Welcome to SBFCC!

The Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, a member of the national Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is an independent, nonprofit, membership-funded organization founded in 1995 to serve and represent the interests of its member businesses. We are also an accredited marketer of the Philippine Retirement Authority.

We are actively involved in a number of areas and are in the forefront of issues affecting our member businesses, their employees, and their families.

The single distinguishing characteristic that sets SBFCC apart from other Chambers of Commerce is that our members come from some 20 countries around the world.

Freeport Economic Data

The Subic Bay Freeport's economic data that covers almost the full 2009 is now available in the Chamber Forum for Chamber members. Click here to access the info.

Also available are information related to the 2009-2010 Philippine Economic Briefing held last December 14 at the Holiday Inn in Clark, Pampanga. Click here to view the info.

Chamber Events

Toys for Tots Program

The Subic Chamber, under its Toys for Tots Program and in collaboration with the TATAG Foundation, gave away a bunch of toys to underprivileged children in the community. The program, through a new toy at Christmas, aimed to deliver a message of hope to the less fortunate. The donors include the SBFCC, Aviation Concepts, Danny Piano, Ajay Pathak, Phil Thrash, Cheryl Scribner, and Trish Hart.

General Membership Meeting

The SBFCC held a well attended and successful General Membership Meeting last November 29. Guest speaker SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto Garcia reported on SBMA plans for the Subic Bay Freeport. He also answered questions from members of the Chamber. SBFCC Vice-President Tom DeBruin, on the other hand, presented a comprehensive report focusing on Memberships and Financial Standing, Accomplishments and Milestones, and result of the SBFCC Elections.

Result of the SBFCC Board of Directors Election

Election results have now been tabulated and we are pleased to report the following:

Elected directors:

The above noted will join Tom DeBruin, Atty Romeo Duran, Jun Avecilla to comprise the seven member Board of Directors team.

While the below noted were not elected this time around, all are encouraged to participate in chairing a Committee, staying involved and try again next year. It was a close race this year with higher than ever voting turnout. Thanks to all!

The following now comprise the SBFCC Board of Directors and officials:

-by SBFCC Elections Committee

Click here for previous info regarding the election.

Israel Chamber and Subic Chamber signed Memorandum of Agreement

President Joseph Gueta of the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ICCP) and Prof. Danny Piano, President of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement between the two organizations.

Each commits to continually develop their available resources to increase or sustain their level of trade and competitiveness in the world market. The SBFCC and ICCP shall also undertake to encourage its members and member companies to participate and support expansion and diversification of existing companies within the industry, and shall work hand in hand in developing strategies envisioned towards promotion of trade and investment between Israel and the Philippines.

The signing was observed by Ferdie Sarfati, ICCP Executive Directors, SBFCC Board of Directors, SBFCC Executive Director Susan Dudley, and members of the Subic Chamber during its mixer and networking night at the SeoRaBeol Grand Leisure Hotel. SBFCC Vice President Tom De Bruin made the arrangements for the collaboration of the two chambers.

Subic Chamber now ECOP member

The Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) is now officially a member of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP).

The SBFCC started collaborating with ECOP since last year, particularly on matters regarding the minimum wage and on the KAPATID Awards. The Subic Chamber nominated five Subic Bay Freeport companies to the ECOP Kapatiran sa Industriya [Partnership in the Industry] 2011 Awards. One, Absolute Service Inc (ASI) came up as one of the winners. Twenty eight companies from across the nation were originally nominated. This was trimmed down to 13 from where the winners were eventually picked. Finalists included Nestle, Dole Phils, Toyota, Bridgestone, and IBM Phils among others. Dole Phils bagged the grand award. ASI received the "Strategic Local Talent Development" special award.

Absolute Service Inc president Danny Piano, who is also the current president of the SBFCC, received the award presented by Philippine President Noynoy Aquino.

ECOP is recognized by the Philippine government, through Presidential Letter of Instruction (LOI) 688 of 1978, as the single voice of employers, to be consulted by the government, together with labor, in the promulgation of a scheme which would promote and sustain an adequate machinery for cooperation between labor and management at appropriate levels of the enterprise.

SBFCC Relief Donations

The Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce was able to successfully distribute two batches of relief donations to victims of typhoon Pedring recently.

The first batch was distributed to two areas in Olongapo City, one on the evacuation center at Barangay Sta. Rita while the other was at the Nagbaculao cliff-side of Barangay Kalaklan.

The second batch was distributed to one of the hardest hit areas in Luzon—Calumpit, Bulacan.

The Chamber thanks all the donors and volunteers who kind-heartedly provided cash, goods, and support. As we distributed our relief goods to the disaster victims, the resulting glimmer of hope from their otherwise desperate eyes, set on miserable and bleak surroundings, is enough indication that the Subic Chamber, once again, made a difference on the lives of others.

Our donations were immensely appreciated!

Subic Freeport chief brushes off move to close facility

A top official of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) brushed off the suggestion of Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. that this Freeport should be closed to curb oil smuggling.

SBFCC President Danny Piano said Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp President Edgar Chua could have made that statement in an emotional haste. He also clarified that the economy in Subic Bay Freeport is not only worth P10 billion, but its exports alone already amounted to more than P50 billion.

“We are talking about affecting more than a thousand businesses and about 100,000 workers in those two areas who are going to lose their jobs. The social impact is certainly worth more than the taxes in question,” said Piano.

Chua in a report proposed shutting down major Freeport zone in the country to curb oil smuggling, which he said eroded tax revenues of the government by up to P30 billion a year.

Chua was also quoted saying that Subic Bay Freeport and Phividec Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental have been the main entry point for oil smuggling.

“I do sympathize with Mr. Chua, though, regarding the rampant smuggling of oil although I think this is not limited to Subic or Phividec. But no, I disagree with the blanket statement that locators are abusing their tax-free privilege. That is certainly not the case,” added Piano.

The Freeport head pointed out that oil smuggling is a long standing Bureau of Customs problem which is not procedurally difficult to control.

“It’s not like oil tankers can sneak unseen in the first place,” he emphasized. -by Anthony Bayarong, Philippine Star

SBFCC Blood Drive a Success

The Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC), in cooperation with the Philippine Red Cross and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) conducted yet another mass blood donation drive last October 18. This is the SBFCC’s 5th since it started the project in 2007.

2011 International Coastal Cleanup

Kids are just amazing! Heavy rains did not even hinder their enthusiasm one bit. They continued to remove thrash from our coastlines and waterways—with passion and gusto. You’d wonder if the world is better off with kids running the show instead of politicians. :)

The organizers of the Subic Bay Coastal Cleanup thank those who participated in the event. Click here to see pictures.

Here's a panoramic view...

Subic Freeport Receives ACTA Delegates

Representatives from different cruise-ship terminals in Asia including Singapore, Japan, and Malaysia, were warmly received by SBMA and representatives from various organizations as part of the preparations for the formal launching of the Asia Cruise Terminals Association (ACTA) in October.

ACTA, in which SBMA is a founding member, was created with the aim to provide for a cruise-friendly environment, and a vehicle for regional cooperation in terminal development, operations, and management. It seeks to promote cruise terminal facilities and services internationally, targeting to establish an influential alliance leading to the emergence of a captivating Asia cruise playground.

“The Subic meeting will serve as a venue for the validation and ratification of the ACTA constitution and by-laws, which was discussed during the first Pro-Tem meeting in Singapore,” said Raul Marcelo, head of SBMA's Tourism Department. He added that as part of SBMA’s thrust to make Subic Bay a prime logistics, maritime, and tourist hub, the agency will facilitate the development of Subic as a cruise-ship destination by being an active member of ACTA.

GSBTB representative Jean Versoza and SBFCC President Danny Piano joined the group during lunch at Asian Spices Restaurant at Segara Villas.

Subic Bay Welcomes Dragon Boat Team

Members of the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) team were welcomed enthusiastically by the Subic Bay Freeport during the occasion of the feast of San Roque. A motorcade was conducted where students from several schools and employees from various companies lined up the streets to wave support to the team.

SBMA Chairman Bobby Garcia encouraged the team to use the facilities of the Freeport, free, for their regular practice. Deputy Administrator Raul Marcelo, head of SBMA’s Tourism Department and organizer of the successful event also said to the paddlers that they have our support and that they can have the whole of Subic Bay at their disposal.

SBMA, the Customs Agency, GSBTB, and the Subic Chamber presented plaques and certificates of recognition to the team. The SBFCC certificate states, “In recognition of your successful campaign at the 10th Int’l. Dragon Boat Federation World Championships held in Tampa Bay, Florida where, despite tremendous odds, you won five gold medals, two silver medals, and broke several world records. You bring honor, pride, and inspiration to the entire Filipino people.”

ICTSI Signs Contract to Operate NCT-2

International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) has signed a 25-year contract with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for the operation of the Subic Bay Freeport's New Container Terminal-2 (NCT-2). Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation (SBITC), a subsidiary of ICTSI, will operate the terminal. Administrator Armand Arreza signed for SBMA while Edgardo Abesamis, President of SBITC, signed for ICTSI.

SBITC, a long time member and active supporter of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC), is a Silver Circle member whose General Manager, Reimond Silvestre, is also a member of the SBFCC's Board of Directors.

2011 Mid-Year General Membership Meeting

During the mid-year general membership meeting last June 28th, SBFCC President Danny Piano's report to members covered the SBFCC Advocacies, Membership, Financial Standing, Accomplishments, and various Milestones achieved. The numerous accomplishments included, in collaboration with SBMA, successes in streamlining regulatory procedures and triumphs in national government lobbying regarding various concerns. He also mentioned that the SBFCC is on solid financial standing and have continuous increase in membership.

SBFCC Receives Award from the Philippine Red Cross

TThe Philippine Red Cross recognized the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce with a Certificate of Appreciation last July 15, 2011. The SBFCC provided the most number of blood donations at the Subic-Olongapo area. The awarding was held at the Olongapo City Convention Center during the mass blood donations in line with the Red Cross blood donations month. Mayor Bong Gordon, chairman of the Philippine Red Cross-Olongapo Chapter presented the certificate to SBFCC President Danny Piano.

Free Trade Forum

The Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce organized a forum titled "Doing Business in Free Trade Areas." It was held last July 7, 2011 at the Formosa Hall of the Gateway Park. SBFCC Vice President Tom De Bruin welcomed the participants and speakers including, among others, representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry.

New SBFCC Office Blessing and Inauguration

The new SBFCC office located at the ground floor of SBMA’s Regulatory Building at the corner of Rizal Hiway and Labitan St. was officially inaugurated and blessed last June 15. With close proximity to other offices and business establishments, the SBFCC will soon be offering additional services to existing and potential members including providing assistance to regulatory and other processes such as visa processing, GSIS insurance payments, and more.

The guest of honor during the event was no less than Administrator Arreza who was instrumental and, in fact, originally recommended the new office for a closer and more convenient collaboration between SBMA and SBFCC.

Subic Bay Summer Sports Summit

Fun! This was how many participants described the recently held Summer Sports Summit at the Subic Bay Freeport. The Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), the Lighthouse Marina Resort, and the SBMA staged a successful and very first Subic Bay Summer Sports Summit at the Boardwalk area of the SBF.

The sports summit featured several events including beach football, beach volleyball, open water swimming event, sand castle-making contest, and 3K and 5K fun runs.

2011 State of the Freeport Address

SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza presented past accomplishments of the SBMA as well as plans and programs for the future. The US$5 billion cumulative investments in the past six years and the increase of the labor workforce to more than 88,000 are two of the most important accomplishments of the SBMA.

This year's SOFA had the largest ever attendance including a large delegation from Olongapo City headed by Mayor Bong Gordon. The SOFA is an annual event organized by the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce. More pictures of the event are in our Online Forum, click here to view.

Induction of 2011 Chamber Officers

Administrator Aramand Arreza inducted the 2011 officers of the Subic Chamber during the recent SOFA. From the left are President Danny Piano, Director Lewis Strickland, Treasurer Lawrence Lusung, Director Reimond Silvestre, Director Jun Avecilla, and Vice-President Tom De Bruin.

Recognitions

The Subic Chamber recognized and gave Certificates of Recognition to the Office Services Department, particularly the Pass & ID Office, of the SBMA for the most improved and streamlined office of SBMA. Also recognized was News Central.

Golden Eagle Member of the Chamber's elite President Circle

The highest category of the Subic Chamber's elite President Circle, the Golden Eagle Membership, was awarded their Golden Eagle Membership certificate. SBFCC President Danny Piano and SBFCC Treasurer and Membership Committee Chairman Lawrence Lusung awarded the certificate.

CBD Sewage Treatment Plant

Subicwater inaugurated on 25 November 2010 its latest sewage treatment plant (STP). This plant will service the Central Business District, including the bayfront hotels, and should be a huge step towards making Subic Bay cleaner. Pres. Danny Piano and Joe Guthrie represented the SBFCC.

Click here to see the STP process flow.

MOA Signing Between Central Luzon Chamber Presidents

Chamber of Commerce presidents from Region III including the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, and Zambales signed a Memorandum of Agreement signifying the cooperation and collaboration between the different areas.

Donation of Rescue Life Vests

SBFCC President Danny Piano's personal donation of 10 rescue life vests, through SBFCC's Security, Safety, and Rescue Committee headed by VP Rose Baldeo, were officially handed to SBMA during the GMM.

6th SBFCC Golf Tournament

The Chamber held for the first time its annual golf tournament at the Hacienda Luisita Golf Course in Tarlac. In the past, this would have been a very lengthy trip frought with traffic gridlock. But with the SCTEx, travel time from Subic to Tarlac is now a mere hour and along beautiful sceneries, too. The golf course itself is beatiful and obviously well maintained. The Chamber tournament was again successful, thanks to our sponsors and players who participated. The list of winners can be viewed here while photos of the tournament can be viewed on our Online Forum's Gallery.

Subic-Clark Milestones and Prospects Forum

About 500 high ranking government officials, headed by President Arroyo, and businessmen from the Subic Clark corridor attended the Subic-Clark Milestones and Prospects forum at the Grand Ballroom of Holiday Inn Clark. Presentors include former SCADC Chairman Ed Pamintuan and GGLC President Dennis Wright. An Open Forum was also conducted with questions from the audience asked from panelists: SBMA's Armand Arreza, CDC's Benigno Ricafort, CIAC's Victor Luciano, GGLC's Dennis Wright, CILA's Simon Morley, and SBFCC's Danny Piano.

PRA, SBMA, SBFCC Tripartite MOA

After almost a year of arrangements and negotiations, a Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement between the Philippine Retirement Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, and the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce is now official. The MOA commits the three organizations to continually help in the development and transformation of the Subic Freeport into a retiree-friendly destination. With the MOA, potential retirees can now apply, through the Subic Chamber, for PRA membership from Subic instead of going to Manila (click here for info about retiring in the Philippines). The Chamber can also provide assistance to establishments wanting to be accredited by the PRA.

In the picture from left to right are: Susan Dudley, former SBFCC executive director and instrumental in crafting the MOA; SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza, SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga, PRA Chairman Gen. Edgardo Aglipay; Prof. Danny Piano, SBFCC President and CEO of ASI-Phil Branch; Rose Baldeo, SBFCC Vice-President and CEO of Global Development; Lawrence Lusung, Chamber Treasurer and Senior Manager of the Bank of Commerce; and USN Capt. Eloy Bermudez (Ret), SBFCC Director and General Manager of Subic Dry Dock Corporation.

Message from the President

The Year That Were

Wrong? Well, it just felt that way. While compiling the report for the upcoming General Membership Meeting, many of the things the Subic Chamber accomplished seemed like things that were done more than a year ago, maybe more. But not.

We were actually able to squeeze way more than a year’s worth of work in 2011… and we’re not even done yet.

So let me just provide a brief of the things we have done this year.

Early in the year, we were preoccupied in trying to persuade the newly elected President Noynoy Aquino to reconstitute the SBMA Board of Directors. But, being preoccupied with one thing does not necessarily mean we do nothing else.

In fact, we have written the President three letters in as little as a few weeks in between. The second was about our support for the Open Skies Policy and the third was requesting the fast-tracking of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA). The first two we wrote late in the year prior and the last one early in January. That was quite a busy time. We were busy lobbying. We were being interviewed by reporters left and right. We were newsworthy. Eventually, it all paid off.

• New SBMA directors—appointed;
• Executive Orders 28 and 29 for Open Skies—issued;
• AIFTA—approved!

Early in the year, we also organized our annual State of the Freeport Address. This one became the most attended SOFA in the Subic Chamber history. The first time, too, that the newly appointed SBMA directors and almost the entire Olongapo City government attended.

Collaboration between the SBFCC and the SBMA was at its highest in 2011. We met with no less than SBMA Administrator Arreza almost on a weekly basis. We got a lot of things done. We were part of the SBMA Traffic Safety Board, we collaborated with the Visa Processing office, and more. The SBFCC even participated in SBMA’s strategic meeting. The close collaboration was culminated by SBMA’s offer of an office space for the SBFCC at the SBMA Regulatory Building for closer cooperation. That is exactly where we are now located.

Not only with SBMA, we have also heavily collaborated with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). We have started to work with the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP). In fact, it was the first time ever that ECOP awarded a Subic Bay Freeport locator for good labor practices.

Going global, the SBFCC is also now a member of the World Chambers Network.

We became very busy, too, with various other issues including the Redondo Coal-Fired Power Plant issue, use of senior citizen cards, and utility rates increases where letters and position papers and attendance to public hearings were made.

We made sure to do our best to help individual problems of members. As Administrator Arreza aptly put it, “the SBFCC is the complaint desk of SBMA.” We do get many of the complaints before SBMA does after all. It is not uncommon for the Chamber office to receive requests for assistance for days on end.

On the flip side, we do get requests to grace or speak on events such as company openings, anniversaries, or school graduations by members—a welcome breathe of fresh air. Free food and sometimes a lei to boot. What can I say?

Since a coin actually has three sides, we get many solicitations as well.

Financially, the Chamber is in good financial standing. We have actually broken all records since 1995 in terms of gross income. We also expect to break the membership record soon. We had continuous increase in both membership and income since 2009 so we must be on the right track.

Not all business, one of the Subic Chamber’s advocacies is social responsibility. In this regard, we helped organize the very first Subic Bay Freeport Summer Sports Festival and the highly successful and most attended International Coastal Cleanup at around 6,000 participants. When typhoon-related disasters struck, we were there to help those that were affected. We even donated relief goods to as far as the province of Bulacan.

We also had our Annual Blood Drive. This particular event is always eagerly anticipated by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) because of the considerable blood donations that we are able to provide to them. In fact, the PRC awarded the SBFCC with a certificate for this achievement sometime during the middle of the year.

Finally, we just did the SBFCC Board of Directors election. You’ll have to wait for the official announcement during the GMM but let me just congratulate not only the winners but everybody who ran. Winners or losers, the Subic Chamber always has a place for members who are willing to serve for the sake of the Subic Bay Freeport.

So yeah, it seems like we have done more than a year’s worth of work—2011 felt like “the year that were.”

…and don’t forget our final project for the year—the Toys for Tots program this December. Nailed.

Friends, Happy Holidays!

Click here for Archive of President Messages

Home  |  About  |  Services  |  Online Forum  |  Newsletters  |  Rules  |  Links  |  Job Hiring  |  See Subic  |  Retirement  |  Contact