By Ruben A. Veloria   SUBIC, Zambales — The municipal council here approved a resolution urging the Subic Water District to terminate its 25-year joint venture agreement (JVA) with Primewater Infrastructure Corporation (Primewater) for alleged breach of agreement. During the regular meeting presided by Vice Mayor Lauro Simbol, on May 27, 2025, all the Sangguniang Bayan councilors, on motion of Councilor Elmer Tumaca, Chairman on Public Utilities, Safety and Information, approved unanimously SB Resolution No. 29, which calls for immediate termination of the JVA. Based on records, Subic Water District entered into a 25-year Joint Venture (JV) Agreement with Primewater Infrastructure Corporation (Primewater) on January 5, 2018 for the financing, development, rehabilitation, improvement, expansion, operation and maintenance of the water supply system in Subic. However, after Primewater took over the operation of the water utilities, the Sangguniang Bayan started receiving volumes of complaints particularly poor or dirty water supply, which can’t be even used for washing clothes or for taking a bath. The councilors also raised the questionable water rates, which in spite of no water supply, the consumers are being charged of high water bills, specifically imposing minimum rate even without consuming the minimum cubic meter of water. All of the complaints are in contrary to the supposed obligations of Primewater as stipulated in the JVA, including the provision of continuous supply of potable water to all consumers, complies with the standard set by the Philippine Standard for Drinking Water, or as set by Department of Health, among other standards- a clear breach of agreements of the JVA, the resolution stated. The Subic Water District, has already issued in the past to Primewater Infrastructure Corporation a notice for a pre-termination of the joint venture agreement, citing the same reasons of the Committee hearings called by the Sangguniang Bayan. It added, these are absolute indications to warrant the termination of the joint venture agreement between the Subic Water District and Primewater, and return the water service operation to government jurisdiction, particularly to Subic Water District. The said resolution was signed by all ten members of Sangguniang Bayan, including Danilo Fontelera, Osias Huerta, Emma Quintos, Orlando Timbol, Ryan Gonzales, Gennyfer Chantengco, Joseph Felarca, Barangay Liga Fed. President Edgar Aximoso, and SK Federation Pres. Daniel John Lachica. Subic Municipal Mayor Jonathan John Khonghun approved and signed the resolution. Copy of the resolution will furnish the Board of Directors and to Engr. Jose Dinlong, General Manager of Subic Water District; Dave Dawinan, Branch Manager of Subic Primewater for compliance and appropriate actions.        

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) commended the 10 fishermen who reported to authorities their discovery of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, worth ₱1,514,054,000.00 found floating off the waters of Masinloc, Zambales last May 29, 2025. “They (fishermen) chose to do what is right. Their vigilant efforts and honesty of surrendering their extraordinary find deserved recognition,” said PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R Nerez. On June 2, 2025, ten local fishermen from Barangay Sisiman, Mariveles, Bataan turned over 10 sacks containing 223 vacuum-sealed transparent plastic packs of suspected shabu, weighing approximately 222.655 kilograms, to joint elements of PDEA Bataan Seaport Interdiction Unit and Bataan Provincial Office and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Bataan. “The discovery of the floating shabu highlights the importance of community vigilance and diligence in reporting illegal drug activities. The action of our hero fisherfolks is an embodiment of what every member of our society should do, that is to contribute to the general welfare and security of our communities,” Undersecretary Nerez added. Director General Nerez also emphasized the effective and efficient collaboration between PDEA and PCG in combating drug smuggling using the country’s vast and porous shorelines and harnessing community support against illegal drugs. PDEA also acknowledges the support of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in ensuring the safety of coastal municipalities. On the other hand, PDEA, as one of the support agencies to the National Maritime Council, continues to render assistance to the Council in addressing drug-related issues affecting the country’s maritime security and domain awareness. At the community level, PDEA implements “Coast Watch”- a community and law enforcement collaboration that involves the training of local fishers and barangay officials equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledges to identify and report suspicious drug-related activities effectively. PDEA, in lateral coordination with other law enforcement agencies, is conducting a thorough investigation to track down the source of the floating shabu and identify those responsible for the dumping incident. In line with the thrust of President Ferdinand R Marcos, Jr. to intensify the fight against drug trafficking, PDEA continues to strengthen partnership with other concerned government agencies, to prevent our waters from becoming transit and dropping points for large volume of dangerous drugs.

In a bid to future-proof New Clark City with robust and reliable internet connectivity, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has started the competitive bidding for the commercialization of passive information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure in the rising metropolis. The BCDA, with assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is currently in the process of selecting a joint venture (JV) partner for the commercialization and, as necessary, the expansion, repair, and maintenance of passive ICT infrastructure in New Clark City. This rigorous process is carried out in accordance with Republic Act No. 11966 or the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code and its implementing rules and regulations. The BCDA targets to conclude the selection process this year, with the signing of the JV agreement seen by the fourth quarter of 2025. “More than providing fast and affordable internet connection to residents and businesses, this project will become pivotal in the smart urban development of New Clark City. This will also help usher the fifth industrial revolution in the country, attracting high-value investments in the digital and high-tech industries and creating demand for highly skilled Filipino workers in these sectors,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang. With an estimated cost of Php 2.5 billion, the project will be implemented under the “Open Access Fiber” model to form the foundation for robust fiber infrastructure and competitive market for ICT services for government agencies, enterprises, and residents in New Clark City. This model will allow multiple data transmission providers (DTPs) to utilize the same physical network and share associated costs. The DTPs will then be able to provide affordable, innovative and carrier-grade ICT services to third parties. The Open Access Fiber model will also serve as an anchor for smart city development and e-government solutions in New Clark City. Spanning 9,450 hectares, New Clark City is envisioned to be the country’s first smart, sustainable, and future-ready metropolis. Once fully developed, it is projected to have a population of 1.2 million, and a total workforce of 600,000. A pre-qualification conference will be held on 04 June 2025, 2:00 PM at the ADB Headquarters in Mandaluyong City. Interested parties may submit their bids until 04 September 2025, 12:00 PM at the BCDA Corporate Office in Taguig City. For more information, interested private sector participants may contact the BCDA PPP Bids and Awards Committee (PBAC) Secretariat at pbac_ict@bcda.gov.ph or +632 8575-1765.    

By Ruben Veloria   Subic Bay Freeport – A ₱4.135-billion multi-modal logistics and transport hub will soon rise in this premier Freeport as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal Services, Inc. (SBFGTSI) partnered for the construction of this project. Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato Lee III and SBFGTSI Executive Vice President Lester C. Valdes recently signed the lease contracts and amendment to the existing contracts at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom on May 28, 2025. According to Lee, the construction of the multi-modal logistics and transport hub will integrate sections of San Bernardino Road within the Subic Port District and parts of the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA). The committed investment for the proposed development of these areas includes P660-million for Lot 4, P1.8-billion for Lot 5, P801-million for Lot 6, P20-million for Lot 7, and P854-million for Lot 8. These developments include a petroleum tank farm, grain storage, an airport logistics hub, dry storage and warehouse facilities, cold storage areas, a commercial and hospitality hub for cruise ships, and a new wharf for ultra-large cruise ships. This is also seen to generate employment for 798 workers. “This is a huge step for Subic Bay Freeport as it reaches its goal to have a more modern air and seaport which are expected to boost the port’s capacity, increase competitiveness, and generate more revenue,” Lee said.          

CALUMPIT, Bulacan – The Social Security System (SSS) and Life Builder Fellowship formally sealed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) under the Contribution Subsidy Provider Program (CSPP). SSS Vice President for Luzon Central 2 Division Gloria Corazon Andrada said that Life Builder Fellowship pledged to sponsor the monthly SSS contributions of an initial group of ten dedicated volunteers for a minimum of six months, with plans to extend the support to more volunteers in the future. “Many volunteers generously give their time and effort without any compensation,” Andrada said. “Through partnerships like this, we ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to social protection,” she added. Once the CSPP beneficiaries meet the qualifying conditions, they will now gain access to SSS benefits such as sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death and funeral, including loan privileges such as salary and calamity loan. “Life Builder Fellowship’s effort reflects the church’s holistic mission—providing not only spiritual guidance but also the long-term financial stability of its members through active social security membership. Their strong dedication in advancing social welfare is truly commendable,” Andrada said. Life Builder Fellowship’s Head Pastor Jesus Bagasin Jr. expressed his support for the initiative, stating, “We believe that serving God should not come at the cost of one’s future. By taking responsibility for our volunteers’ SSS contributions, we are not only fostering their spiritual growth but also securing their financial future. This is our way of honoring those who have tirelessly served the church and the broader community,” Bagasin concluded. The CSPP is a key initiative of the SSS designed to extend social protection to informal workers, low-income earners, and other vulnerable sectors. The program works by engaging individuals, organizations, or institutions willing to subsidize contributions on behalf of these members.            

More than P1 billion worth of white crystalline substances suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, were seized by joint forces of the PDEA Intelligence Service; PDEA Regional Office-National Capital Region (NCR); and PDEA Regional Office III; with the support of the AFP-Counterintelligence Group, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA); and the Philippine National Police during a search warrant conducted at a house on Orchid Street, Timog Hills Subdivision, Barangay Pampang, Angeles City, Pampanga, on May 26. PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R Nerez said that the illegal drugs were placed inside 155 transparent plastic bags, weighing approximately one kilogram each. However, the house turned out to be abandoned. The subject of the search warrant, a Chinese national, was nowhere in sight and remains at-large. He will be facing charges for violation of Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Less than two weeks ago, PDEA confiscated more than 35 kilos of shabu following a buy-bust operation in Angeles City, Pampanga. One Chinese national and his Filipina cohort were apprehended as a result of the operation. “The two drug operations mentioned are linked to each other. What you see is the outcome of persistent tracking of previous operations targeting individuals connected to syndicated drug trafficking to include their sources”, Undersecretary Nerez said. “While PDEA prioritizes the conduct of high-impact operations resulting in the arrests of high-value drug personalities and high-volume drug seizures, it is at the grassroots level where most of the drugs are sold and abused. We will not relinquish our thrust to go after small scale drug dealers in communities as ordered by His Excellency Ferdinand R Marcos, Jr.”, the PDEA Chief said, adding that the Agency will realign its efforts in combating the illegal drug trade at all levels of society. PDEA continues to strengthen its partnerships with other drug law enforcement agencies and stakeholders, and encourage the participation of the citizenry in the anti-drug campaign by providing reliable information of illegal drug activities in exchange for monetary consideration through Operation: Private Eye (OPE).    

Subic Bay Freeport—In line with its thrust to make this premier Freeport a carbon-neutral economic zone by 2030, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) opened its doors to BYD Philippines, with its newest branch here. During its grand opening on May 19, 2025, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the opening of China’s leading electric vehicle maker here solidifies the stance of the agency in making Subic Freeport carbon-neutral. He added that the Harmony Auto Philippines-operated branch of BYD will certainly sell a huge volume of electric vehicles that will significantly reduce harmful emissions, while making this premier Freeport its home. The BYD Subic Branch offers consumers an option for owning a vehicle that is eco-friendly and energy-efficient. The showroom cum service center offers the newest and the latest electric vehicles to residents of Central Luzon. Aliño, BYD Philippines Country Head Adam Hu, BYD Cars Philippines Managing Director Bob Palanca, and Harmony Auto Philippines General Manager Owen Meneses led the inauguration of the fifth franchise of the Chinese EV brand in the country. Also gracing the event were Bataan Congressman Albert Garcia, former Hermosa Mayor Joseph Anthony Inton, and Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr., as well as the SBMA Board of Directors as guests of honor. Subic Bay Freeport is equipped with various EV charging stations that are easily accessible to the public. One is located at the ACEA Subic Beach Resort; another at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall at the Rizal Highway; and one at the Unioil Petroleum Philippines Inc. Subic.        

Subic Bay Freeport – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has inaugurated and opened the ₱44-million new Upper Binictican Bridge at the Binictican Area of this premier Freeport on May 15, 2025. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the new Upper Binictican Bridge replaced the old structure that was built by the Americans in the 1960s when this Freeport was still a US Naval Base. Aliño added that the old bridge has already served motorists in this Freeport for more than 60 years now and should be replaced since it connects the residential area of Binictican to the rest of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. He further said that the SBMA Engineering Department and maintenance management company A. C. Ong conducted a structural investigation that revealed the old bridge was already in the advanced stage of deterioration due to long-term structural damage. A few years back, the SBMA and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the construction of a new bridge that will replace the old one. The SBMA’s Office of the Deputy Administrator (ODA) for Public Works and Technical Services Group (PWTSG) led the construction of the new bridge that was designed and supervised by the DPWH Bataan 1st District Engineering Office (DEO). PWTSG Deputy Administrator Engr. Marco Estabillo said that the construction commenced on May 8, 2024, and was foreseen to be completed by May 15, 2025. Estabillo further said that the new bridge design is a reinforced concrete deck girder (RCDG) bridge with a single span and two lanes. The bridge, meanwhile, will be supported by reinforced concrete abutments and a mat/ spread foundation due to the rocky/ boulder nature of the earth. The old bridge measured 17.30m in length, 7.30m in width with no sidewalks. Meanwhile, the new bridge, Estabillo added, is 22.80m in length, 7.32m in width with 1.11m sidewalks on both sides, and is now higher by 1.20 meters to prevent log clogging and higher river water capacity absorption during typhoons. “Transition roads will be regraded and repaved with six meters of Portland cement with asphalt overlay and extensions,” he said. The new bridge will now allow tourists to visit the Pamulaklakin Trail, one of the most visited areas of the Subic Bay Freeport since it is part of the Pastolan Ayta’s facility that allows tourists to experience outdoor life while learning survival skills from the Ayta instructors. (30)                  

Subic Bay Freeport – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Public Health and Safety Group (PHSD) has tapped the expertise of United States Navy retired Chief Petty Officer Michael Walls to educate stakeholders here on Box Jellyfish Awareness and Treatment. Around one hundred participants, mostly SBMA employees, locators, residents, guests, and other SBF stakeholders, Association of Ambulance Operators in Olongapo and Zambales, and other medical responders, especially locators in the beach resort business, took part in the seminar held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on May 9, 2025 . According to Walls, they are expecting increased presence of box jellyfish infestation compared to previous years. “Stings from the box jellyfish can be fatal, especially in children,” Walls said. He expounded further by imparting ways on how to avoid incidents of jellyfish sting, as well as immediate treatment when subjected to such. Walls added that the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman-College of Science cited that the box jellyfish is known for its distinctive box-like appearance and potent venom that can cause potentially systemic effects, which if not immediately addressed, could be fatal. The Chironex yamaguchii, a dangerous species of box jellyfish known to originate from Japan, is also present in Philippine waters, as well as  in the Indo-Pacific and Western Pacific regions. Their tentacles can inflict extreme pain, cause skin injuries with welts, and even trigger heart attacks and death. The Box Jellyfish Awareness and Treatment seminar, which aims to promote critical knowledge that could help save lives in case of a box jellyfish sting, is part of the SBMA’s Public Health and Safety Group’s Health and Wellness Caravan.