Subic Bay Freeport – Some 43 jobseekers emerged as hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) during the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)’s National Tourism Month Job Fair at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall here on Monday.  Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that these 43 HOTS were among the 759 registered applicants for the said job fair, which is part of the agency’s celebration of Tourism Month in Subic Bay Freeport.  He added that the job fair was participated in by around 50 companies, mostly from the tourism sector of the Freeport, providing 2,600 job vacancies to jobseekers who wish to work here. The official expressed his gratitude to participating companies, and government agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Zambales Field Office, Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Olongapo, Olongapo City Government and the Olongapo City Tourism Department for partnering with the SBMA to ensure the success of the project.  The National Tourism Month Job Fair spearheaded by the SBMA Tourism Department is in collaboration with the SBMA Labor Department.        

By Dante Salvana Subic Bay Freeport– The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) inaugurated its public transportation project with the test run of two fully electric public utility vehicles (e-PUVs) around the central business district (CBD) here from September 13 to 27. In collaboration with the Basic Energy Corporation, the company behind the Green Energy E-Transport Program (GEEP), this project was conceptualized primarily to provide free or low-cost transportation services to Subic Freeport stakeholders, as part of the wellness program of SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño to improve the quality of life of the local populace. Aliño lauded the hard work of the SBMA’s committee on public transportation, chaired by Deputy Administrator for Finance Antonietta Sanqui, for the expeditious formulation and pursuance of a roadmap and action plan geared towards achieving a more accessible and affordable yet sustainable and energy-efficient transportation for residents, employees, tourists, and all other stakeholders of the free port. The Agency chief added that the e-PUVs on test run will be used to ferry commuters from CBD-A bus stop situated at the Golden Dragon Restaurant parking area, and CBD-B bus stop at the Kalaklan Terminal. The ePUVs made its inaugural run here during the second Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) for its ecotour on Wednesday and Thursday. “These ePUVs that were used to take tourism summit participants to their designated ecotours here and in Zambales aim to reduce carbon emissions in Subic Bay,” he said. Basic Energy Corporation is a publicly listed holding company in the Philippines that has business interests in various fields of renewable energy and alternative fuels, and oil and gas exploration and development. The renewable energy company continues to fuel the Philippines’ vibrant energy sector with the breadth and depth of its projects and technical knowledge. It aims to be the leading developer of alternative and renewable energy, oil and allied products and services in the country.        

By: Dante M. Salvaña Subic Bay Freeport – The Bureau of Customs Port of Subic (BOC) and  the Department of Agriculture (DA)  confiscated around P136.58 million worth of smuggled agricultural products and cigarettes on Wednesday September 11 at Subic Port in Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The shipment was consigned to the Betron Consumer Goods Trading and arrived here on August 15, 2024 from China. During the presentation to the media on Wednesday at the New Container Terminal (NCT), Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel and BOC Port of Subic Atty. Ricardo Uy Morales II opened seven 40-footer container vans. The two officials presented the first five containers of 86 metric tons of fresh white onions and 58 metric tons of fresh carrots misdeclared as frozen fish egg balls from China; as well as two containers of smuggled cigarettes misdeclared as tissue from Taiwan.   Each of the three shipping containers of white onions is valued at over PHP4.3 million while the two containers of carrots amounted to over PHP4 million each, with a total amount worth at more than PHP21.08 million for all five containers. The two other 40-footer container vans, consigned to the Subic All N1 Corp., was declared to contain 2,153 packages of tissues. The container vans arrived in Subic Freeport on August 13, 2024, with Taiwan as the country of origin. Collector Morales said that the two container vans actually contained 167 packages of tissues, 993 master cases of Bros Premium Class A cigarettes, and 993 master cases of Commando Filter, Kings Finest, and Virginia Blend cigarettes. Morales said that the total fair market value for the smuggled items were priced at P136,592,591.67, adding that the violations committed by the aforementioned consignee include: no valid Certificated of Registration and Tax Exemption from the SBMA; and expired registration/ accreditation from the BOC since March 20, 2020.  

By Dante Salvana Subic Bay Freeport – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and this premier Freeport is all set as the 2024 Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit (CLSTS) happens on September 11 and 12, 2024 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC). SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the two-day event in collaboration with the Department of Tourism Region 3, and dubbed as “Towards a Carbon Neutral Future: Central Luzon’s Commitment to Sustainable Tourism,” is aimed at raising awareness of the current environment issues. “This year’s event promises to share more insights on how tourists can help Mother Earth through first-hand sustainability efforts that have been conducted inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The activity is open to all tourism officers and stakeholders from Central Luzon, and is also geared towards the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the tourism sector, who are focused on the preservation of the environment and members of the academe,” he said. For the first day of the Summit, messages from Aliño, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Director Ralph Pablo, Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr., and DOT3 Regional Director Richard G. Daenos, which hope to create awareness about sustainable tourism and love for the environment will be delivered, as well as the keynote speech from DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco. Highlighting the first day will be the SBMA’s launching of the Race to Carbon Neutrality to be led by Chairman Aliño and Ecology Center Chief Amethya Dela Llana-Koval. A discussion on the Strategies for Carbon Neutral Tourism Enterprises will be conducted by Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Senior Research Fellow John Paolo Rivera. For the afternoon session, a topic on Cultural Preservation as a Pillar of Sustainable Tourism will be led by focal person National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Committee for Monuments and Sites former Vice Chairman Arch. Jayson Portem. Meanwhile, the second day will focus on discussions on the Role of Technology in Achieving Net Zero Carbon in Tourism Destinations, with Net Zero Carbon Alliance (NZCA) Executive Director Allan Barcena as the focal person and on Traveling Sustainably: Tips and Tools for Eco-Friendly Tourism. The succeeding talks revolve on Harnessing the Power of Sports for Environmental Stewardship in Coastal Communities with Alon and Araw Club owner Donn Lawrence Quintos as the focal person, followed by the Sustainable Transportation Solutions for Tourists presentation. The two-day event will include eco-tours of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and its contingent localities namely, Birdwatching at Nabasan Area; tree planting at the SBMA Ecology Mangrove Nursery; trips to the El Kabayo Waterfalls; Pamulaklakin Aeta Forest Trail; the Green Building of Pacific Ace; Adventure Cove; Alon and Araw Club in Cabangan; Pinatubo Brewery in San Marcelino; and Dela Llana Farm in Castillejos. Aliño highly encourages stakeholders to come and participate in the two-day event as this is the biggest ecotourism summit held in Central Luzon. The CLSTS is part of a series of activities that was organized in partnership with the Department of Tourism to celebrate National Tourism Month.      

By: Dante M. Salvaña   SUBIC BAY FREEPORT– Personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) conducted an operation together with other law enforcement agencies in raiding a suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO) in the Subic Freeport Zone, Wednesday afternoon, September 04, 2024. According to the report from CIDG Director PMGen. Leo Francisco, the raid was conducted at 3:00 pm at No. 9-B Grooper Street, Kalayaan Housing Area pursuant to Search Warrant No. 2024-32 issued by Judge Melani Fay V Tadili, of Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 97. During the operation, eighteen (18) Chinese nationals were rescued and two other Chinese nationals, identified only by their aliases Bao Go and A Hai were arrested, who were believed to be involved in human trafficking activities. Authorities confiscated 18 desktop computers, 2 CCTV DVRs, 6 Android mobile phones, 6 iPhones, documents, bank cards, IDs, passports, a safety vault, and bolos (knives). Both those arrested and rescued as well as the evidences obtained were immediately brought to the CIDG Intelligence Division at Camp BGen Rafael T. Crame in Quezon City.

By: Dante M. Salvaña SUBIC,Zambales — As Sea Phase of the PF’s unilateral exercise rolled out, the capital ships and systems of the Philippine Fleet (PF) displayed their modern capabilities in a series of warfare simulations conducted in the waters off Zambales, Bataan, and Mindoro Strait. Aimed at enhancing the operational readiness, promoting interoperability, and encouraging tactical innovation among major surface platforms, frigates BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), along with patrol ships BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16), and BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17), rendezvoused in the designated area to execute tactical maneuvers, formations, and communications exchanges. This was followed by anti-air warfare exercise with simulated missile firing featuring the assets of the Naval Air Wing. Highlight of the first day was the live gun firing exercise showcasing the 76mm gun of FF151, and the 38mm Bushmaster guns of PS16 and PS17. The PS16 also took the opportunity to test fire its Super Rapid Blooming Offboard Chaff (SRBOC)intended to defend the ship against missile attack. At night, the group conducted Night Steaming in Company (NSIC) while patrolling in tactical formation. They also performed Emission Control Exercise to detect and identify electromagnetic transmissions to build a recognized maritime picture, highlighting all the platforms’ capability in Electronic Warfare. The Surface Action Group dived deep on the second day, as they simulated Anti-Submarine Warfare Scenario with the NV395 as Maritime Patrol Aircraft and the AW159 Anti-Submarine Warfare Helicopter (NH441) utilizing its onboard dipping sonar to assist in locating and neutralizing the mock submarine target. Representatives from FleetOperational Readiness Training Evaluation Group (FORTEG) and The Naval Inspector General served as the umpires and evaluators of the said exercise. This kind of naval exercise between ships is a cornerstone of modern maritime strategy, reflecting the complexity and dynamism of naval operations.More than not routine drills, these exercises are essential for ensuring that the fleet, and the navy remain capable, adaptive, and prepared for a wide range of operations.      

By: Dante M. Salvaña   SUBIC BAY FREEPORT— The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has officially launched the eGovPH app and at the same time kicks-off the eLGU system for the province of Zambales, in a ceremony held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in Subic Bay Freeport zone, on September 03. According to June Vincent Manuel S. Gaudan, Director IV, Government Digital Transformation Bureau, ” The initiative is part of the DICT’s mission to promote digital transformation across the country by improving the efficiency and accessibility of government services. Part of the eGovPH app aims to integrate and streamline all local and national government services into a single, user-friendly platform, enhancing the government experience for every Filipinos.” “The eLGU system on the other hand combines all Local Government Unit services, including permits, contributions, clearances, and payments into one unified system” Gaudan said. Both the eGovPH app and eLGU system are designed to address current challenges in government services by making transaction faster, more secure and more convenient for citizens. These projects aims to foster a more transparent, efficient and responsive government, aligning with the goals of Republic Act No. 11032, the “Ease of doing business and efficient government service delivery act of 2018.” “The eGovPH app and eLGU system represent significant advancements in the digitalization of government services. These initiatives will help local communities and citizens accomplish their government transactions digitally, saving time and resources” Gaudan added. These systems will enable local and national government agencies to handle transactions more efficiently and secured, improving service delivery and fostering a more transparent government. The event was attended by local chief executives, heads of different government line agencies and stakeholders and culminates in the signing of the Commitment Wall to formalize the partnership between the local government units and the DICT.

By Dante Salvana   Subic, Zambales – The second iteration of PF’s Unilateral Exercise started in an opening ceremony held in Subic, Zambales graced by the Acting commander, Offshore Combat Force, Capt Joselito de Guzman PN (MNSA) at Naval Operating Base-Subic, on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. The exercise aims to test and enhance the interoperability between Offshore Combat Force’s capital ships like BRP JOSE RIZAL, BRP ANTONIO LUNA, and Fleets’s air assets such as AW159 Helicopter and Beechcraft TC-90. Unlike the previous exercise, this year’s focus is on in-depth naval warfare operations. The training activity is divided into two phases, the Harbor Phase and the Sea Phase. The Harbor Phase focused on planning, training discussions, and Subject Matter Experts (SME) lectures.   The Sea Phase, on the other hand, is packed with numerous serials that are designed to simulate various scenarios that demand quick thinking, precision, and cooperation among all units involved. These will test not only technical skills and knowledge in the new capabilities and multi-dimensional warfare but also the unit’s teamwork, discipline, and leadership. Capt De Guzman lauded in his remarks, “This unilateral exercise will test and validate existing warfare doctrines, test new capabilities in multi-dimensional warfare for us to develop common TTPs to address existing gaps, and enhance the interoperability and battle readiness of OCF vessels, specifically the Jose Rizal Class Frigates and Del Pilar Class Patrol Vessels”. Likewise, the at-sea exercise will also test integration between JRCFs and Naval Air Wing’s AW159 for Anti-Submarine Warfare, along with conducting systems checks after its (FF151) Drydocking Repairs in Ulsan, South Korea last July 2024. The commitment and dedication of every sailor to contribute to the Navy’s modernization efforts are vividly demonstrated through initiatives of OCF. This foundation plays a pivotal role in nurturing a mindset that is aligned with the Navy’s vision for the future. By providing the necessary training, support, and resources, OCF empowers sailors to excel in their roles and adapt to the changing demands of a modern Navy.  

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – The Police Regional Office 3 has successfully apprehended 431 wanted individuals, including 64 of the most wanted criminals in Central Luzon from August 3-23. The large-scale manhunt operations resulted in the capture of suspects involved in serious offenses, ranging from murder and rape to drug-related crimes. Of the total number of arrests, 64 are listed as most wanted, facing charges for heinous crimes such as murder, sexual assault, and violations of drug laws. In addition to these high-profile arrests, 367 other wanted persons with outstanding warrants were taken into custody as part of PRO3’s commitment to combating criminality. Brig.Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr., regional director, praised the tireless efforts of the police units involved, stating, “This series of arrests is a testament to the dedication and determination of our personnel. We are resolved to ensure that no criminal can hide from the law and that justice will be served for all victims of crime.” The manhunt operations were conducted across the seven provinces and two cities of Central Luzon and utilized intelligence-driven strategies and close coordination with local communities. These operations are part of the ongoing efforts of PRO3 to enhance public safety by removing dangerous criminals from the streets. “Rest assured, our operations will continue, and we will not let up until every wanted person is held accountable for their actions,” Hidalgo emphasized. The success of this three-week manhunt is a significant stride in ensuring peace and order in the region, as PRO3 remains focused on its mission to uphold the rule of law and protect communities from criminal elements.