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.    

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.