SBMA is Ph’s “Most Sustainable Investment Hub” – WBO Magazine What better news to write about the premier Freeport in the country before the year ends than it being recognized and awarded the Most Sustainable Investment Hub in the Philippines. Just recently, World Business Outlook Magazine conferred the “Most Sustainable Investment Hub” award to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for the continuous effort of the Authority to maintain its status as the best investment place in the country since it was converted into an industrial hub from a former US naval facility. SBMA has maintained its thrust in developing the Subic Bay Freeport Zone a sustainable investment hub in the world. The award was received personally by the SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engineer Eduardo Aliño during the 2024 World Business Outlook Awards held on November 2, 2024 at the Marriott Marquis Queens Park in Bangkok, Thailand. The good chairman was accompanied by his equally deserving officers of SBMA including Director Teodoro Del Rosario, Business and Investment Group for Leisure Manager Josephine Ivy Ferrer and General Business and Investment Officer-in-Charge Cleofe Espinelli. In a statement from the Authority, it was quoted CHAD (short for Chairman and Administrator) Aliño as saying, “It is with profound honor that we accept this distinct accolade from the World Business Outlook award-giving body for being the Most Sustainable Investment Hub in the Philippines for the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.” CHAD also encourage the attendees and global economic leaders to engage in innovative practices, promote green technologies, and ensure that our commitment to sustainability remains at the forefront of everything we do. Thus, the official, who also owns a big company in the Freeport, noted that by helping and working together, they will continue to pave the way for responsible investment practices, ensuring a thriving planet for future generations. But, it is also a good opportunity to mention that SBMA is also a recipient of other prestigious awards. In April 2023, former SBMA CHAD Wilma T. Eisma has won Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards “Thought Leader of the Year” for her Covid-19 contingency plans for the Subic Bay Freeport that paved the way for businesses inside the Freeport to endure the effects of the pandemic. During her term, the agency has implemented measures that ensured, not only for businesses to thrive but the safety and security of the stakeholders in the Freeport as well. Eisma is now a director of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). In January 2022, SBMA was awarded “Best in Tourism Practice During the Pandemic” among 12 finalists during the 22nd National Convention of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP). Then in July of the same year, Subic Bay Freeport was conferred as the No. 1 tourist destination in Central Luzon by the Department of Tourism (DoT), while also ranking 5th among the most visited places in the country. SBMA also continue its commitment in contributing to the economic development of its neighboring municipalities by distributing revenue shares derived from the gross income of the Freeport. In February this year, SBMA distributed a total of P178.7-million revenue shares due to the municipalities of Subic, Castillejos, San Marcelino, and San Antonio in Zambales; Dinalupihan, Morong and Hermosa in Bataan, and Olongapo City. Revenue shares which are computed according to population (50%), land area (25%), and equal sharing (25%) are released twice a year—August for the first semester, and February of the following year for second semester. Hear’s To Watch. The award- “Most Sustainable Investment Hub”- given to SBMA does not only represents the excellent performance of the management team, but serves as a challenge to all rank and file of the Authority work harder as one team to come up with better strategies to smoother sail the ship. The longest-time constructed bridge went soft opening but was bashed by residents and workers alike, because it was flooded and pedestrians got wet while crossing the bridge The unfair treatment for pedestrian-workers, motorcyclists, and car owners and passengers while entering the Freeport in the morning; why only bikers and pedestrians were subjected to inspections, while car owners freely passed the gates. More and more car owners are ignoring road courtesy and regulations, mostly are not stopping on corners anymore. Parks are often littered, because nobody was penalized yet. Stray dogs and mendicants are roaming the parks. And where are the public toilets for visitors to use. And more. The Authority should not focus alone on big things, because usually those seemingly petty issues make the difference.

Illegal logging blames for destructive flooding,landslides While Tropical Typhoon Kristine was moving out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), another typhoon is coming in, and was named Leon. In the latest update provided by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), as of Tuesday, October 29, Kristine and Leon have affected nearly two million families, or more than seven million individuals all over the country, of which 950,000 people were temporarily sheltered in evacuation centers or schools. The Council reported at least 125 people died, and hundreds more are missing. The damage to agriculture was estimated to P2.8 billion, and to infrastructure was P1.5 billion. The damage to crops and fisheries sectors has climbed to P3.40 billion. Meanwhile, in a statement released by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department will need at least P3.6 billion to reconstruct and repair schools and other learning assets damaged by Kristine and Leon. The loss of learning equipment and materials were not yet included. Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) reported that 888 schools were flooded or affected by landslides, while 1,127 schools were used as evacuation centers during the onslaught of Kristine, which brought havoc in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The damaged to lives and properties was enormous, and all are pointing to rampant illegal logging and quarrying in most areas that were severely affected by flooding and landslides. The disaster did not surprise the local government units, because it was expected. It was warned to happen. The people were crying for actions. But many did not listen. In May 2018, Catanduanes Rep. Cesar V. Sarmiento has filed House Resolution No. 1798 seeking to probe on the proliferation of illegal logging activities in Catandanuanes and in other provinces nationwide. In November 23, 2020, DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año said all LGUs and PNP units across the country must stop illegal logging and illegal quarrying in their respective areas The widespread flooding in many areas in the country, which some of them experienced such destructive flooding for the first time, should be a wake-up call for all. He also reminded the DENR Memorandum 2011, the LGUs were compelled to reactivate their local Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force and must ensure that no illegal logging, kaingin and other forms of forest destruction” take place in their jurisdiction. In July 2024, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Bicol (DENR-5) planted a total of 5.6 million seedlings in two years in Bicolandia, and strengthened the cooperation with various law enforcement agencies in the suppression of illegal logging and the cutting of trees, to secure the province from super flooding and landslides. Hear’s To Watch Despite all exerted efforts of the government to eradicate illegal logging and the rampant cutting of trees in the mountains, many communities in the country where the recent typhoon poured their rains severely suffered due to sudden flash of flood and landslides. And the evidences of neglect, disregard of the law, and possible corruption to disregard the well-being of the community, were brought to our eyes! Mother Nature brought down from the mountains the remains of dead trees and logs. The trees that should have hold the soil from breaking. The roots that should have serve as foundations to keep the mountains strong. But instead, they were flashed down and destroyed the houses, the schools, the bridges; killing the love ones, the crops, the animals; and many more. How many more should suffer? How can we protect our environment? When shall the leaders be brave enough to fight for the protection of our Mother Nature? We only can do ask. And surprisingly, the communities never learn from their mistakes and will vote again these people to power.    

 They talked about best practices and preparedness in 23rd INAP During the two-day conference of the 23rd International Network of Affiliated Ports (INAP), representatives from major ports in Asia shared the new technologies they are using and planned to implement to reduce carbon foot prints, and the effect of disasters in their respective areas. INAP is an annual conference of neighboring ports which serves as venue for the promotion, cooperation, exchange of newly developed concepts and marketing strategies that helps in the development and improvement of ports, protection of environment and promoting safer maritime industry. Attendees were the Port’s Administrators or Chairmen of the Port of Cebu, Port of Chittagong (Bangladesh), Port of Colombo (Sri Lanka), Port of Dangjin (South Korea), Port of Davao (Davao City, Philippines), Port of Kochi (Japan), Mokpo New Port (Korea), Port of Qingdao (China), Port of Subic Bay (Philippines), and the Port of Tanjung Perak (Indonesia). Delegates from Thailand and Vietnam also joined the conference to observe the benefits of INAP membership. With this year’s theme, “Promoting Resiliency and Disaster Preparedness,” the heads of ports shared their best practices in ports and environmental management, to promote mutually beneficial opportunities for all the ports, but especially the member-ports. Among the significant practices discussed on each port focused on reduction of carbon emission, disaster management and strategies, and Green Ports. One amazing presentation was from Port of Qingdao which aside from being fully automated, the port uses shore power app which allows ships to use shore power when at berth, instead of diesel, for lights, pumps, communications, refrigeration, decreasing air pollution by 95 percent. The Port is also a hydrogen-powered port which is a zero-emission fuel source. These innovation made the Qingdao Port to become the first and only Double Five Star Port China, and one of the best in the world. The Port of Subic, on the other hand, boasted its current status by presenting its development achievements and projects. As of now, Subic Port has the most advance vessel traffic management system in the Philippines; it uses and promotes the use of solar energy in most offices; conducts regular capacity building trainings. Subic Port, as the presented, maintains mangrove nursery to sustain its mangrove area conservation program; also sustainable risk reduction, and supporting community development projects benefiting coastal communities. Hear’s to Watch The Port of Subic called the Redondo Peninsula at the mouth of Subic Bay as the “Next Frontier” of the Subic Freeport. This is because of the proposal to construct a bridge that will connect Cubi Point in the eastern part of Subic Bay and the Redondo Peninsula that aims to open new investment sites and business opportunities. Should the bridge materialized, it will cut short the travel time from Subic Freeport to tourism facilities in Zambales by up to two hours, ease traffic flow on summer time, and boost eco-tourism in the area. Issues on the West Philippine Sea were not discussed or avoided and simply focused on discussion on economic, environmental and disaster preparedness. But this proposed bridge was first heard during the administration of former chairman and administrator Tong Payumo in year 2000, after the availability of land became scarce while the number of investors increases. After more than two decades, will the ground breaking breaks? The other thing is, if the 72.5-meter Magsaysay Bridge connecting Olongapo City and Subic Freeport almost took five years to complete, how long would it take then to construct the 5.5-kilometer (km) long Subic Bay Bridge in Redondo Peninsula. Well, we all know that that there other better constructors in the country. So, let us all wish for the good part.

Are we prepared for a big disaster? As people around the world is talking about the changes in temperature, flooding in the desert Arab countries, and the continuing rise of sea level due to melting of ice berg, the Philippines will be among the heaviest affected in the coming years. And yes there proofs that can be told about these effects of climate change in the lives of many Filipinos, especially those living in the coastal areas and low lying communities. The fishing grounds of Bulakan, Bulacan, are constantly submerged under water for days even in summer season, which did not happen in the past. The residents of Barangay Taliptip, Bulakan recalled how the government tried to save the community roads by elevating them several times. As the roads elevates, the houses do as well. But the water level continues to overcome the height of the roads, so as the flooding on the residents’ floors. If 15 years ago residents of Taliptip, and in the nearby barangay of Bambang, could walk the streets with knee or thigh-level water during high tide, today it usually went up to five feet deep. In recent months, schools were ordered to suspend face-to-face classes not because of heavy rains but due to high temperature which reaches 42℃, considered by PAGASA a dangerous level in heat index. Heat index is the measure of the temperature that a person feels which is different from the actual air temperature. Likewise, we witnessed how strong the “new breed” of typhoon brought havoc in many provinces, destroying crops and properties and lives. The country is being visited by at least 20-25 typhoons annually where some a considered super typhoon. To match the new strength of typhoon passing our country, a new signal was installed, and that is Signal Number 5 which is to indicate extremely strong winds of more than 220 km/h. Signal No. 5 also “warns of the possibility of big waves and storm surges in affected coastal areas,” PAGASA said. But the threat of bigger disaster, more destructive calamities are yet to come says Gustavo Gonzalez, the United Nations coordinator based in the Philippines. Hear’s to watch. According to the UN official, the Philippines is among the most vulnerable country in the world to natural hazards which are becoming more and more destructive due to climate change. Considering that the Philippines is within the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonic belt of volcanoes and earthquakes, and to the fact that it has many coastal communities and cities, the country will always be extremely vulnerable to intense weather events and natural hazards. As more super typhoons are being expected caused by the warming of the seas in the Southeast Asian Region due to climate change, the UN is currently been working with line agencies discussing the preparation to be undertaken to address the wide range of disasters. The UN official noted that there are around 20 active volcanoes across the country, and according to experts, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake at any time can be expected. But the matter on climate change is no new matter at all among Filipinos. The national government has adequately giving information and seminars on risk reduction and management in all levels of government agencies and schools. What the local governments need to do is to act now. Apply all what they all learned from those seminars: create a mitigation plan to minimize the effect of calamities that are expected to come anytime without warning, identify key persons as leaders, identify the evacuation areas, get inventory of logistics, and more. Climate change is real. Climate change is already here, it is making its presence felt. It is only a question of “when will it strike big?”

Election period brings new hope to some in different point of view The start of election campaign in the Philippines makes many Filipinos happy, hopeful and excited. Many consider election period as the start of many privileges for Filipino voters. Why not? For business people, election means “Business As Usual Again” as bulk of printing orders for campaign materials such as T-shirts, flyers, tarpaulins and postcards significantly soar high. Election period also provides home-based entrepreneurs the opportunity to gain extra income for accepting conceptualizing, lay-outing, printing jobs of campaign flyers, and other materials. But there are other reasons why some Filipino voters are feeling excited about election period: Election means traveling to distant resort, in guise of seminars or conventions, all expenses paid, and sometimes with matching pabaon or cash allowances sponsored by the congressmen or the city/ municipal mayors who are running for reelection. And the most exciting part is the vote-buying and vote-selling, distributing assistance (ayuda, even without calamity or disaster) courtesy of the politicos who wanted to win reelection in office. For many politicians, staying in power means staying in business. Vote-buying during election (true or not) is a common topic in Philippine politics which is allegedly privately and illegally practiced as underground activities by political candidates who utilize it as a political strategy. Normally, a few days before the Election Day. Why Vote Buying? Comelec explained that vote buying is done as an effort to persuade anyone or the general public to vote for or against any candidate or to withhold his vote in an election. Withholding one’s vote is done by not going to the voting precinct to vote. Usually, the voter may receive bills ranging from P50, P150, P200, P300, P500, P1,000, P3,000, and P5,000 depending on the position of the seller in the community. Comelec warned that under Batas Pambansa Bilang 881, vote buying and/ or selling is punishable “with imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years and shall not be subject to probation. In addition, the guilty party shall be sentenced to suffer disqualification to hold public office and deprivation of the right of suffrage.” Unfortunately, poverty, unemployment and lack of sense of morality, caused many to say NO to P500 bill. Hear’s To Watch. In Olongapo City, four individuals had filed their Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for Mayoralty: the incumbent Rolen Paulino, Jr., the incumbent Vice Mayor Jong “Serbilis” Cortez, incumbent Barangay Gordon Heights Chairman Priscilla “Kap Echie” Ponge, and businessman Arnold “Manager Ng Bayan” Vegafria. Candidate Ponge is set to file her COC on Tuesday, October 8. Of the four aspirants, only Vegafria has disclosed his platforms of administration if elected as mayor of Olongapo. Among these are 1) Invite investors to the city to resolve unemployment; 2) Promoting Olongapo as Entertainment Capital of the Philippines by bolstering Tourism industry; 3) Improving the three main roads and shorelines in the city, and 4) Strengthening health services. A new player in the political arena, Vegafria is confident that if only without vote buying, their team “Anak ng Gapo” has a chance of winning in this coming election. He also call on all voters in the city to protect their right to vote, and intelligently vote for candidates who they believe could deliver progress for the people of Olongapo, and not for who could buy their votes. Every election has its own story to tell, and depending on the principle of the voters, what it would be for 2025?  

 West Philippine Sea, do you know where to defend it? Amidst the on-going tension in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG), assisted by hundreds of Chinese militia vessels and fishing trawlers, has intensified the conduct of more dangerous and more provocative maneuvers against the Philippine air and sea assets and personnel, as well as Filipino fishermen, in the area. These harassments of the CCG are in blatant violation of the 2016 arbitral decision of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which discredited the People’s Republic of China’s claim over almost all of South China Sea. The Convention’s Tribunal affirmed the sovereign rights of the Philippines over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf which is the West Philippine Sea. Unfortunately, during the recent Kongreso ng mga Mangingisda para sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran held in Subic, Zambales, none of the 150 fishermen know the difference between the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea, and where is West Philippine Sea can be found. And it could be assumed that only a handful Filipinos can give a correct answer. While most Filipinos wrongly refer the name West Philippine Sea as substitute for South China Sea, the former refers only to the boundaries extending to 200 nautical miles (321.87 kilometers) from the shoreline, which we know as Philippine’s EEZ. This was the substance of the Administrative Order No. 29 which then President Benigno Aquino III issued on September 12, 2012 designating the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago and within the Philippine EEZ as the West Philippine Sea. The traditional Filipino fishing ground Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc is merely 120 miles (193 km) from Zambales, and is clearly inside the Philippine EEZ. The Spratly Islands or the Kalayaan Island Group is merely 30 nautical miles (48.28 Km) off Palawan, against more than 400 NM (643.7376 Km) from the nearest land in China. To this situation, it is necessary to first educate the Filipino people on the issues of WPS; and at the same time, listen to their concerns and recommendations to better serve them by the government. As National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya explained, the government’s priority today is to respond to the needs of the fishermen in the WPS, while the Marcos administration is asserting the Philippine rights and sovereignty over the territory. Hear’s to Watch. The Philippine Coast Guard assured that they will provide escort and assistance to fishermen in the Scarborough Shoal, and to BFAR ships deployed to ensure safety of the Filipinos in the area. The Army and Navy signified their readiness, too. But for the fishermen, the questions remain: until when the Philippine West Sea be free from Chinese “occupants’ and aggressors? How long our fishermen can freely catch fish in our own fishing ground without being harassed and shooed away by the foreign intruders? How many more Filipinos should lose their fingers due to greed of space? And lastly, are we, common Filipinos, willing to defend our ground against the giant army?.

Why DPWH is destroying good roads? Roads and highways are thoroughfares constructed for the purpose of providing faster and more convenient passage of vehicles and people. Animal trails were turned into dirt roads, until they were improved into wider and permanent paved roads. According to history references, the world’s oldest known paved road was constructed in Egypt between 2600 and 2200 BC provide vehicles, soldiers and people faster mobilization or travel. In the Philippines, the Department of Public Works and Highways or DPWH is responsible for the planning, design, construction and maintenance of the national roads and highways. For 2025, the DPWH is requesting a P900 billion budget, although the amount is lower than the P997.90 Billion budget allocated in the 2024 General Appropriations Act, it is the second biggest share (the first is DEPED) of the proposed P6.35 Trillion national budget. Roads were increasingly built for tourism and farm-to-market roads and other economic development. The more roads the community have, the more develop it likely is. Build a road to traverse a mountain or farm, and you will witness how fast residential and industrial development comes to life in the area. Hear’s To Watch. Despite the impressive performance of the DPWH in building roads, many residents, particularly the motorists, are still amaze, puzzled and wondering how the department is implementing some of its programs; raising the question: Why? One of the many “concrete” cases to mention is the part of the Olongapo-Bugallon Road in Barangay Barretto, Olongapo City. The concrete road was no more than three years old, and in good condition, well maintained, and no potholes or irreparable cracks. But to the surprise of everyone, early this year, part of the road was jack-hammered, demolished and later repaved. Since there is only one road linking Olongapo City, Subic Bay Freeport and Zambales, the road construction had made going to and from work, school and resorts horrible and stressful for months. People were asking why? “Wala namang sira, sinisira! Ang daming lugar na walang kalsada, bakit hindi doon gumawa ng kalsada,” or words like this, a public sentiment expressing disapproval on the alledged wasting of the tax payers’ money. And they asked, “Why?” The DPWH may have good reasons for these actions, but building new roads should be prioritized especially in the rural areas. Build first roads to connect communities to the cities to enable the farmers to transport their produce to the market place; or make roads that will connect the highways to the tourist parks, rather than destroying existing roads only to pave again. It is a total waste and the public could not see the logic of these.  

The tourism industry is among the lucrative business in the country contributing trillion of pesos to the national coffers, at the same time, providing thousands of job opportunities to thousands of Filipinos. According to World Travel and Tourism Council, the Philippine tourism’s contribution to the national economy is expected to reach ₱5.4 Trillion this 2024, surpassing last year’s ₱4.3 Trillion. With this, tourism now represents more than one fifth (21.3%) of the country’s economy, generating more than 9.5 Million jobs, equivalent to 20% of the national workforce. Both foreign and domestic visitors’ spending were also set to exceed previous records in 2024, reaching ₱715.6 Billion and ₱3.7 Trillion, surpassing 2019 levels by 5.7% and 1.8%, respectively. The growing tourism industry can be attributed to the continuous effort of the government to maximize all potential assets, including natural and environmental, of the country  to drive economic growth and revive the tourism status as best destination for travel and vacation. The Philippines’ seemingly endless beaches, countless diving spots, green mountain resorts, ecological features, and rich cultures, make the country a favorite destination by travellers here and abroad. Thanks to the continuous infrastructure development program of the government which builds more roads, bridges and other tourism-related facilities, especially in the never-before explored spots in the rural areas making travelling easier and shorter, economical and enjoyable. Hear’s to Watch: However, tourism bureaus in the local government side should not only focus on promoting the tourism programs in their respective areas. They should also take time in inspecting all public and private-owned facilities to ensure safety and security of the public. Travelling to Subic Freeport and Zambales, especially by public transport system gives you some uncomfortable experience due to lack of clean public toilets. And it is good that there are fast food chains to save your day. Bus stops and most restaurants, on the other hand, charge P10.00 without receipt per head for use of the toilets. Should the government require all restaurants and bus stops to maintain decent and clean toilets and parking space which the public and travellers can use without charge? In the case of Subic Freeport and Olongapo, most beach resorts seem “designed” for foreigners and rich families who could easily pay between P500.and P800.00 entrance fee per person to swim in the supposedly public beach; or rent P2,500 for 15-30 minute boat ride. No free parking space, while malls in Olongapo charge P30.00. In Zambales, the local government units should maintain public access road to beach areas. and to educate the resort owners that coastal areas and beach are owned solely by the government and the public has the right to stay in any part of the area without being charged of entrance fees or shooed away. This is because many, if not most, beach areas were already owned by private individuals who constructed fence and gate and were able to charge the public P200.00 to P500.00 (without receipt) as entrance fee to the beach. Local produce should be made more affordable, rather than avoidable. In Zambales, locally produced singkamas are sold along the highway for P100 to P150.00 per “bunch” of seven small pieces, which are too way too expensive compared to same bunch sold in the market. Prices of mangoes sold in the tourism booths are 25% higher than those in the market. These all are defeating tourism promotion efforts. Instead of buying our produce, they may tend to go somewhere else cheaper, more affordable, accessible travel destinations. Take note, they say that travelling to neighboring Asian nations is cheaper than going to Palawan or Davao. The national government is pushing hard to boost economic advantage of our tourism industry, and it is right and must, that the local counter parts should do their shares.