and the private sector.

Prior to her appointment, she was the Sustainability and Contributions Manager of PMFTC Inc., the Philippine affiliate of Philip Morris International (PMI), with 16 years of service in various management capacities looking over corporate, government and regulatory affairs, community and farmer relations, sustainability, contributions, and diversity and inclusion initiatives of the company.  She was instrumental in PMI’s decision to locate its regional tobacco warehouse for Asia Pacific in Subic Bay Freeport.

Her stint in the tobacco firm earned her various international awards in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and her work ethic, agility and leadership skills has earned her coveted corporate awards among them the PMI President’s Award in 2005, and the PMI Excellence Award in 2003, 2007 and 2011. She was also an awardee of the PMI Best Contribution Program in 2009 and the PMI Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award in 2010.

Atty. Eisma is very much at home in SBMA. As a young lawyer, she started her career as the Executive Assistant to the Chairman and member of the Legal Department at the time of the agency’s formation and foundation from 1993 to 1998.  During this period, she was also qualified by the Civil Service Executive Board required to hold higher positions in government

She represented SBMA in local judicial courts and oversaw the Housing Department of SBMA in managing negotiation and collection.

She was also a member of the team that successfully negotiated assistance of the World Bank to SBMA including the entry/investment of Federal Express, and various international and local investors resulting to thousands of jobs.

Before joining the private sector, she continued life in the public service as head executive assistant and legal counsel to the majority floor of the House of Representatives, and as chief of staff of the secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry from 2000-2001.

A member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, she holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence, Ateneo De Manila University, College of Law. She was also a member of the Philippine Delegation, 1989 UNIV Forum…

(c) SBMA MEDIA TEAM

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January 4, 2016 SBMA enters into a partnership agreement to help save the country’s coral reefs SUBIC BAY FREEPORT –  The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will work hand in hand with agency leaders, investor-locators, and non-government organizations to ensure the growth and propagation of coral reefs that are already degenerating all over the country.   This, after SBMA Chairman Martin B. Diño signed a Partnership Agreement with the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARD), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Brighterday Subic LTD, Inc. (BLSI), the Locator-Investor of the All Hands Beach Resort inside the Freeport; and Sangkalikasan Producer Cooperative, a non-government organization engaged in reefs restoration and monitoring activities, based in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.   “For as long as the SBMA, the community leaders, and the business owners around the Zone are responsive and responsible enough in preserving our coral reef beds, the condition and future of our ecosystem is sustainable” Diño said, following the signing of the agreement held at the All Hands Beach Resort on Friday, December 23, 2016.   Dr. Melvin Carlos, Technology Transfer Division Director of PCAARRD said that the degeneration rate of coral reefs across the country has already reached 80 percent.   “This means that it has breached its ecological condition that is dangerous to plants, animals, and other organisms living in our waters.”  Dr. Carlos said.   The agreement aims to enjoin the partner organizations to transplant some 5,000 coral fragments to restore damaged reef areas and set-up and deploy about 10 coral nursery units.   It also tasks the partner organizations to identify, document, and establish a stream of dive sites, develop a pool of human resource for coral restoration and promote science based coral reef management.   The partnership agreement was forged to strengthen current coral reef restoration efforts by the BLSI and Sankalikasan at the All Hands Beach Resort.   Each to its own commitment, the DENR serves as the lead implementing agency that will provide the necessary technical assistance in monitoring and evaluating the project activities. - more - The Sangkalikasan serves as the project implementer in delivering project outputs, results reviews, information dissemination, and technology transfer.   On the other hand, the SBMA and PCAARRD are supporting bodies in monitoring, maintaining, and protecting the identified and established sites, also in baseline assessment and monitoring of coral transplants.   While the BLSI is the adaptor in maintaining and protecting the identified and established sites for the growth and propagation of the coral transplants. (30)       PHOTO:   SBMA Chairman and Head of Agency Martin B. Dino shake hands with Mark S. Dayrit, Chairman of Brighterday Subic Limited Inc., after signing a partnership agreement for the coral reef restoration project at All Hands Beach Resort in Subic Bay Freeport zone. Joining them are Zambales Provincial Environment Officer Laudemir S. Salac, PCCARRD Director Dr. Melvin Carlos, Sangkalikasan Chairman Jose Rodriguez and Community Environment Officer Marife I. Castillo. (c) SBMA MEDIA TEAM

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SBMA eyes P140B Big-Ticket Projects to boost investment in Subic Freeport 08 December 2016 Subic Bay Freeport—Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Martin B. Diño disclosed the multi-billion-peso big-ticket projects that the agency will be undertaking in anticipation of the upsurge of foreign investors by next year.   In a recent meeting with the press, Diño said that he will be sending to Malacañang his budget proposal in the amount of P140 billion (US$2.8 billion) to fast-track six major projects he intends to implement during his term as SBMA chairman.   “Before I came here, the president (Duterte) instructed me to improve and make Subic the best investment area in Asia. But how can I achieve that when there is no area that I could offer to new investors?” Diño asked, adding, “I have to find new land.”   He said that after surveying and studying the geographic location of the Freeport, Diño was able to identify  a 3,000-hectare industrial zone that can be potentially developed at the back of South Korean shipyard Hanjin Heavy Industries Corporation at Redondo Peninsula, Subic, Zambales.    He further stated that there is more than enough land for investors at Redondo, but infrastructure such as roads and bridges should be built first to make it accessible via Subic Freeport to the new industrial zone in Zambales.   Diño explained that the "big ticket projects" include the construction of four major roads and bridges that would cost around P126 billion (US$2.52 billion), and eventually shorten the travel time of cargo trucks and passenger vehicles to and from Northern Luzon and Metro Manila.   First on the list with a proposed budget of P11 billion (US$220 million), is the construction of a 17.273 kilometer bypass road that would connect the Subic container terminals to Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) without passing the busy commercial and leisure areas of the Freeport.    Second, with a proposed budget of P22 billion ($440 million) is the 25.73 kilometer Tipo-Castillejos By-Pass Road  which will also include the construction of seven bridges. The by-pass road will be connected to Tipo Road at the exit of SCTEX and run directly to Castillejos, Zambales by-passing heavy traffic in Olongapo City and Subic, Zambales.   - more - Third, with a proposed budget of P91 billion ($1.82 million) is the construction of a 65-kilometer multi-modal expressway that would directly connect Subic Freeport to Manila.    And fourth, with a proposed budget of P2 billion ($40 million) is  the Tipo-SCTEX Road Widening project which aims to improve the capacity of  Tipo Road.  This will entail adding another lane on both sides of the road with the improvement of the existing tunnel and the construction of an additional tunnel.   These projects, according to Diño, should provide easy access to and from Subic Freeport for both cargo haulers and tourists, especially those coming from or going to North and Central Luzon, as well as Metro Manila.   “These infrastructure projects will bring Subic Freeport and other centers of commerce in Luzon area closer to each other,” he said, noting that travel time from point-to-point will be greatly shortened, making development faster and easier, while at the same time helping decrease the volume of vehicles plying major roads of Metro Manila that cause traffic crisis.   “Where these roads pass, expect rapid economic growth which means more jobs being created and more revenue being collected. There will be more progress for everyone,” he added.   Meanwhile, to maximize the economic benefits brought about by the new roads, SBMA is also proposing the construction of additional container terminals and the expansion of Naval Supply Depot here.   According to Diño, he is proposing the construction of New Container Terminal 3 and 4 in the amount of P10 billion (US$200 million) which will the constructed parallel to the existing NCT 1 and NCT 2.   The Naval Supply Depot, which mostly serves as storage facility for bulk grains and other non-containerized cargoes, is being proposed for expansion and improvement in the amount of P4 billion (US$80 million).   Diño said that he has coordinated with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to seek its endorsement to Malacañang for the approval of the proposed projects.   “We have already sent a memorandum to NEDA seeking its endorsement to Malacañang so that we could go ahead and fast track these big ticket projects and complete them the soonest possible time,” he said. (c) SBMA MEDIA TEAM

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PRESS STATEMENT OIC Administrator Atty. Randy B. Escolango Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)   SBMA EMPLOYEES URGE DIÑO TO RESPECT MALACAÑANG ON ESCOLANGO   December 2, 2016 THE SBMA Employees Association (SEA) is urging Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman Martin B. Diño to bury the hatchet and work hand-in-hand with OIC Administrator Randy B. Escolango. “It’s the SBMA that suffers, including the employees, because of the dispute between Chairman Diño and OIC Administrator Escolango,” said Elmer L. Libo, president of the close to a thousand strong members of SEA. “With Malacañang’s clarification that Atty. Escolango’s designation as OIC Administrator is still in full force and effect, we hope Chairman Diño will set aside his personal ambition and honor Malacañang’s decision like a gentleman,” Libo said. Libo was speaking in reaction to the Office of the President’s Nov. 28, 2016 reiteration of Escolango’s Oct. 19, 2016 designation as OIC Administrator, in response to Diño’s letter Nov. 21, 2016 saying that despite his (Diño) appointment by President Duterte as Chairman only, he has also assumed the position of SBMA Administrator. Diño is currently in Korea, his fourth (4th) trip outside the Philippines in less than two (2) months since assuming office on Oct. 3, 2016. He is expected to be back on Dec. 8 but may cut short his trip to attend Monday’s (Dec. 5) flag-raising ceremonies. With Diño’s absence, should he not attend, on the weekly flag-raising ceremonies on Monday, employees jokingly say they will have a respite on the almost weekly “tele-novela,” referring to Diño’s outbursts which began with a dressing down of Escolango, who did not react, in front of all present, after Escolango was designated as OIC Administrator. When Escolango started to perform the duties of the Office of the Administrator, Diño always comes up with orders and memos nullifying his (Escolango) actions. With the reiteration of his designation as OIC Administrator by the Office of the president, however, Escolango said he will no longer allow Diño to usurp the position of Administrator. Escolango said Diño may have to face administrative and criminal charges for usurping the office to which he (Diño) has not been appointed to. Escolango expressed his gratitude for the support and words of encouragement from SEA and the management personnel of SBMA. “I am humbled by the understanding and support of our managers and rank & file employees,” Escolango said, “We can understand each other, after all, we are the ones who worked together to bring SBMA out of the doldrums.” In the past six (6) years, SBMA, under the stewardship of former Chairman & Administrator Roberto V. Garcia, grew from virtual bankruptcy to a healthy agency, raking in unprecedented, record-breaking revenues through sound management practices and innovations. While losing billions of pesos in the past with no subsidy or budget support from the national government, SBMA now has some P4B in the bank and has already contributed hundreds of millions of pesos to the national coffers. (30)   PHOTO CAPTION: SBMA Employees Association (SEA) officers led by President Elmer L. Libo (4th frm R) during a courtesy call on SBMA OIC Administrator Randy B. Escolango (seated). SEA has expressed support for Escolango and called on Chairman Martin B. Diño to respect Malacañang's designation of Escolango so as not to further hamper the normal operations of SBMA. (FBphoto/ell)

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2016 10 outstanding Subic Freeport workers named

23 November 2016 SUBIC BAY FREEPORT— An Aeta tribal member and a school paper adviser complete the ten workers in this freeport who will be recognized on Friday (Nov. 25) for their exemplary performance and contributions in their respective workplace.   The Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers, also known as “Ten-O,” is an annual event initiated by the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. (SBWDFI), a non-government entity established by Freeport-based locators and investors, in partnership with the Labor Department of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).    SBMA Labor Department manager and concurrent SBWDFI president Atty. Severo Pastor, Jr. said that the ten awardees are the epitome of the best Filipino workers in the country.    The “Ten-O” were selected among more than 100,000 freeport workers, hundreds of which were nominated to undergo a battery of interviews, performance appraisal and screening by the board of judges.    The selection focused on the advocacy of welfare and values of workers, to honor and recognize the “best among the best” for their discipline, dedication and commitment to excellence.   No less than SBMA Chairman Martin Diño and Subic Bay Chamber of Commerce president Rose Baldeo will lead the Freeport workers and executives in the recognition of the ten outstanding workers.   Among the ten awardees is a member of the Aeta tribal community and a school paper adviser who, because of their passion and dedication to their jobs, have performed exceptionally in their own field.   Dennis Pablo was a high school graduate from the Aeta tribal community of Iram and currently works as maintenance leader at Cresc Incorporated whose dedication to work and his knowledge in technical matters contributed to increase productivity. Cultural differences did not hinder him from contributing ideas that improved the company’s products;   Sergio Ontuca, a respected professor, program head and moderator of school organ of the Mondriaan Aura College, unselfishly gave his precious time in the curriculum development area, particularly in languages and social sciences and inspired students who found themselves gifted with the power of pen. Ontuca, who started as a part-time college instructor, is also well-loved by faculty members, non-teaching personnel and students.   Other awardees include Mark Dwin Alqueza, a Spare Parts Interpreter at DunBrae Subic who provides timely and efficient service to customers and service technicians in Australia in the sourcing and provision of spare parts. He has been consistently rated as an excellent customer service provider who stays true to the company’s core values and vision;   Jeaneth Alvarez, Quality Controller at Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation.  She monitors the quality of the fuel being received, stored and delivered by checking the certificates of analysis, making sure that all parameters are within specifications. She also acts as adviser to the Operations superintendent and manager, providing recommendations concerning fuel quality;   Catherine Bondoc, Document Controller Supervisor at FBM Systems and Electronics, Inc. who continually performs document control, internal and external audit, ISO certification maintenance, among others, and for six years has been an excellent asset for the company. Persistent and with positive attitude, she influences her co-workers and promotes good teamwork—qualifications that made her an Excellent FBM Employee 0f 2016;   Mark Henson Calunod, is a dedicated and highly deserving employee who serves as the head butcher at the Subic Duty Free Shop Inc. (Meatplus Café). Serving for 12 years, he exuded dependability, efficiency and consistent punctuality;   Engr. Rolinda Escaño, Process Shift Engineer for SubicWater. Engr. Lyn moved her peers and colleagues to work and thrived in an environment where culture of competence, honesty professionalism and teamwork have been exemplified.    Riza Gallardo works at Wistron InfoComm Phils. Corp. as function leader, Gallardo has a strong knowledge in materials management such as planning, purchasing, controlling and monitoring of material inventory, and has system control over activities of over 60 different warehouses of the company. She also helped the company attain two major audit certificates: ISO 9000, an international standard related to Quality Management Systems and ANSI ESD S20.20, an international standard related to the global need of electronics industry;   Albert Manuel works at the Mega Subic Terminal Services Inc. as information and document personnel and concurrently pollution control officer. Manuel is a consistent outstanding employee because of his honesty, dedication and enthusiasm to his job, and a leader who serves as source of inspiration among peers to get the best out of their duties; and   Nhoel Pulido, a Management Information System (MIS) Engineer II at Nicera Philippines whose main task as database administrator manages the company’s whole logistics, production and financial database records. His competency earned him the management’s trust to administer the company’s file and application servers, as well as its application systems. (30) (c) SBMA MEDIA TEAM

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GQMC recognizes SBMA’s quality management system

17 November 2016 Subic Bay Freeport—The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently was given recognition by the Government Quality Management Committee (GQMC) for attaining ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems Certification which led to achieving successful years for the agency.    The GQMC annually recognized government agencies, including government-owned and controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, and local government units whose quality management systems (QMS) have attained ISO 9001 Certification from January 2012 to October 2016.    In a communication sent to SBMA, GQMC chairman and Budget Sec. Benjamin Diokno stated that the conferment was in recognition of the established QMS of SBMA in conformity with the ISO 9001 Standards.   ISO 9001:2008 Certificate is awarded by International Standard Organization (ISO) certified Registrars to an organization which meets specified quality system requirements to be able to consistently provide conforming products, either material or services to meet customer's expectations.   In the Philippines, ISO certification and quality management in government institutions was required through Executive Order 605 and Administrative Order 161, respectively, signed by then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.   SBMA obtained the ISO Certificate since January 2013 and was re-certified on June this year, according to SBMA OIC-Total Quality Management (TQM) Office John Aquino, who received the certificate in a ceremony held at LBP Auditorium in Manila.   The First Surveillance Audit was conducted by AJA Registrars Inc. which resulted in the “zero major non-conformity, zero minor non-conformity and nine observations”. This, according to Aquino, was considered a legacy in the history of government offices.   “This is the fruit of an all-Agency effort and utmost commitment to QMS and good governance by the dedicated men and women of the SBMA headed by Chairman Martin Diño,” Aquino said.   Aquino said that SBMA started working to meet with the requirement based on standards specified on ISO 9001:2008 since October 2012 with AJA Registrars.   - more - All departments of SBMA had conformed to the ISO 9001 resulting to the issuance of ISO 9001:2008 Certification last April 2013, he said.   These offices include the Internal Services Group with 10 offices/departments; Maritime, Business and Investment Group with seven offices/departments; Regulatory Group with six offices/departments, and Chairman and Administrator-CEO Group which composed of six offices and departments.   The GQMC is being co-chaired by Trade Sec. Ramon Lopez with members DILG Sec. Ismael Serena and Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) Pres. Antonio Kalaw. (c) SBMA MEDIA TEAM

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8 November 2016 Shoe manufacturer putting up $10-million Subic plant SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The construction of a manufacturing facility for a $10-million project to produce branded shoes for export is now in progress in this free port. Datian Subic Shoes, Inc. is building its own plant in a 42,800-square meter area at Phase II of the Subic Bay Gateway Park here. The firm will produce branded vulcanized shoes for export and is expected to generate additional jobs for communities around the Freeport. The company has committed to employ about 400 workers initially, its full operations expected after 3 to 5 years of steady growth will generate about 2,500 employees.   Datian Subic president Vincent Chen said that like its parent company, D&T Shoes, the Subic company will be producing shoes under global brands such as Keds, Converse, Sperry, and Vans for the American market, as well as Hugo Boss and Dr. Martens for the European market.   Chen said that Datian Subic Shoes “is actually patterned after its parent company with plenty of lines for stitching, and has its own rubber compounding, outsoles molding, insoles and arches sponging, rubber gluing and foxing operations.   These local operations will ensure an average production of at least 350,000 pairs of shoes per month, Chen also noted.   The company official added that considering the necessary adjustments on the project components, development schedule, and arrival of equipment and construction materials, the company is anticipating to commence its operations on or before the second quarter of 2017.  PHOTO: A construction worker pushes his wheelbarrow in front of the building that will house the assembly line for Datian Subic Shoes, Inc. (c) SBMA MEDIA TEAM

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Subic Bay to be highlighted at the 1st Sports Tourism Awards, NorthPhil Travel Expo

10 November 2016 SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—Subic Bay is among the country’s sports tourism venues vying for the coveted Destination of the Year at the 1st Tourism Sports Awards to be held at Resorts World Manila on November 22.   Charles Lim, founder of the Philippine Sports Tourism Award, in a letter addressed to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department manager Mary Jamelle Camba, said the Subic Bay Freeport Zone has been shortlisted as a nominee in three categories: Destination of the Year, Event Sponsorship of the Year and Organizer of the Year- Government.   Subic Bay hosts some of the biggest sports competitions in the region like the 5i50 Century Tuna Triathlon, Asian Duathlon Championships, Subic Adventure Race, Bike Festival Asia, SMART Subic International Marathon, Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT), among others.   It recently received high ratings as a venue of some of the top triathlon events in the world. At the 2015 Ironman 70.3, Subic Bay garnered a superior rate of 85.80% in APAC overall satisfaction score and was placed at number 6, along with Cairns in Queensland, Australia, among the best triathlon venues in Asia-Pacific.    In the meantime, the SBMA expressed support to the NorthPhil Travel and Tourism Expo to be spearheaded by the Department of Tourism Central Luzon in Clark on November 11.   SBMA Chairman Martin Diño and OIC-Office of the Administrator Atty. Randy Escolango will head the Subic Bay delegation composed of hoteliers, event organizers and theme parks executives in the said affair. They will also lead the opening of SBMA Tourism Booths that will showcase the sounds, colors and tastes of Subic Bay.   Chairman Diño said the travel expo will help boost even more the tourism industry of the region by recognizing, promoting and marketing the unique elements of tourism each province has.   “It should be noted that Subic Freeport was named as the region’s most visited tourism destination since 2013 and as the Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon by the Department of Tourism (DoT) regional office for obtaining the highest number of local and foreign travelers who visited the region,” he said. - more -   The three-day tourism expo, which will present the “Seven Days in Central Luzon” tour package promoting the unique strengths and potentials of the seven provinces and two economic zones of the region, is a project of DOT Central Luzon director Ronnie Tiotuico to be launched on November 11.   “Tourists will discover how they would enjoy surfing in Aurora, agri-tourism in Nueva Ecija, heritage culture and arts in Bulacan, culinary journey in Pampanga, pilgrimage in Tarlac, adventure in Bataan, beach and nature in Zambales, and MICE (meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibits) events in Clark and Subic, all during the Seven-Day Tour Package,” Tiotuico said.   Tiotuico also lauded the Association of the Tourism Organizations of Central Luzon (ATOCEL) for its active participation in designing tour packages showcasing the accessibility and the diversity of the region in terms of tourism products, activities and experiences.   Expected to grace the travel exposition are DOT Directors Helen Catalbas of Region 6 (Western Visayas), Judy Gabato of Region 7 (Central Visayas) and Mary June Bugante of Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula).   Also invited were DOT regional directors Martin Valera (Ilocandia), Marie Venus Tan (Cordillera Autonomous Region), Virgilio Maguigad (Cagayan Valley), Rebecca Labit of (Southern Tagalog) and, Dir. Tiotuico for Central Luzon, to open the NorthPhil.

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OLONGAPO SUBIC MARDIGRAS FESTIVAL 2016

Different tourism destinations and theme parks inside the  Subic Bay Freeport zone were showcased at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority sponsored stage  during the 3-day Mardigras in Olongapo City. 

© SBMA MEDIA TEAM

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Diño leaves on a business mission to US, names OIC for SBMA

1 November 2016 Diño leaves on a business mission to US, names OIC for SBMA ​SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Chairman/Administrator and CEO of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Martin Diño, leaves Wednesday (Nov. 2) on a major business mission to the United States to woo prospective investors and formalize a Sister Port agreement with the Port Authority of San Francisco.   While away for ten days, he designated Atty. Michael Quintos as officer-in-charge to manage the Freeport’s day-to-day operations.  ​Diño’s first stop is Las Vegas, Nevada where he will meet with prospective investors from November 3 to 4, topped by a visit with a solid waste management investor on the second day. ​He will leave on November 6 for San Francisco after the November 5 fight between Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and Jessie Vargas, who will stake his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title in a 12-round fight at the Thomas and Mac Center. ​A busy day awaits Diño in San Francisco. After paying a courtesy call on Philippine Special Trade Representative Nicanor S. Bautista at 9 in the morning, the SBMA Chairman heads to the Port Authority of San Francisco for a scheduled 90-minute meeting with its executive director, Elaine Forbes. ​Diño will formalize the Sister Port Agreement between the two major ports, allowing the sharing between them of policies and best practices on port planning and building, port management and operations, supply chain logistics, port safety and security and environmental protection measures. ​Diño sees the partnership as one way to boost trade between the two ports, as well as encourage business opportunities by promoting Subic’s great growth potential and its current-five year plan to turn it into Asia’s premier Freeport. ​The Authority’s website lists 10 sister port agreements with different ports all over the world. ​A meeting at 2 o’clock follows with Diño’s visit at Paragon Premium Outlet with Leo Padilla, director of Golden LT Company. ​Diño will travel south the following day to Los Angeles where he will meet with the manufacturer of hybrid renewable energy ECO-GEN Energy. A visit to the power firm’s facility in Van Nuys follows on November 9. ​Before flying home, Diño will meet with members of the Filipino community in Los Angeles.

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China's Jovo to start ship-to-ship cargo handling in Subic

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT- China’s leading clean energy service provider Jovo Group Company Ltd. Guangdong (Jovo) on Wednesday said it is ready to engage in ship-to-ship operations in Subic Bay. The ship-to-ship (STS) transfer operations will involve oil tankers carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Asia Pacific that will be transferred to smaller vessels bound to ports in China. STS addresses the shipping of petroleum products to China as most of its ports cannot accommodate bulk carriers because of depth issues. In a public consultation, Jovo International Business general manager Yuan Lu said the LNG will be brought to Subic Bay from Australia and Indonesia by Belgium-flag carrier, a 94,000-ton bulk carrier. The cargo will then be transferred while at sea to a smaller 47,000-tonnage capacity ship bound for China. Lu said that the STS operations of Jovo in Subic will be assessed after five years, results of which will determine if a regional hub should be established here to accommodate delivery of LNG to the local market and the rest of Southeast Asia. He said Jovo’s long-term plan is to introduce the LNG to local markets in the Philippines, especially those in the transportation sector as this kind of fuel is safe and environmentally friendly. Lu said that company Jovo has decades of comprehensive experience in clean energy shipping, storage, processing and sales with zero accidents, and assured that LNG and the STS operation will be environmentally safe. The consultation was attended by local fishermen, members of the Philippine Coast Guard, PNP Maritime Group and workers of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) held at the SBMA Seaport Admin Building. Fishermen belonging to Subic Bay Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (SBFARMC) said they are grateful to SBMA and Jovo for the holding of the consultations prior to the start of the STS operation in Subic. “We are thankful for the invitation of SBMA headed by its new chairman Martin Diño and Jovo for this consultation for them to hear our concerns and enlighten us on this ship-to-ship operation that might affect our livelihood,” said SBFARMC chair Laureano Artagame. Artagame noted that large ships oftentimes occupy the fishing areas of small fishermen in Subic Bay, but with the consultation, accidental “intrusion” can now be avoided. Meanwhile, China Classification Society (CCS) senior engineer Fan Hong Jun, in his presentation, compared highly combustible gasoline or liquefied petroleum gas against LNG which has lesser greenhouse effect and is lighter than air, making it safer in case of spillage. With a property temperature of -162 ̊C, LNG is hard to burn but evaporates rapidly, Fan explained, adding that if it spills into our oceans or even into our water source, it will not affect marine life, and our water remains safe to drink. “It burns slowly, and does not mix with water nor kill fish or any other marine life. LNG is very environmental friendly,” he said. In terms of revenue, Fan said the Port of Subic will earn tens of millions of pesos from services, including tug boat services, port services and anchorage. This does not include indirect revenue from payments for tugboats, chandlers, bunkering and food supplies. (c) SBMA MEDIA TEAM

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13 October 2016 New SBMA chair to prioritize workers’ welfare SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will prioritize the provision of benefits and incentives to SBMA workers who served as volunteers after the US Naval Base here closed down in 1992.   SBMA Chairman Martin Diño said during a media conference here that volunteers who are holding contractual positions in the agency shall be given priority in housing and retirement benefits and other incentives. “When I first arrived in the SBMA, I first asked about the conditions of the volunteers and I promised them that I will see how SBMA could repay them for what they did for the agency,” he said. He added that his administration will help those hired under contracts of service to look for permanent jobs in line with the President Duterte’s program to eliminate end-of-contract scheme, commonly known as “endo,” which limits workers’ contracts to a maximum of six months to avoid permanent hiring. The chairman explained that his administration will conduct a study “to definitely end contractualization in accordance with COA (Commission on Audit) rules and regulations.” The SBMA is still employing about 1,200 workers under contract of service (CS), mostly former volunteers who serve in ground maintenance and housekeeping operations, as well as other office positions. Diño also said that the SBMA reorganization proposal submitted to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall be reviewed to make it more beneficial and responsive to the needs and direction of the agency. “The proposed reorganization in the structure of the agency to cope with the present and realistic conditions in the Freeport, which is continuously growing in terms of investments, will be reviewed to make it fit and responsive to the direction the agency wishes to take,” Diño said.  He added that the new administration will implement the removal of​ any overlapping functions of offices, improve the healthcare program and benefits of all SBMA employees, and require all departments to improve their performance and output. “SBMA employees should be the first to benefit from what their agency has been achieving, which made the Subic Bay Freeport the Number 1 tourism destination in the region and a contributor of billions of pesos to the national government,” Diño also said. (30)   PHOTO:  SBMA Chairman Martin B. Diño

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“SUBIC SALUTE” / 28 September 2016 Photo by Jun Dumaguing   Photo caption: SUBIC SALUTE: The submarine tender ship USS Frank Cable (AS-40) executes a water salute to the passing USNS Millinoket (T-EPF-3), a Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship, as the latter prepares to dock for a routine port stop at the Alava Pier in the Subic Bay Freeport on Monday (Sept. 26). Two other US support ships, the USNS Bowditch (T-AGS 62), an oceanographic survey vessel which is part of the Special Mission Ship program operating in the South China Sea, and the dry cargo ship USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11) are also docked in Subic Bay for supply replenishment. (c) SBMA MEDIA TEAM

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Subic Bay launches FIGHT ILLICIT TRADE- "Fight It"

Details: The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) anti-illicit campaign, as embodied by the Fight Illicit Trade Movement (Fight IT), shares a vision of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in promoting local industry growth free of illegal trade and smuggling to help create jobs, ensure industry competitiveness and protect consumers. (c) SBMA MEDIA TEAM

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07 October 2016 Diño sets to expand Subic, widen Freeport trade SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Newly-appointed chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Martin Diño is eyeing to strengthen and widen trade in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in order to generate more investment and livelihood opportunities in the Subic Bay area. Diño, who took over the helm of the Subic agency last Monday, said the SBMA under his administration will seek to maximize the use of the Subic port and develop more business districts for investors. “We need to maximize the use of the Subic port, especially the container terminal here, to bring in more business and, at the same time, help solve the traffic congestion in Manila ports,” the new chairman said during a media briefing following the turnover ceremony last Monday. “At the same time, we should find ways to accommodate more investments because the available area for further development in Subic is now very much limited,” he added. Diño noted that the capacity of the New Container Terminal 1 and 2 in the Subic Bay Freeport “is more than enough to handle all the containers originating from and bound for Central and Northern Luzon.” However, he said there is a need to develop a bigger logistics area that would cater to the needs of the growing number of port users. “This is why we need to explore the transfer of the Bataan Technology Park, Inc. to the management of the SBMA,” Diño said. “We can spur the development of the entire area of BTPI into a central business district for shippers, logistics, and other related industries, as the Subic Bay Freeport is already running out of developable lands.” The 380-hectare BTPI is located in Barangay Sabang, Morong, Bataan, about 30 minutes away from the Subic Bay Freeport’s central business district. Once a UN High Commission’s Refugee Processing Center, the BTPI is ideal for light and customized manufacturing industries. Under Proclamation No. 532, which delineates the metes and bounds of the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone, Subic has a total land and water area of 67,452 hectares more or less. Out of this, the fenced area where much development has taken place is approximately 14,000 hectares, including portion of the Redondo Peninsula. However, out of the fenced area, only about 2,800 hectares or about 20% is developable, while the remaining 11,200 hectares or about 80% of the total land and water area are high slopes, forests, and protected areas. To address the problem of land scarcity in Subic, Diño said the SBMA must maximize the use of all available facilities and pursue an expansion program. He added that his office will initiate multi-lateral dialogues with the City of Olongapo, the municipalities of Morong and Hermosa in Bataan, and the town of San Antonio in Zambales to identify areas for possible development. (30)  PHOTO: Chairman Diño gestures with a "Duterte fist" upon assuming the SBMA post on Monday. (c) SBMA MEDIA TEAM

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03 October 2016 Chairman Diño assumes SBMA office SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Newly appointed chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Martin Diño formally took over the rein of the Subic agency on Monday in a turn-over ceremony held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center here. In his first public appearance before employees of SBMA, Diño accepted the official SBMA flag from outgoing Chairman Roberto Garcia and pledged to make Subic the best free port in Asia. Diño was joined in the turnover by his transition team, members from the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), and son Marvin Diño, who will serve as his chief of staff. In his acceptance speech, Diño lauded the accomplishments ​of​ officials and employees of the SBMA headed by Garcia, noting that they successfully implemented a financial turnaround for the agency. Diño said that he envisioned a healthier financial status for the SBMA, and that he would strive to make Subic more business-friendly. “I will work hard to make the best of it,” he added. “Our sole objective is to make Subic the best free port in Asia,” Diño also said. “Chairman Garcia has already paved the way for Subic towards becoming​ the​ number one free port in Asia; it’s our turn to make that happen,” he added. The former barangay chairman and head of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) also pointed ​ out​ that while he has no degree in business or recognition from financial institutions, he has a direct line to the President and that he intends to use this to further develop Subic. He said that when he was offered the position of SBMA chairman, President Duterte asked him to make Subic more attractive to investments, and to make the free port more developed. Diño also mentioned that the President plans to transfer to Subic half of the transshipment activities in the South and North Harbors in Manila, to help decongest the port and streets of Metro Manila and to maximize Subic’s ​port ​capacity. He also expressed concern for the former Subic volunteers whom he described as the first heroes of SBMA, adding that he will look into how the agency could repay their sacrifices. Meanwhile, outgoing chairman Garcia highlighted in his turn-over speech his administration’s accomplishments that made Subic the most progressive​ free port in the country, as well as the Number 1 tourist destination in Central Luzon and Number 4 nationwide. Garcia also noted that under his administration, the revenue collection of SBMA jumped from P1.39 billion in 2011 to P2.75 billion in 2015, while its total available cash increase​d​ from P595 million in 2011 to P2.75 billion 2015. “These accomplishments had made SBMA the 11th ​among government-owned and -controlled corporations ​in terms of dividends remitted to the national government last year​,” he said. (30) PHOTOS: Outgoing SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (left) turns over the agency’s flag to newly-appointed Chairman Martin V. Diño in a formal ceremony on Monday at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. (c) SBMA MEDIA TEAM

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