By Ruben A. Veloria   SUBIC BAY FREEPORT- To promote values formation and spiritual growth in the workplace, the Bureau of Customs– Port of Subic launched recently its first-ever Moral Recovery Presentation. Under the leadership of District Collector Noel C. Estanislao and Deputy Collector for Administration Mr. Isagani D. Galsim, all employees of the Port were enjoined to participate in the activity which aimed to provide all personnel the opportunity to develop their personal values, beliefs, and principles. All these when applied will serve as guide for their appropriate behavior and actions while performing their duties in the workplace, even at home. This initiative supports Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio’s Five-Point Priority Program, particularly in advancing employee welfare and development. The presentation was delivered by Dr. Ronnie Delfin, who inspired and engaged the participants through thought-provoking insights on integrity, accountability, and purpose-driven work. Employees warmly welcomed the activity, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering a positive and values-centered work environment. The Port of Subic intends to continue holding similar sessions in the future as part of its ongoing efforts to support the moral and emotional well-being of its workforce.              

By Ruben A. Veloria   SUBIC BAY FREEPORT- The Philippine Navy (PN), together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), seized about 1.5 tons of suspected shabu on a fishing boat off the coast of Zambales on early Friday morning. Authorities estimated the seized illegal drugs to a street value of more than ₱10 billion. PN spokesperson Captain John Percie Alcos said elements of the Northern Luzon Naval Command (NLNC), in tandem with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), responded to a received information from a tipster. The information relayed that the identified fishing boat has a high possibility of carrying illegal drugs. At around 1:30 a.m., Friday, elements of NLNC and PDEA boarded and checked the fishing vessel and there found on board 1.5 tons or 1,500 kilos of shabu. It was not immediately clear if a suspect was apprehended as details of the operation have yet to be fully divulged. “This is one of the largest illegal drug apprehensions in the history of the Philippine Navy in support of the National Government’s campaign against prohibited substances,” the official added. The Navy said the seized suspected shabu is now on its way to Naval Operating Base – Subic for documentation and turnover to proper authorities. Since May 29 this year, government authorities had already “fished out” some ₱17,083,034,054 worth of shabu in the various parts in the West Philippine Sea. On May 29, local fishermen in Masinloc, Zambales found 223 packs of shabu worth P1,514,054,000 while floating in the water. On June 5-9, coastal residents in Pangasinan and Ilocos Sur found 1,038 kilos or about P7,058,400,000 worth of shabu washed ashore. On June 12, in the shorelines of Ilocos Norte, P20.4 million worth of shabu were fond while floating in the water by fishermen. This was followed with the recovery of 15 kilos or ₱2.72 million worth of shabu in Cagayan area. According to PDEA, all the recovered illegal drugs is believed to be connected to international drug syndicate identified as “Sam Gor”, which is operating in countries across the Asia-Pacific region, including the Philippines.        

Subic Bay Freeport – Wilcon Depot, renowned leading home improvement and construction supplies retailer, is set to open its ₱700 million branch within this premier Freeport soon. The construction of a new branch inside Subic Bay Freeport was confirmed as the lease agreement was signed between Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and Wilcon Depot, Inc. Chairman Emeritus William Belo at the SBMA’s administration building early this month. According to the lease agreement, the branch will be located at Sampson Road, Central Business District of SBFZ, with a lot area of 5,308 square meters, including the renovation of a portion of Building 640, and the construction of a showroom. “This is a great addition to the companies located here, with many construction companies, home builders, and other DIY enthusiasts flocking the area to buy building materials, tiles, plumbing, and other DIY items,” Aliño said. Aliño added that the company will be hiring a total of 200 personnel for its operation which will add to the growing number of workers inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (30)        

As part of its ongoing efforts to increase the supply of affordable housing in New Clark City, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has tapped real estate developer AMA Land, Inc. to explore and study new affordable housing opportunities within the rising metropolis. On Friday, 13 June 2025, BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang and AMA Land Chairman Emeritus Dr. Amable R. Aguiluz V signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which establishes a collaborative framework for the conduct of feasibility and business case studies on a potential affordable housing project within New Clark City. This partnership aims to bring together the two organizations’ resources and expertise to create sustainable and inclusive housing developments in New Clark City, consistent with their shared goal of building dynamic communities while promoting environmental stewardship and long-term economic growth. “Together, we will explore how to design homes that are not just affordable, but well-connected, climate-resilient, and empowering—homes that allow working families to live near jobs, education, and opportunity,” said Engr. Bingcang. “We thank AMA Land, led by Dr. Aguiluz, for sharing our belief that development must reach all sectors of society. Together, we are planting the seeds for communities that future generations will inherit with pride,” he added. Under the MOU, AMA Land agrees to share its technical expertise and lead the technical assessments, feasibility studies, and business case preparation for the housing project. Upon completion of these studies, AMA Land will provide recommendations on the project, with focus on sustainability, accessibility and inclusivity in the housing design. This is to ensure that the project will include a diverse range of housing options that can accommodate various income levels and family sizes. “This MOU signifies more than just a formal agreement; it represents a shared vision and a concrete step towards addressing critical needs within our nation. The collaboration between BCDA and AMALI is aimed at tackling the pressing issues of housing shortage and climate change. Our goal is to design and develop affordable housing projects and sustainable communities within New Clark City,” said Dr. Aguiluz V, who also serves as the Special Envoy to Japan for Trade and Investments. New Clark City is envisioned to be the country’s first smart, green and resilient metropolis, masterfully designed to embody the principles of sustainability and inclusivity. At its core, this district is being shaped into a people-centered development—envisioned to enhance the quality of life of Filipinos and empower local communities while catalyzing economic growth. The development of affordable housing sites in New Clark City contributes to the Marcos administration’s goal of addressing the housing gap in the country. This is also aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, particularly the strategies to establish livable communities. Aside from this collaboration with AMA Land, the BCDA has made broad steps to establish affordable and sustainable housing options in New Clark City. In July 2023, the state-run firm signed a MOU with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) formalizing the two agencies’ partnership under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH). Earlier this year, the BCDA also signed a lease contract with South Korea-based Saekyung Unitless Co. and Philippine-based Sta. Clara International Corp. for the development of a 6.1-hectare affordable housing project in New Clark City, with support from the Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corp. (KIND). The Php4.8 billion housing development will feature 3,320 units, a portion of which will be earmarked as subsidized units under the government’s 4PH Program.      

By Ruben A. Veloria   IBA, Zambales- Police operatives here recovered cache of improvised explosive devices, assorted ammunitions, and subversive documents buried in the mountainous community of Poon-Bato, in the town of Botolan. Botolan Municipal Police Station Chief P/Major Janine Piga, said the joint operatives from Zambales Police Intelligence and Surveillance Division,1st Police Mobile Force Command, Zambales SWAT, conducted ISO operation near Mt. Piera, Sitio Dingin, Old Poon Bato, Botolan, Zambales. The said operation resulted in the recovery of one piece improvised explosive device (IED), 4 pieces rifle grenades, three hand grenades, blasting caps, detonating cords, sizeable number of ammunitions for various calibers, magazines, CPPP/NPA/NDF flag and campaign documents, and other subversive paraphernalia. The report said that at about 3:00 AM, joint police operatives conducted operations in Mt. Piera, along with former member of CPP/NPA/NDF who informed the police about the location where explosive, ammunitions, and other materials were buried by terrorist group. Prior to the operation, on May 24, 2025, Cabangan MPS reported about the sighting of armed group in their area of responsibility; on June 6 and June 7, reports of alleged movement of armed men in separate areas in nearby Botolan town, as reported by 1st Police Mobile Force Company. Recovered subversive materials were brought to Botolan MPS for documentation.        

By Ruben A. Veloria   SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — A ₱1-billion residential complex will be constructed in this Freeport zone offering affordable housing units for its employees, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said. The housing project, to be called Subic Bay Residencias, was made official during the signing of the lease agreement (LA) between the SBMA and the Philippine Community Housing Corporation. (PCHC) CSE Builders Joint Venture Company Ltd. held at the administration building on June 4, 2025. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and PCHC General Manager Mary Grace Ocampo signed the LA before Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Undersecretaries Emmanuel D. Pineda and Eduardo P. Robles Jr., respectively; the SBMA Board of Directors, and officials from PAG-IBIG Fund led by Finance and Utilities Department Manager Brenda T. Cao. According to Chairman Aliño, Subic Bay Residencias will be built at Lot 70-B, Rizal Highway Extension, Central Business District, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, with a total of 20,762 square meters. “The development and construction of Subic Bay Residencias will consist of four condominium buildings with amenities such as parks, a swimming pool, a clubhouse, a tennis court, a daycare center, and retail area/commercial areas,” Aliño said. The four buildings will have a total of 1,600 to 1,920 units, with a selling price of ₱1.8 million per unit, which may be reduced to ₱1.6 million, depending on the availability and area preference, and the financial capability of the beneficiary. He added that the total minimum development commitment is ₱1 billion, within a maximum period of five years from the commencement of the LA, citing that this is just the first phase of the many housing projects inside the Freeport. A thrust under the Marcos administration’s 4PH Program, the socialized housing for workers inside the SBFZ like the Subic Bay Residencias is geared towards providing housing for the employees of the agency. Back in May 2024, SBMA signed a memorandum of understanding with the DHSUD to construct socialized housing under the 4PH Program within the SBFZ. The housing project aims to provide affordable yet sustainable houses to Freeport zone workers who fall under the low-income bracket. “Its advantage is that it is closer to their workplace. Because what we want to happen is that after you work, we want you to be able to just walk from your work to home to save time and money,” Aliño said.    

By Ruben Veloria   MORONG, Bataan — Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), through private limited partnership GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD), concluded its three-year sea turtle or pawikan protection and conservation program, SagiPaWeCan, in Sitio Fuerte, Barangay Poblacion, Morong, Bataan, with a hatchling release. SagiPaWeCan was created to provide safe nesting environments that facilitated better hatchling survival. It also promoted conservation awareness, thus empowering local communities and fostering a deeper culture of environmental responsibility in the province. During its three-year run, the program transplanted 37,021 olive ridley eggs and released 35,632 hatchlings. This is equivalent to a 96.25% hatching rate, which can otherwise decline to 25% or less if the hatchlings are left to disturbances and predators. “SagiPaWeCan has made a lasting mark on Bataan’s environmental conservation efforts,” said Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) OIC Raphael De Leon. “It significantly contributed to the preservation of Bataan’s sea turtle population, strengthened the province’s eco-tourism potential, and educated local communities about environmental stewardship.” According to Sagip Pawikan Sitio Fuerte President Arnold Mendoza, training, equipment support, and consistent engagement has empowered the group to take an active role in conservation. “Volunteers were transformed into marine life protectors, gaining not only environmental awareness but also a deeper sense of purpose and pride.” Launched in 2023 through a Memorandum of Agreement with the Provincial Government of Bataan, the program helped address the threats faced by endangered pawikan populations along the province’s coastline. It supports GNPD’s “Protect Marine Life” initiative under its P.R.O.G.R.E.S.S framework and the UN Sustainable Development Goals 14 (Life Below Water and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). P.R.O.G.R.E.S.S., which stands for “Protect marine life, Reforest land, Optimize wealth from waste, Generate livelihood skills and income, Rehabilitate social infrastructure, Elevate educational opportunities, Safeguard quality health access, and Strengthen disaster resiliency”, is GNPD’s strategy for corporate social responsibility, focused on co-creating positive change, shared value, and sustainable social and environmental development. The Philippines is home to five of the seven sea turtle species in the world, three of which — the green, hawksbill, and olive ridley turtles — nest on the shores of Bataan. According to the IUCN Red List, the hawksbill is critically endangered, while the green and olive ridley turtles are classified as endangered and vulnerable, respectively. Their declining populations are attributed to habitat loss, illegal poaching, marine pollution, and climate change. All three marine turtle species are protected under the Philippine Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147), making conservation efforts like SagiPaWeCan timely and necessary, serving as a compelling example of how private sector leadership, together with community collaboration, can create meaningful and lasting impacts. GNPD is a 2×724.965 megawatt (gross) coal-fired power plant in Mariveles, Bataan, which is considered by far to be the largest coal-fired power plant in the country today utilizing supercritical technology that fully complies with the most stringent local and international environmental and emission standards.        

Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga – Bilang suporta sa direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. para sa isang mas tumutugon, disiplinado, at makataong serbisyo-pulisya, nagsagawa ng surprise drug test sa mga opisyal ng Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) sa Command Conference na pinangunahan ni PBGen Jean S. Fajardo, Regional Director, sa PATROL Hall, PRO3 Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Olivas, noong Hunyo 6, 2025. Dinaluhan ng mga miyembro ng PRO3 Command Group, Regional Staff, Provincial at City Directors, mga Chief of Police, Force Commanders ng mga Mobile Forces, at iba pang opisyal, ang nasabing pagpupulong. Isa sa mga pangunahing bahagi ng aktibidad ay ang isinagawang drug test, bilang bahagi ng pinaigting na kampanya ng PNP kontra ilegal na droga at upang tiyakin na ang mga namumuno sa hanay ng pulisya ay malinis at hindi sangkot sa paggamit ng ipinagbabawal na gamot. Sa kanyang mensahe, inilahad ni PBGen Fajardo ang mga pangunahing direktiba ng bagong talagang Chief PNP, PGen Nicolas D. Torre III, na nakasentro sa tatlong haligi ng kanyang programa: mabilis at tumutugong serbisyong publiko, pagkakaisa at mataas na moral sa hanay ng kapulisan, at pagpapaigting ng modernisasyon. Binigyang-diin din ni PBGen Fajardo ang kahalagahan ng mas maigting na presensya ng pulisya sa mga komunidad sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatupad ng mga fixed visibility points, checkpoints, at chokepoints upang mapanatili ang kaayusan at kapayapaan. Kaugnay nito, iniatas niya sa lahat ng istasyon ng pulisya ang pagsasaayos at pagpapalakas ng kanilang radio communication systems, gayundin ang regular na pagsusuri sa mga kagamitan upang matiyak ang kahandaan sa anumang sitwasyon. Isinusulong rin ni PBGen Fajardo ang direktiba ng Chief PNP hinggil sa pagpapatupad ng eight-hour duty policy na may tatlong shift schedule: 6:00 AM–2:00 PM, 2:00 PM–10:00 PM, at 10:00 PM–6:00 AM. Layunin nito na mapangalagaan ang kalusugan, kasiglahan, at episyenteng pagganap ng tungkulin ng bawat pulis. Tayo ay magkaisa upang mapanatili ang disiplina at propesyonalismo sa loob ng ating organisasyon. Bilang mga pinuno, tungkulin nating maging huwaran ng tamang asal at tapat na paglilingkod. At bilang tagapangalaga ng kaayusan, hindi tayo magdadalawang-isip na disiplinahin ang sinumang lalabag sa ating mga alituntunin,” mariing pahayag ni PBGen Fajardo. Hinikayat niya ang lahat ng mga commander na tiyakin ang agarang pagpapatupad ng mga direktibang ito hanggang sa pinakamababang antas ng kapulisan sa buong rehiyon.